Did you know the west coast is the only place redwood trees grow in the United States? We really are blessed with multiple species of these epic, ancient trees. Name a better backdrop for your wedding day!

Forests might be hard to come by in Southern California. While Northern California boasts redwoods abound, like Redwoods National and State Parks, SoCal has beautiful coastlines and vast deserts dominating the landscape. But just a few hours from Los Angeles, you’ll find Sequoia National Park, featuring a collection of some amazing sequoia groves.

Come for the epic trees, stay for the rolling wildflower hills, alpine mountain views, and running waterfalls.

Wedding Permits for Sequoia

Permits are almost always necessary for national park weddings and elopements. The good news is that permits are here to protect the land and ensure there aren’t two ceremonies happening at the same time in the same location. As a bonus, they’re typically cheaper than a wedding venue.

A special use permit for the park is just $150. There are a few things to note for this permit:

A permit holds your spot for 3 hours
Chairs are generally not allowed unless a guest needs them
Permits are not issued for holidays
Applications must be submitted a minimum of 60 days before the date

Head to the permit page, read through all requirements, and apply at the bottom.

Getting a permit does not waive entrance fees for you and your guests. Entrance fees range from $20-35 per car. I highly recommend getting your entrance pass the day before, or getting the annual pass. The annual pass is just $80, so within 3-4 national park visits, it pays for itself. There are also discounts for military, seniors, or ADA needs.

Marriage Licenses for Sequoia National Park

To get married in Sequoia, you’ll need a marriage license from California. If you’re coming from out of state, you’ll need to get this document from Tulare County Clerk-Recorder in Visalia, which is just an hour outside the park. If you’re in-state, a marriage license can be picked up from any county clerk, as long as it goes back to that same office.

Here’s the quick and easy steps for how to get a marriage license:

Search for the local county clerk’s office.
Apply online for a marriage license.
Make an appointment to pick it up together with your IDs.
Bring it to your wedding ceremony to be signed.
Deliver it back to the same county clerk’s office in person or via mail.

How to Fill Out a Marriage License

Where to Get Married in Sequoia National Park

Sequoia makes it easy for you by giving a lsit of pre-approved ceremony locations. Pick one of these beautiful locations from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.

Wait—there’s another park? Yes, Sequoia and Kings Canyon are very close together, so they’re often grouped together and sometimes referred to as “SEKI” (SEquoia and KIngs Canyon).

Sequoia National Park

Beetle Rock: An overlook with less sequoias but a view over the forest on a granite rock. 75 people are allowed and it’s a short walk to the overlook. Available in any season.
Halstead Meadow: A beautiful meadow view. 20 people and 4 cars are allowed, but you can’t go into the meadow. Available spring through fall as the road can be impassable in the snow.
Crescent Meadow: Another beautiful meadow view. 30 people and 10 cars are allowed, but you can’t go into the meadow. Available spring through fall as the road can be impassable in the snow. You must take the shuttle to this location in the summer months and holidays.
Long Meadow / Wolverton: Another beautiful meadow view. 100 people and 30 cars are allowed, but you can’t go into the meadow. Available in any season.
Lost Grove: The only location on this list with redwoods. According to their site, wedding are not permitted at the base of sequoia trees. 25 people and 5 cars are allowed. Available spring through fall as the road can be impassable in the snow.

Kings Canyon National Park

Panoramic Point: An overlook with a mountain view. 15 people and 5 cars are allowed. Available late spring through fall as the road is impassable in the snow.
Muir Rock / Road's End: A rock overlooking a river. 20 people and 10 cars are allowed. Available May through October as the road is impassable in the snow.

Don’t love these spots? They might be a suggestion. Reach out to the park and ask about other locations before applying.

Bonus Wedding Spots Similar to Sequoia

Sequoias are unique—even compared to other redwoods. They’re often thicker and have a more reddish-orange bark. So this might be the only spot to find them, outside of SEKI and Yosemite. However, there are some similar spots.

Yosemite National Park: This park may not be known for redwoods, but there are 3 groves!
Redwoods National and State Parks: A conglomerate of the national park and a few state parks, this area protects a ton of rich, old-growth forests.
Bay Area: You can find trees all around! Find redwoods in the Peninsula (south of San Francisco), in parts of East Bay and Oakland, and in North Bay at spots like Muir Woods.

None of these fit your vibe? Reach out and we can discuss your location needs!

How to Get Married in the California Redwoods

Wedding Venues Near Sequoia

Have a larger wedding party or guests with accessibility needs? Or maybe you just want to throw a huge party with catering and events. Either way, there are a few options for venues nearby.

Redwood Ranch: Located in Three Rivers, this rustic venue and ranch has plenty of room for larger weddings, while still being close enough to the park for portraits. This spot is closed until 2027 for renovations.
Wuksachi Lodge: A hotel where you can host a wedding or reception for 50-100 people. This spot is inside the park!

Bring Your Dog to Your Sequoia Elopement or Wedding

Pets are generally not allowed in national parks, with some exceptions. They’re allowed in parking lots, on paved roads, in campgrounds, and in picnic areas. In this park system, they aren’t allowed on any trails. For that reason, I recommend leaving your pets at home or in a pet-friendly rental or hotel.

How to Bring Your Pets

Keep Sequoia NP Clean: Leave No Trace

The places we love are worth protecting, even on your wedding day!

You or your guests might be unfamiliar with the area or with Leave No Trace (LNT) guidelines, so it’s important to learn everything before you arrive.

Keep these guidelines in mind when visiting Sequoia:

Pack it in, pack it out. Take trash with you, even orange peels!
Dispose of waste in proper receptacles.
Obey signs if they tell you to stay on the trail. Alpine areas like meadows can be delicate.
Don’t disturb local flora and fauna, and don’t feed animals. Yes, you might see bears here!
Watch where you step—don’t crush the brush.
Don’t set fires if there’s a ban.

