The Best Spot for Redwood Engagement Photos in Santa Cruz ; Henry Cowell (You Can Totally Steal It)
- Joy Moon
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read

Dreaming of redwood engagement photos in Santa Cruz? Here’s why Henry Cowell State Park should be at the top of your list.
Let’s be real—those stunning redwood engagement photos you keep seeing? The ones that feel like they were ripped straight from a magazine? You can have those too. And no, you don’t need to hike 10 miles or hire a Sherpa to carry your dress. I’m here to share the secret (because I don’t believe in gatekeeping): Henry Cowell State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
It’s one of the best spots for engagement photos in Northern California—especially if you're dreaming of that deep forest, giant redwoods, earthy-meets-elegant vibe.
Why Henry Cowell State Park Is The Spot for Redwood Engagement Photos in Santa Cruz:
Easy access: $10 parking, and an easy walk into the forest (plan on 15–20 minutes). Totally doable—even in boots you insist are “actually really comfy.”
Light for days: Thanks to the redwood canopy, you get beautifully diffused light throughout the afternoon. I recommend starting around 2:30–3:00pm. It starts getting darker around 4:30, so we’ll want to make the most of that golden glow.
Endless variety: You’ll find fallen redwood logs, winding trails, and quiet, cinematic corners that make your engagement session feel like a story—without trying too hard.
And here’s the kicker: your redwood engagement photos in Santa Cruz won’t just look good. They’ll feel like you
Let’s make this happen.
If you’ve been feeling major FOMO over other people’s forest-core engagement shoots, consider this your sign. Let’s head to Henry Cowell State Park, wander into the redwoods, and get those unforgettable engagement photos you’ve been dreaming about.
Ready to explore Henry Cowell together?

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