How to Elope in California – Locations, Permits, & California Elopement Packages
Alright guys, it’s time to pin up your hair, sit back, and coast down Highway 1 as we talk about eloping in California. From chic beaches to pinnacle granola-girl national parks, California has it all, and I’m here to tell you about it. Let’s jump into why California might be the perfect place for your future elopement.
Why Elope in California?
Romantic Coastal Areas
The coastal areas of California are perfect for romantic elopements because of the dramatic cliffs, ocean views, secluded beaches, and charming seaside towns that can't help but make things intimate for couples that visit. Picture you and your honey sitting sea-side, toes in the warm, soft sand and the pink sunset reflecting off the water. Doesn’t it scream fairytale?
Flexible Marriage Laws
In California, marriage laws are designed to be inclusive and straightforward. Both parties must be at least 18 years old, although minors can marry with parental consent and court approval. Couples must obtain a marriage license from a county clerk’s office, with no residency requirement or waiting period. California recognizes same-sex marriages and follows a no-fault divorce system, meaning couples don’t need to prove wrongdoing to dissolve their marriage. While common-law marriages aren’t recognized, valid marriages performed elsewhere are accepted.
Geographical Diversity
California's geography features bold contrasts, including the dramatic Pacific coastline, the Death Valley desert, and the Sierra Nevada mountains. The state's geography includes beaches, deserts, and mountain ranges, with distinct microclimates in between. The laid-back city atmosphere and surf-town vibes further add to the unique areas you can find in California.
What is California Known For?
Entertainment and Social Movements
California has always been a center for entertainment and progressive culture. The state's entertainment industry, centered in Hollywood, has created a global media empire, influencing film, television, and music. Beyond that, California is the birthplace of social movements advocating for civil rights, environmental protection, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Tech and Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley is the world’s hub for tech innovation and is home to big companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook. It’s unique for its concentration of startups, venture capital, and research in AI and biotechnology. Silicon Valley symbolizes California’s entrepreneurial spirit and not only shapes the state’s economy but also adds to its character as a land of opportunity and forward-thinking culture.
Surf Culture
The surfer lifestyle, synonymous with California, originated in the mid-20th century and reflects the state’s connection to the Pacific Ocean. The "surfer-dude" aesthetic—marked by a carefree attitude, sun-bleached hair, and the “hang loose” hand sign—became iconic through media and pop culture and has lingered as a famous California trait ever since.
What Animals Are Unique to California?
California was once home to the California grizzly bear. However, due to hunting and habitat loss during the Gold Rush and the state's rapid development, the last known California grizzly was killed in the 1920s. Today, no wild grizzlies remain, but the state is still home to species like the endangered California condor, the largest North American land bird, sea otters, Channel Islands fox, and the California tiger salamander.
Is Eloping in California Right for Me?
California Elopement Requirements at a Glance
Planning to elope in California? Here are the key legal requirements couples should know before their wedding day.
How to Elope in California
Learn about commitment ceremonies!
Obtain a Marriage License
Apply for a marriage license at any County Clerk's office in California with a valid ID. Fees typically range from $50 to $110, depending on the county. There's no waiting period, and the license is valid for 90 days.
Find an Officiant:
California allows various officiants, including judges, religious leaders, and even friends or family members, to be deputized for a day. The officiant must be physically present, and online or virtual officiants are prohibited from legal ceremonies.
Choose Your Location(s):
Choose from famous places like Yosemite National Park, the Redwoods, Death Valley, and Joshua Tree. Some spots may require ceremony permits, with fees ranging from $100 to over $1,500. Work with your photographer (me!) to find the most scenic and lesser-known spots.
When is the Best Time to Elope in California?
Please click each photo to view the applicable credited sources.
Spring (March to May)
Northern California, like San Francisco, experiences mild temperatures around 50-70°F, while Southern California can reach 60-80°F. Tourism increases during springtime, particularly in spots like Yosemite, leading to higher accommodation prices and long wait times for reservations. If you plan to explore or elope in popular locations, prepare by booking early and arriving early on the day.
Summer (June to August)
Temps range from 60-75°F along the coast to over 100°F inland and in desert areas like Death Valley. Popular destinations like Los Angeles, San Diego, and national parks experience high tourist traffic, driving up accommodation prices and causing even longer waits for reservations.
