Want to Elope in California
So you
Well first of all congrats!! I am a huge fan of eloping (obviously) and cannot be more excited for you!
Whether you want to exchange vows beneath towering redwoods, along a cliffside at sunset, in the mountains, or in the middle of the quiet desert, California has it all.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by where to start, it's a great thing you're here!
This ultimate guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your dream California elopement.
Let's dive in and start dreaming up your perfect day!
the best places to Elope in California
California has everything: misty redwood groves, dramatic coastal cliffs, soft golden hills, remote deserts, alpine lakes, and beaches.
To help you narrow it down, I’ve broken California’s best elopement locations into categories based on the vibe you’re dreaming of:
See the best California elopement locations on the map:
Check out the different park locations on the map:
In Redwoods National and State Parks (near the Oregon border), you’ll find the most dramatic scale—soaring trees, fern-filled canyons, and a quiet, wild atmosphere with few crowds.
redwoods national & state parks
Elope In
Where redwoods meet rugged cliffs and ocean views, Big Sur is ideal if you're wanting the best of both forest and coastline.
If you want to learn more about Big Sur elopements, check out my Big Sur Elopement Guide.
the big sur redwoods
Elope In
The Santa Cruz redwoods offer easier access from the San Francisco Bay Area. These redwood forests are close by to charming towns, awesome restaurants and of course, the Santa Cruz Beach & Boardwalk!
the santa cruz redwoods
Elope In
Where to Elope in the Redwoods
Sequoias are a different redwood species compared to coastal redwoods. The Giant Sequoias are equally as impressive and a great way to spend your elopement day under towering trees and also get to explore the mountains.
Sequoia National Park
Elope In
From iconic views overlooking Half Dome to hidden gems in the valley, Yosemite is a magical place to spend your elopement day.
See my How to Elope in Yosemite guide.
Yosemite National Park
Elope In
Snow-capped mountains and skiing in the winter, alpine lakes and hiking in the summer with hot springs year round. Mammoth Lakes has everything for an adventurous mountain elopement! And yes, I know all of the best hot springs!
See a winter Mammoth Lakes elopement.
mammoth Lakes
Elope In
My personal favorite place in all of California. The camping here is unbeatable with starry skies, towering mountains and high desert all around. Saying your vows underneath Mt Whitney with the alpenglow shining onfthe peaks is nothing short of magical.
Lone Pine
Elope In
Where to Elope in the Mountains
Lake Tahoe is a beautiful place to elope if you're looking for a mountain getaway with lots of outdoor activity options but stay closer to civilization. Enjoy kayaking, hiking, boating , or relax lakeside and eat at lots of great restaurants.
Lake Tahoe
Elope In
Where to Elope on the Coast
Where redwoods meet rugged cliffs and ocean views, Big Sur is ideal if you're wanting the best of both forest and coastline.
See my Big Sur Elopement Guide for more details about planning your Big Sur elopement!
Big Sur
Elope In
The coast of Northern California is some of the most remote coastline in the state. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, coastal bluffs and nearby redwood forests all in one epic location.
Northern California Coast
Elope In
Where to Elope in the desert
One of the most underrated parks in California, Death Valley has so much to offer. The terrain here feels otherworldly and is so unique and fun to explore.
Death Valley National Park
Elope In
Joshua Tree is an iconic desert spot in Southern California, and with good reason! These trees are so unique and cute. There are many great spots to have your ceremony in Joshua Tree and still have a lot of privacy while you exchange your vows.
Joshua Tree
Elope In
A lesser-known option for those wanting an epic desert elopement off the beaten path! I know some incredible hidden gems in this part of the desert and can't wait to share them with you.
Anza-Borrego Desert
Elope In
How to Choose Your California Elopement location
When you're thinking about where to elope in California, start by asking yourself:
- What kind of place makes you feel most alive? Maybe you’re drawn to wide-open landscapes, moody coastlines, or somewhere you can feel completely tucked away in nature.
- Do you want somewhere completely new and adventurous, or a spot that already holds meaning in your relationship?
- Do you picture yourselves hiking, exploring, or relaxing on your elopement day? Think about activities you love doing together. If you love kayaking, consider a location on the coast or at a lake.
- Is there a place you’ve always wanted to visit together?
- Do you want to elope somewhere private or somewhere iconic?
- Are you envisioning mountain views, ocean cliffs, desert sunsets, or ancient forests?
There are no wrong answers here—only possibilities. And I’m here to help you find the one that feels just right.
Still not sure? That's ok! You don't have to have a location in mind before inquiring about your day. I am an expert in this field and will create a personalized location list for you and help you choose the best location for your special day.
Let's get started
spring
winter
the best time of year to elope in California
You can find good weather somewhere in California at any time of the year, but when planning your elopement in a specific location for your elopement in California, it’s important to take the seasons into account.
(December - February)
(March - May)
summer
Southern California on the other hand is famous for its warm summers. Everybody will be rushing to the beach to cool off in the ocean and enjoy the beautiful weather!
(June - August)
fall
In Southern California there is not a huge difference, just a light transition into winter from summer.
(September - November)
Estimate Your Budget
If you're wondering how to elope in California, you're probabaly also wondering how much it will cost to elope in California. A lot of people tend to think of a number in their head and label it as their budget without knowing how realistic it may or may not be. My best advice for budgeting is to choose the top things that mean the most to you, find out how much they might cost, and go from there. I go into more detail about how to go about this in another guide linked here. Remember to be flexible with this, and allow yourself some wiggle room.
