California Elopement Guide: The Best Places to Elope in California
Everything You Need to Know to Elope in California
California is an elopement dream come true. We truly have everything – rugged coastlines, ancient redwood forests, snow capped mountains, sunny deserts… this state offers a breathtaking backdrop for every love story. As a California elopement photographer who has explored countless corners of this beautiful state, I’m here to share my favorite places to elope in California, along with all the details you need to plan your adventure!
Reasons to Elope in California
Before we dive in, let’s talk about what makes California such an incredible place to elope!
Diverse Landscapes
All of the best places to elope in California are so different from each other. This state offers unmatched diversity in its landscapes, which means you can create an elopement experience that’s uniquely yours. You can start your day in a misty redwood forest, or say your vows on a mountain peak, or enjoy the sunset on the beach… you could even do all of the above in one day!
Weather
The weather in California draws a lot of couples here in the winter. A lot of it tends to be mild and predictable, especially in Southern California and along the coast, giving you flexibility in planning. Don’t be fooled though – the mountains definitely have more extreme winters, and California has tons of different climates, so it’s not all sunshine! But, California does give you more flexibility in planning, and you can elope here any time of year. It’s also nice that there are usually backup options not too far away if weather doesn’t cooperate.
Tons to Do!
Along with the endless elopement locations, California is the perfect place to travel to. It’s a great getaway, a romantic honeymoon location, and you could truly spend weeks here. You’ll find great accommodations, amazing restaurants, and endless activities from wine country to skiing to hiking.
How to Decide Where to Elope in California
With so many options, the hardest part about your elopement might just be narrowing it down! Here are some key questions to ask yourselves as you start your search:
- What kind of scenery are you drawn to? Ocean, mountains, forests, desert?
- What time of year do you want to elope? California has options year round, so if the date or season is important to you, starting there can help narrow down your location.
- Is there a place that holds special memories for you? Or do you want to go somewhere totally new?
In my free guide, I have tips for deciding where to elope! It has prompts, ideas, tips, and questions to help you figure out what your perfect day looks like, and how you want to begin this new adventure together.
The Best Time of Year to Elope in California
California is huge – so the “best” time depends on where you decide to elope, as well as what kind of experience you’re looking for.
Summer Elopements in California
Summer is the most popular time to elope in California, especially in the mountains. The weather is warm, dry, and predictable, and this is usually the best time to tie the knot in the mountains and along the coast. High elevation locations in places like Yosemite are usually open, and areas in Northern California that tend to be rainy, like Big Sur and the Redwoods, are much warmer.
Desert elopements are a different story though. Places like Joshua Tree can see temperatures in the triple digits, so I would recommend avoiding the desert for summer elopements.
Fall Elopements in California
Fall is gorgeous in California, and one of the best times to elope! There are fewer crowds, since summers tend to be busy, the temperatures are crisp but usually still comfortable in early fall, and it’s a great time for outdoor elopements.
In Northern California, there’s some fall foliage in places like Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. But, the mountains can be more unpredictable, and snow often starts falling as early as October.
Fall is usually the best time to elope on the coast, as it’s actually less foggy in September and early October than in the summer! The Redwoods and Big Sur are less crowded, and the light feels more golden.
The desert is also perfect in the fall, with cooler temperatures that make hiking and exploring much more comfortable. September can still be quite hot, but October and November are usually pretty ideal.
Winter Elopements in California
You also have a few options for winter elopements in California, from winter wonderland in the mountains to places to escape the cold in Southern California.
If you like winter sports, snowshoeing, or just enjoy a cozy cabin in the snow, places like Lake Tahoe can be magical! Since it’s a ski destination, there are places that you can explore year round, and views of the frozen lake and snow covered peaks.
The desert can also be a great winter destination. The temperatures are mild, and places like Death Valley National Park, which is unbearably hot in the summer, is gorgeous with cooler weather and some desert wildflowers.
Winter is very rainy in coastal locations, but it can be a unique setting for an elopement! And, you’re likely to have a lot of locations almost entirely to yourselves.
Spring Elopements in California
Spring in California can be absolutely magical. Wildflowers cover hillsides and desert floors, the weather is usually mild throughout the state, and you’ll avoid peak summer crowds.
In places like Big Sur, spring can be rainy. It does make everything lush and green, but the tradeoff is muddy trails. Desert locations like Joshua Tree are perfect in the spring, with cooler temperatures.
Mountain locations are often still covered in snow into May or June, which can limit accessibility. But, Yosemite’s waterfalls are at their most powerful when the snow starts to melt.