Fall (September to November)
Coastal regions average at about 55-75°F, and inland areas average at 60-85°F during fall. The state experiences fall colors in Napa Valley and the Sierra Nevada. Fall is when you’ll start to see tourism crowds thin out; however, national parks and wine country remain pretty popular.
Winter (December to February)
The coast experiences mild temperatures between 45-65°F, while inland regions and the mountains can see cooler weather ranging from 30-60°F. Snow covers places like Lake Tahoe and Big Bear and high tourist activity migrates to the ski resorts. Coastal destinations remain less crowded but can have increased rates during holiday times.
Earthquakes:
Earthquakes can occur at any time of year in California. Due to the state's location on major fault lines, including the San Andreas Fault, it's important to be prepared year-round, even when visiting. Key preparations include having an emergency kit ready and knowing earthquake safety procedures. Use this official resource to prepare for earthquake emergencies in California.
Wildfires:
California’s wildfire seasons are increasingly unpredictable, extending into winter. For outdoor weddings, consider spring (March-May) for lower fire risk and have a backup indoor venue and event insurance for closures. Use this official resource to prepare for wildlife emergencies when visiting California at any time throughout the year.
Current Park Closures Due to the Palisades Wildfire
Where to Elope in California
Read about whether you should elope in a State or a National Park!
National Parks
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Alcatraz Island
Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
Cabrillo National Monument
California National Historic Trail
Castle Mountains National Monument
César E. Chávez National Monument
Channel Islands National Park
Devils Postpile National Monument
Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site
Fort Point National Historic Site
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
John Muir National Historic Site
Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lava Beds National Monument
Manzanar National Historic Site
Mojave National Preserve
Muir Woods National Monument
Old Spanish National Historic Trail
Pinnacles National Park
Point Reyes National Seashore
Pony Express National Historic Trail
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
Presidio of San Francisco
Redwood National and State Parks
Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Tule Lake National Monument
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Yosemite National Park
State Parks
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Admiral William Standley State Recreation Area
Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park
Albany State Marine Reserve
Anderson Marsh State Historic Park
Andrew Molera State Park
Angel Island State Park
Año Nuevo State Park
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve
Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park
Asilomar State Beach
Auburn State Recreation Area
Austin Creek State Recreation Area
Azalea State Natural Reserve
Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
Bean Hollow State Beach
Benbow State Recreation Area
Benicia State Recreation Area
Benicia Capitol State Historic Park
Bethany Reservoir State Recreation Area
Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park
Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Bodie State Historic Park
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Border Field State Park
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Brannan Island State Recreation Area
Burleigh H. Murray Ranch Park Property
Burton Creek State Park
Butano State Park
Butte City Project Park Property
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
California Citrus State Historic Park
California Indian Heritage Center Park Property
California State Capitol
California State Mining and Mineral Museum Park Property
California State Railroad Museum Point of Interest
Cambria State Marine Park
Candlestick Point State Recreation Area
Cardiff State Beach
Carlsbad State Beach
Carmel River State Beach
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
Carpinteria State Beach
Caspar Headlands State Natural Reserve
Caspar Headlands State Beach
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
Castle Crags State Park
Castle Rock State Park
Caswell Memorial State Park
Cayucos State Beach
China Camp State Park
Chino Hills State Park
Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park
Clay Pit State Vehicular Recreation Area
Clear Lake State Park
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
Columbia State Historic Park
Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area
Corona del Mar State Beach
Crystal Cove State Park
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
D. L. Bliss State Park
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
Delta Meadows Park Property
Dockweiler State Beach
Doheny State Beach
Donner Memorial State Park
Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area
Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
El Capitán State Beach
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
Emerald Bay State Park
Emeryville Crescent State Marine Reserve
Emma Wood State Beach
Empire Mine State Historic Park
Estero Bluffs State Park
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park
Fort Humboldt State Historic Park
Fort Ord Dunes State Park
Fort Ross State Historic Park
Fort Tejon State Historic Park
Franks Tract State Recreation Area
Fremont Peak State Park
Garrapata State Park
Gaviota State Park
George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area
