A Redwoods wedding feels different the moment you arrive—it immediately sets a slower, more grounded tone for the entire day. In Kathryn and Jeff’s case, their Redwoods wedding unfolded during peak lupine season in Northern California, when soft purple wildflowers begin lining the roads just outside the forest, adding an unexpected layer of color to an already incredible landscape.
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Katherine & Jeff’s Redwoods Wedding
Here’s a two-day Redwoods wedding we photographed with Katherine & Jeff. Their day is a good reminder that a Redwoods wedding doesn’t follow a strict timeline—it follows the forest.
Katherine & Jeff chose to have a micro wedding, keeping their guest count small so the experience could feel intentional, relaxed, and fully connected to the environment.
We started on May 18th, right in peak lupine season, when the roads just outside the Redwoods start showing off a little—soft purple wildflowers lining the edges like the landscape is casually saying, “yeah, I’ve got range.”
Other California Micro Weddings Here
How to Plan a Micro Wedding | Free Guide & Checklist
Day 1
We began the morning at Emerald Forest Cabins & RV, where everything felt intentionally slow in the best possible way. From the start, it was all about easing into the day—getting ready photos, coffee in hand, and that quiet pre-ceremony energy where everyone is trying to act calm, while still checking everything three times just in case something shifted when no one was looking.
From there, we made our way into the forest for their ceremony at Lost Man Creek Trail. And honestly, there’s no elegant way to say it—the Redwoods have a way of making every person feel about two inches tall. As a result, it becomes both humbling and a little funny, even slightly existential if you stand still long enough. Essentially, the trees feel like they’re quietly reminding you: “don’t worry, we’ve been here longer than your entire family tree combined.”
After the ceremony, we transitioned toward the Redwood Highway sign area, where lupine was blooming along the coast and soft color stretched across the landscape. Then, as the light shifted, we wrapped Day 1 back at Emerald Forest Cabins & RV, easing into a reception in Trinidad.
Overall, nothing felt overly structured—just food, conversation, and that post-ceremony energy where everyone softens a little around the edges and, naturally, nobody feels in a rush to check the time.
Day 2
We started at Founders Grove, where the trees seem to gently insist you look up more than you look forward. Notably, Katherine and Jeff had been here before, so this wasn’t a new discovery—it was more of a “we have to come back here” kind of place.
From there, we gradually moved deeper into the Redwoods and eventually ended along the Avenue of the Giants, where even the road feels like it’s part of the experience.
Ultimately, Day 2 unfolded slowly and without force—exactly the kind of stillness that lets the Redwoods do most of the storytelling for you.
What is a Micro Wedding?
A micro wedding here at Running Wild Studio typically includes 20–50 guests and, as a result, blends the intimacy of an elopement with the structure of a traditional wedding—truly the best way to get the best of both worlds.
Here’s how we define it:
- Elopement → Just the couple or a small handful of guests (typically under 20), flexible, experience-focused
- Micro wedding → A larger guest count (20–50), more structured, with intentional elements like a ceremony, guest experience, and often a reception
- Traditional wedding → A larger guest count (typically 75+), more formal and timeline-driven, often hosted at a dedicated venue with a full day of events including a ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, with a stronger focus on logistics, coordination, and hosting a bigger group
It’s that middle space where you still get meaning, presence, and connection—without the overwhelm of a full-scale wedding production.
If you want to learn more on How To Plan a Micro Wedding, check out this guide!
Where Are the Redwoods?
When people say “the Redwoods,” they’re usually talking about the protected forest along the Northern California coast, made up of both Redwood National Park and the connected Redwood State Parks.
Together, they create one continuous stretch of old-growth forest, rugged coastline, and parkland along the Pacific.
Most couples base themselves in one of three coastal towns:
- Trinidad — A small, scenic town that’s perfect for lodging, receptions, and quick access to both the Redwoods and the beach.
- Crescent City — A larger town further north with more accommodations and direct access to Redwood National Park locations.
