An Enchanting California Redwoods Wedding Story

Planning a wedding in the California Redwoods can feel a bit daunting—after all, the forest stretches for hundreds of miles, packed with stunning spots that all seem perfect for a wedding. Where do you even start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we’ll break down some of the best areas for a redwood wedding and give you tips on the best time of year to say “I do” among these towering trees.

We’ll also take you behind the scenes of Hannah and Zac’s incredible day, where they nailed the balance between keeping things personal and sharing meaningful moments with family. Whether you’re here for inspiration or practical advice, this guide will help you kick off the planning for your own redwoods wedding—a day as unique and memorable as your love story.

Hannah and Zac’s story started way back at Hannah’s 19th birthday party, where Zac showed up with a beer pong table and instantly caught her eye. Their first date at the Gold Country Fair sealed the deal, and they’ve spent the last ten years building a life together. With shared passions like hiking, camping, and a mutual obsession with Lord of the Rings, their easygoing connection and love for the outdoors made a California Redwood Forest elopement the perfect fit.

Hannah and Zac knew a Redwood Forest elopement was the way to go—it let them focus on what mattered most: their love, without the stress or fuss of a traditional wedding. For Zac, who works in forest management, the towering trees represent something special, while Hannah has always been drawn to the peaceful beauty of the redwoods. Over the years, they’ve spent countless days exploring the California coast, hiking trails, wandering groves, and strolling beaches, so it just felt right to say “I do” in a place so meaningful to them.

Their ceremony spot, the Tall Trees Grove, held even more significance—it was one of the first places they visited together early in their relationship. The steep hike down added to the sense of adventure and naturally kept the ceremony small and personal, which matched their vision perfectly. With Hannah’s brother living nearby, the redwoods had become like a second home, filled with memories and connection, making it the ideal backdrop for their wedding day.

Eloping in the redwoods takes a little planning, but it’s totally doable—and worth it! Locations like the Tall Trees Grove require a Day-Use Reservation for all visitors. The good news? These reservations are free and released 180 days in advance. Once you’ve secured your spot, you’ll get an email with a gate code the day before your visit.

For Hannah and Zac, we double-checked with the National Park Service to confirm they could hold their ceremony in the grove (spoiler: they said yes!). From there, Hannah and Zac submitted a special use permit detailing their day’s plan, guest count, and timing. The process was simple, but props to Hannah for staying on top of it and submitting everything well ahead of schedule!

With a little preparation, you’ll be ready to say “I do” among the towering trees without a hitch.

Hannah and Zac started their day in the best way possible—at a cozy cliffside Airbnb in Trinidad, California, with stunning ocean views. This 2-bedroom, 2-bath home was the perfect spot to relax and soak in the excitement before heading into the redwoods. While Cydney Nicole Makeup Artistry and Spray Tans worked their magic on Hannah, Zac made his way to his sister’s nearby Airbnb to finish getting ready.

Once prepped and ready, they drove separately to the trailhead—Hannah riding with her aunt and Zac with his sisters and brother-in-law. From there, the adventure began! Brian hiked down the trail with Zac while I joined Hannah, and as we descended into the grove, the towering redwoods surrounded us in their quiet, majestic beauty. Once in the grove, Hannah and Zac changed into their wedding clothes and took a moment to take it all in before we found the perfect spot for their first look. It was the perfect start to their day in the redwoods.

Hannah and Zac opted for a first look to share a quiet, intimate moment before their ceremony with family. Brian and I scouted the perfect spot—an opening in the trees surrounded by vibrant green moss and ferns that felt like the heart of the Redwoods. Zac stood waiting in the clearing while Hannah walked up to tap him on the shoulder, creating a moment that was equal parts magical and down-to-earth.

Hannah looked absolutely gorgeous in her dress from Miosa Bride in Folsom, designed by Lillian West by Justin Alexander. The lace and flowy design were perfect for the peaceful redwoods, and she paired it with a classic veil and her trusty Keen hiking boots—a practical and adventurous combo that totally worked. Zac nailed the balance of sharp and laid-back with a blue blazer from Men’s Warehouse, a tie, and his Crispi hiking boots—ready for the trails and the “I do’s.” Together, their outfits struck the perfect mix of elegance and adventure, totally matching the vibe of their day.