Governor's Mansion State Historic Park
Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Great Valley Grasslands State Park
Greenwood State Beach
Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park
Grover Hot Springs State Park
Half Moon Bay State Beach
Harmony Headlands State Park
Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area
Hatton Canyon Park Property
Hearst San Simeon State Park
Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument
Heber Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
Hendy Woods State Park
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Henry W. Coe State Park
Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
Humboldt Lagoons State Park
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
Huntington State Beach
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park
Indio Hills Palms Park Property
Jack London State Historic Park
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
John B. Dewitt Redwoods State Natural Reserve
John Little State Natural Reserve
Jug Handle State Natural Reserve
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
Kings Beach State Recreation Area
Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve
La Purísima Mission State Historic Park
Lake Del Valle State Recreation Area
Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
Lake Perris State Recreation Area
Lake Valley State Recreation Area
Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park
Leo Carrillo State Park
Leucadia State Beach
Lighthouse Field State Beach
Limekiln State Park
Little River State Beach
Locke Boarding House Museum Point of Interest
Los Angeles State Historic Park
Los Encinos State Historic Park
Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve
MacKerricher State Park
Mailliard Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park
Malibu Creek State Park
Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Manchester State Park
Mandalay State Beach
Manresa State Beach
Marconi Conference Center State Historic Park
Marina State Beach
Marsh Creek State Park State Historic Park
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Martial Cottle Park State Recreation Area
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
McConnell State Recreation Area
McGrath State Beach
McLaughlin Eastshore State Park State Seashore
Mendocino Headlands State Park
Mendocino Woodlands State Park
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
Montaña de Oro State Park
Montara State Beach
Monterey State Historic Park
Monterey State Beach
Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve
Moonlight State Beach
Morro Bay State Park
Morro Strand State Beach
Moss Landing State Beach
Mount Diablo State Park
Mount Tamalpais State Park
Natural Bridges State Beach
Navarro River Redwoods State Park
New Brighton State Beach
Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area
Old Sacramento State Historic Park
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Olompali State Historic Park
Pacheco State Park
Pacifica State Beach
Palomar Mountain State Park
Pelican State Beach
Pescadero State Beach
Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Picacho State Recreation Area
Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
Pío Pico State Historic Park
Pismo State Beach
Placerita Canyon State Park
Plumas-Eureka State Park
Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park
Point Dume State Beach
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos Ranch Park Property
Point Mugu State Park
Point Sal State Beach
Point Sur State Historic Park
Pomponio State Beach
Portola Redwoods State Park
Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe Park Property
Red Rock Canyon State Park
Refugio State Beach
Reynolds Wayside Campground
Richardson Grove State Park
Rio de Los Angeles State Park State Recreation Area
Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach
Russian Gulch State Park
Saddleback Butte State Park
Salinas River State Beach
Salt Point State Park
Salton Sea State Recreation Area
Samuel P. Taylor State Park
San Bruno Mountain State Park
San Buenaventura State Beach
San Clemente State Beach
San Elijo State Beach
San Gregorio State Beach
San Juan Bautista State Historic Park
San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
San Onofre State Beach
San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park
San Timoteo Canyon Property
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park
Schooner Gulch State Beach
Seacliff State Beach
Shasta State Historic Park
Silver Strand State Beach
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Sinkyone Wilderness State Park
Smithe Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Sonoma State Historic Park
Sonoma Coast State Park
South Carlsbad State Beach
South Yuba River State Park
Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area
State Indian Museum State Historic Park
Stone Lake Property
Sue-meg State Park
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Sunset State Beach
Sutter Buttes State Park
Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
Tahoe State Recreation Area
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Thornton State Beach
Tijuana Estuary NP Point of Interest
Tolowa Dunes State Park
Tomales Bay State Park
Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park
Topanga State Park
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Torrey Pines State Beach
Trinidad State Beach
Trione-Annadel State Park
Tule Elk State Natural Reserve
Turlock Lake State Recreation Area
Twin Lakes State Beach
Van Damme State Park
Verdugo Mountains Property
Ward Creek Property
Washoe Meadows State Park
Wassama Round House State Historic Park
