Everything You Need to Know ABout HOW TO Plan a CALIFORNIA Elopement

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Thinking about eloping in California? If so, then you are in for a treat! This state has everything (and we mean everything) when it comes to epic elopement backdrops. We’re talking about a place where you can exchange vows on dramatic coastal cliffs in the morning and celebrate with champagne in a desert oasis by evening.

Fun fact: California was ranked by the Times of San Diego as the most diverse state in the country!

But what makes California so incredible for elopements isn’t just the variety of landscapes is has. It’s that no matter what landscape you choose, you get to experience your wedding in a way that feels like you – which is exactly what eloping is all about.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about planning your California elopement, from choosing locations that match your vision to navigating the logistics that make it all possible.

How to Elope in California: 10 Steps to Plan an Unforgettable Elopement in the Golden State

1) Decide Whether a California Elopement is Right for You

Before we share all the incredible places you could say “I do,” let’s talk about whether eloping is the right decision for your relationship. You don’t need to have every detail mapped out (that’s what we’re here to help you with). What matters is understanding whether choosing intimacy and intention over tradition aligns with your vision as a couple.

California elopements can look like absolutely anything: just the two of you on a secluded beach, your closest family watching you exchange vows in a redwood cathedral, or an adventurous celebration with friends in the southern California deserts.

If you’re feeling unsure about the idea of eloping, our 6 Things To Consider Before Eloping guide walks through the important questions. You can also explore the elopement stories on our blog to see how other couples have created a wedding day that is true to them.

No matter where you choose to elope or what type of wedding you plan, we believe that this is your once-in-a-lifetime moment. You don’t want to regret anything about the day you marry your partner for life, so elope the way you want.

2) Find The Right California Elopement Photographer & Book Your California Elopement Package

Something a lot of couples don’t realize is that when it comes to elopements, your elopement photographer is often your primary planning resource. With everything from permit requirements in places like Yosemite to understanding seasonal access in Big Sur, having an experienced photographer to support you makes all the difference.

Your California elopement photographer should know the ins and outs of the area where you want to elope and understand the state’s diverse landscapes. They should help you navigate permits for places like Joshua Tree or Point Reyes, scout locations and provide recommendations for places that match your vision, and create realistic timelines that give you space to experience your day in a way that feels right for you.

Last but not least, we believe the right photographer does more than just take pictures on your wedding day. They also know how to tell your story through the photos and document the moments (both big and small) that will preserve the intimacy and memories of you and everyone you love on your wedding day.

3) Choose The Best Location To Elope In California

This post wouldn’t be complete without sharing a few of the best locations to elope in California. One of our absolute favorite things about California is that it has every landscape you could possibly dream of for your elopement! We’re talking dramatic coastlines, ancient redwood forests, desert landscapes, alpine lakes, and mountains that stretch to the horizon. If you can dream it, California has it!

During our planning process, we’ll share location options that match your vision and help you understand what each offers throughout different seasons. We also have a collection of hidden gems that don’t make the typical tourist lists…places we’ve been saving just for couples who want something truly special.

*Important Information You Should Know: Although California has some of the most beautiful locations for your elopement, many of the ones we’ve shared below are at least a 2 two-hour drive from the nearest airport 🙂 What can we say? You gotta work for the gorgeous views, but trust us, it’s worth it 😘

Yosemite National Park

Did you know that Yosemite National Park is one of the most highly visited national parks in the U.S.? If you’ve ever had a chance to visit, then you already know why. This park is filled with AMAZINGGG views from towering granite cliffs to cascading waterfalls to ancient giant sequoias. We’ve come back to this park and over and over throughout the years and we never get tired of the beautiful views and places to explore.

To learn more about eloping in this stunning national park, check out our Yosemite Elopement Guide.

