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The Best Places to Elope in the Redwoods
everything you need to know for the best elopement locations in redwoods national park
Hi! I'm Natasha! Your elopement photographer, dog petter and donut eater. While photography is my first love, connecting with people is my love language. You'll find me lovin' on the big moments, the quiet moments, the silly moments – but especially the in between moments. The moments that are unadulterated and unfiltered. The ones where you are the real you. Here on the blog you'll find all of my favorite tips, tricks and resources for planning an elopement that's all about those moments.
How to Choose the Best Redwoods Elopement Location
Choosing where to elope in the Redwoods gets real complicated, real fast. You’ve got Redwood National Park, three California State Parks, ceremony sites with wildly different guest limits, trails ranging from basically no hike to several miles, and some of the most famous groves don’t allow ceremonies at all.
So instead of handing you another list of pretty trees, this guide breaks down the best Redwoods elopement locations by what actually matters: guest count, accessibility, privacy, hiking, scenery, and the kind of wedding day you want to have.
We’ve photographed couples throughout the Redwoods, and one thing we’ve learned very quickly is that the “best” location is not automatically the most famous one. The location that works beautifully for two people hiking five miles can be an absolute logistical nightmare with eight family members and someone’s grandma.
Below, we'll break down the locations I'd recommend for any elopement day, plus which ones make the most sense for each kind of couples eloping. But before we get there....here's our quick cheat sheet:
| If you want... | Start with... |
| Minimal hiking → A more adventurous but flexible hike → Guests/family → More privacy → Forest + nearby iconic portraits → Forest + river → Easiest accessibility/bang for your buck → | Simpson-Reed Grove or Templeman Grove Boy Scout Tree Trail Simpson-Reed Grove or Templeman Grove Brown Creek Trail, Merriman Grove or Schmidt Grove Berry Glen The River Trail Simpson-Reed Grove |
BUT THESE AREN’T YOUR ONLY OPTIONS...
The spots in this guide are a great place to start, but they’re definitely not the entire list. We keep a much bigger collection of locations, tucked away trails, coastal stops, and lesser known corners that we recommend privately to our couples based on what they actually want their day to feel like.
Because your perfect spot depends on way more than “pretty trees.” We look at your guest count, how much you want to hike, accessibility, privacy, season, lighting, where you’re staying, whether you want to add the coast, and how much time you’d ideally like to spend not sitting in a car.
So if none of the obvious locations feel quite right, don’t panic. You don’t need to arrive with a location picked out! Helping you find one is part of what we do.
Cool, now that we’ve established that “pretty trees” is not quite enough information to plan an entire wedding day, let’s get into the actual locations!
What to Know About Redwoods Elopement Permits
Before we get into the locations, there’s one slightly unsexy but important thing to know: your ceremony will need a permit.
Redwood National & State Parks is actually a partnership between Redwood National Park and three California State Parks, so the permit process depends on exactly where you’re getting married. National Park locations go through the National Park Service, while Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek locations use the California State Parks process. National Park Service
Some locations are already approved for weddings and have their own guest limits, access considerations, and rules, while other locations may require additional review. I’ll note those details as we go so you can quickly see which spots might actually make sense for your day.
And if your eyes are already glazing over at the words “special use permit,” we have a full Redwoods elopement permit guide that breaks the whole thing down without making you decipher a government webpage for fun.
Best Places to Elope in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Boy Scout Tree Trail
Best for: For couples who want a little bit of a hike, but without any major commitment and massive old growth redwoods!
Guest count: Up to 8
Hike/access: 5.5 miles roundtrip, but beautiful spots within 1.5 miles of the parking lot.
Privacy: Popular trail, but very private at sunrise
Permit type: California State Parks Special Use Permit
Why I’d choose it: Boy Scout Tree Trail is one of the best options if you want your elopement to feel genuinely deep in the forest instead of five minutes from a parking lot. The longer hike means fewer people, more privacy, and a much more immersive Redwoods experience. You’ll wind through some truly wild, old growth forest on the way to the Boy Scout Tree, and if you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can keep going to Fern Falls. If your dream elopement day involves disappearing into the trees, exchanging vows somewhere quiet, and making a little adventure out of getting there, this one belongs very high on your list.
Simpson Reed Grove
Best for: Easy access, families, and couples who want the full Redwoods look without a long hike
Guest count: Up to 10 guests
Hike/access: About a 0.8-mile loop; Mostly flat and wheelchair accessible on compacted aggregate/gravel
Privacy: Moderate. It’s a popular, easy-access trail, so I wouldn’t count on having it completely to yourselves, but at sunrise it's typically very quiet.
Permit type: California State Parks Special Use permit
Good to know: Parking is limited, RVs/trailers aren’t a good fit here, and pets aren’t allowed on the trail.
