Best Places to Elope in California

The Ultimate Guide for Your California Elopement

by California Elopement Photographer Sydney Sims

California offers so much for eloping couples who want an adventurous elopement.  There’s an endless variety in landscapes and scenery, boasting nine stunning national parks and hundreds of state parks.  Whether you’re from the golden coast or you’re planning a destination adventure wedding, we created this California elopement guide as a resource for the best places to elope in California and how to get married in California.

how to elope in California

1. Choose the best location that fits your vision for your day
2. Find your California elopement photographer (contact me for a FREE elopement consultation)
3. We’ll plan and talk about everything you need to know from travel, lodging, and anything in-between to make your elopement the best day ever
4. Apply for a marriage license and any necessary permits for your California elopement location
5. We’ll adventure around the location you chose, take in the natural beauty, create memories, and we’ll capture you enjoying it all

general info for your California elopement

Landscapes

• Mountains
• Forests
• Rugged coastline
• Beaches
• Deserts
• Lakes
• Snowcapped mountains
• Valleys
• Sand dunes
• Canyons
• Salt flats

California National Parks

• Channel Islands National Park
• Death Valley National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Kings Canyon National Park
• Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Pinnacles National Park
• Redwoods National and State Parks
• Sequoia National Park
• Yosemite National Park

Related: How to Elope in a National Park

California Elopement Laws | Marriage License Information

Marriage licenses are valid for 90 days after issuance. You must apply in person at the county clerk’s office. You will receive your license when you apply and there is no waiting period. You’re required to have an officiant and one witness. Application fees vary by county.

For more information, visit the county clerk website where you plan on eloping.

Best Time of Year to Elope in California

The climate throughout California varies greatly between Northern and Southern California as well as the coast versus inland.  You also have to consider elevation and how that can impact the temperature.  Even winter evenings in the desert can be extremely cold, so plan your day and what you bring with you accordingly.  Road closures due to snowfall are common in national and state parks.  You can check for updates on the parks’ websites.

Best Places to Elope in California

Big Sur

Big Sur has some of California’s most iconic coastal highway views and beautiful state parks. The Big Sur area even has groves of redwood trees!  A Big Sur elopement offers so much in a variety of views and experiences all along the famous Pacific Coast highway.

Big Sur Elopement Permit

This Big Sur Elopement Special Use Permit PDF explains specific permit information regarding how to obtain an elopement permit at Andrew Molera State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and/or Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

Yosemite National Park

There really is no place like Yosemite. Stunning granite peaks, evergreens, waterfalls, and valleys make Yosemite National Park an incredible place to elope.  The summer months have the highest traffic in the park, even at sunrise. We recommend aiming to elope in Yosemite in the late spring or fall. However, be mindful of road closures due to snowfall.

Check out our full guide on ‘How to Elope in Yosemite National Park’ here

Permit

• You can apply for a wedding permit up to 1 year in advance and more than 21 days prior to your elopement date
• $150 application fee
• Wedding Permit Application
• Important wedding ceremony info

Joshua Tree

Calling all desert lovers out there, this is the place for you.  Joshua Tree National Park and the local towns may be in a fairly remote area but it truly is teeming with life.  Jumbo rocks, Joshua trees, cacti, local rock shops, quirky thrift stores, starry nights, and amazing Airbnb’s make the Joshua Tree area a unique place to elope.

Related: Check out our full guide on how to elope in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park Elopement Permit

• $120 nonrefundable application fee
• Joshua Tree National Park Wedding Permit Application

Redwood Forest Elopement

Imagine enchanting Redwood groves, golden sunlight peeking between the trees, and a mystical fog that dances through the forest, and the rich fragrance of the woods. Sounds pretty magical, right?  The oldest Redwood groves are primarily found throughout Northern California where you’ll find the Redwood National and State Parks.  There are also several national forest and state reserves that can offer a quieter elopement experience. For more information, view my guide on how to get married in Redwood National Park.

Related: Check out this Tiny Home Redwood Forest Elopement and Ocean Cliffside Wedding

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley has an abundance of beautiful landscapes and geographical features that make it a stunning place to elope.  From sand dunes, salt flats, and colorful canyons, it is a unique landscape for an adventure elopement.

Permit Info

• You will need to submit a Special Use Permit (SUP) application
• $300 application fee
• The application must provide a liability insurance certificate (can be provided by your elopement photographer)

 

California Elopement Guide | Best Places to Elope in California