See some beautiful elopements and weddings at Yosemite National Park

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Big Sur

Big Sur is another California elopement location we can’t get enough of! One of the things we love most about Big Sur is that the views here are endless and so versatile. On one side of Highway 1 you will find lush green mountains and on the other side, you will find beautiful beaches and wildflower fields set against rugged coastal cliffs. If you are dreaming of water and forest views for your wedding, then you have to check out Big Sur.

To learn more about eloping at this breathtaking location, check out our Big Sur Elopement Guide.

See more elopements and weddings at Big Sur

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Death Valley National Park

While it’s true that Death Valley is one of the hottest places in the world, it is also home to some of the best stargazing and the most dramatic mountains and sand dunes we’ve ever seen! Whether you visit the lowest point at Badwater, the highest point at Telescope Peak, or just want to drive the 9-mile loop through Artist’s Drive to see the Rainbow Rocks, there is so much to see and explore at Death Valley National Park.

Check out this gorgeous desert elopement at Death Valley National Park for more inspo.

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San Francisco & Marin Headlands

If you are looking for a beautiful place to elope, but also want to enjoy some city life, California’s got it! Just 20-30 minutes from San Francisco, you can find sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge surrounded by dramatic coastlines giving you an elopement location that is both close to the city and provides epic views! Marin Headlands is one of our favorite foggy, moody overlooks of the Golden Gate Bridge and Muir Woods will give you a redwood forest elopement experience without venturing too far out of the city. On the other hand, Half Moon Bay will give you an iconic California coastal experience that doesn’t require as much drive time as Big Sur.

Want to see what a forest and coastal wedding can look like? Check out this California micro wedding at Sequoia Retreat Center.

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Redwood National & State Parks

Home to some of the largest trees in the world, the Redwoods is definitely not a location you want to miss! With just shy of 140,000 acres, this area is filled with miles and miles of redwood trees, coastal views, and dense fern-filled forests. The Redwoods is actually made up of 4 different national and state parks: Redwood National Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. These parks are filled with a variety of groves, coastal areas, amphitheaters, and overlooks so the perfect location really depends on what you dream of for your elopement!

If you are considering a Redwoods wedding or elopement, check out this forest elopement in Northern California.

See more elopements and weddings in the redwoods

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Joshua Tree National Park & Palm Springs

Located in the Mojave Desert, Joshua Tree National Park is filled with a variety of unique plants and animals. This southern California elopement location is a beautiful and popular place for desert weddings and is also home to some of the dreamiest sunrises and sunsets we’ve ever seen!

Just outside the park, Palm Springs offers a completely different vibe with its mid-century Airbnbs, boutique shops, and incredible restaurants. The town itself makes for a fun elopement destination, especially if you’re drawn to that classic desert glamour aesthetic. With everything from luxury resorts to charming vacation rentals, you’ll find accommodation options that match any style of celebration you’re envisioning.

See more elopements and weddings at Joshua Tree National Park

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Point Reyes National Seashore

Another California elopement location that is near San Francis is the coastal region of Point Reyes National Seashore. This peninsula is filled with bays and cliffs and is the perfect seaside retreat and California elopement location. Outside the Point Reyes Seashore Overlook area are some other beautiful elopement locations such as Alamere Falls, Cypress Tree Tunnel, Chimney Rock Trail, Tomales Point Trail, and Wildcat Beach. Truly, you can’t go wrong with any of these locations in the Point Reyes area.

See what we’re talking about by checking out this windy Point Reyes engagement session.

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Mendocino

If you know us, you know we love a moody beach with cliffs, and the Mendocino area is one of the best moody beach areas in California. Located in Northern California, the Mendocino coast is secluded and beautiful and has a variety of hiking trails, fields, sea arches, and cliffs making it the perfect beach location for your California elopement.

If you’re looking for beach AND forest vibes, definitely check out Cypress Grove in Mendocino Headlands State Park. Russian Gulch State Park is another great option that offers canyon views with rocky coasts, redwoods, and even a waterfall! Truly you can’t go wrong exploring anywhere in Mendocino for your California elopement.