The Best Places to Elope in California
Now, let’s dive into some of the best places to elope in California! Each of these places offers something unique, and can be a great place to create an unforgettable experience.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is one of the most iconic places to elope in California, and honestly, in the entire country. The dramatic granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and ancient sequoia groves create a sense of awe and wonder that’s hard to match anywhere else. Located about 140 miles east of San Francisco in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite has almost 1,200 square miles of wilderness. Half Dome and El Capitan dominate the skyline, while waterfalls cascade down sheer rock faces. The groves of giant sequoias offer a more intimate, forested setting for couples who want a quiet ceremony surrounded by giants that have stood for thousands of years.
Yosemite is one of the best places to elope in California for adventurous couples after those epic views. You can explore hiking trails, go rock climbing, or enjoy a cozy cabin surrounded by nature!
Permit: always required. It costs $150, and you can find the application here.
Big Sur
Big Sur is where rugged coastal cliffs meet the Pacific Ocean, creating some of the most dramatic and breathtaking scenery in California. It perfectly blends mountains, ocean, and forest, making it ideal for couples who want variety in their elopement experience. What makes Big Sur special is the wild, untamed feeling. There’s only one highway, and it feels remote and secluded. Towering cliffs drop straight into crashing waves below, redwood groves create cathedral-like spaces in the forest, and the coastal fog rolls in to create a moody backdrop that’s absolutely stunning in photos.
Big Sur is made up of several state parks, each offering unique ceremony locations. Garrapata State Park has panoramic ocean views and dramatic coastal bluffs, while Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is perfect if you want to get married among the redwoods. There are some places like Big Sur Lodge offer private ceremony locations and places to stay. Big Sur is perfect for couples who want the romance of a coastal elopement with the option to explore forest and mountains all in one day. The drive is an experience in itself, and you’ll find plenty of places to stop and take in the views!
Permit: depends on the location, as different state parks have different rules!
Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is an alpine paradise in the Eastern Sierras that offers stunning mountain scenery year round. The town of Mammoth sits at high elevation, surrounded by dramatic peaks, alpine lakes, and tons of natural hot springs! In the summer, it’s a wonderland for hiking, with wildflower covered meadows and turquoise alpine lakes. In the winter, it’s an incredible ski destination!
Mammoth has a laid-back mountain town vibe, and there’s plenty to explore, making it easy to find secluded locations for your ceremony. It’s perfect for couples who want a mountain elopement with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
Permit: Not required for most locations in this area, but it can depend on your ceremony spot.
Redwoods National and State Parks
There’s something truly magical about standing beneath ancient redwood trees. These giants have been around for centuries, and being in their presence feels truly profound. The way the light filters through the canopy, the quiet peace of the forest – it all creates an atmosphere that’s perfect for an intimate, meaningful experience.
There are a few places where you can see redwoods along California’s northern coast, but Redwood National and State Parks is the best! This collection of parks is home to some of the tallest redwoods, and it offers dense forests, quiet trails, and coastal views. The redwoods are perfect for couples who want a ceremony that feels intimate and peaceful, and the forest creates some natural privacy and quiet.
Permits: required for all ceremonies, and you can find the application here.
Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes is just about an hour north of San Francisco, and it’s a quiet, remote spot that doesn’t see as many visitors as some of the popular locations. The dramatic stretch of coastline has windswept beaches, rolling hills, and rugged cliffs that feel wild and remote. It’s perfect for couples who love coastal views, but want to avoid some of the crowds!
Point Reyes has a lot to choose from. You can elope on a beach with waves crashing in the background, on a clifftop with panoramic ocean views, or in the rolling hills. Because it’s a bit off the beaten path, you’ll have an easier time finding a ceremony spot that you can have all to yourselves. Point Reyes is also home to wildlife like elephant seals, elk, and lots of birds.
Permit: required for ceremonies. It costs $50, and you can find the application here
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is one of the absolute best places to elope in California. The crystal-clear alpine waters, surrounding mountains, and year round activities make it perfect for adventurous couples who want their elopement to be an unforgettable experience. Located on the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is known for the striking blue water and dramatic mountain scenery. The ceremony locations are diverse – you can tie the knot on a sandy beach, on a mountain peak overlooking the water, in a quiet forest clearing, or even on a boat on the lake!
Lake Tahoe offers endless activities. You can hit the slopes in the winter for skiing or snowboarding, and summer brings opportunities for kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, and hiking. Year round, you can explore the parks, enjoy amazing restaurants, and more!
