Experience the best of Northern California’s Redwoods elopements, with a comprehensive guide to ceremony locations, permit tips, cost breakdowns, and more.
Whether you’re exchanging vows beneath the canopy at Muir Woods National Monument, along the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, or riverside in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, each ceremony location offers an intimate, one-of-a-kind elopement experience for Redwoods lovers!
Credit to: Iasis Kennedy Photography
Table of Contents
- Best Places to Elope in the Redwoods
- Best Time of Year to Elope in Redwoods
- Redwoods Elopement Cost Breakdown
- How to Get a Special-Use Permit
- Featured Ceremony Location: Mill Valley
- All-Inclusive Redwoods Elopement Packages
- Terms to Know
Best Places to Elope in the Redwoods
The towering redwoods offer an enchanting, intimate setting for couples looking to elope in nature’s embrace. Here are Wedy’s top picks for the best places to elope in the Redwoods for 2025:
Big Basin Redwoods State Park – 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA 95006
- Why we love it: Majestic redwood groves and serene forest trails provide a peaceful backdrop for a ceremony deep in nature.
- Availability: Open year-round. Permits required for ceremonies; early reservations are recommended for popular times like weekends.
- Cost: Special-use permits typically range from $150 to $600, depending on the site and size of your ceremony.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park – 17119 Avenue of the Giants, Weott, CA 95571
- Why we love it: Home to the famous “Avenue of the Giants,” this park offers stunning redwood backdrops and intimate ceremony sites.
- Availability: Open year-round. Permit required for ceremonies within the park. A special-use permit must be arranged in advance.
- Cost: Special-use permits typically range from $100 to $400, depending on the size and location of your ceremony.
Muir Woods National Monument – 1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941
- Why we love it: This iconic park features towering redwoods and peaceful walking trails, ideal for a serene elopement surrounded by nature.
- Availability: Open year-round. A special-use permit is required for weddings, and there are limited dates available, so booking in advance is a must.
- Cost: Permit fees generally range from $300 to $500, depending on the site and time of year.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park – 1440 Highway 199, Crescent City, CA 95531
- Why we love it: Pristine forests and dramatic river views make this park a hidden gem for couples seeking seclusion in the redwoods.
- Availability: Open year-round. Permits are required for ceremonies, and reservations should be made ahead of time due to the park’s popularity.
- Cost: Permit fees typically range from $150 to $350, depending on the size of the group and location.
Redwood National Park – 1111 Second Street, Crescent City, CA 95531
- Why we love it: Redwood National Park offers several gorgeous ceremony spots, from moss-covered groves to forest clearings, perfect for a private elopement.
- Availability: Open year-round. Ceremonies require a permit, and depending on your chosen location, reservations may be necessary.
- Cost: Permit fees range from $100 to $600, based on ceremony size and location within the park.
The Lost Coast – Humboldt County, CA
- Why we love it: For a true adventure, the Lost Coast offers a remote and rugged redwood elopement experience, far from the crowds.
- Availability: Open year-round. Be prepared for a more challenging, yet rewarding journey into nature. A special-use permit is required.
- Cost: Permit fees typically range from $100 to $300, depending on the specific ceremony location.
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve – 17000 Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446
- Why we love it: Stunning ancient redwoods in a more accessible location, offering a peaceful and majestic setting for an intimate ceremony.
- Availability: Open year-round. Special-use permits are required for weddings, and reservations are encouraged for the best spots.
- Cost: Permit fees usually range from $200 to $500, depending on the size of your ceremony and time of year.
Best Time of Year to Elope in the Redwoods
The best months to elope in the Redwoods are April, May, and October. These months offer mild weather and fewer crowds, so you can enjoy the tranquility of the forest. Avoiding peak summer months ensures a more private experience in nature.
Redwoods Elopement Cost Breakdown
At Wedy, we make eloping simple and stress-free by helping couples prioritize their wedding according to their budget, style and guest count.
