Humboldt Redwoods Elopement at Avenue of the Giants | Samantha & Nick
Eloping Among the California Redwoods
S & N’s elopement last spring in the Northern California Redwoods was everything they had hoped for. It was the perfect backdrop for their special day!
We were welcomed by a cloudy sky and a light mist, which made the forest feel like something out of a movie—if you’ve seen that Twilight wedding scene, you know what I mean…
One of the best things about this elopement location is just how peaceful and private it is.
At Humboldt Redwoods State Park, it’s easy to find a secluded spot where it feels like you’ve got the whole forest to yourselves.
This was exactly what S & N wanted—a quiet, intimate place to say their vows without any distractions.
Their day was simple, beautiful, and exactly what they envisioned being surrounded by the incredible beauty of the redwoods.
PLAN YOUR ELOPEMENT: Elopement Planning Worksheets | Elopement Photo Packages
About the Humboldt Redwoods
The Humboldt Redwoods are tucked away in Northern California, and they’re easier to get to than you might think.
You can reach it by car from San Francisco in about 4.5 hours, or if you’re flying in, it’s a quick 1-hour drive from the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport in Arcata.
The state park itself covers around 53,000 acres, making it a paradise for road trippers as they drive through the famous Avenue of the Giants, where you’ll see redwood trees that can reach up to 300 feet tall.
To put that in perspective, that’s about the same height as the Statue of Liberty! It's one of those things that really hits you when you’re standing next to these giants…
The Avenue of the Giants
A scenic drive down the redwoods, the Avenue of the Giants is a must-see if you’re exploring the redwoods. It’s a 31-mile stretch of road lined with groves of trees, and there are plenty of spots to pull over, park, and take a hike.
It’s completely free to access but you may need to pay a parking fee in some of the most populated areas.
If you’re planning to elope here, you’ll be happy to know that it’s easy to find a quiet spot just for yourselves. With so many groves to choose from, you’re likely to stumble upon a secluded area that feels like it’s yours alone. Just be sure to do a bit of research on the groves before you submit your application so you know what’s available and can pick the perfect spot.
Despite this well-known road, Humboldt State Park still has that hidden gem feels!
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Related Post: Hidden Gems in California for Your Engagement Photos
Why Elope at Humboldt Redwoods State Park
In case you need a few more reasons why I think Humboldt Redwoods SP is a great choice for your elopement, I’d have to say it is because:
It’s super accessible. The park is just a few hours’ drive from San Francisco or Sacramento, making it ideal if you’re flying in from out of state.
It’s easy and fun to explore. With parking near the groves and easy walkable hikes, you can enjoy the stunning scenery without tough climbs. And you’ll get to see many fallen trunks!
The natural significance is amazing. You’ll be surrounded by some of the tallest and coolest trees in California, eloping in a coastal environment you can’t find anywhere else in the state .
You’ll be in a previous ‘movie set’. Humboldt State Park is part of the iconic Redwoods Coast where movies like Return of the Jedi and Jurassic Park where filmed.
It’s budget-friendly for couples. If you’re looking for a breathtaking and unique location to have your ceremony, this is the perfect spot. A wedding permit averages at $150 for a couples-only experience. For elopements with guests, additional fees may apply.
There is a drive-through tree! If you’re looking for something to do after your elopement, you can pay for the self-driving tour of the Avenue of the Giants and drive through a live redwood tree (called the Shrine Tree), which is a super unique experience!
It’s an epic photo location. The lush greenery, earthy tones of the forest plus the moody light shining through the trees create the perfect backdrop for dramatic and beautiful elopement photos.
Early in 2022, I went on a holiday road trip from Central California to the southern border of Oregon. On our way back, I chose to drive the scenic route down Highway 101, which led me through the Avenue of the Giants.
If you’ve ever seen photos of this place on Pinterest, you know it’s stunning—but being there in person was just something else entirely.
The redwoods are so tall that even when you look up, you can’t see where they end. It’s so breathtaking and hard to believe a place like this exists. Unfortunately, I was pressed for time and couldn’t stop to fully take it all in.
It was my first time there but I knew right then that I had to come back and truly experience it one day.
And as luck would have it, the universe had a way of making that happen sooner than I expected!
Redwoods Elopement Inspiration for Couples
Later that same year, I had the incredible opportunity to connect with S & N, a Northern California couple who, to my surprise, shared my newfound love for the Avenue of the Giants. When their inquiry landed in my inbox, it felt like fate—I literally shed tears of joy!
Even better, when we had our first online conversation about their plans, it was clear that S & N were a perfect match for the location. Their love for nature and road trips meant they were just as excited about the journey as the destination!
Typically, I guide my couples through every aspect of planning their elopement, from selecting the perfect location to ensuring every detail is taken care of (I’m not just there to capture the day!)
