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7 Best Places in California to Elope

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Updated July 25, 2024

Best Places in California to Elope

If you’re looking for the best places in California to elope, you’ve come to the right place! As destination van life elopement photographers, we’ve seen a lot of California over the years. Lucky for you, there is no shortage of amazing views in California with rugged coastlines, forests blanketed with giant trees, remote deserts, rolling dunes, and mountain peaks hovering around every corner. You really can’t go wrong with any location you decide on but we understand it can feel overwhelming! This blog will help you narrow down which elopement location in California is best for you. 

Best Time of Year to Elope in California

Because California has so many different types of landscape and most of the state sees all four seasons, there really isn’t a bad time to elope in California! There are some locations like Joshua Tree or the Glamis Sand Dunes that we would recommend visiting in the spring or fall because summers can be so hot. Locations like the Central Coast and Big Sur are amazing in the spring because everything is so green and there are tons of wildflowers! If you’re interested in a snowy elopement, winter is breathtaking in Yosemite and Sequoia. 

Where to Elope in California

It’s no surprise to us that you’re looking for the best places in California to elope. With 9 National Parks (3 that make our list), 20 National Forests, and tons and tons of BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land, there are tons of ideas for elopement locations. Here is our list of the best places in California to elope:

  1. Yosemite National Park
  2. Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains
  3. Big Sur
  4. Joshua Tree National Park
  5. Central Coast 
  6. Glamis Sand Dunes
  7. Sequoia National Park
This map was made with Wanderlog, a travel planner on iOS and Android

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Elope in Yosemite National Park

Ok, you had to have known Yosemite National Park would be on this list! It’s a truly magical place that is overflowing with insane views, hidden mountain lakes, wildflowers, and some of the country’s tallest waterfalls. If you’re hoping to escape the crowds that Yosemite National Park can often see, we definitely recommend reaching out to us so we can chat! Brian lived in Yosemite for over 15 years, so he knows all of the local, hidden spots to help you have an intimate, private elopement.

Easily one of the best places in California to elope - here in Yosemite, a bride and groom sit on a rock wall at Tunnel View in Yosemite while the bride holds her red bouquet of flowers and the mountains are covered in snow behind them.
A bride and groom walk along a fallen tree in Yosemite National Park with El Capitan behind them as the groom holds up the brides dress behind her.
A bride and groom stand facing each other as the groom tilts the brides chin up to kiss him as the sunsets behind them and Half Dome turns a beautiful pink color.
A bride and groom walk along a wooden boardwalk with their arms around each other and the mountains are covered in clouds behind them.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand across a huge granite mountain side with Half Dome showing behind them.
A bride and groom stand facing each other and holding hands on a fallen tree in Yosemite with mountains behind them.
A bride and groom stand in the middle of Glacier Point Road in Yosemite with Half Dome behind them as the groom holds a colorful bouquet of flowers and the bride twirls around.
A bride and groom stand close to each other as the groom smiles down at his bride in Yosemite.
A groom holds his bride in the air as she pops her foot out and the stand on the edge of a mountain cliff in Yosemite at Taft Point.
A bride and groom stand facing the mountains and the Merced River at after their elopement ceremony in Yosemite National Park.

Elope in the Eastern Sierras

The Eastern Sierra has a spot on our best places in California to elope list for a handful of reasons. Sitting just outside of Yosemite lies the Eastern Sierras; the prettiest mountain range we’ve ever seen. Not only are the mountain views breathtaking, but there are also tons of hidden alpine lakes to explore and a handful of natural hot springs to soak in. If you’re hoping to get away from the crowds in Yosemite, this is the place to go.

A bride and groom walk hand in hand up Mammoth Mountain on their elopement day.
A bride and groom stand hugging each other as they look out at the Eastern Sierra Mountains in Mammoth on their elopement day - easily one of the best places in California to elope!
A bride and groom stand holding hands looking out over Convict lake on their elopement day with snowy mountains behind them.
A bride and groom stand cuddling together under a blanket as the sunsets over the mountains behind them.
A groom sits on a rock while his wife stands next to him in caressing his head in front of Convict lake in the Eastern Sierra Mountains.

Elope in Big Sur

Big Sur is one of those places that words just can’t describe. But I’ll give it a try: close your eyes and picture this. The deepest blue in the ocean, the waves crashing against the ragged cliffside, the rolling green hills covered in wildflowers, the hiking trails wrapping around canyons leading back into the wilderness. Oh and beautiful sandy beaches! It’s a really special place and one that we love going back to time and time again.