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Lake Tahoe

Last but not least is Lake Tahoe! Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is the biggest alpine lake in North America. This area is filled with evergreen forests, snow-capped mountains, and endless lake views making it one of the most peaceful and beautiful places to elope in California.

Fun fact: Did you know that Lake Tahoe actually spans across two states? California and Nevada. If you are thinking about eloping at this gorgeous lake, just be sure to double check your ceremony location and apply for the proper state marriage license.

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No matter what location you choose for your elopement in California, we will be there to help you find and scout the best location, apply for the proper permits, and plan a timeline that matches the type of experience you want to have. With every outdoor wedding or elopement, we are also big believers in following the rules of Leave No Trace.

WHAT IS “LEAVE NO TRACE” AND WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT IT?

As experts in adventure elopement photography, we care a whole lot about “Leave No Trace”. LNT is where we go on adventures for photos but we also make sure to leave things the way we found them. By doing so, we ensure that we are doing our part to preserve the beauty of nature. Here are some things we do and expect our couples to do (not limited to):

• Stay on trails
• No climbing over fences, roped-off areas, or places with visible signs of “Do Not Trespass”
• No meadow stomping
• No confetti inside national parks or any other places with fragile plants, flowers, and wildlife (it doesn’t matter if they are bio-degradable or not)
  • Each of these beautiful places has its own living organisms, plants, animals, etc… By leaving things behind, we can harm these living organisms. Bio-degradable confetti takes a while to degrade and might need rain or water to speed up that process. In the meantime, other animals might still be able to ingest them. If you are thinking about confetti, we can do so at your cabin/Airbnb (if allowed)

4) Book Your Elopement Date

The beautiful thing about eloping in California (outside of the gorgeous landscape, of course) is that you can elope here year-round, but timing matters depending on your chosen landscape. This state has some serious microclimates – it could be 75 and sunny in San Diego while it’s snowing in the mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe.

Dreaming of those epic Yosemite waterfalls? Spring is your season. Want the most ideal weather for a coastal ceremony? Fall will give you those clear, crisp days. Planning a desert elopement? Winter and spring offer comfortable temperatures, while summer can be intense.

Each season in California offers something incredible, but understanding your location’s seasonality will ensure you get exactly the experience you’re envisioning.

Once you have a general timeframe in mind, reach out and we can dive into the specifics for your chosen region.

*Pro Tip: Whether you consider us for your California elopement or any other photographer, the sooner you find and book a photographer, the better. Most photographers book out anywhere between 6 – 18 months in advance, so we always recommend couples reach out as soon as possible to secure your preferred date.

Rain, sun, fog, snow, what should we do?

• Chances are the weather on your weather app won’t vary too much for your California elopement, but it’s always best to be prepared for all types of weather, especially when hiking in remote locations.
• Whatever it is, we are skilled at photographing AND making sure you guys look beautiful in any weather condition. We’ve gotchu 🙂
• If it rains, dance in the rain. If it’s sunny, feel the sun on your skin. If your cake fell over, play with it. If your dress got dirty, get it dirtier. Focus on what’s important, not the little things. And we will take care of the rest and make sure you look epic as heck.

5) Book Your Transportation and Accommodations

California’s incredible diversity means your accommodation choice depends entirely on which landscape is calling to you. With everything from coastal cliffs to desert valleys to mountain peaks, each region offers different vibes and logistics.

When you’re choosing where to stay for your California elopement, here are a few key things to consider:

• Your accommodation will be a part of your story: We’ll use your Airbnb or hotel for getting-ready photos and potentially your first look. If you’re including family and friends, this space might also host your celebration dinner or intimate reception. Choose somewhere that enhances your vision rather than just being a place to sleep.
• California distances are real: It’s not uncommon to drive 1.5-2 hours from your accommodation to your ceremony location. Big Sur properties might be an hour from your actual ceremony spot, and some of the most stunning desert locations require significant travel time. Factor this into your elopement timeline so you’re not feeling rushed on your elopement day.
• Transportation matters. Many of California’s most breathtaking elopement locations require high-clearance vehicles or 4WD access. If you’re planning to explore places like Joshua Tree’s backcountry or certain coastal access points, make sure your rental can handle the terrain.

