5 Things You Need to Know About Eloping in the Redwoods:
5 things you need to know about eloping in the redwoods!
If you’re here, it’s probably because you’re considering eloping in the Redwoods National and State Parks! Before you elope beneath the majestic ancient coastal Redwood trees, I’ve made a short list of a few things you should know. As a former elopement bride and an avid traveler myself, I’m here to help! In this post you’ll also find tips + photos from real couples who have eloped in the Redwoods, with links to other helpful resources!
Where are the Redwoods located?
Redwood trees exist in scattered groves throughout California (as well as in the PNW states!) - even in the heart of San Francisco! The largest and most popular grove is Redwood National and State Parks, located just below the California/Oregon border in the most northern part of California. Redwood National and State Park is located exactly halfway between Portland, Oregon and San Francisco (roughly 330 miles each) so it’s about a 6-hour drive from either. The parks were founded in the 1920’s originally, but have been expanded twice to now include over 130,000 acres in the name of preservation!
Nikki and Randy’s shoot with their adorable dog, Klein (pictured above) actually took place in Golden Gate Park just a few minutes away from downtown San Francisco if you can believe it! This gorgeous grove, known as Hoover Grove, was so close to all the hustle + bustle of SF, yet felt incredibly private. (It’s very easily accessible but it is unmarked: entering “Golden Gate Rose Garden” in your GPS should bring you just next to the grove, located off Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.)
You’ll find much larger, older redwoods in other places in California — like RNSP, Pfeiffer State Park, Henry Cowell State Park, and Big Basin.— but if you’re scouting for a place convenient to San Francisco Hoover Grove is perfect!
You can see a Henry Cowell State Park Redwoods Elopement I shot at this link!
2. What you need to know about choosing an elopement location:
Before you choose to elope in the Redwoods, let’s touch base on the concept of eloping in general: I’m a big believer that your wedding day can simultaneously mirror where you’ve been together + where you hope to go. An elopement boils these elements down to the most distinct, concentrated rendition of that, so the day is totally focused on your relationship and your story!
The Redwoods are a gorgeous location, but I always encourage the couples I photograph to consider what their favorite landscapes say about them. These photos will be around long after the ceremony, so choose a place that symbolizes what you’re looking for in your marriage! I could - and have - gone on about this at length: check out this post redefining what it really means to elope for more!
If you’re interested in eloping in the Redwoods, San Francisco, or beyond, and want photos that capture all the magic between you + your partner, contact me below (or grab your free elopement planning guide!)
3. Why elope in the Redwoods?
Why should you elope in the Redwood National + State Parks specifically? The Redwoods have a magical, mystical feel. They truly are larger than life! Redwood Groves have even been used for backdrops in movies like The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Outbreak, and Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and even Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. The Redwood Groves are perfect on their own, but you can absolutely bring elements like flowers, loungey pillows and blankets, etc. if you want (but be sure to pack it alllll back up when we leave!) There’s something about being in the midst of these massive trees, that have stood there before our parents were even a twinkle in our grandparents’ eyes, that makes me feel small in the biggest way. I love the way being in places of preserved nature, like the Redwoods, plays with our concept of time, space, and size. On a day when you’re committing yourself to another for the rest of your life, these things all become pretty heightened! This national park is an epic spot to start your marriage together.
4. elopement outfits for weather in the redwoods:
Even on a “warm” day, beneath the Redwoods temperatures can feel cold! Cooler, damper weather is common in Northern California and temperatures typically range from the mid-40’s to mid-60’s. Once you’re beneath these enormous, gorgeous trees, the temperature can feel considerably chillier than you’d expect, even in the middle of the day. Layers are DEFINITELY recommended. Even during this shoot, stepping from warm, 70+ degree weather into the shade of these enormous redwoods had me wishing I brought gloves! Check the average temperatures of the Redwood National Parks here and San Francisco here. I highly recommend wearing warm shoes, like Stephanie’s boots at this Baker Beach shoot, or rocking a vintage blue jean jacket like Estephania at her Joshua Tree Elopement.
see more of Morgan and Tyler’s dog-friendly treehouse Airbnb wedding beneath the Redwoods here!
