You’re dreaming of an elopement wandering through the towering redwood trees. You want to see some of the tallest trees on earth and say your vows to each other in this larger than life location. But between the National and State Parks in California, there’s a lot of locations to choose from, and it can feel difficult to narrow down. To make things easy for you, I 10/10 recommend Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (often shortened to Jed Smith) as the best Redwoods elopement destination, and I’ll break down exactly how to elope in the park so you’re not left guessing!

Planning your elopement is something I help all the couples I work with do! Learn more about my Redwoods photography packages.

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Why You Should Elope in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Jed Smith is my favorite of the Redwoods destinations for so many reasons! 

• Easy to access trails with beautiful old growth redwoods groves
• A straightforward permit process
• Beautiful pre-approved ceremony sites
• Ability to find privacy and seclusion
• Not far from the Southern Oregon Coast

When to Elope in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

The first step in planning your Jed Smith elopement is to figure out the best timing. There are some important things to consider for each season that can have a big impact on your elopement day, so here is a quick breakdown. 

Spring Elopements 

Pros: You’ll be surrounded by beautiful greenery and all of the new growth of spring. This is the shoulder season, so you’ll also encounter fewer crowds. 

Cons: Spring gets more rain than summer and fall, and the temperatures can be chilly. If you’re looking for a more moody, rainy vibe on your day, this is the season to plan for. Keep in mind though, if you are planning to add in a stop on the coast during your elopement, spring is one of the windiest times of year on the coast!

Summer Elopements 

Pros: Summer is going to have the warmest weather for your elopement and you’re less likely to have a rainy day. It’s also a beautiful time of year on the coast, so you can easily head there after exploring the Redwoods.

Cons: This is peak tourism season in the Redwoods, so you’ll want to plan around busy times in the park and work with your elopement photographer to ensure you can avoid crowds. It’s also peak mosquito season, so don’t forget your bug spray!

Fall Elopements

Pros: Fall is a lovely time to elope in the Redwoods. You’ve got great cooler weather and it tends to still be dry. It’s also the shoulder season, so it won’t be overcrowded. Fall is also a lovely time on the coast, so you can more easily combine a day in the Redwoods with a day on the coast!

Cons: Early fall is the sweet spot for the pros I mentioned above. As you go further into the fall though, you’re more likely to get rain, and you’ll get shorter and shorter daylight hours.

Winter Elopements

Pros: This is the best time of year in the Redwoods for privacy, as there are far fewer crowds. 

Cons: This season has the highest chance of rain and even sometimes snow. It will also be pretty chilly!

Want a full breakdown of when to elope in the Redwoods? Check out this helpful blog on when to elope and when to avoid!

Plan in Advance

When you’re figuring out when to elope in the Redwoods, one of the most overlooked pieces of advice is to plan well in advance. If you are planning a last minute elopement, you may have your permit application rejected and have to pivot locations for your ceremony.  

If you’re on a tight timeline, I highly recommend doing just photos in the Redwoods or planning for the nearby Oregon Coast instead. Learn more about my Oregon Coast elopement photography and planning services. 

Where to Elope in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Once you’ve decided when you’re eloping, it will be time to decide where to elope! Here’s a breakdown of the ceremony process for Jed Smith + a secret hack I love to share that you may not be considering!

Pre-Approved Ceremony Locations in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

There are several designated ceremony sites within Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park:

• Templeman Grove (up to 10 guests)
• Organ Donors Grove (up to 10 guests)
• River Trail (up to 8 guests)

They don’t look like much to write home about if you are looking at just the Park website (seriously, the photos look like they were taken on someone’s old cell phone…), but these spots are actually super beautiful in person and rival anything else you’ll find on the trails. I would highly recommend any of the three for your Redwoods elopement ceremony, especially as you don’t have to worry about crowds and other hikers traipsing by in what are often pretty narrow areas on the other trails. 

Here are three quick snaps from MY cell phone – gorgeous. Something I provide to the couples I work with are video walk throughs of elopement locations so you can get a true feel for where you’ll be eloping before you choose a spot! Learn more about my Redwoods photography and planning assistance.

