Caitlin and Alex got married under the canopy of giant redwood trees in Humboldt Redwoods State Park with a small group of their closest loved ones.
The day started at their AirBNB where Caitlin and Alex enjoyed a slow morning while getting ready for their elopement day. They rented a unique round house with sweeping 360-degree views of the rolling hills around Garberville.
Once ready, they shared an intimate first look on the patio and exchanged vows with one another. It was a beautiful, warm and sunny day – perfect for these two to see each other in their wedding attire for the first time.
We then set off for a drive up Highway 36 to their ceremony location in the Avenue of the Giants within Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Caitlin and Alex chose the Grieg-French-Bell Grove to have their ceremony. Their ceremony was short and beautiful, officiated by a close friend. Caitlin and Alex then celebrated by pouring champagne and spending time with their small group of family and friends.
Once the wedding guests left, Caitlin, Alex, and I set off to explore the redwoods. We explored the grove around their ceremony site, checking out the winding paths through the ferns and observing the magnificent trees. We then set off down the road to check out the Founder’s Grove and to take more photos there, eliciting many “congratulations!” from park visitors on the way.
The next part of our journey involved a bit longer of a drive, that was well worth it. My husband, Joe, and I followed Caitlin and Alex down the windy and steep road that leads to Shelter Cove on the Lost Coast. The road was so steep and windy that their rental car’s brakes started to get red-hot and smoke! We pulled over for a snack break to let them cool and to have Joe take a look at them to be sure they were safe.
We made our way to Black Sands Beach and continued to explore the area and capture more photos of the newlyweds before eventually parting our ways.
These two were such a sweet couple and had traveled all the way from the midwest to explore the beauty that Northern California has to offer. I am so grateful to have been a part of their special day.
How to Get Married in Humboldt Redwoods State Park
In order to get married in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, you must submit (at least 45 days in advance) a completed Special Event permit, Certificate of General Liability Insurance, Threatened and Endangered Species Addendum, and non-refundable special event permit application fee to the park for processing. The permit fee will depend on the location being requested. Be sure to contact the permit coordinator before making plans or submitting paperwork, and read more information here about the process.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park is a popular location, so most wedding ceremonies will likely not be private. In my experience, people generally are respectful, quiet, or leave the immediate area.
The park is located not far from Ferndale, Fortuna, Eureka, and Arcata that all offer places to stay, great food, and more things to do.
Best Time of Year to Get Married in Humboldt Redwoods
- Spring (March–May): Shoulder season. Mild weather with blooming wildflowers; an excellent time for hiking and photography.
- Summer (June–August): Peak season. Warm days, cool nights, and frequent morning fog, perfect for camping.
- Fall (September–November): Shoulder season. Often warm, sunny, and quiet; fall colors.
- Winter (December–February): Low season. Quiet and serene, but wet, with most of the inches of rain falling during this time. Restrictions on permits during this time (reach out to the park’s permit coordinator for more information).
Planning your own Northern California Elopement?
I’m here to help! Elopement planning can seem like an overwhelming process, that’s why I am here to guide you every step of the way to help you find the best locations, activities that the two of you love, and to build the perfect timeline for your wedding day.
All Redwood Elopement Packages Include:
- Elopement Planning Guide
- Location research + customized location guide
- Help with permit applications for national or state parks
- Expert planning assistance
- Stress-free timeline building
- Activity, lodging, and vendor recommendations
