Thinking about skipping the big wedding stress and opting for an intimate, adventure-filled elopement? Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful ceremony among the giant trees or a quiet walk on the misty coastal trails, eloping in redwoods is a great choice! Here are my top 5 reasons why you should elope in the Redwoods!
Mild Weather
One of the best things about the redwoods is the mild, steady climate, perfect for an elopement any time of year. Located along the Northern California coast, this area enjoys cool, temperate weather, with foggy mornings, gentle breezes, and pleasant afternoons. Summers aren’t scorching hot, and winters are more about misty days than snowstorms.
But as with any outdoor elopement and whichever season you choose, make sure you’re prepared for the weather and bring along waterproof clothing, some layers, and good, sturdy boots to trek the trails.
The Perfect Coastal Location
If you can’t decide between majestic forest vibes or beach shores for your elopement, you don’t have to choose when you’re eloping in Redwoods. Many of the redwood parks and reserves are just a short drive from California’s dramatic coastline, which means you can seamlessly incorporate both forest and beach into your day.
Here, you can start your day with a ceremony among the tall, ancient trees and then head down to the nearby coast for a celebratory picnic with ocean views (and, of course, take photos along the way!).
More Secluded, Private Experience
The redwoods offer an unparalleled sense of peace and seclusion, being away from the more popular elopement destinations in the area. And these forests are filled with hidden groves and quiet trails where you’ll feel like you have the whole world to yourselves. If you really want to get away from people, you can avoid the more popular trails and go somewhere more off the beaten path. There are many tucked-away spots that will let you find a private place to exchange your vows.
Immersed in Nature
Standing in the presence of the redwoods is unlike anything else. These trees have been standing tall for centuries, some for over 2,000 years. Eloping here really feels like you’re connecting to our Mother Earth in a whole new way.
For couples who feel deeply connected to nature and the great outdoors, there’s truly no better venue than the redwoods.
Accessibility
Despite feeling like a hidden world, the redwoods are surprisingly accessible for an elopement. With multiple parks and reserves spread across Northern California, you have a range of options depending on how remote or accessible you’d like your location to be. It comes in handy if you’d like to bring a few guests along for your big day who aren’t as up for the adventure as you two.
Many areas have well-maintained trails, making it easy to reach stunning groves without a strenuous hike, and there are locations suited for guests of all ages and mobility levels. You’ll also find plenty of cozy lodgings nearby, from rustic cabins to charming coastal inns, giving you and your loved ones a comfortable place to stay close to the forest.
You can check out these resources for more accessibility information:
- National Park Service – Redwood National Park Accessibility
- Disability Accessible Trails
More Redwood Elopement Resources
- Best California Redwood Elopement Locations
- The Ultimate Redwood National Park Elopement Guide
- Redwood Forest Adventure Elopement
My Redwood Elopement Packages
Hi! I’m Christina, your Northern California and beyond adventure elopement photographer. Planning, traveling, and finding beautiful locations and experiences are my jam. Helping you create and document the celebration of a lifetime brings me the utmost joy! I want you to make the most amazing memories and have stunning photos that you can share with all of your loved ones. This is a day where you get to look back and say, “Wow, we did that!”
My Redwood elopement packages offer a half-, full–, or multi-day experience! I offer a ton of flexibility in designing our time together and would love to get to know you more to help you plan! To learn more, head over to my contact form, and we can get together on a call!
Offered throughout every elopement package:
- Help you hand pick a location
- Provide resources and custom location guides on lodging, activities, and the best places to indulge in delicious foods
- Scout locations with boots on the ground to find the best places and lighting for your ceremony and photos
- Secure the right location permits to make sure your wedding is legal!
- Recommend vetted vendors to help make your dream of a day come true.
- Create your custom timeline (there are 2-3 options to choose from!) with room to breathe and enjoy your day.
- Deliver a joyful experience along with swoon-worthy photos in your own online gallery!
- Have a backup plan for it all!
- Deliver sneak peeks within 72 hours and a full wedding gallery within 6 weeks!
- Provide a Fine Art Wedding Album design for you to print and hold onto your photos to thumb through for years to come.