Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Wedding - Santa Cruz, CA - Ashley + Devon
eloping in the redwoods of santa cruz
Ashley and Devon got married beneath ancient coastal redwood trees on their one-year anniversary in Henry Cowell State Park in Santa Cruz, California. Only a few minutes’ drive north of Santa Cruz, the Henry Cowell Redwoods are a hidden gem. The peace and solitude here are hard to beat, making it a pretty magical place to marry the love of your life! The cute little beach town of Santa Cruz may not be the first spot you think of when you hear “Redwoods,” but these gorgeous trees can be found in groves small and large throughout California and the Pacific Northwest. (You can read more about eloping in the Redwoods here!)
While one year may not seem long to many, the Redwoods have reason to disagree: these awe-inspiring trees are some of the fastest-growing trees on Earth! Instead of deep roots like other trees, Redwoods have a surprisingly shallow root system reliant not on long, downward-stretching roots like other tree species, but instead on the connection they share with others. Rarely will you see a Redwood tree growing alone - these trees weave their roots in and around each other. These trees symbolize the strength and support we feel with the perfect partner and the immense heights love allows us to reach.
Immediately after talking with Ashley, I knew she and Devon had something SO special and rare. It was such a beautiful day full of happy tears, and big, big laughs. See some of favorite photos from Ashley + Devon’s wedding day and learn more about the Redwoods in this post!
a few of my favorite photos from Ashley + Devon’s wedding at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park:
redwoods elopement vendors
Photography: Kept Record // Venue: Henry Cowell Redwood State Park // Florals: Seascape Flowers // Officiant: Meghan Ruiz | Ceremonies by Meredith // // HMUA: Juan at Faust Salon in Santa Cruz // Hotel: Paradox Hotel // Dinner: Crow’s Nest // Rings: Estate Sale, Etsy
how to get to the redwoods in Santa Cruz, ca
There’s a misconception that the only place to see redwoods trees are at the Redwood National and State Parks located at the tippy-top of California on the Oregon border. The most well-known Redwoods are in the high reaches of Northern California, but other places along the California coast have these beauties, too! You’ll find them in places like Big Sur, Muir Woods, and Big Basin (for more details click here).
The most direct route to get there, is to fly into Oakland International Airport and drive using I-880S and I-17S, or fly into SFO and take the 101 Southbound. Instead, I highly suggest setting aside a few hours for a scenic drive down Highway 1 with the Pacific Ocean by your side. Stop in small beach towns like Pacifica for coffee or go berry picking at the Swanton Berry Farm in Davenport.
how to get married at henry cowell redwoods state park
This park (like most state parks) requires a permit to host any type of wedding or event —yes, even a small wedding ceremony or elopement! The cost varies depending on which place in the park you select and may be available only on certain dates or days of the week. For information on permits contact their office at mtnspecevent@parks.ca.gov.
Once you have a date selected and a permit issued, you can start planning the rest of your wedding day! Many of my couples wait until after our initial consultation to select a date to ensure their top-priority vendors are available. If that’s you, reach out so we can get started - I’ll help you along with the permit process too.
read on for all things Santa Cruz!
the best coffee in Santa Cruz
As an avid coffee drinker I love researching local cafes when I travel. If you’re heading to Santa Cruz, grab coffee at Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting, Verve, or Cat + Cloud!
santa cruz’s best dog-friendly hotels
Ashley + Devon stayed in one of Santa Cruz’s best hotels: Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection. Whether you’re bringing your favorite four-legged friend along or not, this is a really nice hotel to stay at during your trip! It’s located near the Santa Cruz Riverwalk and just a mile from the beach. They even have a surfboard valet!
This area has streets lined with beautiful Victorian-style homes. You, your fiancee + Fido can stay in one at (reservations very strictly required for pet-friendly accommodations!)
Another dog-friendly hotel with great reviews: the new Four Points Sheraton in Scotts Valley (about 6 miles from downtown Santa Cruz).
where to eat + drink in Santa Cruz
Start your day off with buttery, flakey croissant goodness at The Buttery. For lunch, swing by Stagnaro Bros. for oysters on the half shell or head to Bantam for fresh pizza if shellfish isn’t your jam. Wind down the day with an upscale dinner at Alderwood, then head to The Penny Creamery for scoops of artisanal ice cream goodness.
things to do in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is home to one of University of California’s ten campuses. Just 3 miles from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk is the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum + Botanic Garden, where conservation and research revolves around studying rare and unique plants from across the globe. Public visitors welcome, admission fees apply.
A museum where you won’t get BOARD - Santa Cruz’s Surfing Museum. I know, a lame dad joke, but truly I couldn’t resist! The surf history runs deep in this beach town, all the way back to 1885! It’s widely seen as the best surf spot in the continental U.S. and in 2011 Surfers around the world gathered here as it received recognition as a World Surfing Reserve.
Outdoor enthusiasts: Hike, bike, or tour historical ranches at one of the many nearby parks. Check out Wilder Ranch State Park or Natural Bridges State Beach! Ready to tackle the waves? Take surf lessons with Club Ed for the full Santa Cruz experience.
Foodies: Head to one of Santa Cruz’s many Farmer’s Markets supporting local farmers and small businesses, spend the day foraging for mushrooms, or check out one of SC’s longtime favorites, Charlie Hong Kong.
Wine + beer lovers: Try Birichino for a wine tasting or Humble Sea for craft beer. If those feel a little too fancy for you, stop in at Monty’s Log Cabin in Felton for cash-only cocktails + the tried and true beers on draft at your favorite “Dive Bars.”
MORE ELOPEMENT + SMALL WEDDING INSPIRATIOn like this:
5 Things to Know Before Eloping in the Redwoods
Dog-Friendly Redwoods Elopement
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