- Eureka — A middle size town 30 mins from Trinidad. Perfect for lodging, receptions, and quick access to both the Redwoods and the beach.
Where to fly into for the Redwoods?
The easiest airport to fly into is Arcata–Eureka Airport (ACV), which is about 10–15 minutes from Trinidad and, in addition, roughly 1.5–2 hours from Crescent City.
Most couples choose to rent a car, since getting around the Redwoods requires driving between locations, trails, and coastal spots.
Why Choose a Wedding in the Redwoods?
A wedding in the Redwoods isn’t just about towering trees or pretty light (though you’ll get plenty of both). It’s about stepping into a place that feels quiet, grounded, and a little bit unreal—in the best way. It’s the kind of setting where everything slows down, where the noise fades out, and what’s left is you, your people, and a moment that actually feels like yours.
You still get:
- A meaningful ceremony surrounded by ancient forest
- Your closest family and friends actually present
- Time to connect instead of rush through moments
And you skip:
- Huge guest lists that feel impossible to manage
- Tight, stressful timelines
- The pressure of a traditional venue schedule
So instead of a production, the day becomes something slower, softer, and more intentional
How much does a Redwoods Wedding Cost
he truth is—there’s no one-size-fits-all number for a Redwoods wedding. It really comes down to how you want your day to feel.
For some real context, one of our couples, Kathryn and Jeff, spent around $30,000 total on their Redwoods wedding. That covered everything—flights, hotels, food, outfits, photography, decorations, lodging, cake—the full experience of turning their wedding into a weekend with their people.
In general, most Redwoods micro weddings fall between $20,000–$45,000, depending on guest count, travel, and how elevated you want the details to be. More traditional weddings can range anywhere from $25,000 to $150,000+.
You’ve probably heard the national average wedding cost is around $35,000—but that number usually reflects large weddings (100–150 guests), where most of the budget goes toward simply hosting everyone. Catering, rentals, and staffing add up fast, which often means simpler choices like paper plates, BBQ, and plastic chairs.
And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that—some couples genuinely want a laid-back, community-focused day.
But if you’re envisioning something more elevated and intentional, that’s where micro weddings come in. With fewer guests, you’re not stretching your budget—you’re reallocating it. You can invest in incredible food, thoughtful details, and an experience that actually feels like you. And in the Redwoods, you don’t need much—the setting does most of the work.
How to Plan a Redwoods Wedding
Step 1. Planning a Redwoods wedding starts with getting your vision down early. First, start a Pinterest board and save everything that reflects the feeling you want for the day—this is where you can dream big and get clear on your overall aesthetic and experience.
Step 2. Next, write out a realistic budget and begin locking in your most important vendors, like your venue or ceremony location, photographer, and planner. These key pieces will shape everything else.
Step 3. After that, move into logistics. Start choosing your locations for the day, map out a rough timeline, and think through the small but important details—where guests will stay, how parking will work, and how everyone will actually move through the forest.
Step 4. Then, make your wedding announcement and begin communicating early details to guests so they know what to expect. Around this stage, it’s also helpful to decide what you want to prioritize on the day itself—whether that’s more guest-centered time, intentional moments alone together, or a balance of both.
Step 5. Prioritize guest experience from the start. Clear communication about terrain, weather, and footwear helps everyone feel prepared and present instead of distracted or unsure.
Step 6. Finally, keep your timeline flexible. A Redwoods wedding naturally moves slower—so building in buffer time allows the day to feel intentional, grounded, and fully connected to the forest.
Redwoods National Park and State Wedding Ceremony Locations (20 Guests or Less)
Not every Redwoods ceremony location is designed for larger gatherings; in fact, most of the most iconic forest sites are limited to small group elopements (typically 20 guests or fewer). Because of this, if you’re planning for 20 or more guests, we generally recommend holding your ceremony at a nearby venue or at an Airbnb that can comfortably accommodate your group.
