How to Get Married in the California Redwoods
An Exhaustive List of California Redwoods Venues for Weddings & Elopements
We’re so very lucky here in California. We have access to some of the oldest trees in the world—California redwoods!
California is famous for so many things—and its ancient old-growth redwood forests are just one awe-inspiring example. Fun fact: You can find these stunning trees all over the state—from the Sequoias of the Eastern Sierra to the coastal redwoods of northern California.
Redwoods are massive, old, and super important to the ecosystem. They start as tiny pinecones—one of the smallest, believe it or not. But on average, they can grow to 367-feet tall, spread to 22-feet wide, and live for almost 2000 years. California is one of the only places in the world where you can find redwoods due to the climate. Why? Because they love that wet, misty air, of course! All this combined makes for an ethereal wedding venue.
Let’s hop right into how to get married in the California redwoods. We’ll cover:
What permits you need,
How to get legally married,
When to get married in the redwoods (seasons, days of the week, etc.),
Where to get married in the redwoods (so many locations to choose from),
How to get there,
Activities for your wedding,
And more!
Do You Need Permits to Get Married in the California Redwoods?
Yes, usually. Permits are almost always required for outdoor weddings and elopements where a ceremony is involved. These permits are usually in the $100 to $300 range, which is quite a deal for those looking to get married in a more intimate setting with fewer guests.
Admittedly, each specific location will have its own rules. If that sounds confusing, don’t worry. Your California Redwoods wedding photographer can help you navigate all these stipulations and more. In the meantime, check out permit pages for Redwoods NP and state parks to get an idea of what the process is like.
Getting Legally Married in the California Redwoods
The most important part of tying the knot is making sure your wedding is legally recognized. Sure, it’s not the most romantic part. But it’s still important. Marriage is a legally binding contract. So, how do you get that done when you’re eloping?
You’ll need to find the local county clerk’s office in the county you’re getting married in.
Make an appointment for both of you. Bring your IDs, and pick up your marriage license together.
Take your paperwork to the ceremony where it will be signed by your witness(es) and officiant.
Then, the license needs to be taken back to the county clerk’s office, either by you or your officiant. Pro tip—if you hire our on-staff officiant, Isiah, he’ll take it in for you.
Special note: The redwoods of California are often remote. This is something to keep in mind when you schedule time to pick up your marriage license. Some traveling couples opt to skip the hassle and have a commitment ceremony instead.
Where: California Redwoods Wedding Venues and Best Locations
While the redwoods are mostly found in California, there’s still a ton of spots and lots of variety. Make sure to look at photos of each location. Each area has its own vibe and redwood type—from coastal redwoods of the North Coast to sequoias of the Eastern Sierra.
Bay Area venues
Sparrow Valley Retreat: A personal favorite spot. This wedding venue has a house for staying and getting ready at, a long table for receptions, and a beautiful ceremony site in the redwoods. Located in Aptos near Santa Cruz.
OVY Camp & Event Center: A great spot for a camping and outdoors-themed wedding. Enjoy multiple ceremony locations, lodging, and camping. All proceeds go to the camp. Located in San Gregorio in the Peninsula of the Bay Area.
Roaring Camp: Multiple ceremony locations, a barn for receptions, lawn games, firepits, and more. Located in Felton just outside of Santa Cruz. And yes, you can ride a train through the redwoods here!
Sequoia Retreat Center: A very special spot for folks on their wedding day. Complete with a tranquil ceremony space, lodge for receptions, garden area, lodging, and more.
Felton Guild: Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Felton Guide offers a secluded, serene wedding venue with a large banquet area, Redwood Cathedral, and ample space for your nuptial activities.
Nestldown: A Los Gatos wedding venue offering a secluded redwood retreat with lush gardens, ponds, and waterfalls, providing a breathtaking setting for ceremonies and receptions.
Sand Rock Farm: A spectacular wedding spot with a lot of different day-of packages based on your number of guests.
Saratoga Springs: A gorgeous natural environment with full catering for your wedding day.
Deer Park Villa: Deer Park Villa is a redwood haven where promises are made and magic happens. This popular spot offers customizable wedding packages, nestled amidst nature's beauty, to create unforgettable experiences that will last a lifetime.
Piedmont Community Hall: Piedmont Community Hall is a charming venue with a park-like setting, featuring azaleas, camellias, redwoods, and a Japanese Tea House. The hall's Mediterranean architecture and spacious interior, along with the picturesque amphitheater, make it a popular choice for weddings and other events.
YMCA Camp Campbell: A delectably unique wedding experience in the Santa Cruz Mountains—with activities like axe throwing and hiking, and a beautiful redwood grove for ceremonies, create lasting memories with your loved ones. Check out their single-day to three-day wedding packages.
Berkeley Botanical Garden: Are you a plant lover? Then this spot might be for you! UC Botanical Garden offers a unique and scenic setting for your event, with 34 acres of diverse plant species. Nestled in Strawberry Canyon, the garden provides stunning landscapes, a redwood grove, and convenient access to nearby cities.
Redwood Retreat at Fernwood Cellars: A romantic, secluded, and picturesque setting for your nuptials. With its majestic redwoods and serene atmosphere, it's the perfect place to create lasting memories.