Watts Towers of Simon Rodia State Historic Parl
Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park
Westport-Union Landing State Beach
Wilder Ranch State Park
Wildwood Canyon Property
Will Rogers State Beach
Will Rogers State Historic Park
Willian B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park
Woodland Opera House State Historic Park
Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area
Zmudowski State Beach
USDA Forest Service:
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Angeles National Forest
Cleveland National Forest
Eldorado National Forest
Inyo National Forest
Klamath National Forest
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
Lassen National Forest
Los Padres National Forest
Mendocino National Forest
Modoc National Forest
Plumas National Forest
San Bernardino National Forest
Sequoia National Forest
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Sierra National Forest
Six Rivers National Forest
Stanislaus National Forest
Tahoe National Forest
Bureau of Land Management:
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North Fork American River
Red Hills ACEC
Red Hills Recreation Management Area
Chimney Peak Wilderness
Chimney Peak Recreation Area
Pine Hill Preserve ACEC
Pine Hill Preserve Area of Critical Environmental Concern
South Yuba Recreation Area
Cache Creek Natural Area
Merced River RMA
Mecca Hills Wilderness
North Algodones Dunes Wilderness
Condon Peak
South Fork American River
Sand to Snow National Monument
Harper Dry Lake
Knoxville Recreation Area
Williams Hill
Tumey Hills Wildflowers
Panoche Hills
Jacumba Wilderness
Point Arena-Stornetta Unit
North Cow Mountain Recreation Area
El Mirage OHV Area
McCabe Flat Campground
Old Flume Trail Trailhead
Steel Bridge Campground
Mattole Campground
Junction City Campground
Douglas City Campground
Tuttle Creek Campground
Buttercup Ranger Station
Cahuilla Ranger Station
Merced Wild & Scenic River
North Fork Primitive Camp
Greenwood Creek River Access
Lost Coast Trail
Stevens Trail Trailhead
Cronan Ranch Trailhead
Dave Moore Nature Area
Indian Valley Recreation Area
Unique Stays
Each photo is credited to AirBnb.
Most Popular Elopement Locations in California
Glacier Point - Yosemite National Park
McWay Falls - Big Sur
L’Auberge Carmel - Carmel-by-the-Sea
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes - Death Valley National Park
Santa Barbara Courthouse - Santa Barbara
Bel Air Bay Club - Pacific Palisades
Greystone Mansion - Beverly Hills
Where to Visit for Unique Photos in California
Have the freedom to choose a unique elopement location and a variety of smaller, lesser-known areas that make for creative and memorable photo opportunities. Remember, these are only a few examples! I have many more options we can visit together
If you want to prioritize finding the best photographer for you, read how to find the best one.
Old Point Loma Lighthouse: A historic lighthouse with coastal views
Font’s Point: A dramatic desert backdrop.
Estuary Boardwalk: A boardwalk trail.
Tufa Formations: Unique limestone formations rising from the lake.
The Getty Villa: Roman-inspired architecture and gardens.
Please respect all natural areas and leave it better than you found it. Vandalism will result in the closing and protection of such unique areas.
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in California?
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$110 — marriage license
$500 — 3 night Airbnb stay
$5800 — photographer
$300 — bouquet + boutonniere
$500 — wedding dress
$200 — suit rental
$200 — restaurant dinner + drinks
free – national forest ceremony venue
free — DIY hair + makeup
Total: $7,610
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marriage license — $110
4 night luxury Airbnb stay — $2000
photographer — $10800
bouquet, boutonniere, florals for ceremony and dinner — $1000
wedding dress — $3000
suit purchase — $1000
private chef — $800
5-6” custom cake — $350
Onsite hair + makeup — $800
Yosemite National Park permit fee — $150
Total: $20,010
California Elopement Checklist
An all in-one, comprehensive guide on how to elope. From an iceberg in Alaska to a boat deck in the Florida Keys, this guide will give you all the steps on how to plan your perfect elopement day.
California Elopement Packages
Your elopement experience is fully customized from the very beginning. All California elopement packages include:
All travel within California (your investment does not change based on location)
Personalized location recommendations based on season, accessibility, and your vision
Permit research and guidance (when required)
Curated vendor recommendations (florals, hair + makeup, private chefs, etc.)
Activity ideas unique to your relationship and interests
A handcrafted elopement timeline designed for a relaxed, intentional experience
Every elopement gallery includes high-resolution digital images with printing rights, delivered through a private online gallery where you can view, download, print, and share your images with loved ones — so you can relive your experience for years to come.
Elopement experiences begin at $4,650 for an intimate local experience (up to 4 hours). From there, each experience is shaped around your location, priorities, and how you want your day to unfold — whether that means a single intentional setting or a more layered, travel-forward experience. Coverage length and structure are guided collaboratively, with recommendations based on what will best support a relaxed, experience-first wedding day.
Unique Things to Do in California
Whether you want to celebrate or combine a fun honeymoon with your elopement experience, there are a variety of unique things to do around the state that will add to your fun.