If your guest count is on the higher end of a micro wedding, this is where planning becomes really important—because location selection directly impacts what is actually allowed.
Below are pre-approved Redwoods ceremony locations for small groups, along with their participant limits and seasonal availability where applicable.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park Ceremony Sites
These locations are some of the most commonly permitted forest ceremony spaces for small groups:
- Templeman Grove — up to 20 participants
- Organ Donor’s Grove — up to 20 participants
- Zig Zag #2 — up to 10 participants
- Schmidt Grove — up to 20 participants
- Prairie Creek Amphitheater — up to 20 participants (available Oct 25 – May 1)
Redwood National Park Pre-Approved Ceremony Locations
If you’re applying for a permit within Redwood National Park, you’ll need to select from approved ceremony sites. These locations require a $100 application fee and have strict guest limits.
- Crescent Beach Day Use — up to 20 participants (available Oct 25 – May 1)
- Crescent Beach Overlook — up to 20 participants (available Oct 25 – May 1)
- High Bluff Overlook — up to 20 participants
- Lost Man Creek Gate — up to 20 participants
Check out the permitting system here
Do You Need a Permit to get Married in the Redwoods?
Yes—almost always.
Permits help regulate:
- Guest count
- Ceremony setup
- Environmental protection
At RWS we get your permit for you, but if you want more information click here!
A Few Small Notes When Planning a Wedding in the Redwoods
Most Redwoods ceremony sites are designed for intimate groups of 20 people or less.
So if your micro wedding guest count is over 20, we typically recommend moving your ceremony to a more flexible location—like an Airbnb with outdoor space or Emerald Forest Cabins & RV.
These types of spaces make it much easier to actually gather everyone together comfortably, without running into strict park limitations.
They also work really well for receptions, especially if you want the freedom to set up dinner, seating, and a more relaxed celebration after your time in the forest.
This approach keeps your day within park regulations, while still giving you a full, connected experience with all your people in one place.
Redwoods Wedding Venues
The Redwoods offer some of the most unforgettable wedding settings in the Pacific Northwest and Northern California—towering trees, quiet forest light, and deeply immersive natural landscapes. From lakeside ranches to coastal forest retreats and cabin-style resort venues, couples can choose between fully hosted wedding properties or more laid-back, camp-inspired stays. These venues are ideal for couples wanting an experience that blends celebration, nature, and a true sense of place.
What Vendors Do I Need for a Redwoods Wedding?
A Redwoods micro wedding doesn’t require a long vendor list; instead, it only calls for a small, intentional team that can handle the forest, the logistics, and the flow of a multi-location day.
- Photographer (Us Waiving): A photographer who understands Redwoods lighting, guest group dynamics, and fast-moving multi-location timelines is essential for capturing the day naturally.
- Planner or Coordinator: A planner helps manage permits, timelines, guest logistics, and backup plans so your Redwoods micro wedding feels organized without feeling overproduced.
- Florist: A florist who works with natural, textural, forest-inspired design will keep arrangements feeling organic and aligned with the Redwoods environment.
- Catering or Private Chef: A catering team or private chef experienced with Airbnb or remote setups is ideal for hosting a relaxed reception after your forest ceremony.
- Airbnb or Stay Location Host Setup: A flexible stay location, such as an Airbnb or Emerald Forest Cabins & RV, often becomes the base for getting ready, hosting guests, and holding your reception.
- Additionally, Videographer (Optional): A videographer can be a meaningful addition if you want to capture the movement, sound, and overall atmosphere of your Redwoods micro wedding experience.
Best Months to Have a Micro Wedding in the Redwoods
The Redwoods are beautiful year-round; however, the experience of a Redwoods micro wedding can feel quite different depending on the season. Light, accessibility, weather, and even guest comfort all shift from month to month, shaping the overall feel of the day in subtle but meaningful ways.
May – June (Late Spring / Early Summer)
This is one of the most popular times for a reason.
