Guide for Eloping in the Redwoods, California
Do you dream of eloping beneath the Redwood Trees?
Redwood groves exist throughout California and the Pacific Northwest. You can even find a grove of these gorgeous trees in the heart of downtown San Francisco and inland in Davis! Eloping here would be beautiful. There are three popular places to visit redwood trees. They are Redwood National and State Parks, Avenue of The Giants, and Big Basin Redwoods State Park. We have some honorable mentions too.
Want to elope in the Redwoods, but not sure where to start? Let’s chat! We can work together to curate a location fit perfectly for you!
Why Elope in the Redwoods
The Redwoods feel a little like a fairytale brought to life. Sunlight dances through the big trees in the most magical and romantic way! For adventurers, history lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts this is a perfect place. Get married in a place full of wonder, surrounded by the big, historic Redwood trees. This is one of the top 5 places I recommend eloping in California!
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I believe that the connections we build with those in our lives is what makes life worthwhile. I am truly a people person. I thrive being around others, and being part of a couples’ wedding day feeds my soul!” My couples aren’t just my clients, they are my friends and we are building a friendship through your whole wedding journey.
As an elopement photographer – and avid traveler and outdoor enthusiast – I’ve visited tons of great places for elopement ceremonies. I’m excited to share them with you in this post!
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Where are the Redwoods Forests located?
Redwood National and State Parks
The Redwood National and State Parks are a combination of three California State Parks and one National Park. Redwood National and State Parks are often called RNSP. RNSP includes Jedediah Smith State Park, Prairie Creek State Park, and Del Norte State Park and Redwood National Park. To get to RNSP, you’ll drive about 6 hours north from either San Francisco, Portland, or Sacramento. The parks stretch along the North Coast of California and Oregon for about 60 miles.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this park is home to a grove of ancient coast redwoods. It’s the largest forest of coastal redwood trees south of San Francisco! Besides the historic trees, you’ll find waterfalls, great ocean views, and tons of wildlife here. This park is about an hour south of San Francisco, or about three hours away from Yosemite National Park. See an engagement shoot at Big Basin here!
Avenue of the Giants
In northern California, near Humboldt Redwoods State Park, there’s a forest of redwood trees over 50,000 acres! Avenue of the Giants is a famous 31-mile scenic drive through old Highway 101. This road winds through part of the forest near hotels, parks, restaurants, and shopping.
When to Get Married in The Redwoods
Before you go to the Redwoods, plan ahead! Redwood National Park doesn’t experience a ton of seasonal temperature change. It’s between 40 and 60 degrees year-round. Often it does feel cooler beneath the shade of these trees, so no matter when you visit it’s best to bring layers.
Summer is the most popular time for visitors – most people come to the Redwoods during June, July, and August. If you’re planning to elope here in the summer, even during peak tourism times there are plenty of options. Since there’s so much space you’ll have several locations to choose from for your ceremony! During summer, fog tends to roll in during the morning but usually clears up in the afternoon. This time of year is definitely the best time to visit or elope in the Redwoods – but aim for a weekday if you can!
In the Fall, there will be less visitors but more rain. Be prepared by packing layers! Winter is cooler in the Redwoods and often stormy, but there are way less visitors than you’d see in summer. Spring is rainy but ends with rhododendron blooms in May!
