Best Places to Elope in California
California is basically elopement heaven. From epic mountain views to dreamy beaches, this state has all the vibes. Let me help narrow down some of the best spots for you!
California is basically elopement heaven. From epic mountain views to dreamy beaches, this state has all the vibes. Let me help narrow down some of the best spots for you!
Where To Elope in California
why should you
elope in california
California is a dreamland full of places to elope, with everything from redwood forests to sandy beaches and desert adventures. Whether it’s exchanging vows under towering trees, surfing at sunset, or stargazing from a hot spring, your day can be as unique as you are. I’ve scoped out the best places to elope in California to match your vision, so let’s plan your epic elopement adventure together!
Autumn in NorCal means gorgeous leaves in the mountains and crisp, cooling temps. SoCal doesn’t see much change, just a soft shift from summer to winter with slightly cooler evenings.
No matter the season, California’s got the perfect weather for your dream elopement!
In Northern California, winter brings chilly temps, rain, and dreamy fog. Head to the mountains, and you’ll find a snowy wonderland—perfect for skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing if a winter adventure elopement is your thing. Southern California, meanwhile, stays mild. San Diego or LA winters barely feel like winter, but desert spots can get freezing at night.
Northern California along the coast and in higher elevations it's mild and dry in the summer—ideal for outdoor adventures. Elsewhere in California it gets HOT, even Yosemite Valley can have 90 degree days in summer. Down in So-Cal though, the weather is perfect, with sunny beaches and ocean breezes calling everyone to the coast. Still hotter than spring, but coastal weather is always cooler than the inland temps of the valleys and deserts.
in Northern California means wildflower magic! Melting snow means waterfalls and meadows filled with vibrant blooms, though you might still see some rain. Down south, spring is absolutely lovely and has amazing mild temperatures (think 60s & 70s). Often less crowded than summers and is one of my favorite times of the year for elopements.
California’s got good weather year-round, but picking the perfect time to elope in California depends on where you’re headed and what vibes and temps you’re after. Here’s the lowdown:
winter
fall
summer
spring
In Northern California, winter brings chilly temps, rain, and dreamy fog. Head to the mountains, and you’ll find a snowy wonderland—perfect for skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing if a winter adventure elopement is your thing. Southern California, meanwhile, stays mild. San Diego or LA winters barely feel like winter, but desert spots can get freezing at night.
California’s got good weather year-round, but picking the perfect time to elope in California depends on where you’re headed and what vibes and temps you’re after. Here’s the lowdown:
spring
Spring in Northern California means wildflower magic! Melting snow means waterfalls and meadows filled with vibrant blooms, though you might still see some rain. Down south, spring is absolutely lovely and has amazing mild temperatures (think 60s & 70s). Often less crowded than summers and is one of my favorite times of the year for elopements.
winter
fall
summer
Autumn in NorCal means gorgeous leaves in the mountains and crisp, cooling temps. Leaves start changing their color in the foothills and mountains, if you've never seen it then you're in for a treat! SoCal doesn’t see much change, just a soft shift from summer to winter with slightly cooler evenings. Fall is also shoulder season for many popular elopement locations, which means lower tourism and more privacy!
In Northern California along the coast and in high elevations it's mild and dry in the summer—ideal for outdoor adventures. Elsewhere in California it gets HOT, even Yosemite Valley can have 90 degree days in summer. Down in So-Cal though, the weather is perfect, with sunny beaches and ocean breezes calling everyone to the coast. Still hotter than spring, but coastal weather is always cooler than the inland temps of the valleys and deserts.
The Best Places to Elope in California
California’s got endless stunning spots, but here are some of the best places to elope—broken down by vibe. Whether you’re into mountains, forests, beaches, or city backdrops, there’s something for every couple.
If big views and outdoor adventure sound like your thing, the mountains are calling! From granite cliffs to sparkling alpine lakes, here are the best mountain spots for your California elopement:
Where to Elope in The Mountains in California
California’s forests are pure magic. Imagine saying your vows under towering trees that seem straight out of a fairytale.
Best Spots to Elope in The forest in California
Coastal California is perfect for couples who want those beachy vibes with dramatic ocean views. Whether it’s a secret cove or a golden sunset spot, the coastline has endless options for your California elopement:
Best Places to Elope on the
california coast
Big Sur is coastal drama at its finest. Picture waves crashing against cliffs while you say “I do.” Bixby Bridge? Iconic. Hidden beaches? Even better. Rocky Coastline? I'm in!! It’s all about those ocean views.