All of this can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to coordinate your California elopement from afar, but that’s where we come in. As your California elopement photographers, we help narrow down accommodation options that work with your chosen location, budget, and vision. We know which areas to focus on for each region and can recommend places that will enhance your entire experience.

6) Apply for Your California Marriage License

Getting legally married in California is pretty straightforward – you’ll just need an officiant and one witness (that’s it!). You can get your marriage license from any county and use it anywhere in the state, which gives you tons of flexibility. Here is a brief overview of how to apply for a marriage license in California:

• Per state law, you will need to apply for a marriage license before your elopement date. Licenses are available for immediate use but you can only apply for a license within 90 days of your elopement date.
• If you are from California or if you arrive at least 1 day before your elopement date, you can visit any local office to pick up your marriage license. If you are from out of state and don’t have enough time to arrive early and wait, the BEST WAY IS TO APPLY ONLINE AND HAVE IT MAILED TO YOU.
• More Information on your marriage license can be found HERE
• You will also need an officiant and at least 1 witness. If you have family and/or friends who can be there for you, that’s amazing. If not, it’s ok. Oftentimes, we act as one of the witnesses, and we can also recommend a list of officiants for you.

7) Apply for Your California Elopement Permit

California’s most beautiful locations often require special use permits, and each park system (National Parks, State Parks, etc.) has different requirements and timelines.

This is where having an experienced California elopement photographer can be really helpful. We’ll help you understand exactly what permits are needed for your chosen location, navigate the application process, and ensure all the legal pieces are in place so you can focus on each other instead of worrying about logistics.

While every park is a bit different, here is what you might typically need when eloping in a national park:

1. Entrance Fee: You can choose to pay for a one-time visit or you can use your America The Beautiful Pass to enter the park
2. Special Use Permit (to have a wedding inside the national park): You will need to fill out an application form on the national park’s website. You will also need to submit an application fee which typically costs around $50-80. Both of these steps can usually be completed online.

For more information on how to elope in a national park and what is required, click here for our full guide on planning your national park elopement.

8) Hire Your California Elopement Vendors

People often picture elopements as just two people and an officiant saying “I do” (but that’s just a common elopement myth). While some couples do choose to have that type of elopement, many of the California elopements we’ve photograph involve a bit of detailed planning and a carefully chosen team of vendors.

Hiring additional vendors isn’t required for your California elopement, but bringing in the right people can transform your day from beautiful to absolutely unforgettable. Whether you want a hair and makeup artist who understands how to work with coastal winds in Big Sur or a florist who knows which blooms thrive in desert heat, the right team will help bring your elopement vision to life.

Below you’ll find the vendors most couples consider for their California elopements, along with some recommendations for trusted vendors our couples have worked with in the past and loved!

• Florist
  • Ash + Oak Floral Design
  • The Enchanted Florist & Whatnots
  • Seed Floral
• Hair & Makeup Artist
  • Blue Makeup Studio
  • Blush Yosemite Makeup & Hair
  • Timeless Artistry
• Officiant
  • Erica Rose
  • Rain and Pines
• Elopement or Wedding Planner
  • Rain and Pines
  • Weddings by Aimee
  • Hawthorne & Poppy Events
• Cake Artist
  • Jantz Cafe
  • Ramone’s Bakery & Cafe
  • Sweet Dreams Wedding Cakes & Flowers
• Chef / Caterer
  • North Fork American BBQ
  • Uniquely Yours Catering
• Videographer
  • Caleb Clayton

9) Finalize the Remaining Details for Your Elopement in California: Guests, Pets, Activities, Timelines, and More!

