Forest Elopement at Armstrong Redwood State Natural Reserve | Kyle & Ilse

Kyle and Ilse had a gorgeous forest elopement at Armstrong Redwood State Natural Reserve. Today we’re taking you on a magical journey to relive their stunning elopement. Picture this: a beautiful July day with the sun shining, the lovebirds beaming, and their closest friends and family, along with nature’s beauty, surrounding them. Talk about a fairytale come true!

How They Met

Let’s rewind a bit to how these two found each other. It all started at a middle school Kyle and Ilse both worked at. Ilse was a therapist at the school and Kyle was a case manager, so they ended up working together quite often. Their work relationship became a friendship, and the friendship led to a relationship. And that led to us planning and capturing their forest elopement!

Fast forward through years of shared adventures like exploring foreign countries, tasting new dishes at new restaurants, and cherishing moments with their pup, Bentley. They knew they wanted to incorporate adventure into their elopement day, too. We had the absolute pleasure of getting to know them throughout their elopement planning process. Witnessing the love and care they have for each other was nothing short of amazing!

Their Elopement Timeline

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty details of their elopement day. It was a whirlwind of joy and love and lots of wonderful moments! 

2 pm – The excitement began as Kyle and Ilse got ready at a charming Airbnb, surrounded by big smiles and lots of anticipation.

3:30 – Off we went to make our way to Armstrong Redwood State Natural Reserve.

4:00 pm – The moment we’d all been waiting for! They had a heartwarming elopement ceremony (officiated by Lee) amidst the towering Redwoods.

4:15- What’s a Redwoods elopement without a first dance among the trees? That memory is sure to last a lifetime.

4:30 – Next up were family and friends photos. Seeing everyone radiating joy was contagious!

4:45 – Cue the cake-cutting and toasting! The couple’s friend curated personal charcuterie boxes that stole the show—what a unique and delightful touch!

5:15 – We couldn’t leave the park without a few more couple’s portraits for good measure.

6:00 – Then, we were off to Shell Beach for a change of scenery. We set out for beach photos and a hike!

7:15 – At Goat Beach Lookout, the golden hour was in full swing, and the couple popped champagne against the backdrop of a spectacular sunset—pure magic!

8:00 – As the day came to a close, so did their elopement. Everyone left with hearts full of joy and memories to cherish… including us! 

Their Forest Elopement Ceremony

Armstrong Redwood State Natural Reserve is a hidden gem nestled next to Guerneville, which is a super cute town with amenities, cute shops, and big trees. To tie the knot in the park, they got a permit for $400. Permits at Armstrong can be obtained within thirty days of your ceremony date, and the staff is very quick and easy to work with. Not to mention, we can handle this for you so your elopement planning is a totally stress-free process! 

Within the park, there are two locations that are permitted for ceremonies—the theater area and the small group picnic area. Kyle and Ilse opted for the latter and said their “I dos” surrounded by the Redwoods and about twenty-five of their closest friends and family. 

After saying their vows and sealing them with a kiss, they shared a sweet first dance among the trees before heading back for photos with their family and friends.

Their Forest Elopement Reception

After their elopement ceremony, the celebration continued with an intimate reception. Guests watched as Kyle and Ilse cut their wedding cake, and they enjoyed the lovely charcuterie boxes curated by the couple’s friend—so unique and such a hit!

Following the reception, the adventure continued to Shell Beach for epic photos and a scenic hike. But the day wouldn’t be complete without the grand finale at Goat Beach Lookout, where they popped champagne and admired a breathtaking sunset backdrop. 

Truly, Armstrong Redwood State Natural Reserve is the best of both worlds. It’s a forest wonderland and beachside beauty within a mere twenty-minute drive of each other! It’s an absolute gem for couples desiring a private and serene elopement. The intimate setting, combined with its proximity to all essential amenities, makes it a dream come true. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable celebration filled with love and tranquility, look no further!

Your forest elopement planner, photographer, and videographer team