Read about the best places to honeymoon in the US.
Visit the Last Bookstore
A historic L.A. bookstore, housed in an abandoned bank.
Visit the Wood Line
A fairytale area located within a man-made eucalyptus forest.
Visit the Japanese Tea Garden
Relics of the 1894 Midwinter Exposition. (This spot can make for unique photos as well!)
Take Pictures at the Secret Tiled Staircase
An artsy hidden staircase that leads to a nice view of San Francisco.
California Elopement Timeline Examples
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7 - 9 am: Breakfast Together/with Family, Enjoying Coffee
9 - 11 am: Hair & Makeup/Getting Ready Together
11:15 am: Depart to Garrapata Beach
20 minute commute to Garrapata Beach from Carmel-By-The-Sea
11:35 am: Arrive at Garrapata Beach
11:45 pm: Begin short hike along the coastline and rugged cliffs
12 - 12:30 pm: Ceremony at viewpoint
12:30 - 12:45 pm: Photos with family
1 - 1:35 pm: Picnic lunch on the beach with family
1:35 - 2:20 pm: Continue short hike to Calla Lily Valley
2:20 - 3 pm: Portraits in Calla Lily Valley and along the beach
3:30 - 6 pm: Cruise along the CA HWY 1 and stop at some of the iconic sights – Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, Big Creek Cove Vista
6:00 pm: Return to Airbnb in Carmel for private dinner
75 minute commute back to Carmel-by-the-Sea
7:30 - 9 pm: Enjoy a 3-course dinner prepared by a private chef
9 pm: Cake and Champagne to end the evening
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On Day 1:
9 - 11 am: Breakfast Together, Enjoying Coffee with a View at your Airstream at Autocamp Yosemite
11am - 2pm: Hair & Makeup/Getting Ready Together
2 pm: Depart to Yosemite Valley
60 minute commute to Yosemite Valley from Autocamp Yosemite
3 pm: Arrive at Sentinel Beach Picnic Area
3:30 - 4 pm: Ceremony on Sentinel Beach
4 - 4:30 pm: Picnic Celebration at Picnic Area
4:30 - 5 pm: Portraits in Yosemite Valley
5 pm: Head back to Autocamp Yosemite
60 minute commute back
6 pm: Arrive Back at Autocamp Yosemite, Grill at your Airstream, Watch the Sunset, and Enjoy one of your Favorite Boardgames
On Day 2:
9:30 am: Pack a picnic and head over to Tenaya Lake
1 hour 50 minute commute from Autocamp Yosemite
11:20 am - 1 pm: Unpack your kayaks and set off into the calm waters of Tenaya Lake
1 pm - 4 pm: Enjoy a swim at Tenaya Lake before drying off on the lakeshore for a picnic
Get Inspired By Other California Elopements
Which Elopement Package is Right for Me?
Multi-Day Elopement Experience
This experience is ideal for couples who want their elopement to feel like a once-in-a-lifetime journey rather than a single moment.
This experience is right for you if:
You want to combine your elopement with a getaway or honeymoon
You’re drawn to multiple California landscapes and don’t want to choose just one
You value slow mornings, golden evenings, and complete storytelling
You want space for both adventure and restoration
Full-Day Elopement Experience (Up to 12 Hours)
This experience offers the most flexibility and creative freedom within a single day.
This experience is right for you if:
You want to document your entire day from start to finish
You’re planning multiple locations, activities, or longer hikes
You want time for getting ready, your ceremony, portraits, and a celebration
You prefer a relaxed flow rather than a tightly scheduled timeline
Half-Day Elopement Experience (Up to 6 Hours)
This experience is best suited for couples who want something intimate, meaningful, and beautifully simple.
This experience is right for you if:
You want a short, intimate ceremony
You prefer minimal transitions and a calm pace
You plan to stay close to your accommodations
You envision one primary location with little to no driving
Current Specials for California Bookings
California offers everything from beaches to mountains to deserts. With relaxed marriage laws and a range of beautiful spots like Big Sur and Yosemite, it's a great choice for eloping couples. Whether you want a simple ceremony or a full adventure, California has you covered with over 200 outdoor locations that I’d be happy to take you to.
I want to elope in California!
Get More Elopement Tips
Bethany Wolf
Guided Public-Lands Elopement Photographer
✔ permits & logistics handled
✔ timeline design
✔ location guidance
✔ travel included nationwide
