Permit requirements at Jedediah Smith Redwoods and other California Redwood Locations.

If you’re dreaming of saying your vows in the redwoods, you’re not alone. These forests are some of the most magical ceremony locations in the world — and I’ve built my career capturing love stories beneath these towering giants.

But here’s something most couples don’t realize:

Not all redwoods are managed the same way.

The region is a partnership between:

Redwood National Park (federal land)
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

Even though they operate together as “Redwood National & State Parks,” permit rules differ depending on land ownership.

STATE PARKS

If you are:

Shooting elopements
Doing paid sessions
Styled shoots
Workshops

👉 You need a California State Parks film permit.
And yes — they’ve tightened this up in recent years.

This includes:

Stout Grove
Howland Hill Road
Grove of Titans
Most Smith River access points

🌲 Where Permits Are Most Strict

State Parks (Most restrictive)

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

California State Parks classify paid elopement photography as commercial activity.
These are typically the areas requiring advance permit submission.

National Parks:

Federal land (National Park Service).

Under current NPS rules:

Small crews
No props
No arches/chairs
No blocking trails
No drone

👉 Usually NO permit required for standard photography.

If you start setting up ceremony structures → permit required.

National Park location:

Pre-approved locations [$100 application fee]:

Crescent Beach Day Use - 20 participants
Crescent Beach Overlook - 20 participants
High Bluff Overlook - 20 participants
Lost Man Creek Gate - 20 participants
Berry Glen - 6 participants

other Park location we can use: Require day use fee!

Florence Keller

Ruby Van Deventer County Park

PHOTOS COMING SOON

What is allowed and prohibited in Redwood National Park?

Time and Date:

Permits will be issued for day use hours only
Permits are not generally issued around major holidays due to high visitation numbers

Flowers and Decorations:

Live or dried natural plant/flower material is prohibited. This includes cut flowers for bouquets and potted plants. Live plant materials may contain insects or unwanted pests that could be introduced into the park. Silk, wood, or paper flowers are allowed
The releasing of doves, butterflies, balloons, or other types of items is prohibited
The throwing of birdseed, rice, flower petals, confetti, or other items is prohibited.
Feeding wildlife is prohibited (36 CFR 2.2(a)(2)).
The use of arbors, arches, stands, risers, or other similar props is prohibited
The attaching of ribbons, flowers, balloons or signs to vegetation, rocks, or existing NPS signs within the park is prohibited
The placement of signs or other event notifications along roads or on signs is prohibited
Food service and alcohol are not permitted

The Bottom Line

The redwoods are protected for a reason — and I fully support that.

My job is to make sure you:

Get the magic
Stay compliant
Feel relaxed
Have an unforgettable experience

If you’re considering a Redwood elopement and want help choosing the right location, reach out — I’d love to guide you.

Lets talk............. Oregon

Alfred A. Loeb State Park is beautiful and has overgrowth with big trees.

For couples wanting that same lush, moss-covered redwood magic without navigating California’s permit timelines, Southern Oregon offers incredible alternatives. One of my favorite hidden gems is Alfred A. Loeb State Park, located along the Chetco River near Brookings. This park features some of the northernmost natural redwoods in the United States, with towering trees, soft fern-lined trails, and golden river light that feels straight out of Jedediah. It offers a peaceful, intimate forest atmosphere while staying on the Oregon side of the border — making it a beautiful and often more flexible option for redwood-inspired elopements and portrait sessions.

Redwood Nature trail

Alfred A. Loeb State Park

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Redwood National vs. State Parks: What My Couples Need to Know