Big Sur
where to elope in california
San Diego is a sunny beach dream. Sunset Cliffs, La Jolla Cove, Torrey Pines—all amazing spots to tie the knot. Plus, it's perfect weather pretty much all year round. You can’t go wrong. I lived in SD for almost 9 years, and I still go back frequently to visit family, so I know this place like it's home and have a load of insider tips for you when it comes to food
san diego
where to elope in california
San Francisco is perfect for couples who want city vibes and a side of nature. You could elope at City Hall and finish your evening with a sunset and Golden Gate as your backdrop at Baker Beach. There are so many amazing places in SF to include in your day, from the Sutro Baths, The Palace of Fine Arts, or the funky vibes of Haight-Ashbury. Whatever your desiring, if you're looking for the perfect mix of urban cool and stunning views SF's got you covered!
San Francisco
where to elope in california
still feeling stuck? let me help you!
I specialize in helping couples just like you plan & photograph their dream elopement day!
Feeling overwhelmed by all the options? Don’t worry—I’ve got your back! From location scouting to timeline planning, I’ll help you bring your dream day to life. Need permits? I’ll handle the paperwork. Want personalized recommendations? I’ll help you choose vendors and activities that match your vibe. I’ll even help plan details like adventure gear, transportation, and creating a timeline that’s both stress-free and fun. Your elopement should be as unique as your love story, and I’m here to make sure it’s everything you’ve ever imagined—and more!
how to Elope in Big Sur
how to elope
in san diego
My best tips for how to plan a sunny San Diego elopement!
glacier point yosemite elopement
Full Day adventure including some of Yosemite's most iconic locations.
Read my step-by-step guide on how to plan your Big Sur Elopement
More California Elopement Inspo
HOW TO ELOPE IN YOSEMITE
top 5 waterfall elopement locations
Discover the best waterfall elopement spots in the US!
YOSEMITE ELOPEMENT AT SWINGING BRIDGE
Yosemite Valley Elopement on a moody and rainy December day.
Everything you need to know to start planning your Yosemite Elopement
"sHE HELPED uS RELAX AND HAVE FUN"
"We found Salisha on Instagram while browsing for elopement photographers in the Yosemite area. She responded so quickly to my inquiry and helped us so much along the way. What stood out to me the most is she does it all....
...She helped me pick beautiful locations, took amazing photos, was our minister and she helped us plan the day around bringing our pup. The day went smoothly and she was so kind. Not only do I recommend eloping in Yosemite, I 100% recommend booking with her."
"Salisha made our dream come true. She made the elopement planning process stress-free, getting the times and places set up for our special day. From professionalism to the perfect-fit personality, Salisha checked all the boxes for what we were looking for in a photographer. She was very knowledgeable and accommodating every step of the way, going above and beyond what we could ever hope for. She helped us both feel comfortable to just be ourselves and connect as she captured special moments. She was a pleasure to get to know and relate to, which took away all the pressure to perform and anxious feelings. She is honestly a dedicated artist who captures every detail just right from the lighting, to the angles, to the scenery; but most importantly to the love two people share. She provided helpful cues and guidance at every stop we made which helped us relax and have fun during our special day. I hope you give her the chance to do the same for you!"
- CHARIESE & MATTHEW
"sHE HELPED uS RELAX AND HAVE FUN"
"We found Salisha on Instagram while browsing for elopement photographers in the Yosemite area. She responded so quickly to my inquiry and helped us so much along the way. What stood out to me the most is she does it all....
...She helped me pick beautiful locations, took amazing photos, was our minister and she helped us plan the day around bringing our pup. The day went smoothly and she was so kind. Not only do I recommend eloping in Yosemite, I 100% recommend booking with her."
"Salisha made our dream come true. She made the elopement planning process stress-free, getting the times and places set up for our special day. From professionalism to the perfect-fit personality, Salisha checked all the boxes for what we were looking for in a photographer. She was very knowledgeable and accommodating every step of the way, going above and beyond what we could ever hope for. She helped us both feel comfortable to just be ourselves and connect as she captured special moments. She was a pleasure to get to know and relate to, which took away all the pressure to perform and anxious feelings. She is honestly a dedicated artist who captures every detail just right from the lighting, to the angles, to the scenery; but most importantly to the love two people share. She provided helpful cues and guidance at every stop we made which helped us relax and have fun during our special day. I hope you give her the chance to do the same for you!"