A bride and groom walk along the beach in Big Sur on their elopement day and the rocks stick out of the ocean behind them.
A bride and groom drink out of champagne flutes on their elopement day with their arms wrapped around each others in Big Sur.
A groom spins his bride as they stand on the beach of Big Sur with giant rocks sticking out of the beach behind them
A bride and groom walk hand in hand along the beach in Big Sur and there are big rocks sticking up out of the ocean behind them.
A groom picks his bride up and spins around on the beach in Big Sur as they kiss.
A groom walks along a fallen tree in Big Sur, holding his bride's hand and leading her along the tree.

Elope in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree is on our list of best places in California to elope because of how unique it is. The vastness of the desert, sprinkled with crazy rock formations, and giant cacti is so different from the mountains we usually find ourselves in. We would recommend eloping here either in the spring, fall, or winter so you’re not overheating! However, we should mention that the high desert can get really cold in the winter, so keep that in mind when planning your elopement.

A couple walk hand in hand in Joshua Tree, smiling during their engagement session.
A couple stand facing each other and holding hands in Joshua Tree with boulders behind them
A couple stand next to each other under a Joshua Tree as the woman rests her head on the man's shoulder and loops her arm through his.
A man stands behind a woman in Joshua tree, wrapping his arms around her waist to keep her warm.

Elope in the Central Coast

The Central Coast of California is a big area but definitely deserves a spot on our best places in California to elope list! Spanning from Monterey Bay down to Point Mugu (just north of LA), the Central Coast is full of incredible places for your elopement. Some of our favorite areas are Morro Bay, Montana De Oro, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. Springtime in these areas means rolling green hills and tons of wildflowers. Consider eloping here from January – May.

A couple stand with their arms around each other facing the ocean and looking out over a cloud inversion.
A bride places her hand on her groom's face as they kiss with the ocean behind them and a bouquet of flowers at their feet.
A bride and groom wearing backpacks stand facing each other in a grove of eucalyptus trees on the California Coast.
A bride and groom stand hugging each other and smiling as the sunsets around them and their shadow is on a big rock next to them and the ocean behind them
A bride stands holding her flowers and wedding dress in one hand as she leans back into her groom's chest and he kisses her on the cheek
A bride stands on a big rock standing above her groom with her hand on his shoulder and he stands next to her with his hand around her waist.
A bride and groom stand facing each other with their arms around each other's waists as a cloud inversion sits behind them and the sunsets.

Elope in Glamis Sand Dunes

Ok, imagine this: standing on top of a giant sand dune, with mountains behind you and your person reading their vows in front of you. Once used as the stage for Star Wars movies, Glamis Sand Dunes is an incredibly unique place in California and would provide a lot of fun activities for your elopement day (think dune buggies, riding side-by-sides, sledding down the dunes) plus there are hot springs close by to visit.

A bride and groom walk hand in hand across a giant sand dune at Glamis Sand Dunes in California.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand across a giant sand dune in California as the bride holds her bouquet by her side.
A groom kisses his brides neck as she tilts her head back, laughing and holding a bouquet in her hand.
A groom stands behind his bride as she rests her head against his and closes her eyes.
A bride and groom face each other with their foreheads touching as they laugh and stand on a sand dune.
A bride and groom share their first dance on a giant sand dune in Glamis Sand Dunes California.

Elope in Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park had to have a spot on our best places in California to elope list because of the big trees! A visit to California isn’t complete without seeing some of the oldest trees in the United States. Imagine having your ceremony under an awning of huge trees and then going for a walk amongst them.

A couple sit next to each other on a giant downed tree in Sequoia National Park on their elopement day.
A groom stands on top of a giant fallen tree and reaches his hand down to help his bride up to stand with him.
A bride wearing a backpack is holding hands with her groom as they hug a giant sequoia tree.

California Elopement FAQs

How much does it cost to elope in California?

The number can vary greatly here depending on where in California you decide to elope. The National Park wedding permits can range from $50-500 so it’s important to look into that before you decide.

How do you legally get married in California?

You’ll have to get your marriage license from a county clerk’s office in California. Fortunately, it can be in any county and there is no waiting period after you get the marriage license. Since Becky is an officiant in all 50 states, she can help you figure out all of the details for this!

Where should you elope in California?

With so many national parks, national forests, and BLM land there are tons of options. As your California elopement photographers, we’ll work together to help you pick out the best place in California for your elopement.

Do you need a witness to get married in California?

Yes, you need at least one witness to sign your marriage license. If you’re not inviting any guests, no worries, Brian can act as your witness!

OK, now are you ready to start planning for your California elopement?! Whether it’s one of our Best Places in California to Elope (or maybe it should be!) get in touch and we’ll help you plan the perfect adventure elopement — and we’ll capture every moment of it!

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