California, with its stunning coastlines, majestic mountains, and enchanting forests, offers so many breathtaking locations for your elopement. Whether you’re dreaming of a serene beach ceremony or an adventurous mountaintop vow exchange, Cali State has it all!
So, let’s get into the 8 best places for your California elopement and all you need to know to make your big day absolutely perfect!
7 Best California Elopement Locations
Yosemite National Park
Imagine your day surrounded by cliffs, gorgeous waterfalls, and majestic forests, Yosemite has a picturesque backdrop for all your wants and needs! Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, and Taft Point are some of the more popular spots for elopements.
The best time to elope in Yosemite is between May and September, however, keep in mind that it’s a VERY popular tourist location. To avoid having a rather large audience of strangers, you may want to consider eloping later in the fall!
If you want to elope in Yosemite, you do need to get a permit, and you should apply for it as soon as you have your date in mind because the elopement ceremony locations are first-come, first-serve.
To obtain a Yosemite elopement permit, you’ll need to fill out the special use application found on the park’s website here. The permit costs $150.
Big Sur
With a rugged coastline, misty cliffs, and panoramic ocean views, Big Sur is a wildly romantic California elopement location. Pfeiffer Beach and McWay Falls are two of the most iconic elopement spots in Big Sur.
The best time to elope in Big Sur is early fall (September and October) when the weather is great and it’s not as crowded as it would be in the summer. It’s also not as foggy as it is during summertime.
Depending on where you decide to elope in Big Sur, you may need a permit. There are multiple different state parks within Big Sur, and each of them has different rules for obtaining a permit. If you choose to book me for your California elopement in Big Sur – I’ll happily help you figure out the permit process!
Joshua Tree
Imagine tying the knot with unique desert backdrops, dotted with the park’s namesake Joshua Trees and dramatic rock formations.
The best months to elope in Joshua Tree are November and December. That’s when you get to avoid the heat and most of the crowds who normally visit Joshua Tree in September and October.
You need to apply for a permit to get married in Joshua Tree, and you can learn more about them here! The permit is non-refundable and costs $120.
Sunset Cliffs
With oceans as far as the eye can see, rugged cliffs, and the sound of waves crashing below, Sunset Cliffs in San Diego offers a STUNNING location for your elopement day.
San Diego is sunny and warm all year round, therefore, you can easily elope there even during winter! But it also means that it’s busy all year around, with winter being slightly more quiet. To really avoid most people, I recommend opting for a sunrise ceremony!
Depending on where you’d like to elope in the Sunset Cliffs area, you need a different permit. You can find all the necessary permit information by visiting the City of San Diego site!
Lake Tahoe
With crystal clear waters, mountain views, and lush forests, Lake Tahoe is gorgeous all year round. Whether you’re dreaming of a summer lakeside elopement or a snowy winter wonderland, you’ll find the perfect spot of your dreams!
Lake Tahoe is also split into two sides – North and South, and they offer a very different experience. North Lake Tahoe is more about those laid-back, intimate vibes, while the South is more about the fun activities, restaurants, and nightlife. So keep that in mind when you choose Lake Tahoe for your elopement!
In general, I’d recommend eloping here during spring or fall, because Lake Tahoe is less crowded and also more affordable. The summer season gets REALLY busy, and, therefore, the prices for lodging are also through the roof.
Okay, so the marriage license part is a bit tricky for Lake Tahoe. You need to decide whether you’d like to get married in the California or Nevada part of Lake Tahoe and apply for that specific marriage license.
Depending on where you decide to elope in Lake Tahoe, you may need a permit, and the process is a bit different for each spot. If you choose to book me for your Lake Tahoe elopement – I’ll happily help you figure out the permit process!
Catalina Island
For a secluded island vibe with dramatic coastal cliffs, fun beaches filled with palm trees, and charming towns, consider Catalina Island.
Since there are no roads to the island, can only get to Catalina Island by boat or helicopter. Catalina Island also doesn’t allow cars, so the most popular way to get around is by renting a golf cart!
Catalina Island is good for elopements all year around, however, you’ll find that spring and fall seasons are the best due to lesser crowds! If you want to elope during wintertime, due to it being off-season, a lot of dining and activity options tend to be closed.
Depending on where you decide to have your ceremony or take your photos, you may need what is called a special use permit. Every location has different rules, so be sure to ask your photographer for help!
Red Rock Canyon
Dramatic red sandstone peaks and desert scenery of Red Rock Canyon, provide a stunning and unique backdrop for your elopement day. There are various trails and viewpoints to choose from, each offering its own perspective.
As with all deserts, you’ll probably want to avoid the summer for your elopement day, as it would be extremely hot! Spring, fall, or winter would be best, winter especially, if you’d like to avoid crowds as much as possible.
You need a permit to get married in Red Rock Canyon. Here’s how to obtain it!
Ready to Plan Your California Elopement Day?
Each of these California elopement locations has its own unique charm. I hope that this guide is going to help you find the perfect spot to start your lifelong journey together!
If you’re looking for a California elopement photographer, I’m your girl! While I’m based in Philly, I love traveling to help you tell your love story! I’m also happy to help you plan your perfect elopement day and figure out the necessary permits if needed! Reach out to me anytime here! Can’t wait to chat!
