Prairie Creek Redwoods Elopement

Ruth and Ryan’s gorgeous Prairie Creek Redwoods Elopement took place in mid October, on a foggy and moody day that was just what my new friends wanted. Let me explain. When R&R contacted me about eloping somewhere surrounded by greenery, they had one request. “We don’t want to be hot.” They said. When their elopement day dawned with rain, mist, and coastal fog – these two were the happiest I’ve seen!

Redwoods Elopement in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

After looking over my interactive map and thorough Redwoods Elopement Guide for ceremony locations, the pair settled on a trail location in the state park. Surprisingly, the permit process was quick and easy for us and we were approved within a few weeks for their small elopement ceremony in the dreamy forest. Ruth wore perhaps the largest, longest gown of my entire photography career (that’s 15 years, folks). While hiking around with it wasn’t the most practical choice, the Prairie Creek redwoods elopement photos that we got were to die for. See for yourself – it was a fairytale come true!

Fern Canyon Elopement Photos – Prairie Creek State Park

First let me say that getting married at Fern Canyon is not permitted. It’s important that you know that Ruth and Ryan were already married and only took portrait photos here. You should also know that this location requires getting your feet wet in the ankle deep ice cold water. But most of all, you’ll see how magical it is and how dreamy it was to be there on their foggy elopement day. The walls of this lush canyon are dripping with fern fronds that make you feel like you’re in Jurassic Park. Because I went barefoot, my feet looked like red ice pops afterwards, but I wouldn’t have traded it for the world.

Prairie Creek State Park Elopement Timeline

This relaxed pair chose to have a loose schedule of their day and not rush anything. They got ready at a unique airbnb near Crescent City and had their first look on the property. We drove into Prairie Creek state park for their ceremony and explored a beautiful leaf laden bridge afterwards. I even played their most romantic song on my phone speaker to give them a little first dance in front of a house-sized redwood tree. Soon, it was time for pizza on the beach with their immediate families. Add on a late afternoon adventure to the stunning fern canyon, and we were all pooped by the time we made it back to the airbnb for a catered dinner and cake.

Congratulations Ruth & Ryan on your fairytale elopement in the redwoods!

Want to have your own Elopement in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park? Contact me!

The newlyweds received over 700 photos less than a month after their elopement. I am a niche photographer that creates a custom experience for two people to have the most fun possible on their elopement day. That looks different for everyone – and I love it that way. To get me on board as your elopement planner, facilitator and photographer, don’t wait to book your date. I service National Parks across the west, California, and destinations beyond.