Where to Take Elopement Photos in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

For just taking photos together and exploring, the options are much more open. You can take photos at any of the trails in Jed Smith, you’ll just need to apply for a special use permit for the date and times where you will be. 

I’ve explored many of the trails in Jed Smith and can help you find the perfect spot for photos and exploring. Learn more about my Redwoods elopement photography. 

How to Apply for Your Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Ceremony/Photos Permits

Yes, the process looks opaque – I’m here to help. Here are some things to know (as of my writing this in July 2026):

• You need to apply for a Special Use Permit with California State Parks
• You can apply up to 6 months in advance of your event, the minimum lead time is 45 days
• You should contact the permit coordinator before filing your Special Use Permit to ensure your location and date are available: NCRD.Permits@parks.ca.gov
• Exact costs may vary at the time of processing, but you should anticipate a fee of at least $300, there is an additional $20 fee you would be responsible for if your photographer will not be using the photos in their portfolio 
• If your photographer is planning to use the photos in their portfolio, then they would need to apply for a California Film Commission Permit for $100, which they would be responsible for paying

Things change frequently – make sure to check the California State Parks website for the latest guidance.

Do the Official Ceremony on the Oregon Coast Instead

Okay, secret hack time. Save yourself time, energy, and money and do your official ceremony on the Oregon Coast instead of in the Redwoods. The Southern Oregon Coast is just 40 minutes away from Jed Smith, so you can very easily start your day in the Redwoods doing photos together and exploring, then head over to the Oregon Coast and make things official. Typically, no permits are required on the Oregon Coast for ceremonies under 50 guests and if you don’t have any special set up (arches, chairs, etc.). 

You’ll still need a permit to take photos in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, but it’s so much easier to apply for that than it is to get a ceremony site. You can also do this on a shorter timeframe than if you are needing to apply for an approved ceremony site.

What Activities to Include in Your Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Elopement

In my eyes, no elopement is complete without fun activities that make the day unique to you! Here are some suggestions for making your Redwoods elopement epic. 

• Horseback riding. There are horseback riding stables that allow eloping couples to book a trail ride through the Redwoods or on the coast. 
• Go fishing. Bring your fishing poles and cast a line in the scenic Smith River.
• Have a picnic. Find a clearing or head back to your cabin for a romantic picnic.
• Hiking. Explore the beautiful groves of redwood trees. 
• Chilling at your Cabin. Whether it’s an early morning making breakfast together, cuddling up on the couch, or soaking in the hot tub after a long day exploring, there’s nothing better than chilling at your scenic cabin.
• Explore the Oregon Coast. Just 40 minutes away is one of the most epic coastlines in the world. Why not include some time exploring?!

Part of my elopement photography services is helping you plan an intentional elopement day that captures who you two are as a couple. Learn more about my Redwoods elopement photography.

Travel Logistics for Elopements in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Nearby Airports

The best airport to fly into for a Jedediah Smith Redwoods elopement is in Medford, Oregon. Rogue Valley International is serviced by the major airlines and is only a two hour drive away. 

Where to Stay for Your Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Elopement

There are many cute cabins around Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, but keep in mind that this is a pretty remote area so options can be limited, especially during peak season. When you’re searching, look in the areas of Brookings, Smith River, and Crescent City for the best options. 

You should also think about what kinds of amenities you’d like your stay to have: fire pit, hot tub, etc. 

Finding the best stays and figuring out the logistics is something I help my eloping couples with. Learn more about my Redwoods elopement photography.

FAQs

Can we bring our dog to our Redwoods elopement?

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on any of the California Redwoods National or State Park trails. This is to preserve the environment at each site. If you would like to include your pet in your elopement, I recommend incorporating them at the place you are staying or having your elopement on the nearby Southern Oregon Coast. 

Can we bring flowers for our Redwoods elopement?

Fresh and dried flowers are also not permitted on the trails. It’s important to follow this rule so you don’t disrupt the sensitive environment of the redwoods. 

Your Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Elopement Photographer

When it comes to planning your elopement, you don’t have to have everything figured out right away. I specialize in Jed Smith Redwoods elopements and help couples navigate the planning process, from where to elope to creating an elopement day that feels unique and personal. Learn more about my Redwoods elopement photography services.