How to Elope in California
FROM ALL THE BEST TIPS, LOGISTICS, THE MOST EPIC LOCATIONS AND EVERYTHING ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN PLANNING YOUR CALIFORNIA ELOPEMENT.
California holds some of the most amazing National Parks, stunning mountain ranges, coastal locations and all the desert vibes. It’s no wonder when couples are planning their intimate weddings and elopement – the sunshine state comes straight to the top of their list. Check out why!
So why elope in California?
Truth is, it has a little something for everyone. From sprawling coastlines to expansive deserts, towering redwoods, snow-capped mountains, and far-away fields. California has 8 epic national parks (some of the most famous in America) and over 100 state parks, California is an idyllic spot for adventurous couples to tie the knot.
If you’re thinking about eloping in California, you may not know where to start, and you probably have a million questions. Where do we elope? What do we need? When should we do it? I’m here to help.
I’ll answer all of these questions and share some personal insight in my detailed California Elopement Guide.
How to Elope in California | How to legally get married in California
California Elopement Logistics:
MARRIAGE LAWS FOR CALIFORNIA
- Marriage License: To get married in California, you’ll need a marriage license. Both of you must be at least 18 years old, and you must apply for and sign for the license in person. There’s no waiting period, so you can get your license in the morning and get married in the afternoon.
- Permitting: If you want to elope in a national park or state forest, you’ll need a special use permit (or wedding permit). the cost will depend on the park. different parks have different rules, so make sure that you understand what you can and can’t do before planning your celebration.
- Officiant/Witnesses: To make it official (and legal), you’ll need to have a witness over the age of 18 present during the ceremony.
How to Elope in California | Best time of year for your California Elopement
When to elope in California?
THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO ELOPE IN THE GOLDEN STATE:
When planning an elopement, one of the first questions couples have is: When should we do it? What’s the best time of year? and the answer really depends on where you want to have your big day. Although the state as a whole boasts a mild climate, Northern California (norcal) and Southern California (socal) are very different.
That being said, you can elope anytime you want in California. Each season brings its own magic to the table.
Spring: While breezy summer weather is making its way to SoCal, wildflowers are bursting with color in NorCal.
Summer: It’s all fun and sun on socal’s beaches, while norcal offers milder summer days and welcome breezes in the mountains.
Fall: In SoCal, fall’s cooler weather makes beach and lakeside weddings unforgettable. In NorCal, it’s leaf-peeping season as the mountainsides and forest burst with vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow.
Winter: SoCal winters are mild, but evenings in the desert can get frigid. in norcal, snowcapped mountains create a dreamy vibe.
How to Elope in California | Top California Elopement Locations
Where to elope in California:
CALIFORNIA OFFERS SOME OF THE MOST DIVERSE LANDSCAPES IN THE U.S.
So whether you’re dreaming of a beach wedding or saying “I do” underneath towering redwood trees, you’ve picked the perfect place for your elopement.
Remember – this is your big day, so choose a location that speaks to you. Where you choose to elope will set the tone and mood for the entire experience.
JOSHUA TREE
Home to more than 1,000 square miles of desert, Joshua Tree National Park is a hotspot for elopements. give yourself plenty of time to explore and find the perfect spot that isn’t overly crowded. avoid the summer months – temperatures are sweltering. you’ll need a permit to get married here (surprise, surprise!).
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CALIFORNIA
One of the most iconic (and gorgeous) National Parks in the country, Yosemite is a dream for adventurous couples tying the knot. From glacier point to Yosemite Falls and El Capitan Meadow, there are so many idyllic wedding photo spots at Yosemite. Expect crowds at ceremony spots, which are first come, first serve. You’ll need a wedding permit, which will cover the permit and photos.
REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK
Dreaming of an enchanting forest wedding? It doesn’t get much better than Redwood National Park. A special use permit is required, but you’ll also need to secure a threatened and endangered species addendum before you can elope in the park. Be sure to explore the forest beforehand to scope out some potential spots. Some areas may only be accessible at certain times of the year.
BIG SUR
With its coastal views and redwood forests, Big Sur is a dream destination for couples eloping in California. Choose between beaches, parks, forests and cliffsides for your big day. Just imagine standing cliffside with the love of your life at sunset saying the words “I do.” Big Sur is breathtakingly beautiful. There are several state parks in this expansive area to choose from. You’ll need a permit if you choose to elope at one of them.
DEATH VALLEY
With its massive sand dunes, snow-capped mountains and badlands, Death Valley offers some of the most dramatic landscapes for weddings. It’s the largest national park in the contiguous u.s., and it gives you plenty of options for locations. The best time for elopement is November through March. Summer is brutal (temperatures are 100+ degrees). You’ll need a permit for the wedding, an event monitor and an additional fee for photography.
Want to Elope in California?
Are you ready to start planning your California elopement? I know the perfect person for the job. In addition to being your elopement photographer, I can also help you plan your special day. Let’s chat about your elopement in California. I’d love to hear more about your hopes and dreams for your wedding day.
Your California Elopement Photographer + Videographer
That’s me, Rylee!& I’m going to be your guide on navigating this whole eloping in California thing. While I live in the pnw, my adventures starting in the Sierra Nevadas – so I’m not just as another photographer, writing another guide on where happens to be on California. this ones special because California will always be my home.
California Elopement Packages
Planning and Resources:
- From phone chats, happy hour, brewery dates to multiple questionnaires. I want to get to know your love & values so I can create a timeless experience that reflects the most authentic you that will last forever through imagery
- Complementary planning assistance from me
- locations ideas, checklists, timelines, & vendor recommendations
- Fully edited, High-Resolution photos
- Custom Online Gallery
- Personal Printing Rights
- Sneak Peek Photos
- Custom GIF’s & Double Exposures
- Traveling Included
