Redwoods Elopement Packages
In the heart of California lies a haven for romantics and adventurers alike. Eloping in the redwoods is an intimate communion with nature, where vows are exchanged beneath the sheltering boughs of the world's tallest, and most ancient trees. This guide helps couples plan a beautiful redwood elopement.
Where are the Redwoods?
Redwood trees can be categorized into two species: coastal redwoods and giant sequoias. Coastal redwoods are the tallest living things on Earth, while giant sequoias have the massive trunks you commonly see cars driving through. Both are accessible in California but are known to grow in different regions.
Coastal redwoods grow along the Pacific coast, while giant sequoias grow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. You can find both species in areas like the Redwood National and State Parks, Muir Woods National Monument, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and Sequoia National Park.
Where is Redwood National Park?
You can find Redwood National Park along the Pacific Ocean coast in the northernmost part of California. It is an approximate 6-hour drive north of San Francisco and roughly 40 minutes south of Brookings, Oregon. Covering an area of 139,000 acres, the park is home to some of the tallest trees in the world.
What is the Lifespan of Redwood Trees?
As some of the oldest and largest living things on earth, their exact age varies greatly on individual conditions but can range well over 1000 years. Today, we know that coastal redwoods average an age of 800 - 1500 years, but the oldest coastal redwood is estimated to be around 2,068 years old.
On the other hand, giant sequoias have an average life of 500 - 800 years, but the oldest, coined “General Sherman” is estimated to be between 2,300 and 2,700 years old.
How Fast Do Redwoods Grow?
Redwood trees are considered to be fast-growing trees and can grow up to an average rate of 2 to 3 feet (0.6 – 1 meter) per year, under ideal conditions. The same growing pattern is observed in sequoias and both trees are known to reach heights up to 379 feet (115 meters).
What is the Symbolism of Redwood Trees?
Rebirth:
Redwood trees have a remarkable ability that ties them to symbolisms of rebirth. Not only does fire clear the forest floor and create ideal soil for sequoia seeds to germinate, but their bark is tough and requires fire to allow their seeds to fall. Additionally, they can sprout new branches from their stumps, roots, or trunks, grow new bark over wounds, and form “fairy rings” of new trees around a burned or fallen parent tree, creating a new generation of forest.
Connection:
Redwood trees are often seen as symbols of connection. They have roots that spread down into the underworld, trunks that support our world, and branches that reach up to the heavens. They are connected to each other through their roots, forming a network of support and communication throughout miles of forests.
Where are the Biggest Redwoods in California?
General Sherman:
This is the largest known single-stem tree in the world, with an estimated volume of 52,508 cubic feet. It is located in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park.
General Grant:
This is the second-largest tree in the world, with an estimated volume of 46,608 cubic feet. It is also known as the Nation’s Christmas Tree and is located in Kings Canyon National Park.
President:
This is the third-largest tree in the world, with an estimated volume of 45,148 cubic feet. It is also one of the oldest trees, with an estimated age of 3,200 years, and is located in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park.
Hyperion:
This is the tallest known living tree in the world, measuring 379.1 feet in height. It is a coastal redwood and is located in a remote area of Redwood National Park.
Where Can You Drive Through a Redwood Tree?
The Shrine Tree:
Located about 50 miles south of Eureka on the Avenue of the Giants. The opening in this tree was initially created by a fire about 100 years ago. The landowner eventually widened the hole to make it into a popular tourist attraction. The location also has a drive-on tree (a fallen tree that’s partially paved).
The Chandelier Tree
Located at the south end of the Redwoods in Leggett, California. The hole, carved in 1937, is the largest of the three trees at just under 6 feet wide and about 7 feet tall. The tree is named after its distinctive branches that resemble a chandelier.
The Tour Through Klamath Tree
Located in Klamath, this attraction is open 24/7 with a money box if the ticket booth isn’t open. The tree is estimated to be 785 years old and about 90 feet tall.
What Are Redwood Elopements Like?
