Elopeing in the Redwoods

If you want to elope, elope. Although, I'm not a big believer that you should still have the reception, especially because it sounds like you don't want it.

We almost eloped to Muir Woods. My dream slipped away...

Do it you won't regret it. Don't have a big wedding just to make other people happy

My dream was a redwood ceremony and I wish we had followed through with the elopement

Do it! I just made a last minute switch to an elopement (but with a few guests) and I am finally actually excited for the wedding. I have many friends that eloped also and none of them have ever regretted it.

That sounds amazing! Do it!

What if you brought your parents with you though?

If you want to elope and skip out on the big wedding shenanigans, I think that's wonderful! But I think to keep the reception is kind of contradicting yourself

You should do what makes you happy. The Redwoods have nice cabins to stay in if you do elope.

As everyone else has said, if it's what you truly want, do it! You could rent a cute Airbnb to get ready in, then hike somewhere to say your vows. The ceremony itself would likely be as simple as hiring an officiant, getting a permit for your photo/video crew, and then finding a gorgeous spot.

If there are people that you want to include (such as parents, siblings, etc), there's nothing stopping you from inviting them. We originally planned on eloping, but ended up inviting 12 guests and it was still intimate and special for us.

Most of our couples who elope or have an intimate destination wedding also have a reception back at home. So it's definitely not weird! That way you and your FH have your special moment together and then you can celebrate with the people you love.

It sounds beautiful! Do what feels best for you and your FH. I agree with PP, would it be possible to include your parents?

While possible to include parents, my mom continues to hijack our wedding plans and then complain when we want to do something different, hence why we already have a larger wedding in the works currently but aren't really feeling it. My FFIL also will not get on a plane to get to California (We're in Iowa.) but had offered to purchase us tickets if we want to go!

I think you do what you want to do and dispense with the after party if it's not what you want. We do a tremendous number of elopements every year, and all my officiants love them. You will be just as married at the end!

We are doing our ceremony outside on a cliff on state park land in California. To have no decorations and only 25 people for an hour only costs $125 and there is no need for decoration of any kind cause it's gorgeous just the way it is. Definitely look into it, the redwood forests are really magical.

Double post, sorry. I can never tell if the ones with pictures are actually loading or not.

View Quoted Comment Hi there! We unfortunately had to cancel our wedding and are looking for a spot to elope. Your pictures are gorgeous. What state Park was that?


Thanks!