5. Great places to stay for your redwoods elopement wedding:
I’ve rounded up some unique and super Redwoodsy-vibey places here to check out! Since the Redwoods can be found all over California, Oregon + Washington, so these spots vary in proximity to RNSP.
See more California Redwoods goodness below!
bonus faqs about eloping in the Redwoods:
Can you drive through trees in the redwoods?
There are no drive-through tree in the Redwood National and State Parks. There are 3 privately-owned trees that can be driven through located within a few hours of the parks but none in the parks themselves.
Can i Bring my dog to our redwoods elopement?
If you know me for longer than three seconds, you’ll probably hear about my soul-children Lucy (a husky-malamute mix) and Pepper (a perpetually petite husky) so first, know that my answer with dogs is always “We can figure it out!”
For the Redwoods National + State Parks, that does mean the spaces we can visit are more limited. Leashed dogs are allowed at day areas parking areas, scenic viewpoints, developed campgrounds, beaches, and gravel roads. Unfortunately, trails are not Fido-friendly in RNSP, BUT dogs are allowed at the following places: Jackson Demonstration State Forest, Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve, Cal Barrel Trail (always check National + State park regulations for updated info and be sure to Leave No Trace).
See some of my weddings + engagement shoots with dogs here!
what trails should we hike in the Redwoods for our elopement?
Where should we hike?! The hike you want to do for your elopement depends largely on your comfort levels with hiking and the amount of time you’re looking to spend in the park! There are tons of beautiful trails. On average, plan for 1 mile of hiking to take 1 hour. I know, that may sound like a long time - but if you’re hiking in or carrying wedding clothes, along with any additional items (and stopping along the way for some rad photos!) it really can take that amount of time. Here are some gorgeous places to consider!
Stout Memorial Grove - Many consider this trail to be located at the heart of the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. While the trail is short (just a half mile), accessing the trail is bumpy, narrow, and has many bends and turns. Alternatively, in the summer, parking is available for a small fee at a nearby campground, and this grove can be accessed by way of a riverside trail!
Lady Bird Johnson Grove - 1.5 mile loop is a shorter hike on the southern end of the park. This is one of the more popular trails, so timing is key here! Since it is a shorter hike, there are often tours and many visitors here.
Prairie Creek - Foothill Trail Loop - This 2.5 mile trail is flat and easily accessible, but offers so much scenic beauty! Situated beneath giant redwoods, this loop trail is gorgeous and fun on its own, but also offers different options for people wanting to explore additional trails.
HOW CAN WE GIVE BACK TO THE REDWOODS PRESERVATION?
If you’re interested in donating or volunteering on behalf of the Redwoods, check out Save The Redwoods! This can be a great alternative to a wedding registry where your family and friends can still be involved in your wedding but put effort towards an amazing cause.
So, are you ready to elope in the Redwoods!? Whether it’s just the two of you, or you’re joined by a few of your nearest + dearest, your elopement day can be as different + daring as you are. If you’re ready to take the next step in planning your elopement or intimate wedding, contact me to get started!
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So excited to have been involved in this amazing shoot! Check out the full vendor list here:
Models: Nikki + Randy | @nikkiriveraphotography
Stylist @sunshineshannon
Hair + Makeup: @bayareabeautiful
Clothing: Bibiluxe (dress) + Men’s Warehouse, maker: Jhane Barnes
Venue: Golden Gate Park
Host: Evolve Workshops @evolveworkshops
Florist: @flowergirlem
After over a decade together, Morgan and Tyler decided to get married in a place they both absolutely love: beneath the ancient coastal Redwood trees of California. On our first call, Morgan told me that she dreamt of marrying Tyler in a forest location, but never thought bringing the dogs would be possible - until she came across one of my blog posts and realized it IS, in fact, possible!!! One might even say… pawsible. It was quite a journey, as the couple traveled all the way from Arizona to the Bay Area in order to make this forest wedding dream a reality! Dedicated dog parents, their day couldn’t be complete without their rescue pups, Duke, Prinn, and Frasier (a.k.a. Beans) by their side. Morgan and Tyler are both pharmacists by day but spend their spare time fostering dogs – my heart! Together, joined by just two of their friends, Morgan and Tyler exchanged heartfelt wedding vows as the sun peeked between the trees on a beautiful day in northern California.