- CHARIESE & MATTHEW
"sHE HELPED ME FIND BEAUTIFUL LOCATIONS"
"We found Salisha on Instagram while browsing for elopement photographers in the Yosemite area. She responded so quickly to my inquiry and helped us so much along the way. What stood out to me the most is she does it all....
...She helped me pick beautiful locations, took amazing photos, was our minister and she helped us plan the day around bringing our pup. The day went smoothly and she was so kind. Not only do I recommend eloping in Yosemite, I 100% recommend booking with her."
"We found Salisha on Instagram while browsing for Yosemite Elopement photographers. She responded so quickly to my inquiry and helped us so much along the way. What stood out to me the most is she does it all. She helped me find beautiful locations, took amazing photos, was our minister and she helped us plan the day around bringing our pup. The day went smoothly and she was so kind. Not only do I recommend eloping in Yosemite, I 100% recommend booking with her."
- bryanna and alex
"sHE HELPED ME FIND BEAUTIFUL LOCATIONS"
"We found Salisha on Instagram while browsing for elopement photographers in the Yosemite area. She responded so quickly to my inquiry and helped us so much along the way. What stood out to me the most is she does it all.
She helped me pick beautiful locations, took amazing photos, was our minister and she helped us plan the day around bringing our pup. The day went smoothly and she was so kind. Not only do I recommend eloping in Yosemite, I 100% recommend booking with her."
"We found Salisha on Instagram while browsing for Yosemite Elopement photographers. She responded so quickly to my inquiry and helped us so much along the way. What stood out to me the most is she does it all. She helped me find beautiful locations, took amazing photos, was our minister and she helped us plan the day around bringing our pup. The day went smoothly and she was so kind. Not only do I recommend eloping in Yosemite, I 100% recommend booking with her."
- bryanna and alex
FAQs
ELOPEMENT
ANSWEr
Of course! If the location allows, we can plan for up to 20 guests. Just keep in mind that as the guest count grows, factors like parking, seating, and bathroom access may limit the locations we can choose. Just make sure they are up for the adventure! I recommend inviting only the people you know will help keep the day’s focus on YOU! Some couples prefer to include a very small group (or no one) at the elopement ceremony and then they plan a reception or party to follow on the date or at a later date. There are no rules when it comes to elopement weddings, and that’s part of the freedom!
ANSWEr
I typically deliver an average of 50 photos per hour of coverage, but it all depends on the activities throughout your day, and how much time we spend shooting and making memories versus traveling in between locations.
ANSWEr
Most couples really value having all the memories from their elopement day together, from getting ready, until sunset, which is why most of my elopement packages include all-day photography coverage. A few couples may just want some photos from their ceremony, as well as bridal photos inside the park, which can take some time when you're traveling through Yosemite's vast regions. For less photography coverage opt for 6-hours or a "half-day" package.
ANSWEr
Your day can be exactly what you want to make of it, but in most cases we will need to plan out travel time to the locations (including drive time, parking, and hiking to the spot) time for getting ready, the vows, and the post-ceremony celebration, as well as any special activities you want to plan to share together on your big day.
ANSWEr
In California you are required to have an officiant for a legal marriage. You can have a friend or family member get ordained and officiate your ceremony. If you prefer to exchange your own set of written vows, I am ordained and would be happy to officiate!
ANSWEr
For most locations, including national parks, state parks, and BLM land, a permit is required. I’ll handle the paperwork for you by reaching out to the parks and securing the necessary permits, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. I also know of some secret areas where a permit isn’t required!
ANSWEr
This is the fun part, but if you're not sure then that's what I'm here for! During our initial consult I'll help you brainstorm some locations based on the information you share about yourselves, your relationship, interests, hobbies, etc, and I'll help you find the perfect spot to elope based on those things! I've captured elopements in California and Hawaii, and have traveled to all corners of this state, so I'm confident with the variety California has to offer, we are going to find the absolute perfect spot for you!
frequently asked questions
When should we book our photographer?
Can I include family at my elopement?
How many photos will we receive?
How many hours will I need my photographer?
WHAT DOES AN ELOPEMENT TIMELINE LOOK LIKE?
Do we need to hire an officiant?
will we need to obtain a permit for our elopement?
HOW DO I CHOOSE AN ELOPEMENT LOCATION?
