Best Places to Elope in California

It’s no secret that I love California. Born and raised in Southern California, I am still constantly in awe that I get to live in a place as dazzling and enchanting as California. 

California has it all. It has dreamy beaches and a dramatic coastline overlooking the tempestuous Pacific. There are ancient forests of varying climates and foliage as well as some of the most other-worldly desert spaces imaginable. And you can’t beat California cities for their lively personas and cultural offerings. 

So, while I may be slightly biased, I know I am definitely not alone in my love and appreciation of the sunshine state.

And even if you don’t live in California, you should definitely consider having your elopement here. There are so many gorgeous opportunities to explore for a serene and personal elopement.

Why Elope?

I’m a big supporter of having a wedding that is personal and unique to you—whatever that might entail. And for many people, that means eloping rather than having a large wedding. 

An elopement, by definition, is when you have zero to very few (under ten) guests at your wedding. In comparison, an intimate wedding is usually anything under 30. 

Both elopements and intimate weddings have the potential to be highly personal. Not only do you have the ability to invite only the people closest to you (or even just keep it between the two of you), but an elopement also makes it easier to go to a location that is meaningful and unforgettable, like California. An elopement is truly about you and your partner.

When choosing a place for an elopement, you want to look for a location that speaks to you deeply, whether it has direct personal meaning or is just a location whose beauty speaks to your soul. You’ll also want to look at accessibility (depending on how many people are coming), seasonal restraints, and any permitting required.  

California has abundant locations that speak to the adventurous at heart, making them the perfect locations to compliment your highly personal elopement.  

 

 

Where are the best places to elope in California? 

It’s difficult to narrow down the best places to elope in California, but here are my top five favorite locations for a distinctive elopement. All of these places offer great beauty and also the ability to really create a space that is intentional and personal.

 

Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is a place I hold near and dear to my heart and have been visiting for years. It is truly a gateway to many incredible experiences in California, including Yosemite, Inyo National Forest, Death Valley, and more. I’m convinced that this is one of the most majestic locations in California. And being only a 4-hour drive from Los Angeles, it is easily accessible too.

Known for its great skiing, beautiful mountains, hot springs, and endless lakes, Mammoth Lakes is a paradise for adventure lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The town of Mammoth Lakes, with its distinct charm, offers modern lodging, like unique AirBnbs and rustic mountain lodges, and upscale eateries.  

Although you could technically elope anywhere, there are several areas that are popular with elopements. Forest Chapel is a lakeside wedding altar at Tamarack Lodge that offers a rustic, natural vibe. Convict Lake is a surreal location with its brilliant blue lake surrounded by the highest of the Eastern Sierra Mountains. And finally, Alabama Hills, with its stunning rock formations, is a popular camping area that is perfect for an elopement. 

Mammoth Lake is so much more than what is seen on the surface. There is so much to discover off of the beaten path–utter goodness that you’re only going to know about if you go with someone familiar with the area. 

 

Big Sur

Big Sur, where the lush forest meets the turbulent ocean, is a place that is almost indescribable in its beauty. 

Accessible right off of Highway 1, the fabled highway that meanders along California’s coast, Big Sur is located a little more than 5 hours north of Los Angeles.

Big Sur is the perfect place to elope for those expansive views with crashing waves and dramatic cliffs. Something I adore about Big Sur is that it feels insanely remote while still having a lot of resources for lodging, food, and entertainment. You can elope in comfort while still accessing the more remote, wild part of your soul.

You can choose to say your vows among the ancient redwood trees, on the beach (Pebble Beach is divine), or on the cliffs overlooking the coast. Consider hosting your elopement (and staying) at Glen Oaks. This rustic-modern resort has a unique homegrown modernism that fits perfectly amongst the redwoods, making it one of the best places to elope in California.

 

Joshua Tree 

An easy, 2-hour drive from Los Angeles, Joshua Tree is a surreal mecca for those wishing to experience another side of California, a side that is worlds apart from the mountainous, forest vibes found in the north. Joshua Tree is where the higher Mojave Desert and the lower Colorado Desert merge into one distinct ecosystem, creating a diversity found nowhere else. 

Joshua Tree is an ideal elopement location due to its extensive photography locations, its meticulous lodging options, and the wildly unique experience that it offers. 

For as popular as it is, Joshua Tree allows you to create an experience that is totally and unapologetically you but in a way that is accessible and stress-free. There are so many rentals available and so many resources in the area…it makes eloping a seriously easy and fun experience. 

 

San Francisco City Hall

For those looking for something more urban, I highly recommend considering San Francisco City Hall. 

Ornate, historic (it was built in 1915), and oh-so-glamorous, the San Francisco City Hall is well-known for hosting wedding ceremonies for people all over the world. Unlike other city halls where you get married in a dull, uninspired space, San Francisco City Hall gives you two options for your ceremony. You can get married at the Mayor’s Balcony or the Fourth Floor Gallery, both of which are luxurious and inspired. 

Another great part of eloping at San Francisco City Hall is that you are within easy access to other poignant spots, like the Golden Gate Bridge, national parks, beaches, and more. It can be the perfect combination of both worlds. 

 

Sea Ranch

The Sea Ranch Lodge, an embodiment of California modernism, has recently reopened and is an ideal location for an elopement. Nestled in the landscape with expansive coastal views, the Sea Ranch Lodge exudes a sophistication and style that is both understated and intentional, creating the perfect setting for a transformative experience. The lodge also offers a range of amenities, including a coffee shop, bar, restaurant, and lodging, making it an intimate and convenient place to take in the breathtaking scenery while enjoying the on-site services.

Are you considering hosting a beautiful wedding or intimate elopement in Sea Ranch? We have created a guide on Sea Ranch and how to host a with all the necessary details to help you plan the perfect event, big or small.

 

 

Planning the Your California Elopement

Your wedding is just a scene in the story of your life. One of the most important parts of every story is the setting, so as you plan your wedding, keep the setting and your experience foremost in your mind. 

I’d love to talk with you more about the best places to elope in California and how you can design an elopement experience that is unforgettable and perfect for the start of your new life together. My photography takes me all over the country and even the world, on a quest to honestly and naturally photograph you and your story.