I met Emma and Josh at their ceremony location in Williams Grove, located just outside of Myers Flat. Williams Grove is a large, day-use area located within Humboldt Redwoods State Park that is an excellent location for those eloping with a few guests. The couple was joined by their two canine companions and a handful of their closest family and friends.
Emma and Josh exchanged vows under the canopies of the giant redwood trees. After the ceremony, they celebrated with their loved ones and signed the marriage certificate on the tailgate of their Toyota pickup that was well-decorated for the newlyweds. The couple hugged their goodbyes and three of us (and the two dogs of course!) adventured up Highway 101 to the next destination.
We stopped at Founder’s Grove to explore and take photos amongst the ferns and giant trees. This spot is one of my favorites due to the abundance of vegetation in the understory and a pretty spectacular uprooted tree root-cluster. On this day, the sunlight filtered through the tree canopy providing beautiful, fairytale-like lighting for their couples portraits.
After exploring, it was time for food. We made a pit stop at a taco truck in McKinleyville for some fresh seafood tacos. It was just the boost we needed to continue our adventure up the coast!
The final stop was Trinidad. We hiked out to Elk Head and down to College Cove for sunset on the beach. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect way to spend your wedding 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