Guests: Who Do You Want to Celebrate with You at Your California Elopement?

Your California elopement can look however feels right for your relationship (with or without any guests). We’ve documented intimate ceremonies with just the couple exchanging vows on a secluded Big Sur cliff, and we’ve also captured celebrations with dozens of family members gathered in Joshua Tree. The beauty of eloping in California is that you have the freedom to plan your day exactly as you envision it.

Some couples crave complete privacy just the two of them in one of California’s stunning landscapes. Others want their closest people there to witness this milestone against an incredible backdrop. Both options allow you to create meaningful experiences, and both are completely valid ways to celebrate.

For the legal side, California keeps it simple: you need just one witness who’s 18 or older to sign your marriage certificate. If you’re planning a private ceremony without guests, don’t worry – we are happy to serve as your witness or can provide a list of alternative witnesses if needed.

Thinking about including more loved ones in your California celebration? Your elopement can easily become a micro wedding with family and friends. The key is choosing people who truly support and celebrate you and the vision you’re creating for your California elopement.

Ready to explore options for including guests? Check out some of our favorite California micro wedding venues for inspiration on how (and where) to hold an intimate, wedding celebration in this beautiful state!

Pets: Can We Bring Our Pets Along With Us to Our California Elopement?

If you are thinking about bringing your pets to your California elopement, follow the BARK acronym:

• B: Bag your pet’s poop
• A: Always wear a leash
• R: Respect wildlife
• K: Know where you can go: Not all trails are dog-friendly

While not all locations in California allow dogs, we understand how important it is to include your pets on your elopement day. This is why our job is more than just photographing your day. Rather, by assisting you from day one with planning, we can help make sure you can include everything that is important to you.

Activities: What Kinds of Activities Can We Include in Our California Elopement?

The best California elopements (or elopements anywhere in the world, for that matter) are where the couple feels fully themselves, in a place they love, surrounded by people they love, and doing things they love.

Because California is so diverse, the options for elopement activities are endless. Maybe your morning routine consists of coffee and yoga, so why not plan something like that on the cliffs of Big Sur before your ceremony? Or maybe you both love adventure and you want to explore the granite cliffs and mountains in Yosemite National Park after exchanging your vows.

Your activities could involve trying something completely new together – like riding a hot air balloon over Napa Valley or riding ATVs across the desert. Or they might center around something you already love doing, just set against California’s incredible backdrop.

The thing that truly matters most is that your elopement feels uniquely yours. Your elopement activities don’t need to look like anyone else’s. Just because other couples hike to mountain lakes doesn’t mean you have to if hiking isn’t your thing. If you’re more comfortable with low-key celebrations, we’ll find those hidden coastal spots where you can have a quiet picnic overlooking the Pacific.

Our goal as your California elopement photographers is to help you plan a day that feels true to you and the type of relationship you want to have – not just what looks good on social media or what you think an elopement “should” include.

Want more inspiration for making your California elopement uniquely yours? We’ve written an entire blog post with Unique Elopement Ideas and tips on choosing activities that reflect your story and your love for each other.

Or, for elopement ideas that are a little outside the box, check out our list of activities below.

Example California Elopement Timelines to Help You Envision What Your Experience Can Look Like

One of the most exciting parts of planning your California elopement is that your timeline can be completely customized to your vision and the landscape you’ve chosen.

Want to start with a champagne breakfast overlooking the Pacific before your Big Sur ceremony? Let’s do it! Dreaming of exchanging vows at sunrise in Yosemite, then celebrating with a reception dinner with all your loved ones? Anything’s possible.

Below are sample timelines to help give you an idea of what a California elopement day (or days) can actually look like.

Half Day Elopement

Half Day elopements are one of the most common elopement options. This timeline includes 6 hours of coverage and allows us to experience a beautiful location at either sunrise or sunset.