They used this moment to exchange private vows, written in their Cover Cafe books. Since Zac’s a little on the shy side, this felt like a natural way to fully be themselves. The first look and vow reading turned into such a grounding part of their day, giving them time to soak in all the emotions and the incredible beauty of the forest around them.

Saying “I Do” surrounded by Redwoods

Hannah and Zac’s wedding ceremony took place in a grove they had discovered on a previous visit—four or five towering trees in a semicircle, creating a natural, intimate space that felt just right for their vows. They chose to say their vows during the day, allowing plenty of time to later join their families for a celebratory dinner.

I had the honor of officiating their ceremony, which I love offering to our couples. It keeps things personal, and it means they don’t have to rely on finding a stranger to officiate such an intimate moment. The lighting that day was bright but beautiful, casting a glow through the towering trees.

Following the ceremony, they celebrated with a champagne toast alongside the small group of close family members that made the hike down. Afterward, the four of us wandered through the grove, discovering areas alive with vibrant green moss and delicate ferns, making time for quiet moments just between Hannah and Zac.

After wrapping up our time in the grove, it was time for the steep hike back to the cars. The trail gave us more chances to soak in the massive trees and vibrant forest colors—seriously, the Redwoods never disappoint. Once we made it back to the cars, it was off to the coast!

One of the coolest things about a California Redwoods wedding is getting the best of both worlds: towering trees and ocean views, all in the same day. The beach was just a quick 30-minute drive away, and as soon as we arrived, Hannah kicked off her shoes and let her toes sink into the sand. They spent some time just strolling hand in hand, laughing and chasing the waves, soaking in every carefree moment.

Hannah and Zac capped off their day with a heartfelt dinner for their families at the Moonstone Grill in Trinidad, CA. The table was adorned with photos from their relationship, starting all the way back to their first trip to the Redwoods. Over a spread of delicious food, we shared stories, laughs, and a few happy tears. While waiting for dinner, we even snuck outside for some extra family photos against the gorgeous evening light. And the cake—crafted by Ramone’s Bakery and Cafe—was absolutely incredible.

After dinner, with everyone happily full, we headed just down the road to the beach, where a glowing bonfire was waiting for us. Wrapped up in blankets, everyone gathered around the flames, swapping jokes, sipping drinks, and enjoying Zac’s brother-in-law’s impromptu guitar performance. It was the perfect way to wind down—a cozy, joyful end to an unforgettable California Redwoods wedding day.

The Redwoods stretch across a vast area in California and Oregon, so the first step is deciding where you want to exchange your vows. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Closest Airport and Town: Many Redwood parks are quite a trek from the nearest city or airport. Make sure to consider travel logistics for you and your guests when picking your spot.
• Permits: Wedding permits can vary depending on the park, with some being stricter than others. A quick online search should get you started, but if you’re unsure, feel free to reach out to us—we’re happy to help!
• Weather: The Redwoods are beautiful year-round, but checking the National Park or State Park websites for weather updates and any potential closures is always a good idea.

The California Redwoods are stunning in every season, but here’s what we recommend for your wedding:

• Spring: Our top pick for a Redwood Forest elopement. The forests are at their greenest and most vibrant in the spring, making it the perfect backdrop for your big day.
• Summer: A close second, summer brings warmer and sunnier days while still maintaining moderate temperatures. For example, Hannah and Zac’s July wedding enjoyed a comfortable 80°F during the day and cooled to around 50°F at night. Keep in mind, though, that summer can also mean more crowds. The location you choose will impact this, so a little research will go a long way in finding a quieter spot.

Whether you’re drawn to the lush greenery of spring or the golden light of summer, the Redwoods offer an unforgettable backdrop and we’re here to help you plan your dream forest wedding.

Planning a wedding in the California Redwoods is more than just choosing a beautiful location—it’s about creating an experience that feels uniquely you. From finding the perfect grove for your vows to blending forest and beach vibes, there’s no shortage of magic to be found. And the best part? You don’t have to navigate it all on your own.

At Scenic Vows, we’re more than just photographers—we’re full-service planners who specialize in helping couples craft unforgettable elopements. Whether it’s securing permits, scouting hidden gem locations, or planning every detail down to the bonfire, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our goal is to make your day stress-free, deeply personal, and full of the kind of moments that stay with you forever.

So if you’re dreaming of a Redwood wedding that combines natural beauty, adventure, and meaningful connection, let’s make it happen together. Reach out to start planning a day that’s as extraordinary as your love story.