California Redwoods Wedding in Arcata
Casie & Jarrod
When I first traveled to Redwoods National Park in March 2022, I thought I wouldn’t be that impressed. They’re just trees, after all, trees I've seen a ton of times before throughout the Bay Area and Sequoia National Park. Boy, was I wrong!
The scale of redwood trees in the PNW really cannot be experienced through the screen. I could tell you the average height of these trees is 300 feet, I could tell you they live to 3,000 years old, but really you can only read those numbers. You won't know how tall and old the forest feels until you go there and experience the rich and ethereal redwood forests of northern California for yourself.
What a place to celebrate a life-long love, am I right? That’s exactly what Jarrod and Casie did for their two-day wedding on the north coast of California.
Two-Day Wedding in the California Redwoods
I met Casie and Jarrod at their Airbnb in Trinidad, California. The excitement was high, especially since this Airbnb was breathtakingly gorgeous. A giant, rustic wood home, a treehouse, and lush gardens decorated the property. Better yet, the Airbnb hosts allowed the wedding on-site, making for the perfect place to celebrate with their close friends and family.
The two got ready there, sharing sweet moments with their guests before doing a first look and exploring the grounds together. Their ceremony was sweet, filled with so much emotion and some adorable interruptions from the owner’s dogs. And the ceremony was conducted by our very own wedding officiant, Isiah.
Post-wedding, the couple posed for family photos and signed their paperwork. Before we snuck away to our next location, Casie and Jarrod jumped on the trampoline with the kids—which made for some joyful photos and fun memories that’ll last forever.
Afterward, we headed to the heavenly coastline. The Trinidad coast is like no other place—dark gray beaches, rich with greenery, tidepools, and epic cliff slides make for a wild adventure. Casie and Jarrod ran barefoot along the beach, climbing rocks, and even witnessing another couple’s proposal. I guess love was in the air!
We concluded the night with dinner and cake cutting at the Moonstone Grill overlooking a ravishing beach and an even more amazing sunset. Their family made Isiah and I feel so welcome, sharing wine and oysters with us. And although the day was coming to a close, the fun wasn’t done yet!
Jedediah Smith State Park Wedding Photography
The next morning we met Casie and Jarrod at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. I was so stoked they were down for the long drive—because the extra mileage is totally worth it.
Obviously, there are lots of redwoods in northern California. But Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is one of my favorites. It’s just so lush, you can feel the magic in the air. As you might expect, it’s also very popular, so we explored these old-growth redwoods early to beat the crowds.
Casie and Jarrod took a lap through the beautiful grove, stopping to take photos in the light pockets created by the tree canopy. Our couple inspected downed redwoods, admiring just how tall these trees truly are. Height is one thing, but you really start to lose perspective when you crane your neck. Fallen logs can give you a sense of scale.
After an hour or two of wedding photos, the family arrived to explore Jedidiah Smith too. This made for an intimate experience, just between Casie and Jarrod—while also leaving space for family fun and exploration.
And that’s a great lesson from Casie and Jarrod's two-day wedding experience in the California Redwoods. Some time for just the two of you, and some time for family and friends. You can have the best of both worlds!
Wedding Tips for Your California Redwoods Wedding
Enticed by the rich, ancient California redwood forests for your wedding day? Listen to that calling. You’ll cherish the memories forever.
Before you go, take note of these California redwoods wedding tips:
The north coast is frequently wet and cold. Expect mud, rain, and even river crossing. The redwoods thrive on these conditions, but you should come prepared with jackets and proper footwear.
This area is surprisingly remote. Be ready for long drive times and winding roads. Vendors may be harder to find in this area or have additional travel fees
Book an elopement wedding photographer to help you plan and capture the day. Especially one like me who has traveled to the area multiple times. Contact me and I’ll help you have the most amazing wedding day.
Book lodgings and other vendors, such as an officiant, florals, decor, food, and more.
Want more info? Check out the blog on How to Elope or redwoods locations!
Vendors We Love Near the California Redwoods
Get Married in the California Redwoods
Ready to get married among these gentle giants? Contact Love & Latitudes for expert elopement photography and help planning the adventure of a lifetime.
California Redwoods Wedding Packages
+ 4-8+ hours of coverage
+ Planning and vendor services
+ Location assistance
+ Online gallery with high-resolution photos
+ Option to download images or purchase prints online
+ Travel fees included, minus permits
+ Optional officiant services.
Meet Your California Redwoods Wedding Photographer
I’m Diana Lustig, a Californian with a passion for adventure and a camera always in hand. As a professional photographer for over 15 years, I spend my days capturing life’s most incredible moments—and my free time exploring Eastern California in Clyde, the van I share with my amazing husband.
I fell in love with wedding and elopement photography after my adventure wedding in 2019. Nothing makes me happier than helping couples create their own unforgettable day!
