Small Wedding in Redwoods National Park and the Northern California Coast

Three months into dating each other, Caleb told Bethany they would be married by the end of the year. She wasn’t quite convinced it would happen that quickly but sure enough Caleb would follow through. On December 31st of that year, he surprised her with the perfect gift—an engagement! When you know, you know.
Caleb and Bethany chose to elope among the ever-so-beautiful redwoods in Jedediah Smith State Park. The day was perfect with an abundance of sun that seeped through the lush canopy of trees. Their ceremony was held amongst the gentle giants surrounded by a few of their closest friends and family.









After the ceremony, we snuck away to take some couples photos of the bride and groom. The Redwoods is one of my absolute favorite places to shoot. It truly never gets old. There’s something about being surrounded by something so ancient and tall that makes you feel so small but so connected to each other and the Earth. The soft sunlight that made its way to the forest floor made for some incredible shots.
From there, we headed down to the beach to take some more couples photos along the coast. If you want the best of both worlds—magical forest and moody coast—redwoods is definitely the place! As the sun set over the ocean, we soaked up its golden glow as we laughed, danced, and celebrated their perfect day.



































Eloping in Redwoods National Park
Moody and majestic—it’s hard not to fall head over heels for the Redwoods. Dramatic coastline, grassy meadows, fern-covered forests, and of course, the ancient trees that call this place home. Here, in Northern California, the infamous redwoods stand over 300 feet tall with some more than 2,000 years old! It’s like getting married in a fairytale forest.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Redwoods consists of four parks co-managed with the state of California. They include Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (where Caleb and Bethany eloped!), Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and Redwood National Park. Each park is just as beautiful as the next.
Where to Elope: Jedediah Smith State Park
Although each of the four parks offer a close up of the magical redwoods, Jedediah Smith State Park is definitely a favorite. It’s the northernmost park of the four, covering over 10,000 acres of old-growth forest and home to seven percent of the world’s redwoods. Just a few miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, you can walk beneath the gentle giants before heading to the rugged coast. It really is the best of both worlds!
Where to Stay: Crescent City or Brookings
There are a few towns to choose from that are close to the Redwoods Parks, but two that I recommend are Crescent City and Brookings. In Northern California, Crescent City is the largest city near the parks and is just a short drive from Jedediah Smith State Park. However, Brookings is another great option! Although located in southern Oregon, it’s not far from the Redwoods Parks and is also nearby to the beautiful Samuel Boardman State Park located along the southern Oregon Coast. Other towns to consider are Eureka and Arcata which are south of Redwoods National Park and sit just across each other on opposite sides of Humboldt Bay.
When to Elope: May to October
Although temperatures are fairly consistent year-round, ranging from the mid-40s to the low 60s, the summer months bring slightly warmer and drier weather. Much of the rain falls between November and April, making May through October the best months to elope. Just be aware that you may experience some coastal fog rolling in, especially during July and August, which is perfect if you’re going for those moodier vibes! If you’re hoping for nice weather without the crowds, September is your best bet!
Are the redwoods calling your name? Find everything you need to know about eloping in the redwoods in my post, How to Elope in Redwoods National Park.
There are so many stunning places in the California redwoods to have an intimate wedding or elopement! Love these shots!
These are gorgeous! I’ve never been to the Redwoods but these definitely make me want to go there now! The light is just stunning
How gorgeous! You captured everything beautifully, but those shots where the couple is standing in the clovers are incredible!! The light is just so magical!
If I was to elope again, I would choose the red woods! So beautiful and dramatic!
Loe how you captured the light coming through the redwoods and sunset along the coast is the perfect way to wrap up an adventurous elopement in the redwoods!
California is just full of magic ???? what an incredible feeling it must be to marry the love of your life in such a historic, special place. Lovely photography!
This wedding couldn’t have been in a more perfect location! The California redwoods are on another level of beauty.
The Redwoods look so amazing! Definitely a place I want to visit someday and definitely a perfect spot for a stunning elopement!
These are so beautiful! I love that they got forest vibes and beach vibes all in one day. Such perfect variety.
The redwoods are so gorgeous! Love the way you told the story of their small wedding in the redwoods.
Such a beautiful location! I can imagine how perfect the day must have been surrounded by those giants and their loved ones!
Ahhhh so beautiful! The woods looked amazing and the sunset, especially with that closing photo on the beach…wow.