Where to Elope in California
California is filled with natural beauty with stunning beaches, rolling vineyards and breathtaking mountain views. Here’s where to elope in this gorgeous state!
Where to Elope in California
Choosing where to elope in California totally depends on your vibe—want mountains, the beach, desert, redwoods, or maybe even vineyards? This state seriously has it all. Think about what feels like “you” as a couple—whether that’s barefoot on a Big Sur cliffside, cozy in a Tahoe forest, or golden hour in a Joshua Tree field. Once you’ve nailed down the setting that makes your heart skip, the rest will fall into place.
California Elopement Locations
Although the options are pretty endless in California, there are definitely some spots I’d recommend the most! Here are a few of my favorite elopement locations in this gorgeous state.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is definitely California’s most iconic place to elope, and for good reason. The views are jaw-dropping with the breathtaking granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome, waterfalls flowing down the massive rock faces, and the most peaceful meadows surrounded by the beautiful pines. You can choose a ceremony with epic views at Taft Point, or opt for a more quiet space in El Capitan Meadow. No matter which location you choose in Yosemite, it will be equally stunning.
Just keep in mind this is an incredibly popular location, especially in the summertime, so plan wisely to avoid the extra crowds! Choosing here as an elopement location truly means an adventure of a lifetime, and photos with a backdrop featuring some of the most gorgeous scenery in the world.
Big Sur
Big Sur is one breathtaking place, with the cliffs meeting the sea to make a truly incredible view. Besides the beautiful cliffs, you also have the redwoods and the windy coastal roads that are perfect for exploring. This spot feels so magical, like you’re standing on the cliffs in Ireland instead! There’s a ton of variety for where you can do a ceremony, either one of many hidden beaches or just on a cliffside taking in the ocean views. There’s also so many other fun places to explore nearby, so you can make your elopement a full adventure!
Joshua Tree National Park
There’s nothing quite like the desert magic of Joshua Tree. It has such a unique vibe, with the wide open spaces and of course the iconic Joshua trees. And the lighting in the desert is absolutely stunning, especially at sunrise or sunset! You can keep it simple with a ceremony inside the park, or choose one of the many incredibly cool AirBnBs in the area - there are tons to choose from. It’s a perfect choice for a more secluded and intimate elopement!
Redwood National & State Parks
If a more dreamy, forest vibe is what you’re looking for, then the redwoods will definitely blow you away. The towering trees creates a pretty romantic setting, and the way the light filters through them is stunning in photos. It also makes for a much more peaceful, and intimate ceremony, so if you want something away from the busyness and crowds, this is definitely an ideal choice! You also have a ton of variety throughout the parks, and you won’t need to hike far to find a secluded spot.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is definitely one of California’s most beautiful destinations, the view as you drive up to lake actually leaves you breathless! It has the perfect blend of mountain views, and a gorgeous waterfront backdrop. In the summertime the water can be crystal-clear, which makes it even more stunning! I love the variety here, whether you want a beach elopement or choose one of the venues with a mountaintop view.
There’s some more popular spots for elopements, including Emerald Bay and Sand Harbor, but this means they also get incredibly busy! So if you can avoid the summertime, and choose either late spring or early fall, just before or after busy season, you can avoid the chances of locations being overcrowded. Or if summer is your only option, definitely consider a sunrise session, because it’s also incredibly beautiful and peaceful at that time of day!
Malibu
Malibu gives you the classic Southern California vibe with it’s truly incredible beaches, mixed with the golden cliffs. El Matador Beach is definitely a favorite, as it has more dramatic rocks, and cute tucked-away coves that are fun for exploring and gorgeous in photos! It’s perfect for a beach elopement with a little something extra. It’s also the cutest city to explore, with great restaurants, boutiques and more to make your weekend a full adventure!
Death Valley National Park
Don’t let the name fool you, as Death Valley is full of beauty that is sure to take your breath away. You can’t beat a landscape filled with rolling sand dunes, salt flats, and canyons with the most incredible colors. Zabriskie Point is a one-of-a-kind place to hold an elopement; the landscape doesn’t even look real! You can even reserve a private area of the park for your ceremony, so it’s just you, your partner, and the beautiful desert views.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel is like a real-life fairytale. This little coastal town has cobblestone streets, artsy cottages, and hidden gardens, with it sitting right on the beautiful, rugged coast. It’s filled with so many unique spaces, and is a place you could spend all day exploring! You can say your vows in one of the tucked-away garden venues, or choose the bluffs overlooking the ocean. Monterey Bay is a short drive away if you want to venture to the iconic aquarium, or just a little further is Big Sur to really add to your adventure!
San Diego
San Diego is the epitome of a California elopement destination; nothing beats a sunset here! There’s also an incredible amount of variety here, more than just stunning beaches. You have places like Balboa Park with the beautiful gardens and the Spanish-style architecture, or get dramatic cliff views at Sunset Cliffs. It’s also a very reliable option as far as weather goes, because it’s pretty mild year-round (perfect if you want to escape some harsh winter weather where you live!). There’s so much to do here in San Diego as well, so it’s sure to be a trip of a lifetime!
Napa Valley
The rolling vineyards in Napa Valley create the most romantic setting for an elopement! It’s an elevated and luxurious destination, if that’s more of your vibe. You have a very wide range of choices here for a ceremony location, either at one of the many private vineyards or on a hilltop with an expansive view of the area. And afterwards you can celebrate with some of the best wine in the world!
When to Elope in California
Because the state covers such an expansive area, and has so many different climates within it, the time of year will all depend on your specific location you choose! For mountain areas like Lake Tahoe or Redwood National Park, you may want to avoid the chilly months of winter as you won’t get to fully enjoy the beauty of this location. Choose late spring or early fall instead! For a location like Death Valley, the wintertime may be more ideal with cooler temps. There are definitely some spots along the coast that will be beautiful all year long, so you have more flexibility here.
But one thing you should definitely keep in mind is California in general is an incredibly popular tourist destination in the summertime! And it makes most of the locations mentioned above incredibly busy. This makes it hard to have an intimate ceremony, when you have to worry about finding parking, finding a private spot, and all the added traffic. So if there’s anything I can recommend - avoid the summertime! It’s way more worth it to take time off another point in the year and go when you don’t have to deal with all the added logistics of the summertime here.
California Elopement Photographer
Hi, I’m Madison, a California Elopement Photographer that also travels globally! There’s so much incredible natural beauty here, and so much to explore, so I am always ready for my next elopement here! As your photographer, my promise is to make you feel the best version of yourself and capture you in a way that your partner sees you. So if you’re ready for help planning your California elopement, I’m your girl! Reach out and let’s chat about your dream day!