Why I’d choose it: Simpson Reed is such a good option if you want the full Redwoods feeling without committing to a long hike. The trail is short, easy to navigate, and still gives you that dense old growth forest, giant ferns, and very “we disappeared into another world for a minute” sort of vibe. It’s especially great for couples bringing family, anyone who wants something more accessible, or people who simply do not want their wedding day to include an unnecessary amount of physical activity. Maximum forest payoff for this one!
Leiffer Loop Trail
Best for: Couples who want a quieter forest trail with a little more variety than a super-short loop
Guest count: Up to 10 guests.
Hike/access: About 1.5 miles total, with roughly 150 feet of elevation change so short and sweet. Normally wheelchair accessible on gravel trail.
Privacy: Moderately to highly private. It’s farther from Highway 199, so you lose a lot of the road noise and get a more tucked-away forest feel.
Permit type: California State Parks Special Use Permit
Good to know: There are two trailheads off Walker Road, parking isn't great for RVs or trailers, cell service is limited, and pets aren’t allowed on the trail.
Why I’d choose it: Leiffer Loop is a great option if you want something that feels a little more tucked away without committing to a huge hike. You get old growth redwoods, ferns, nurse logs, and those beautifully weird fire scarred trees that make the forest feel extra textured and moody. Since it sits farther from the highway, it can feel much quieter than some of the easier to access spots. I’d put this one on the list for couples who want a slower, more immersive forest walk and don’t mind a little extra trail time.
Templeman Grove
Best for: Couples who want an easy access grove that still feels tucked into the forest, especially with a larger guest count.
Guest count: Up to 20 guests.
Hike/access: Very short walk from the parking area; this is one of the easier-access ceremony options in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Privacy: Moderately private. It’s easy to reach, so you may see other visitors, but the grove itself still feels intimate.
Permit type: California State Parks Special Use permit.
Good to know: There’s a small parking area and a pit toilet nearby, which makes this a practical option if you’re bringing guests or want to keep logistics simple.
Why I’d choose it: Templeman Grove is one of those spots that gives you a lot of Redwoods payoff without asking much from you logistically. It’s easy to get to, works great for couples bringing a few favorite people, and still feels like you’re properly surrounded by the forest once you’re in the grove. You'll still be able to hear cars on the main road, but if you want something intimate, accessible, and low stress without sacrificing the giant trees, this one is a very solid contender.
Organ Donor Grove
Best for: Couples who want an easy access grove with a little more privacy and a quieter, less “main attraction” feel.
Guest count: Up to 20 guests.
Hike/access: Very short walk from the parking area.
Privacy: Moderately private.It’s not one of the park’s headline hiking destinations, which can make it feel more low-key, but permits are non-exclusive and public access has to stay open.
Permit type: California State Parks Special Use permit
Good to know: This was historically listed as a pre-approved wedding location, but because the permit system changed in 2024, I’d verify its current ceremony status directly with California State Parks before publishing a specific guest limit or promising availability.
Why I’d choose it: Organ Donor’s Grove is a good pick if you want that deep Redwoods feeling without committing to a long hike or one of the busier, more obvious locations. It’s easy to get to, feels intimate, and has that quiet tucked away feel that works really well for a small ceremony. I’d especially consider it for couples with a larger guest count, who care more about having a peaceful little pocket of forest than checking off the most famous grove on the map.
The River Trail
Best for: Couples who want a quieter, more immersive forest feel with river access nearby
Guest count: Up to 6 guests
Hike/access: Easy to moderate depending on how far you want to explore; the River Trail starts along Howland Hill Road in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Privacy: Moderately to highly private. It tends to feel more tucked away than the super easy access groves, especially if you’re willing to walk a little farther in.
Permit type: California State Parks Special Use permit
Good to know: This is a great option if you want more than just “stand under giant trees and leave.” You can actually build a little movement into the day, wander through the forest, and pair the ceremony with time near the Smith River and the nearby Stout Grove.
Why I’d choose it: The River Trail is such a good option if you want to be right in one of the most iconic parts of Jedediah Smith without having your actual ceremony in the middle of the busiest grove. It sits right next to Stout Grove, which is one of the park’s most famous and most visited redwood groves, so you get the benefit of being close to that classic scenery while still having a ceremony spot that can feel a little quieter and more tucked away.
It’s also a great choice if you want some variety without cramming a bunch of separate locations into your timeline. You can have your ceremony along the River Trail, spend time near the Smith River, and then wander through Stout Grove for portraits afterward. Big trees, river, iconic scenery, plenty of quiet. Very into that.
Best Places to Elope in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Brown Creek Trail
Best for: Couples who want a quieter, more tucked-away forest feel with no guests.
Hike/access: About 1.2 miles with moderate, uneven grades
Privacy: Moderate to high
Permit type: California State Parks Special Use permit
Good to know: You get old growth redwoods, creekside greenery, and a little more variety than a simple grove stop. But it feels truly wild.
Why I’d choose it: Brown Creek is a great pick if you want something moody, green, and a little more off-the-beaten-path. It feels less like an iconic “must-see” stop and more like you disappeared into the forest for a while, which, honestly, is kind of the dream. It's not a popular grove, but there are stunning trees, lush undergrowth, a beautiful little footbridge, and it often feels like you're completely alone.
