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Many local couples have Muir Woods weddings and it is a magnificent and unique place, but as a national park it comes with unique rules. You can only have certain kinds of celebrations, and it will be perfect for some couples… and absolutely wrong for others. We’ll help you sort it all out!
What kinds of weddings will be spectacular: Small, low-tech ceremonies that are looking for the awe-inspiring perspective of these huge and inspiring redwoods.
What kinds of weddings won’t work well: Large events, weddings that last longer than a half hour, events that use electricity, amplifiers, speakers etc.
Restrictions on Muir Woods Weddings and Events
We’re going to get the negatives out of the way immediately, since there are so many positives for weddings that fit within the National Park Service rules.
Here are the restrictions on weddings at Muir Woods, which are intended to keep the scope, style and noise levels from disturbing the natural peace and beauty of the park:
— Maximum size is 30 people
— No weekend or holiday weddings in Muir Woods from March 15 through October 15, when crowds are the largest. Weekdays during this period are OK.
— Ceremonies must be before 10:00 AM or after 4:30 PM, again to avoid the crowds.
— No space for receptions (see below for link to a reception site nearby on the mountain)
— No chairs — everyone will have to stand. (Check with the Park if you have guests who are disabled, since the staff will go out of their way to see that these guests are accommodated.)
— No lectern, music or singing, so the soundtrack will be the sound of the wind in the trees and the birds in the forest. (And that &%&%%$^ motorcycle in the parking lot!)
Booking and Accommodations for the Wedding Party
If these Muir Woods weddings lead you to pick this wedding site, call the Special Park Uses Group for details at 415-561-4300 and they’ll be able to answer all your questions. Don’t hesitate to ask about things you’d like to include — they’re nice people and there may be a twist they suggest that makes your wedding extra special. As long as you follow the intent of the rules there are often clever ways to make your plans work even in such a carefully guarded space.
Another nearby option is the Muir Woods Park Community Association clubhouse, which can handle a reception with up to 75 people, and the beautiful Mountain Home Inn is also close by.
The Pelican Inn is located down the western side of the mountain about 3 miles (5 km) via Muir Woods Road and close to the ocean in the tiny village of Muir Beach, and also hosts weddings and receptions.
The National Park Service list of GGNRA Wedding Sites lists many additional choices in the area, and nearby Sausalito also has many great options that have fewer restrictions than National Parks.
