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Get Married at Muir Woods National Monument Self-Book Venue Guide
Here's exactly how to get your permit, what it costs, and what to expect, from the Our Little Wedding team.
Marin · Self-Book Venue Guide
Can you get married at Muir Woods National Monument?
Yes. A Muir Woods National Monument micro wedding is one of the most rewarding self-book ceremonies in Marin, you handle the permit, and the setting does the rest. Capacity is up to 25 guests.
Parking at Muir Woods is extremely limited and requires advance reservation. Coordinate a shuttle from Sausalito or Mill Valley for any group over 8 people.
In brief
Muir Woods National Monument micro wedding: book it yourself with a permit, keep it to 25 guests or fewer, and bring everything in. We can coordinate the permit, the vendors, and your day if you’d like a hand.
The Details
What to know
Capacity
Up to 25
Guests for an intimate ceremony at Muir Woods National Monument. We usually recommend 20–30 for the best experience in this kind of setting.
How to book
Permit required
Contact the GGNRA Office of Special Park Uses: goga_permits@nps.gov or (415) 561-4300. Ask specifically about Muir Woods wedding permits, as the ceremony coordinator handles these.
Lead time
Plan ahead
Ceremony windows: 9:00–10:00 AM or 4:00–6:00 PM only. No weekend ceremonies March 15–October 15 (weekday-only during this window). Off-season weekend availability is limited, so contact the office early.
Sound policy
Acoustic only
No chairs, arches, props, or any items placed on the forest floor or leaned against trees. No amplified sound, speakers, microphones, or recorded music, acoustic instruments only. No rose petals, rice, confetti, balloons, or drones. Ceremony only, no reception, food, or drinks inside the monument.
Good to know
Bring it in
Parking at Muir Woods is extremely limited and requires advance reservation. Coordinate a shuttle from Sausalito or Mill Valley for any group over 8 people.
How to book
How to book Muir Woods National Monument for your ceremony
The exact process, sourced from the permit office and verified by our team.
1
Step 1
Contact the GGNRA Office of Special Park Uses: goga_permits@nps.gov or (415) 561-4300. Ask specifically about Muir Woods wedding permits, as the ceremony coordinator handles these.
2
Step 2
Permit fee: $700 permit fee + $60 non-refundable application fee = $760 total. All attendees pay the standard park entrance fee ($15/person) and must have a timed entry reservation from gomuirwoods.com, which is separate from the wedding permit.
3
Step 3
Maximum 25 people total: couple, officiant, photographer, wedding party, and all guests combined. The park does not allow more than 25 for a ceremony permit.
4
Step 4
Ceremony windows: 9:00–10:00 AM or 4:00–6:00 PM only. No weekend ceremonies March 15–October 15 (weekday-only during this window). Off-season weekend availability is limited, so contact the office early.
From the Team
Things the permit office won’t tell you
OLW tip
Getting married in a redwood cathedral is as magical as it sounds. The morning light through the canopy at 9 AM is worth every constraint.
OLW tip
The 25-person limit is firm and includes everyone, so count your vendors carefully. Photographer + officiant + OLW coordinator = 3 of your 25.
OLW tip
Book 4–6 months out minimum. Popular dates, especially weekday slots in spring and fall, go quickly once the no-weekend window opens.
Where to go for dinner after
A couple of favorites near Muir Woods National Monument for celebrating once the ceremony’s done.
Bel Aire Supper Club
Mid-century supper club vibes, private dining room, Sausalito waterfront
15 min drive from Muir Woods
Murray Circle
Fort Baker restaurant with bay views, private event space
20 min drive
Other self-book venues
More venue guides to explore
A starting point for your shortlist. Every one is a real place we've planned or scouted, permit info, costs, and insider tips inside each guide.
Garrapata State ParkPfeiffer Big Sur State ParkRoberts Regional Recreation Area
Questions
Muir Woods National Monument wedding questions, answered
Do I need a permit to get married at Muir Woods National Monument?
Yes. Contact the GGNRA Office of Special Park Uses: goga_permits@nps.gov or (415) 561-4300. Ask specifically about Muir Woods wedding permits, as the ceremony coordinator handles these. Contact the GGNRA Office of Special Park Uses: goga_permits@nps.gov or (415) 561-4300. Ask specifically about Muir Woods wedding permits, as the ceremony coordinator handles these.
How many guests can I have at Muir Woods National Monument?
Muir Woods National Monument accommodates up to 25 guests for a ceremony. Our Little Wedding recommends keeping it at or under 25 for a comfortable, intimate micro wedding at this site.
How far in advance do I need to book Muir Woods National Monument?
Contact the GGNRA Office of Special Park Uses: goga_permits@nps.gov or (415) 561-4300. Ask specifically about Muir Woods wedding permits, as the ceremony coordinator handles these. We recommend starting the process at least 6–8 weeks before your date, or earlier for peak summer weekends.
What can I bring to Muir Woods National Monument, chairs, decor, flowers?
Parking at Muir Woods is extremely limited and requires advance reservation. Coordinate a shuttle from Sausalito or Mill Valley for any group over 8 people. Check with the permit office for the current list of allowed and prohibited items for your specific date and location.
You found the spot. Now let's make it happen.
Want us to coordinate the permit, vendors, and your day?
Our packages start at $4,500 for up to 10 guests. You make the calls, venue, photographer, caterer. We coordinate everything else, from the paperwork to the walk-through.
Free consultation · No obligation · We reply within 24 hours
Muir Woods photo: Corey Agopian, via Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