Redwood elopements are nature-focused with strong themes of adventure, mysteriousness, timelessness, and feelings of awe when standing amongst ancient giants. They are often rustic and whimsical occasions that allow couples and guests to feel like they are in a fairy-tale forest with magic existing just beyond the lush foliage.
How To Elope in the Redwoods
Obtain a Marriage License in California
Choose between a public or confidential marriage license.
Public License
Couples must have at least one witness, however, there cannot be more than two on the license if additional witnesses are desired. The marriage license is a public record and copies may be purchased by anyone at any time.
Confidential License
No witnesses or witness signatures are required. Copies of the license may only be purchased by the couple with valid identification. Persons other than the couple requesting a copy of the marriage license may only do so through a court order.
Note: There is no official age requirement for witnesses in California, however, they must be conscious and mature enough to know and understand they are witnessing a marriage ceremony. They must also be able to sign their own name on the marriage license with full knowledge of what they’re doing. This means it is up to each couple when determining their chosen witness and if they meet these expectations.
Meet the Additional Requirements to Obtain a Marriage License
Both parties must be 18 years or older
Note: couples will need valid photo IDs. Passports, naturalization certificates, resident alien cards, driver’s licenses, or military IDs are accepted.
Both parties must be unmarried
Note: If either party was previously married, they must provide a certified copy of the divorce issued by the court.
Obtain & Register Your Marriage License
Purchase your license
Apply for a marriage license at any County Clerk or Recorder’s Office throughout the state. You can do this online or in person.
Note: Couples must appear together and present valid identification.
Note: Once your marriage license is issued, it is eligible to be used anywhere in California for up to 90 days.
Register your license
Have your marriage ceremony performed by an authorized officiant within 90 days of receiving your license. The officiant must complete the license and return it to the County Recorder’s Office (for public marriages) or the County Clerk’s Office (for confidential marriages) within 10 days of the ceremony. Couples will then have to wait for their marriage certificate to be registered and mailed to them by the state office.
Note: You do NOT have to get married in the same county your marriage license was purchased and registered.
2. Choose Where You Want to Elope
There are quite a few options when deciding which redwood or sequoia forest to elope in. To help you narrow down your options, there are a few factors to consider:
Accessibility:
Here are the closest elopement locations, all within 1 hour of an airport:
San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Muir Woods
Oakland International Airport (OAK): Joaquin Miller & Roberts Regional
San Jose International Airport (SJC): Henry Cowell & Big Basin
California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV): Redwood National Park
Difficulty:
Remember, these are outdoor locations and we will be working alongside nature. Larger elopements with guests, decor, or larger space requirements would do better in areas like
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
These locations offer minimal hiking/climbing, walkable trails, and larger spaces to accommodate your elopement.
If you’re looking for a more intimate experience off-the-beaten-path and away from crowds, look into locations such as:
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Redwood Parks Conservancy
Elopement-Friendly:
Always check the permit process and elopement guidelines for individual parks. Some parks have little restrictions around elopements and ceremonies while others have higher expectations for visitors to follow.
4. Choose Your Photographer
Hiring your photographer could be second most important to finding your dress. Since most couples opt for intimate and private elopement settings, entrusting someone to capture your story is paramount to remembering your day and allowing couples to fully embrace the magic of their experience. Trusting your photographer and making sure their personality is a good fit for both you and your partner is a key tip for finding someone that is right for you.
Read more about finding the perfect elopement photographer!
Where To Elope in the Redwoods
When To Elope In the Redwoods
Spring
Springtime in the redwoods is an exceptional season to elope if you want mild weather with average highs of 60°F (15°C) and lows of 40°F (4°C). The parks have fewer visitors than in the summer months and often boast a symphony of wildflowers, rhododendrons, and early-year migratory bird species including bald eagles, ospreys, pelicans, hummingbirds, warblers, woodpeckers, and more.
