How to Plan a Wedding in Muir Woods
Ultimate Guide for Planning a Wedding in Muir Woods
(with pricing, photos, and video)
Planning a wedding in Muir Woods is a dream for many nature-loving couples. The towering redwoods, calming atmosphere, and intimate environment create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable celebration. However, organizing a wedding in this iconic park requires careful planning, from obtaining permits to understanding the limitations at this popular elopement venue.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to plan the perfect wedding in Muir Woods – step by step.
TLDR
– Muir Woods is easily walkable and centrally located between SF and Napa Valley.
– Muir Woods wedding permits start at $60 for up to 30 guests.
– Weddings in Muir Woods are done before 10AM or after 4:30PM and are ceremony only, no reception.
– Bad cell phone service, limited ceremony options
Why a Wedding in Muir Woods
Muir Woods is a stunning location to visit, let alone get married in. The picturesque nature of Muir Woods and the central location between San Francisco and Napa Valley makes it a very popular spot to celebrate. It’s incredibly well-maintained (1.5 miles of ramps and mostly flat trails make it very easy to walk) and only allow ceremonies before 10AM or after 4:30PM, ensuring you and your guests have more privacy.
A Muir Woods Elopement
There are few areas more perfect and convenient than a Muir Woods elopement. An elopement in this Bay Area forest means you and your partner can have the perfect outdoor wedding surrounded by centuries old trees. Eloping here allows you time to focus on intention while allowing for some awesome photography. It’s an ideal location for a wedding that combines a love of the outdoors and an appreciation for nature.
How to Book a Muir Woods Wedding
Permit Application: Fill out a permit application at this site ($60 non – refundable application fee)
Email: goga_permits@nps.gov
Note: Submitting an application does NOT mean your permit request has been approved
It takes 4-15 business days for initial permit application review
Once your permit is approved, it can take several months for your permit specialist to write your permit
- NPS accepts applications up to a year in advance
Muir Woods Fees / Muir Woods Wedding Permit and Size
Muir Woods is a national park, so you will still need to complete a permit (starting at $60). Regardless of the size of your group (even if it’s just the marrying couple and an officiant), all events need to be processed and approved in advance, with appropriate permits
- Permits are required for any size group (maximum of 30 guests)
Muir Woods Wedding Venue Restrictions
Firstly, there is very LITTLE TO NO CELL SERVICE in this park so keep this in mind! Given the nature of the Park, no animals, chairs, decor, music, or reception is allowed. Having a wedding in Muir Woods means it is strictly a standing ceremony location (although there are a few benches) so plan on a reception elsewhere (read below for recommendations).
Muir Woods Elopement Packages
My photo packages start at $1400, and associate photographer packages start at $1000 for up to 2 hours.
Videography packages start at $1000 which include a 2 – 3 minute highlight reel and all unedited footage.
Best Months for a Wedding in Muir Woods
This site shows the best hour by hour weather to help plan your wedding at Muir Woods
Muir Woods Wedding Photography and Walkthrough
Post Ceremony Reception Ideas
Since Muir Woods only allows ceremonies, you will need to find a reception location that best fits your style. If you want to minimize the commute, San Rafael provides a nice compromise for cuisine options and proximity, while San Francisco will have more variety. Check out my food and drink recommendations for San Francisco and my recommendations for San Rafael.
Muir Woods Trails
For those more adventurous types, perhaps adding a hike before or after your Muir Woods wedding speaks to you! Take a look at this trail guide to help in your planning.
Conclusion
Deciding on a Muir Woods wedding in my experience is best for couples who love the outdoors and want a gorgeous backdrop for their celebration, regardless of number of people. With its affordability and simple process to booking a wedding, Muir Woods is on top of many lists of best places to elope in San Francisco and is easily the most popular redwood wedding venue in Northern California.
If you are flexible with location, check out these other Redwood Forest Wedding Venues. If you are looking for the North Bay specifically, these other Marin County Wedding Venues might help as well.
Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below!
415 756 9335
ianchinphotography@gmail.com
San Francisco, CA 94118