Officiant - Paul Marsh from Weddings in the Wild
However, S & N were well ahead of the game.
They already had their elopement outfits and personal touches set so I shifted my focus to helping them navigate the Special Use Permit process to secure approval for their date. This process can often feel overwhelming and confusing for couples.
So over the next couple of months, we met online a few times to fine-tune the logistics and finalize the process. It was important to me that S & N felt fully supported knowing that things were moving along.
Pro-Tip: Online meetings with your elopement photographer are so important because it’s the perfect opportunity to share questions or concerns, and to finalize details. An elopement photographer will almost always aim to be not just a photographer but also a resource and supporting friend during this special time.
Sample Timeline for a Redwoods Elopement in Humboldt
S & N’s elopement happened on a weekday, the first week of May. The weather forecast was rolling clouds and a bit of mist (almost no sunshine) but we were not worried. We were prepared to embrace whatever came at us!
S & N chose to short elopement experience with me, with photography coverage only for the ceremony and portraits, but it didn’t stop them from making a full day out of it!
Below is an excerpt of their timeline, with a few adjustments, which you can use as inspiration for your redwoods elopement in Humboldt:
07:30-08:30 AM - Wake up, have breakfast at your lodging, finish writing vows
08:30-09:00 AM - Go on a walk with your partner, do a short Yoga session
09:00-12:00 PM - Do hair and makeup, finish dressing
12:00-01:00 PM - Drive to ceremony location
01:00-02:00 PM - Have a first look or take pre-ceremony portraits
02:00-02:30 PM - Ceremony and vow exchange
02:30- 03:00 PM - Have a first dance, a quick toast, or cut a small cake!
03:00- 06:00 PM - Go on an adventure with your photographer for post-elopement portraits
06:00-08:00 PM - Head to your favorite restaurant for your dinner reservation
08:00-09:00 PM - Drive back to your lodging and stargaze on the patio
How to Get a Humboldt Redwoods Wedding Permit
To get married at this State Park, you must apply for a wedding permit. Here’s a quick and organized list of steps to help you navigate the process:
Select a date and determine the number of guests. Remember, you need at least one witness to sign the marriage license in California unless you opt for a confidential marriage certificate. If you choose to have no guests, your photographer can be your witness!
Visit the park's website and reach out to the permit coordinator via email for guidance. Share your desired date, grove name, and number of guests in your email.
Download, fill out, and print the permit application. Once filled out, be sure to make photocopies for your records. Then sign it after making the copies.
Mail the completed application along with the required fee in the form of a cashier's check or money order. The review process may take up to a month, but you might hear back from a ranger as quick as two weeks after sending your application (not including delivery time).
If you haven't received a response after four weeks, follow up with the permit coordinator via email. In the content body, include the same details of your elopement as listed in your application.
If any additional fees are required, the permit coordinator will inform you and provide further instructions for payment. Additional fees usually apply when additional monitoring from park rangers is needed.
Once the review is finalized, you will receive your signed and authorized permit (by mail or email). Print a copy or two, and carry it with you on the day of your elopement.
Final Tips for your Elopement at Humboldt Redwoods SP
Now that you have all the information and inspiration to plan your redwoods elopement, here a few more tips to keep in mind:
Plan your day with sufficient time. Starting your journey with enough time makes a difference between an enjoyable redwood elopement experience and a chaotic one. Logistically, you can begin planning your elopement as late as 3 months before your date, but I highly suggest you do so at least 6 months or more in advance!
Be conscious of the environment. Every time we step into nature, we’re disrupt wildlife even in small ways, so don’t forget to implement Leave-no-Trace practices throughout your day. Prioritize leaving the areas you visit how you find them (or better). The easiest way to do this is by simply leaving nature alone; don’t pick flowers or plants, and pack out your trash!
Don’t ignore the weather. The weather along the coastal redwoods can be unpredictable, so make sure to check the forecast regularly before settling on a date for your elopement. Anticipate rain, low clouds, or fog (even in summer months) and prepare for whatever the day brings. If mist or rain shows, pack your rain jackets, transparent or white umbrellas, and towels to stay dry. And, encourage your guests to do the same!
Plan Transportation and Lodging Ahead: The park is nestled in a forested area with limited lodging options and rental car agencies. To avoid any last-minute stress, book your accommodations and transportation well in advance if you’re flying in, especially during Spring and Summer seasons.
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Hey, I’m Sara!
I’m a California elopement photographer based in the Central Valley.
If you’re recently engaged or ready to start planning your elopement day, I’m cheering you on and I’d love to help!
Let’s talk about your vision, gush over stunning locations and spend the day creating memories.
I’m here to guide you through the process + capture your day how you dream it.
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