Leave No Trace for Weddings and Elopements

When to Get Married in Sequoia

This park gets some serious elevation, and fast! That means the park can experience spring flowers and winter snow at the same time.

Here’s a quickie guide to season in the lower elevations and foothills of Sequoia:

Spring: Lower elevations experience spring flowers, making a great backup plan if there are road closures at higher elevations. It can still be busy at this time.
Summer: Temperatures can be very warm in the summer. Wildfires and prescribed burns means smoke can sometimes be present.
Winter: A more mild time at low elevations. However, rain is likely during this time.
Fall: Early fall can be warm, but in general, temperatures are mild.

TLDR: Elope here in the spring or fall.

Here’s a quickie guide to season in the higher elevations and redwood groves in Sequoia:

Spring: Spring is variable. There can be snow as late as May, which means road closures are likely.
Summer: The best time to visit the groves if you’re hoping to get up there. Also the time with the most crowds. Wildfires and prescribed burns means smoke can sometimes be present.
Winter: Many of the roads close during this time.
Fall: Generally mild as snow typically starts in the winter.

TLDR: Elope here in the summer

Lodging: Where to Stay in Sequoia

Decide first where you want to stay: inside the park, or in a nearby town such as Three Rivers. Options in the park might be limited on services, while options in town might have better access to shops.

Hotels and Lodges in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Hotels inside the park book up fast! Don’t wait to grab a spot.

Wuksachi Lodge: A lodge and hotel with a restaurant and gift shop in Sequoia.
John Muir Lodge: Another lodge, this time in Kings Canyon with activities and a restaurant.
Grant Grove Cabins: Historic cabins in Kings Canyon with access to activities.
Cedar Grove Lodge: A seasonal lodge in Kings Canyon with a gift shop.
Pear Lake Winter Hut: For the true adventurers! This historic cabin is available to stay at, but there’s a catch. It’s in the backcountry and you need to be able to ski or snowshoe to get there.

Hotels and Rentals in Three Rivers

Three Rivers is the gateway town for Sequoia National Park. You’ll find places to stay and plenty of restaurants and shops. Here’s some standouts:

Hillside home with spectacular views: Beautiful views and an amazing deck.
Beautiful Secluded Cottage: Clean interior on a beautiful property.
Mountain Summit View: A cabin on a huge piece of land with beautiful views.
Retro Riverfront: A colorful interior with river access.
Botanist Cabin: A stylish cabin with water access.
Sequoia Mtn View Yurt: A unique stay in a circular home.
Awake Luxury Mirror House: A well-designed, mirrored home with a sauna, water access, and more.
Riverfront Castle Retreat: A unique interior and beautiful grounds.
The River Jewel Suites: Charming suites along a river.

Want the rustic feel? Stay at a nearby campground or glamping spot like Autocamp.

Getting Around (Planes and Cars)

You’ll want to rent a car for this park. Most of the roads are paved, albeit winding.

Flying in? Here are the options:

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): 4-5 hours from the visitors center. This will likely be the cheapest option.
Fresno Yosemite International Airport: Under 2 hours from the visitors center. This airport is small, so they’ll have limited flights and higher prices.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO): 5-6 hours from the visitors center. This is a better option if you’re visiting other parts of California, such as Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes, Lake Tahoe, or other NorCal locations.

Fun Activities for Your Sequoia Wedding

Hiking: Redwoods, waterfalls, viewpoints, and rolling hills. There are plenty of beautiful places to hike to.

Watch sunset: Places like Moro Rock and Sunset Rock are great spots.

Fishing: You can fish in the park, as long as you have a license to do so.

Horseback Riding: Take a guided tour or bring your own horses.

Backpacking: Opt for the best adventure—go backpacking for your elopement!

Rock Climbing: Image climbing in your wedding attire, what’s more exciting? Come equipped with your knowledge and gear.

Picnicing: Bring your favorite foods, a blanket, some drinks, and have your own picnic!

Fun Activities for Your Elopement Day

Hiring Vendors in Sequoia National Park

Sequoia is remote, but luckily you have access to nearby towns and cities such as Fresno and Bakersfield, which will widen the search for wedding vendors. Hiring someone from one of these locations? Just be aware that they might have travel fees.

Best Advice for Getting Married in Sequoia

Limited cell reception: You won’t have reception in the park. Download maps ahead of time or plan places to meet up.
Road closures: It’s always good to check for road and park closures before you leave. Snow and wildfires can impact roads. Coming in the winter? Bring chains!
Winding and steep roads: Speaking of roads, heading up to the groves means steep and winding roads. Pay attention while driving and bring medication if you get car sick easily.

Learn bear safety: Sounds scary, but wild animals are a reality in our parks. Get informed about bear safety so you’re repared and comfortable.
Bring layers: The park ranges from 1,000 to over 6,500 feet in elevation. Bring layers!

Book Your Sequoia National Park Elopement Photographer

I’m a desert girl, but the redwoods have grown on me over time. I first visited this park as a child with my parents, and was in awe and how beautiful it all was. Now, I travel all over and have seen so many redwoods—from Oregon and the North Coast, all the way through Yosemite. And I still love this area!

Whether it’s a two-person elopement, a rugged adventure wedding, or a joyful ceremony with your closest people—I’m here to capture the love and magic of your day in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Need a Sequoia wedding photographer to capture all of the magic? Book with Love & Latitudes Outdoor Wedding and Elopement Photography today!

How to Elope in Sequoia National Park

Wedding Permits for Sequoia

Marriage Licenses for Sequoia National Park