Outdoor Art Club: A historical landmark designed by renowned architect Bernard Maybeck. This stunning venue is available for weddings.
Old Mill Park: An awe-inspiring setting for your wedding day, tucked into the redwoods and featuring a historic mill and amphitheater.
The Mountain Terrace: A wedding location that’ll have you head over heels. This venue peeps redwood groves and stunning bay views. Experience your ceremony in the meadow or reception on the redwood deck, and celebrate your special day in your unique style.
Tilden Botanical Garden: Truly, a stunning backdrop for your wedding day, amongst in the heart of the north Berkeley Hills. Explore a vast collection of California's native plants, from towering redwoods to delicate wildflowers, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
Waterfall Lodge & Resort: Perfect for a wedding weekend! This site can host you and your guests with cabins on site just outside of Santa Cruz. Includes lawn games, fire pits, hiking, and more.
Stone Creek Village: An all-inclusive mountain wedding venue with lots of activities like swimming and hiking. The village provides customized packages including lodging, catering, and event planning. Enjoy a secluded experience with your guests in a quaint Western-themed setting.
The Santa Lucia Preserve: Escape into the Santa Lucia Mountains for a wonderful wedding on a 20,000-acre private nature preserve.
Getting There
California redwoods are spread out all over the state, so getting to and around these areas will depend on where you’re coming from and where you’re going. You’ll definitely want to get a car as most redwoods are far from airports (think 3-5 hours). Speaking of airports, here’s the nearest airport to each major redwood area.
Sequoia National Park
Mendocino
Redwoods National Park
Bay Area
Activities
With redwoods spread out across the state, there are tons of activities to do on your wedding day.
Wine tasting: You can find tons of redwoods in wine country. So sip on some local wines and relax with your newlywed spouse.
Hire a personal chef: Have the best intimate dining experience by hiring a personal chef who knows your flavor preferences.
Dine out: Head to your favorite bar or restaurant. You can even wear your wedding attire if you want to.
Picnic: Lay out a picnic blanket and savor your favorite foods and drinks.
Do a champagne pop: Nothing like poppin’ a bottle to celebrate! Plus, it makes for great photos.
Cut your cake: Got a sweet tooth? Cut your wedding cake with your special someone.
Have a bonfire with s’mores: Cuddle up next to your beloved by the fire, and roast a tasty treat.
Go swimming: Check out the Eel River for a swim amongst the mighty redwoods.
Hot tubbing: Treat yourself to a soak with your special someone.
Kayak or canoe: Crave a little adventure? Grab a kayak or canoe and hit the Eel River.
Rent a classic car or motorcycle: Adore the open road? Snag a set of wheels for a long drive with photos along the way.
Helicopter ride: Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the redwoods.
Visit a roadside attraction: Northern California is a hotspot for bigfoot activity, so you’re bound to find some amazing roadside attractions, like the China Flat Museum Bigfoot Collection.
Visit a farm or animal conservation center: This is a must for animal and nature lovers.
Rent a unique rental on Airbnb or VRBO: Book the Treehouse Master, The Front Porch, or Pinecone Treehouse.
Share a morning coffee: So you got an amazing rental, how about sharing a quiet moment alone before the wedding shenanigans?
Play music together: Got a song in your heart? Bring some instruments to make your own music under the canopy of green.
Advice for Your California Redwoods Wedding
Interested in eloping in the California Redwoods? Here’s a quick rundown of some helpful tips:
Due to the remote nature of this area, be prepared for longer drives, two-lane highways, and fewer facilities (like gas stations and rest stops).
There aren’t many vendors in the area, so be prepared to DIY or pay travel fees.
The redwoods thrive in wet weather. Always be prepared for rain and mud in the PNW.
Follow leave-no-trace principles at all times. This area is well protected due to being one of the only redwood forest areas in the world.
Leave No Trace
It’s super important to keep the land, water, and air happy and healthy for years to come. Nothing would be more heartbreaking than seeing this natural area closed to the public because it got trashed. That’s where Leave No Trace (LNT) principles can make a positive impact. This set of principles about how best to preserve and protect the outdoors, even on your wedding day.
These rules are straightforward and easy to follow:
Prepare and plan ahead so you and your guests know what to expect.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces to reduce impact. Stick to trails, when in doubt.
Dispose of waste properly, or better yet, pack out whatever you packed in.
Leave what you find. This includes leaves, pinecones, stones, and all the rest.
Minimize campfire impacts. It’s also smart to watch for no-burn notices.
Respect wildlife by watching them from afar, keeping human food away from animals, and keeping pets away from the local fauna.
Be considerate of other people including hikers, park staff, and anyone else.
These are general rules, but it’s smart to take notice of area-specific guidelines as well. This includes respecting the cultural significance of this native land, avoiding live or dried natural plant or flower material, keeping noise down, and more.
Wedding Stories From the California Redwoods
Book Your California Redwoods Elopement Photographer
If you want an elopement photographer who loves our public lands, adventurous couples, and intimate wedding celebrations, book Love & Latitudes Outdoor Wedding and Elopement Photography today!