Late spring brings:
- Fresh green forest tones
- Comfortable temperatures
- Seasonal wildflowers like lupine along the roadside
- Longer daylight hours for exploring after your ceremony
May, in particular, is when you start to see color pop outside the forest edges while everything inside the Redwoods still feels lush and cool.
This is a great window for couples who want a balance of good weather and vibrant scenery.
July – September (Summer)
Summer is the most accessible season in terms of travel and weather consistency.
You can expect:
- Warmer, drier conditions
- Easier guest travel and accommodations
- Clearer skies for coastal sunset photos
The tradeoff is that this is also the busiest season, so popular locations can feel more crowded and permits may book out further in advance.
Still, it’s a solid choice for a more predictable Redwoods micro wedding experience.
October – Early November (Fall Transition)
This is a quieter, often overlooked season—and honestly one of the most underrated.
You’ll see:
- Fewer crowds
- Softer forest light
- A slower, more peaceful atmosphere overall
Some coastal and beach permit locations also reopen or become more accessible during this window, which can add flexibility for ceremony planning.
It’s a great fit for couples who want a more private-feeling day.
Late November – April (Winter / Early Spring)
This is the most atmospheric season in the Redwoods.
Expect:
- Mist, fog, and frequent rainfall
- Deep, dramatic greens in the forest
- Very quiet trails and locations
While it can be incredibly beautiful, it also requires more flexibility. Some ceremony sites and beach permits are limited during this time, and backup plans are essential.
That said, if you love moody, cinematic conditions, winter can be unforgettable.
Things to Think About When Planning a Redwoods Wedding
Parking
Parking in the Redwoods isn’t always straightforward. Many ceremony locations have small lots, scattered pull-offs, or require a short walk to reach your spot. It’s important to scout this ahead of time, understand capacity limits, and have a plan if guests arrive at different times. Carpooling, clear directions, and even a designated meeting point can make a big difference in keeping things smooth and stress-free.
Guest Experience
- A great guest experience in the Redwoods comes down to helping people feel prepared, comfortable, and able to fully take in the environment without stress.
- Plan parking early since many Redwoods locations have limited or spread-out parking areas
- Clearly communicate walking distances, uneven terrain, and trail conditions (roots, mud, slight elevation)
- Send a pinned map or exact GPS coordinates—service can be spotty in the forest
- Let guests know what shoes to wear (heels and forest floors don’t mix well)
- Keep the pacing slow so everyone can move comfortably through the space
- Build in breathing room for guests to pause, explore, and take in the surroundings
- Consider accessibility—bring portable seating or choose a ceremony spot with minimal walking if needed
- Provide small comforts like water, light snacks, or even blankets if it’s cool and shaded
- Prepare guests for the temperature shift—the Redwoods can feel much colder than nearby towns
- Have simple signage or a person guiding guests if your location is tucked into the forest
- Share a clear, easy timeline ahead of time so no one feels lost or unsure
Lodging For Guest
Lodging in the Redwoods is often spread out between small coastal towns and more remote forest stays. Instead of large hotel blocks, you’ll typically be working with a mix of cabins, inns, and vacation rentals. It’s helpful to recommend a few trusted areas or properties to your guests, keeping drive times in mind. Choosing lodging within 20–30 minutes of your ceremony location helps keep the day relaxed and prevents unnecessary travel stress.
Crescent City, California
- Oceanfront Lodge
- Lighthouse Inn
- Anchor Beach Inn
- Beachside Inn
- Curly Redwood Lodge
Trinidad, California
- Emerald Forest Cabins & RV
- View Crest Lodge
- Trinidad Inn
Eureka, California
- Eureka Inn
- Best Western Plus Humboldt Bay Inn
- Red Lion Hotel Eureka
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Eureka
Photography
- Photography during a Redwoods micro wedding works best when the day feels unhurried and natural. The forest sets the pace—so building a flexible timeline allows for better light, smoother movement, and more genuine moments.
