When these two reached out to me, they were in the beginning of planning their micro-wedding. We had met while I was photographing their friend’s wedding in Colorado, so I felt so honored when they thought of me for their redwood forest wedding. We chatted through location options, from Colorado to California and about their vision for their wedding day. Among “the big trees” was something that we kept circling on so it seemed so fitting to find a laid back spot in a redwood forest to tie the knot with their closest people around.

Redwoods Wedding Ceremony

The Russian River area feels like the perfect forest getaway, just an hour and a half north of San Fransisco. The vibes of the area make for a cozy and quaint experience surrounded by the outdoors. There are many spots in Russian River to get married, from cozy lodges to riverside spots, but the redwoods area such a special part of the area. It’s also nearby many popular vineyards, and just a half hour outside of wine country.

The Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is ten minutes outside of Guerneville. The park has towering redwoods, views of rolling hills, and feels serene. In May, it felt much lower traffic than other popular redwood parks, making it so ideal for a wedding. Couple’s can get married at the picnic area with a special events permit booked in advance.

The couple got ready at a VRBO in the area with their friends and family. It was the perfect landing spot to do puzzles, make home cooked meals, and visit the local wineries.

For their couples portraits roaming the Redwoods, we captured their personalities (they are both adventurous professional performers). The bride brought her sword along for photos as well! The park is relatively small, making it easy to roam while being close to town, but there are many trails and outcoves with tall trees.

Wedding Reception in Guerneville

Just fifteen minutes away from where they got married, the couple and their family enjoyed a private room at Boon Eat + Drink for their reception. It was a cozy accommodation with great food for their 12 guests.

This place has me wanting to return. From our cozy stay at the Highlands, to the slow adventure that the area brought, it was a gem.

If you’re looking a place to get married in the redwoods, that offers easy accessibility to the city, but feels like a getaway – let’s chat. I’d love to help capture your wedding weekend in the trees.

Photography by: Kelly Miller Studios