Berry Glen
Best for: Tiny elopements and couples who want a quieter National Park ceremony spot
Guest count: Up to 6
Hike/access: 2 miles, but could be up to 8 with a hike to Ladybird Johnson Grove
Privacy: Moderately private. Close to popular groves but feels tucked away.
Permit type: National Park Service Special Use permit
Why I'd chose it: One of the biggest perks of choosing Berry Glen is its proximity to Lady Bird Johnson Grove. While ceremonies aren't allowed there, it's one of the most beautiful places in the park for portraits afterward and makes an excellent addition to your wedding day itinerary. You'll pass through it on your way to Berry Glen if you're going the short way!
Best Places to Elope in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Crescent Beach Overlook
Best for: Couples who want dramatic coastal views, an easy ceremony setup, and access to even more sweet scenery nearby
Guest count: Up to 20
Hike/access: Very easy; a short paved path leads from the parking area to the overlook
Privacy: Low to moderate. It’s a popular scenic stop, and there are only a couple parking spaces right at the overlook
Permit type: National Park Service Special Use permit
Good to know: This pre-approved ceremony site is only currently available October 25 through May 1. On a clear day, you get huge views over Crescent Beach, Crescent City Harbor, and offshore sea stacks.
Why I’d choose it: Crescent Beach Overlook is such a good pick if you want big coastal drama without a big hike. The overlook itself gives you sweeping ocean views and jagged sea stacks, and Enderts Beach is right nearby; about a half mile hike down from the end of Enderts Beach Road. That means you can pair your ceremony with portraits along the bluffs, tidepools, rugged cliffs, and those very cool offshore rock formations without driving across half the park. Forest one minute, wildly cinematic coast the next. Very hard to be mad about that.
Crescent Beach Day Use
Best for: Couples who want an easy-access beach ceremony with plenty of room and minimal hiking
Guest count: Up to 20 participants
Hike/access: Very easy. Direct beach access from the day use area with plenty of parking
Privacy: Low to moderate. It’s a public beach, so expect other visitors
Permit type: National Park Service permit
Good to know: This pre-approved wedding spot is currently only available October 25 through May 1, and the area has parking, picnic tables, vault toilets, and wheelchair-accessible features.
Why I’d choose it: Crescent Beach Day Use is a great option if you want the ocean to be a real part of the ceremony without making everyone hike to get there. It’s simple, scenic, and especially useful for couples bringing guests or anyone who wants beach access without extra annoying logistics. You still get miles of windswept coastline and dramatic Pacific views, just with a lot less effort.
Locations Where Ceremonies Are Not Allowed
This surprises a lot of couples, but some of the most famous spots in Redwood National and State Parks do not allow wedding ceremonies.
Ceremonies and elopements are not permitted at:
- Fern Canyon
- Stout Grove
- Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
- Irvine Canyon
The good news is that couples often choose to hold their ceremony at one of the approved locations and then visit these iconic areas afterward for portraits and sightseeing. Bing bang boom, then you can still experience some of the park's most famous landscapes while staying within park regulations! Easy peasy.
So, Which Redwoods Elopement Location Is Right for You?
- Want easy access + family? Simpson-Reed or Templeman Grove.
- Want privacy + a little adventure? Boy Scout Tree Trail or Brown Creek.
- Want coast without a huge hike? Crescent Beach Overlook.
- Want tiny + intimate? Berry Glen.
- Want forest + river variety? River Trail.
- Want moody Prairie Creek vibes? Schmidt Grove or Brown Creek.
The best spot really comes down to how many people are coming, how much you want to hike, how much privacy matters, and whether you want to add the coast. Most couples don’t show up knowing the exact grove they want, and honestly, that’s normal. Helping you narrow it down is part of the process!
Keep Planning Your Redwoods Elopement
Once you’ve picked your ceremony location and figured out where to stay, the rest of the planning gets a whole lot easier! If you’re still working through permits, locations, or the overall shape of the day, these guides will help you keep going:
- Best Places to Elope in the Redwoods
- Redwoods Wedding Permit Guide
- How to Elope in the Redwoods
- Redwoods Elopement Photographer (your home base for what it's like working with us!)
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MEET YOUR Redwoods ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER + VIDEOGRAPHER
We're Natasha and Brian! Your Redwoods elopement photographers, dog petters, and donut eaters focused on creating the dreamiest intentional photos of your elopement. But we're so much more than just photographers. When you work with us, you get built in Redwoods elopement planning experts, guides for all of the parks most beautiful trails, snack holders, dress fluffers, tissue providers, and friends.
We know exactly what it's like to elope, because that's what we did too! We eloped on a misty August day on Mt. Baker with our sweet dog Fern, 7 of our closest friends, and it couldn't have been more us. Creating an experience that's undeniably you and honors your relationship is what we know best.
FEEL LIKE WE'RE THE PERFECT FIT? SAME HERE!
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