- Don’t overpack the timeline—less is more when everything takes a bit longer in the forest
- Build buffer time between locations for walking, regrouping, and adjusting as needed
- Keep groups moving gently so no one feels rushed or overwhelmed
- Build in organic moments—time to wander, interact, and let things unfold naturally
- Be ready for a mix of candid and posed photos, regardless of the photographer’s style
- Plan extra time for portraits since the light shifts quickly under the trees
- Choose locations that are relatively close together to avoid long travel delays
- Be intentional with first look and ceremony timing to make the most of soft, filtered light
- Limit the number of “must-have” photo spots so you can stay present instead of rushing
- Expect small delays (parking, hiking, gathering people) and plan around them
- The best Redwoods micro wedding photos happen when there’s room to breathe, explore, and let the day unfold naturally.
Redwoods Wedding Venues Across California (Outside the National Parks)
If Northern California doesn’t quite work for your Redwoods wedding, don’t worry—there are stunning redwood groves all across the state. That means you’re not limited to national parks or one specific region when it comes to finding the right setting. From the Santa Cruz Mountains to Big Sur and beyond, these venues offer that same towering forest feel with more flexibility for planning and guest experience.
- Waterfall Lodge — BEN LOMOND, CALIFORNIA
- Kennolyn’s Stone Creek Village — SOQUEL, CALIFORNIA
- Glenoaks — BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA
- Roaring Camp — FELTON, CALIFORNIA
- Ventana Big Sur — BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA
- UC Botanical Garden — BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA
- Sparrow Valley Retreat — APTOS, CALIFORNIA
- Deer Park Villa — FAIRFAX, CALIFORNIA
Other Forest Locations for Your Wedding
If you love the idea of a forest wedding but the Redwoods aren’t quite the right fit, there are so many other beautiful options to consider. From alpine forests in the mountains to mossy, fern-filled woodlands, each setting offers its own kind of magic. And just like the Redwoods, these locations create a naturally immersive, intimate atmosphere without needing much added decor. Sometimes it’s simply about finding the forest that feels the most like you.
- Sequoia National Park, California USA
- Hoh Rainforest, Washington State USA
- Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina USA
- Cebu, Philipines
- Costa Rica
Check out our Hoh Rainforest Guide or this stunning Forest Elopement
Other California Locations That are Great for a Wedding
If you love the idea of a Redwoods wedding but want to explore beyond the forest, California has no shortage of incredible locations to choose from. From coastal cliffs to rolling vineyards and desert landscapes, you can still create a day that feels just as intentional and experience-driven. It’s all about finding a setting that aligns with your vision while keeping that same magic you’re drawn to in a Redwoods wedding.
- Yosemite, California USA
- Big Sur, California USA
- Mammoth, California USA
- Sequoia National park, California USA
- Death Valley, , California USA
Check out this beautiful Yosemite Micro Wedding
Redwoods Wedding Packages
Our Redwoods wedding packages are designed to keep planning simple, intentional, and rooted in the experience of the forest. To start, each package is built around flexible coverage that works with the natural pace of the Redwoods, rather than forcing a strict timeline.
Typically, we include photography, timeline guidance, and location support to help everything feel smooth and stress-free from start to finish.In addition, we help with key logistics like permits, guest flow, and choosing ceremony locations that fit your group and vision.
Our Redwoods wedding packages start at $7,200, with options to customize based on guest count, coverage, and how your day is structured.
Thinking About a Redwoods Wedding?
If you’re leaning toward a Redwoods wedding, it doesn’t have to feel bigger or more complicated than it already does in your mind. Most couples we work with aren’t chasing a perfectly polished wedding day—they’re hoping for something calm, meaningful, and genuinely connected to the people they love. In the Redwoods, so much of that intention naturally falls into place. Time slows, the noise fades, and there’s space for moments that unfold without feeling rushed or staged. From there, everything else simply comes together. If that’s the kind of experience you’re envisioning, we’d love to help you bring it to life.
