Old-growth coast redwood canopy at Muir Woods National Monument
Visitor Guide

Muir Woods Weddings & Elopements: Permits, Costs & Requirements

Muir Woods Weddings & Elopements

Saying “I do” under 1,000-year-old redwoods is possible, but the permit process is narrow and the restrictions are real. Here is what the National Park Service actually requires.

At a glance$760 total permit cost ($700 fee + $60 application). Ceremonies only, no reception. Weekday mornings (9–10 AM) or late afternoons (4–6 PM) only. Closed to weddings on weekends between March 15 and October 15. Maximum 25 guests. Apply at least 60 days in advance.

Permit Requirements

Cost

A Muir Woods wedding special use permit costs $700, plus a non-refundable $60 application fee. The $760 total covers the ceremony itself. Every guest and member of the wedding party also pays the standard $15 per-person park entrance fee, which is not included in the permit fee.

Guest cap

Maximum 25 people total, including the couple, officiant, wedding party, photographer, and all guests. This is a hard limit — there is no way to exceed it. If your guest list is larger, Muir Woods is not the right venue.

Time windows

Ceremonies are permitted only during two daily windows:

  • Morning: 9:00–10:00 AM
  • Late afternoon: 4:00–6:00 PM

These windows avoid peak visitor hours. Your ceremony must begin and end within the window — you cannot arrive at 8:30 or stay until 10:30.

Seasonal blackout

No wedding ceremonies are permitted on Saturdays or Sundays between March 15 and October 15. The park is too crowded. Off-season weekends (October 16 to March 14) are bookable. Weekday ceremonies are allowed year-round.

Approved Ceremony Locations

Muir Woods has a handful of designated ceremony sites within the monument:

  • Bridge 4 area — the most popular spot, a small clearing near the fourth wooden bridge at the end of the main trail
  • Cathedral Grove — Permitted for very small groups only; this is the quiet-zone of the park and the NPS limits ceremonies here
  • Founders Grove — A grove with a stone bench dedicated to John Muir’s early supporters

The NPS assigns your location based on availability and group size. You cannot guarantee a specific spot in advance.

What Is Not Allowed

  • No reception. The permit covers a ceremony only. You cannot serve food, cake, or drinks inside the monument.
  • No chairs, arches, or props. Nothing may be placed on the forest floor or leaned against trees.
  • No amplified sound. No speakers, no microphones, no recorded music. Acoustic instruments are fine.
  • No rose petals or rice. Nothing may be thrown or scattered, biodegradable or not.
  • No drones. Unmanned aircraft are prohibited in all national park units.
  • No pets. Muir Woods does not allow dogs, including service pets beyond ADA definitions.
  • No exclusive use. The park remains open to visitors during your ceremony. Expect hikers to walk past.

Photography Rules

A paid professional photographer is permitted but must be listed on the special use permit. The photographer cannot bring additional lighting, reflectors, or assistants without separate clearance. Tripods are allowed if they do not block trails.

Photography-only permits (no ceremony) are a separate product and also require advance application. See our photography guide for general park rules.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the National Park Service. You must apply at least 60 days in advance; most couples apply four to six months out, and popular dates book up quickly.

  1. Download the Special Use Permit application from nps.gov/muwo
  2. Submit with the $60 non-refundable application fee
  3. Wait for NPS review (typically 30 to 45 days)
  4. If approved, pay the $700 permit fee
  5. Receive signed permit — keep a physical copy on the day

The NPS Wedding Coordinator for Muir Woods is listed on the official park website. Contact them before applying to confirm date availability.

Alternate Venues Nearby

If Muir Woods does not fit your day — too many guests, wrong time window, reception needed — these Marin County venues deliver a similar look:

Mountain Home Inn

Above Mill Valley on Panoramic Highway. Redwood-framed deck with Mount Tam views. Handles weddings up to 120. Includes full reception.

Pelican Inn

Muir Beach, 10 minutes from Muir Woods. English-style country inn with ceremony lawn and reception rooms. Cap around 80 guests.

Muir Beach Overlook

GGNRA overlook with open ocean and Mount Tam views. Requires a separate special use permit, similar cost structure to Muir Woods. No reception facilities.

Stinson Beach Community Center

Indoor community hall rental with beach access. Affordable. Check availability directly through the Stinson Beach County Water District.

Roy’s Redwoods Preserve

Marin County Parks land in San Geronimo Valley. Similar old-growth look, Marin County permit (not NPS), lower fee, no NPS-level restrictions.

Before You Book