A Redwood forest elopement doesn’t have to be elaborate or over‑styled to feel meaningful. S & M’s day is a great example of how simple choices, thoughtful planning, and intentional locations can create an experience that feels calm, adventurous, and deeply personal.
They wanted a day that stayed focused on being together—no strict timeline, no pressure to perform, and no unnecessary extras. Just a solid plan, beautiful places, and space to actually enjoy it.
Starting the Day with a First Look in the Redwoods
Rather than beginning with a traditional getting‑ready morning, S & M chose to start their Redwood forest elopement with a first look.
They drove into the park together and met me near the trailhead. M headed into the forest to wait while S changed into her dress in my van. Once she was ready, they met for their first look surrounded by towering redwoods and total quiet.
This kind of start sets the tone for the entire day—unrushed, grounded, and focused on what’s happening rather than what’s next.
Exploring the Forest + Exchanging Vows
After their first look, we spent a few hours walking one of my favorite trails in the park. The trail was empty, giving them the space to move slowly, stop often, and take in the scale of the forest around them.
When they came across a spot that felt right, they paused, took a breath, and exchanged vows and rings. No audience. No distractions. Just the sound of wind moving through the canopy and a moment that felt honest and unforced.
This is one of the biggest benefits of a Redwood forest elopement—the environment naturally encourages you to slow down and stay present.
Heading South: From Redwoods to the Coast
Once their ceremony wrapped up, we packed up and headed toward the coast.
Eloping in the redwoods makes it easy to combine multiple landscapes into a single day. Ancient forest in the morning, rugged coastline in the afternoon—it adds variety without feeling rushed or overwhelming.
Our next stop was Sam H. Boardman, an area known for dramatic cliffs and quieter trails.
Sam H. Boardman: A Relaxed Coastal Break
At one of the lesser‑traveled trails, S & M settled in for a simple picnic with wine and charcuterie while watching waves crash into the cliffs below.
During the picnic, S surprised M with a personalized Pokémon card featuring the two of them—a small but thoughtful detail that felt very true to who they are. Moments like this are easy to build into an elopement day when the schedule leaves room for them.
A Remote Beach to End the Day
The final location of the day was a remote beach that requires a two‑mile hike to reach. When we arrived, the beach was completely empty and calm—no wind, no crowds.
They explored the shoreline, climbed over driftwood, ran down sand dunes, and eventually settled in for a sushi picnic on the sand. As the sun lowered, waves crashed against sea stacks just offshore, and the light shifted into blue hour.
Wrapping Up After Sunset
After the sun went down, we walked the beach with lanterns before putting on headlamps for the hike back out in the dark.
It was a straightforward ending to a full, well‑paced day—no rush, no pressure to extend things longer than they needed to be.
Why This Redwood Forest Elopement Worked
This Redwood forest elopement worked so well because it was built around a flexible timeline, intentional locations, a tasty meal, and space for real connection.
Eloping in the redwoods isn’t about doing everything—it’s about choosing the right things and letting the day unfold naturally.
Planning a Redwood Forest Elopement
If you’re considering a Redwood forest elopement and want a day that feels calm, intentional, and rooted in experience rather than expectation, I’d love to help you plan it.
Are you ready for your Redwood forest elopement?
As a Redwoods adventure elopement photographer, I do more than just document your day—I’m here to help you navigate every step of the journey. From building a timeline that flows naturally with your unique plans, to finding the perfect hidden-gem locations (the places with all the beauty and none of the crowds), to guiding you through all the legal details, I’m with you every step of the way. Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet ceremony beneath the towering Redwoods or exchanging vows with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop, I’ll help you bring it all to life with ease and intention.
Let’s craft an experience that reflects who you are and what matters most—one that’s completely stress-free and entirely yours from beginning to end.
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