Permit: depends on the location, since there are different state parks and national forest land around Lake Tahoe.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is a really unique place. The namesake Joshua Trees create an otherworldly landscape, with twisted branches. Rock formations rise in stunning shapes, and the desert feels peaceful and quiet. It’s close to the town of Joshua Tree, a unique quirky place where you can find one of a kind Airbnbs and boutique hotels!
Joshua Tree is one of the best places to elope in California for couples who love the desert, wide open spaces, and unique, dramatic landscapes. The vastness of the desert is perfect for incredible sunsets, and the night sky offers some of the best stargazing in California.
Permit: required for all ceremonies. It costs $120, and you can find the application here.
San Francisco
For a slightly different elopement experience, there’s San Francisco. This city blends city views with natural beauty, perfect for couples who want an urban elopement with easy access to stunning views, great restaurants, and unique neighborhoods. There are plenty of great places to elope, from oceanside cliffs at Land’s End, to beach spots like Baker Beach. City Hall is another great place to tie the knot – it has stunning architecture, including a dramatic staircase, and the building is absolutely gorgeous. Afterwards, you can explore the city, or plan a reception nearby.
San Francisco is a unique elopement location, perfect for couples who want to appreciate the culture and history of the city, and enjoy the natural beauty too!
Permit: depends on the location.
How to Get Legally Married When You Elope in California
Along with the fun details, there’s the legal side of things. To get legally married in California, you’ll need a marriage license. You can get one from any county clerk’s office in the state, so if you live here, it’s usually easiest to go to the office closest to home. If you’re flying in, you can go to an office close to your elopement location. Some of the busier offices, like San Francisco, require an appointment, so check before you go! You’ll both need to be there to apply, with photo ID. The cost for your marriage license depends on the county, and can range from $65-130. For example, in San Francisco it costs $127, and in Humboldt County, it’s $70.
Once you have the marriage license, there’s no waiting period – meaning your license is valid right away. I recommend getting your marriage license at least a few days in advance, so that you’re not stressed on the day of. The license expires after 90 days, so don’t get it too far in advance!
Tips for Your California Elopement
No matter what the best place to elope in California is for you, here are some important tips to keep in mind.
Get Your Permit Early
If your location requires a permit, start this process as soon as you’ve decided on a ceremony spot! Most places will accept applications up to a year in advance, and require at least a few weeks for processing time. As an elopement photographer, I’m here to guide you through permit applications and to make sure you have everything you need!
Think About Logistics
When it comes to choosing the best place to elope in California for you, think about things like parking, accessibility, and how far you’re willing to hike in your wedding attire. There are plenty of stunning locations that are easy to get to, and plenty that require a bit more effort – it’s up to you and what you envision for your elopement day! Think about whether you want your elopement to be just the two of you, or if you want to include friends or family, as this might affect accessibility needs and location options.
Bring Layers
No matter where you elope, it’s always better to be overprepared than underprepared! Even in California’s relatively mild climate, weather can change quickly. In the coastal areas, it can get foggy and cool even in the summer. Mountains can see snow, and it gets colder as you gain elevation. Even deserts get surprisingly cold in the mornings and evenings! Always bring layers that are easy to put on and take off.
Leave No Trace
These gorgeous natural areas need to be protected for future generations. Leave No Trace is a set of principles that help protect the environment – including staying on designated trails, packing out anything you bring in, and being respectful of wildlife. Following Leave No Trace principles ensures that these places stay open for elopements!
Ready to Explore the Best Places to Elope in California?
When you work with me as your California elopement photographer, I’m here to help with much more than just taking photos (though that’s a big part of it too). I guide you through choosing the perfect location based on your vision, help navigate permits and logistics, create a timeline that flows naturally and gives you time to truly enjoy your day, and recommend trusted vendors if you need them.
On your wedding day, I want your California elopement to feel authentic to who you are as a couple. This is your day to celebrate your love in a place that moves you, without the stress and expectations. If you’re ready to start planning your California elopement, contact me and let’s talk about bringing your dream day to life!
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Hi, I’m Liz!
I believe that the connections we build with those in our lives is what makes life worthwhile. I am truly a people person. I thrive being around others, and being part of a couples’ wedding day feeds my soul!” My couples aren’t just my clients, they are my friends and we are building a friendship through your whole wedding journey.
As an elopement photographer, avid traveler, and outdoor enthusiast, I’ve visited tons of great places for elopement ceremonies. I’m excited to share them with you in this post!