• 2:00 pm: Photographer arrives at cabin for getting ready and detail moments
• 3:00 pm: First look & travel to ceremony location
• 3:30 pm: Intimate vow exchange ceremony
• 4:00 pm: Sunset adventure portraits / Activity
• 7:00 pm: Travel back to cabin
• 7:30 pm: Reception, eating, dancing, celebrating
• 8:00 pm: End of a beautiful day. Start of a whole new beginning!

Full-Day Elopement

A full-day elopement is great for couples who want to experience multiple locations or include lots of activities into their day. It’s also a great option for elopements or intimate weddings with guests as you will need more time for everyone to get to each location.

• 10:00 am: Photographer arrives at cabin for getting ready and detail moments
• 11:30 pm: First look & travel to ceremony location
• 1:30 pm: Ceremony
• 2:00 pm: Formal portraits with family and friends
• 3:00 pm: Reception, eating, dancing, celebrating
• 3:30 pm: Travel/Driving/Hiking
• 5:30 pm: Private vow exchange
• 6:00 pm: Sunset adventure portraits and private first dance
• 8:00 pm: End of a beautiful day. Start of a whole new beginning!

Two-Day Elopement

When you want to get the best light for both sunrise and sunset, or there are so many locations you want to try, or you have family and friends traveling to be there for your special day, then a two-day elopement is often the best fit. There are so many ways a two-day elopement can look and it all comes down to what you want!

Day 1: Intimate Wedding with guests

• 12:30 pm: Photographer arrives at cabin for getting ready and detail moments
• 2:00 pm: First look & travel to ceremony location
• 3:30 pm: Intimate vow exchange ceremony
• 4:30 pm: Formal portraits with family and friends 
• 5:30 pm: Travel back to cabin
• 6:30 pm: Reception, eating, dancing, celebrating
• 8:00 pm: End of Day 1

Day 2: Private Adventure Elopement Portraits

• 2:30 pm: Getting ready together + cute indoor portraits
• 4:00 pm: Travel/Driving/Hiking
• 6:00 pm: Private vow exchange
• 6:30 pm: Sunset adventure portraits and private first dance
• 8:30 pm: End of a beautiful day. Start of a whole new beginning!

Want to learn more about how to plan your elopement timeline? Check out our guide below!

10) Elope in California & Celebrate Your Marriage YOUR WAY

When your elopement day finally arrives, we’ll explore the incredible California landscape you’ve chosen together. Whether we’re catching a sunrise on Yosemite’s granite cliffs, exchanging vows along Big Sur’s dramatic coastline, or celebrating under a starry sky in Joshua Tree, the focus is always on creating space for you to be completely present with each other.

We’ll be there to document every meaningful moment, while making sure you have room to actually experience your day instead of feeling rushed through it.

Then comes the best part: celebrating! Eat the cake, pop the champagne, dance to your favorite song with California’s incredible landscape as your backdrop.

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California Elopement Packages

Now that you know how to elope in California, here are some details you might want to know about what’s included your California elopement package:

• Explore anywhere in California: From towering redwood cathedrals to dramatic coastal cliffs, cascading waterfalls to otherworldly desert landscapes, this state has it all.
• Flexible coverage options: Whether you want an intimate 4-hour ceremony or a two-day wedding weekend exploring multiple California regions.
• Complete planning support: Unlimited guidance, resources, and expertise from inquiry to final gallery delivery.
• Your complete photo collection: Delivered in a secure, private online gallery that you’ll treasure forever.
• No hidden travel costs: All fees included for elopements throughout California.

Starting at $6,900 for Northern California and $7,900 for anywhere else in California
(Ranges between $6,900 – $14,200)

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California Elopement FAQs

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As you can see there are so, so many reasons to elope in California. We hope you found this blog post helpful. If you are ready to get started planning your California elopement, then head on over to our contact page. We can’t wait to get started!

Need more clarification about how to elope in California? That’s what we’re here for!