Summer
Summertime in the redwoods offers warm and sunny weather, lush, green scenery, and diverse wildlife. The weather averages at 65°F (18°C), and the rain is very rare, with only 2 days of significant precipitation per month. However, you can still find a variety of flowers, ferns, mosses, and fungi along the trees, trails, and roads. The wildlife is also active and diverse in the summertime, as many animals are feeding, breeding, or migrating in the park. You can see mammals such as elk, deer, bears, fox, raccoons, skunks, and squirrels.
Fall
Experience the changing colors, crisp air, and cozy atmosphere of redwood forests in the fall. Weather is cool and pleasant, with average highs of 55°F (12.8°C). The rain is more frequent than in summer, which adds to the melancholy feeling of muted forests. Parks are far less crowded as summer ends, and some offer lower rates and availability during off-seasons. Forests will be full of color and contrast, mixing maples, alders, dogwoods, and oaks that add a splash of color to the evergreen redwoods. If you’re visiting a coastal forest, you also have the opportunity to observe marine life such as whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, otters, crabs, starfish, and anemones.
Winter
Winter in the redwoods is cool and sometimes even cold, with average highs of 55°F (12.8°C) to lows of 40°F (4°C). The rain is frequent and heavy and the sun is rare, often creating a misty and mysterious energy throughout the forest that mosses, ferns, and fungi will thrive in. Additionally, couples can enjoy significantly less visitors, increased privacy, and off-season prices.
Is a Redwood Elopement for Me?
If the idea of exchanging vows amidst ancient forests fills your heart with wonder, then a redwood elopement is undeniably for you. Redwood elopements are not just ceremonies; they are immersive journeys into timeless forests that come with everything you would expect including things like unpredictable weather, dirt, bugs, animals, and more. If you seek a wedding day that embraces nature, adventure, and mystery, then prepare for an elopement day as timeless and magnificent as the trees themselves.
Redwood Elopement Packages
All elopement packages include my travel to anywhere in the United States (no hidden or extra fees!), customized location scouting and research, permit assistance, personalized vendor recommendations, unique-to-you + your location activity suggestions, and a customized elopement timeline for your one of a kind day. Every elopement gallery also includes high-resolution digital images with printing rights and a private online gallery to view, print, download, and share your gallery with your family + friends to relive the day with you!
4 Hour ~ $3000
Perfect for the couples who are wanting to take a more simplistic approach to their elopement day. Typically this package is ideal for capturing getting ready, a short hike to ceremony location, and couples portraits.
8 Hour ~ $5000
Perfect for couples wanting a day of adventure like a long hike, off-roading, or traveling to multiple locations. This package is best for telling the complete story of your elopement day. Typically couple’s who are eloping just the two of them will select this package to document their day for the friends + family who are not in attendance to have that opportunity to experience the day. Also ideal for couples bringing friends + family and would like to have their reception captured as well. Your reception could look like pizza at your airbnb around a fire with your parents + siblings or a private chef serving you a 3 course meal on a table decorated in florals.
12 Hour ~ $7000
Perfect for couples looking for complete coverage of their elopement story. This package offers the ultimate storytelling experience. From waking up and having coffee with your partner to roasting marshmallows on a fire after dawn. Couple’s who are eloping just the two of them will select this package to document their day for the friends + family who are not in attendance to have that opportunity to experience the day. Also ideal for couples bringing friends + family and would like to have their full day with their guests documented.
Multi-Day ~ $9000
Perfect for couples wanting a multi-day experience with a lot of adventure. This package is best if you’re wanting to elope in one epic location and also experience another epic location the following day. An example of this would be eloping with family in the redwoods after a short hike surrounded by these old giants and ending the evening at your Airbnb with dinner and drinks and the following day planning a more extensive hike with just your significant other or enjoying a more relaxed day at the beach if you’re visiting a coastal Redwood State Park such as Henry M. Cowell State Park or Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
Ready to Start Planning Your Redwood Elopement?
Whether you’ve already decided to elope in one of the many redwood or sequoia parks, or you’re still narrowing down location ideas, I’d love to chat with you! Hit “contact me” below, and let’s talk!
