Enchanting California Redwoods + Oregon Coast Elopement
Amber + Garrett
The Couple and Their Decision to Plan an Elopement in the Redwoods + Oregon Coast
When I first got in contact with Amber and Garrett, they were DREAMING of eloping among the giant trees in California. The word ‘ethereal’ and ‘magnificent’ came up multiple times.
We talked through all of the possibilities from Sequoia National Park to eloping in Big Sur to the giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park.
Ultimately, we decided that Redwoods National and State Parks was perfect as it was in such close proximity to Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor in Oregon and Amber loved the idea of combining both the moody, rugged coast with the enchanting forest.
Once we decided on location, we started talking about timing. I suggested early fall so they could experience optimal weather but also more seclusion. The fall is the shoulder season in this area, meaning they would get cheaper rates on things like lodging and there wouldn’t be near as many people around compared to summer months, thus giving them more privacy and seclusion. Though being in the shoulder season, I knew that the earlier months of fall like September and October were still really great weather wise—the area doesn’t receive quite the rainfall it does in the later November into winter months and the temperatures are still very comfortable.
From a Family Commitment Ceremony and Exploring the Redwood Forest to a Sunset Coastal Vow Ceremony, This is How Amber & Garrett Planned Their Elopement
We started the morning off at a super gorgeous and secluded cabin. There wasn’t another house in sight and the only thing you could hear was the water of the river running. Amber and Garrett were able to find this cabin resort of 3 cabins sitting together and it was just the perfect size for them and their closest family that was attending.
The morning was filled with their closest people helping them prepare for the day. Amber’s sister did her hair and makeup while her mom watched teary-eyed in the corner. Another one of Amber’s sisters was doing Amber’s daughters’ hair and preparing them for the day. After Amber was all finished, her mother helped her get into her beautiful wedding dress.
In the other room, Garrett’s brother-in-law helped him get in his tux and make sure everything looked pristine. Then, Garrett’s mother came and pinned his boutonniere and a very sentimental memento of Garrett’s late father onto his suit lapel.
Once they were all dressed, Amber and Garrett shared their first look right on the shore of the river, with absolutely no one else around. They soaked in the moment of just being the two of them in the beautiful scenery before heading back into the cabin to prepare to head out for the rest of the day.
We first stopped in the Redwoods to explore the giant trees and share a family commitment ceremony. It was super important that Amber and Garrett celebrated their two daughters in this marriage as well, so they wanted to create a whole second symbolic ceremony to signal the meshing of their family coming together. Amber’s two sisters found a unity ceremony and completely surprised everyone with it—every person in the family had their own designated flower, and they combined all the flowers to create a bouquet. It was such a beautiful moment and every single person present was shedding a tear (me, included—I couldn’t help it).
After exploring the magic of the forest, we stopped in Crescent City for an early dinner. We ate some delicious food, took in some scenery from the coast right outside, and all laughed big belly laughs (and more tears) over toasts.
We then made our way over to Secret Beach in Oregon for their legal ceremony on the beach. We all hiked down and found the perfect spot on the beach to set up for their ceremony. We all then spent some time taking in the beach and all the golden tones.
A bit before sunset, we ventured back up the trail and headed to a nearby beach to set up their reception beach campfire. We arrived just in time for the most magical cotton candy skies as the sun dipped below the horizon. Amber + Garrett then shared a first dance in the campfire light while their favorite artist—Elvis—played on vinyl. Afterwards, they shared dances with their mothers and daughters while the sky slowly faded to black. It was the perfect way to soak up every single moment of the day.
Sally’s Tips for Planning a Redwoods + Oregon Coast Elopement:
If you are planning an elopement in the Redwoods and Oregon Coast—or any other popular nature location for that matter—here are a few things to keep in mind to make your elopement experience more private or secluded.
Elope on a Weekday
One thing that I have noticed in exploring these gorgeous areas that are easily to access is that there is a larger influx of people on the weekends when most are typically off work. The last thing I want for you on your elopement day is to be distracted by the amount of people walking by on the trail rather than being present in the moment you say “I Do”. That’s why I encourage all of my couples to choose a weekday for their elopement.
Consider Having Your Ceremony on the Oregon Coast + Explore the Redwoods Separately
While you can technically have your ceremony in either park, there is a lot less technicalities when it comes to the Oregon Coast. As long as your group size is smaller than 75 people and you do not have any large objects being set up like an arch or seating, you don’t need a permit at all to get married on the coast in Oregon!
Redwoods National and State Parks has pre-approved ceremony locations and, often times, the group sizes are pretty limited. Every single ceremony and vow exchange happening on the Redwood park grounds requires a Special Use Permit that ranges from $100-$200.
So, having your ceremony along the Oregon Coast and just visiting the Redwoods for some exploration and photos is usually the best way to go as it is more laid back.
Research Marriage Licenses
Once you have your ceremony location picked out, you’ll want to make sure you research the laws of that state and arrive with plenty of time to pick it up. If your ceremony will be in Oregon, be sure to pick up your license in Oregon and vice versa if you plan to have the ceremony in California.
Oregon Marriage Laws: You must have an ordained officiant (hi, I’m one as well and always offer to sign as my couples’ officiant for free—ask me more about this if you’re interested) and 2 witnesses to get married in Oregon. If you’re eloping just the two of you, don’t fret! Other park visitors are usually stoked to sign as a witness. Note that Oregon does have a 3 day waiting period from picking up the license until you can actually use it to get married. You can also have this waived by paying an extra fee at the office when you pick up the license.
California Marriage Laws: You must have an ordained officiant (hi, I’m one as well and always offer to sign as my couples’ officiant for free—ask me more about this if you’re interested) and 1 witness to get married in California. If you’re eloping just the two of you, don’t fret! Other park visitors are usually stoked to sign as a witness. California does not have a waiting period, so you can get married immediately after leaving the office!
“This whole experience was something straight out of a fairytale!! Sally is so good at what she does! From the very beginning she made us feel comfortable and excited for this journey! She helped us plan and gave us everything we needed to make this wedding better than a dream. She took us to some of the most beautiful spots and after receiving our sneak peak the pictures are better than I could have imagined! Sally is amazing and we highly recommend!”
READY TO START PLANNING YOUR ELOPEMENT? REACH OUT NOW!
Hey, I’m Sally! I’m a destination adventure elopement photographer based in Washington, but traveling worldwide!