Here’s a cost breakdown from a real wedding for 20 guests in Summer of 2025:
- Photography (2 hours): $1,500
- Bouquet & Boutonnière: $450
- Special-Use Permit for Muir Woods: $400
- Ceremony Chairs for 20 (includes delivery): $600
- Wedding Officiant: $500
- Full-Service Planning: $1,400
- Hair & Makeup: $600
TOTAL COST: $5,450
How to Get a Special-Use Permit for Your Redwoods Elopement
To elope at a public location in the Redwoods, you’ll likely need a Special-Use permit. Here’s how to secure yours:
- Apply through the National Park Service or California State Parks website – Fees vary depending on location and event size.
- Submit an application – Include details like your guest count, wedding date, and ceremony plans within the Redwoods.
- Wait for approval – Permits for redwood ceremonies can take time to process, so it’s best to plan ahead for availability.
- Let Wedy handle it for you – Our all-inclusive packages include permit assistance to make your elopement planning seamless.
Wedy’s Expert Planning Concierge can help you secure your wedding permit for any redwood location in Mill Valley. For official permit details, check the official websites for Muir Woods National Monument or other state parks in the area.
Featured Redwoods Location: Mill Valley, Muir Woods
Credit to: Tmlinspired Photography
Average Permit Cost: $250
Maximum Capacity: 50 people
Other things to note: Parking can be limited, especially during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended for larger groups. Restrooms are available at nearby locations, but not directly at the ceremony site.
To check availability, connect with a Wedy Planner who will assist with all of your questions, or contact the Marin County Parks Department at (415) 473-6387.
As destination wedding experts, Wedy knows the ins-and-outs of Mill Valley and has curated iconic local experiences in Muir Woods National Monument, Marin Headlands, Samuel P. Taylor State Park, and Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
All-Inclusive Redwoods Elopement Packages
Whether you’re envisioning a quiet, intimate elopement or a full celebration with loved ones, Wedy makes planning your Redwoods elopement effortless. Our all-inclusive, customizable packages bring together the best local vendors, from photographers and florists to officiants and hair & makeup artists.
Terms to Know
If you’re planning a wedding for the first time, we’ve compiled a helpful list of definitions below. This glossary will guide you through common wedding terms and make the planning process easier.
Special-Use Permit: A permit required to hold a wedding ceremony in public redwood parks, such as Muir Woods or Humboldt Redwoods. This ensures legal use of the space and helps preserve the natural surroundings.
Officiant: A person legally authorized to perform a wedding ceremony. Wedy connects couples with licensed officiants experienced in intimate forest elopements.
Elopement: A small, personal wedding with minimal guests, often held in scenic outdoor spots like the Redwoods for a peaceful, nature-centered celebration.
Canopy Ceremony: A wedding held beneath the towering redwood trees, offering natural shade, filtered light, and a dramatic forest backdrop.
All-Inclusive Package: A bundled wedding package that includes essentials like photography, florals, officiant services, and planning—perfect for a stress-free redwood elopement.
Trailhead Ceremony: A ceremony held near the entrance of a redwood trail or grove, offering easy access for guests and beautiful forest views.
Vendors: The creative team that brings your redwood wedding to life, including photographers, florists, hair & makeup artists, and officiants—many of whom are local to Northern California.
Customizable Packages: Wedding packages designed to be flexible, allowing you to add or adjust services like chairs, arches, florals, or extra photography coverage.
Peak Season: The most popular time to elope in the Redwoods, typically May through September, when weather is mild and trail access is at its best.
Off-Season: The quieter months between November and March when the forests are lush with rain and mist—perfect for couples seeking privacy and moody photos.
Leave No Trace: A principle followed by redwood elopement vendors and couples to protect the environment. It means packing out everything you bring in and choosing ceremony spots with care.
Wedy Planner: An expert at Wedy who specializes in Northern California and Redwoods elopements. Wedy’s Planners handle permits, timelines, and logistics so you can focus on your vows.
