Prairie Creek Redwoods elopement featuring towering redwood trees and California Coast.

Redwood National Park is one of my favorite national parks. It’s one of the most underrated parks. Tucked away in the small towns of way Northern California, lower traffic than most national parks, and one of the most peaceful and awe-inspiring places. The trees can be up to 2,000 years old and the coastal location leaves a year-round mild climate.

The top things to know if you want to elope in Redwood National Park…

• The best seasons for Redwood elopements is summer or fall! That’s when you’re least likely to get rain on your day. Even so, you’ll find mild temperatures and some rain in the spring and winter months.
• Leave No Trace is very important for the Redwoods. It’s a very mature ecosystem that requires careful use to protect it. Ceremonies require a special use permit, even if it’s a very small ceremony, vow reading, or letter exchange. Some locations are not allowed for special use permits to preserve the experience of other visitors. You can find more information on special use permits on the Redwood NPS website. Some other important LNT things to know: stay on trail and do not wander into the ferns as it damages the understory, do not stand on fallen logs (they serve as a starting place for small plants which then helps the tree decompose to recycle nutrients into the environment), and do not carve anything into the trees.
• The towns near the Redwoods are quite isolated. You’ll be able to find a cute vacation rental and some vendors to hire but they may have a bit of a travel fee. This location is best suited for a “just us” elopement experience. While there are places you can have guests, utilizing nearby coastline usually better accommodates guests. If having beautiful florals and multiple vendors is important to you, there may be better location options elsewhere.
• Live and dried florals are NOT allowed in the park (don’t worry, the flowers in these photos are fake). Rangers will be checking and it is very important in order to avoid invasive species.
• The Redwoods are a very unique place to photograph. It has both challenging lighting for portraits and unique Leave No Trace rules to ensure the park stays pristine for years to come. I highly recommend you hire someone who has experience with the park!

Here’s a look at what your Redwood National Park elopement could look like!

First Look and Ceremony

Redwood National Park Hike

Fern Canyon Hike

Fern Canyon has gained a lot of popularity and now requires a day pass. This limits the number of visitors each day and protects the ecosystem. You can learn more about these passes on the NPS website!

California Coast Portraits

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Want to learn more about eloping? Check out these other resources!

Everything You Need to Know About Eloping

How to Tell Friends and Family You’re Eloping

How to Elope in Brookings, OR (a coast location near the Redwoods)