One of the many great things about eloping is that you get to choose everything. And I mean EVERYTHING. So you can make your day as extravagant or as simple as you like.
Elopements can cost around $10-15,000. Keep in mind - this may sound like a big number upon first thought but the average cost of a wedding in the United States is $28,000. The biggest expense for a wedding is usually the venue which can be around $10,000. Another great thing about elopements is you are avoiding this! There are a few venues you can choose to elope at, but most elopements happen in state parks or public land. This means you are only paying for a permit for the location which is usually $50-200 (not $10,000... *breathes sigh of relief).
Check out my guide How Much Does it Cost to Elope in California for more details and tips about budgeting for your elopement! I break down the details of what you're spending money on and go in depth about how much things can cost, and how to choose where you want to spend more vs. less.
Choose your Adventure
If you've been searching the internet and maybe reading other blogs about how to elope in California, this is probably a different one than what you've been reading. But I put this in here for a reason!
I think determining ahead of time how much you want to adventure on your elopement day is important and a good jumping off point in planning just like location.
Determining how adventurous your day is helps determine other things like timelines, if and how many family members and friends to include in your day, outfits, and other activities surrounding your day.
Do you want to take a helicopter to a glacier in Alaska and then glacier trek to a spot to say your vows?
Do you want to wake up at a luxury resort and get a message and make your promises to each other on a sea cliff at sunset?
Whatever type of adventure suits you is what we will plan off of because this day is yours and you get to do whatever you want!
Decide Number of Guests
Do you want to elope just the two of you? Maybe one or two friends? With your parents? Or maybe just your dog?
Keep in mind who you want to include in your day, and how accessible your location is for family and friends to join you or not. If you include 10-15+ people I would recommend considering a wedding planner/coordinator as well.
There are lots of great ways to include guests in your elopement without having them present as well. You can have them write letters for you to read, or Facetime them before or after your ceremony. Having a small get together or big party when you return home is a great way to include and celebrate with everybody while still having the intimate ceremony and elopement just for yourselves.
Pick a Date
Do you imagine a winter wonderland day with snow on the ground during your elopement? Maybe a warm day with the sun beaming down, or some foggy Pacific Northwest mood? Once you have your location, it will probably narrow down the months or seasons in which you choose your date.
Unsure? Another great time to consult your photographer! I know the best times of year to elope in most locations and am more than happy to help you decide.
Is privacy important to you? Especially if you have chosen a popular location, I would recommend choosing off season or a weekday! Weekdays are a great time to elope to avoid crowds, there's also a higher chance your preferred vendors are available for your date.
Book the Rest of your Vendors
Other vendors include your florist, hair and makeup artists, officiant, planner, etc. Once you know your location and date, reach out to vendors as soon as possible. They book up fast!
Choosing local vendors is always a good idea, as they are familiar with the area and weather etc.
Eloping on a weekday is a good way to secure your ideal vendors who may be booked out on weekends for up to a year.
You can ask your photographer for vendor recommendations too!
Book Travel & Lodging
Now’s the time to decide where you want to stay and what you want to do while you’re there.
Book your flights, plan your road trip, whatever you want to do for transportation. Don’t forget to get a rental car if you fly in!
Book your hotel or airbnb. Or If you’ve decided to camp, make sure to reserve your campsites if possible so you aren’t scrambling to find one upon arrival.
Book your Activities!
Okay this is the super fun part, deciding what you want your day to be like!
Here is a list of example activities you could do on your elopement day:
Soak in hot springs or hot tubs
Go on a helicopter tour
Swim under a waterfall or in local swimming holes
Go zip-lining through a forest
Have a picnic on a mountain with an epic view
Have a bonfire and roast s’mores together
Check out tourist spots in a city
Outfits & Details
When choosing attire, make sure to consider the time and location of your elopement. Will it be cold or hot? Could it rain? In my guide Where to Elope in California I talk about the seasons in the state. You can always ask me about the weather in your specific location as well!
If you are planning on walking or hiking to your location consider hiking boots or something comfortable and safe for your feet. If you really want heels in some photos, you can always bring them along. As your photographer I am always happy to help carry a couple of things with me as well to help you out!
There are no rules for what you can or can't wear! It’s your elopement, and you can do whatever you want.
Purchase other details such as shoes, rings, stationary, blankets, and any other details you'd like. These things can all be photographed as part of the storytelling of your day as well.
The Legal Stuff
This may not be as fun or exciting but it is important!
You need to acquire a marriage license to get legally married. Marriage licenses in California are valid for 90 days. You also need an officiant and 1-2 witnesses. (I am happy to sign as witness as your photographer!)
You may also need a special use permit for state parks, national parks, or other locations. This can be $50-200. Ask your photographer or google to find out if your location requires this.
"We Eloped!" Announcements
Woo! You eloped!! Now wondering how to share your exciting news with family and friends?
Here are a few ideas to announce your elopement:
- Social media post - as your photographer I provide sneak peak images within 72 hours so that you can post them and announce your exciting news!!
- Send out “we eloped” cards
- Have a party with family and friends
Now that you know How to Elope...
Check out my other elopement resources for more guidance eloping!
What Day of the Week Should you Elope?
Best Places to Elope in California
How Much does it Cost to Elope in California?
What day of the week you should elope depends on your location preference, your budget, and much more. Read this blog to pick a date for your dream elopement!
Decided on a California elopement but not sure which location to choose? This post is for you! The best locations to elope in California from the perspective of a California elopement photographer.
Budgeting can feel overwhelming, this guide will help navigate budgeting for your California elopement as well as tips for being cost-effective.