Updated April 25, 2025
7 of the Best Places in California to Elope for an Unforgettable Day
If you’re searching for the best places in California to elope, you’re in the right place. California is packed with incredible landscapes, from dramatic coastal cliffs to ancient forests, remote deserts, peaceful lakes, and snow-capped peaks. It is a dream backdrop for couples who want their wedding day to feel like an unforgettable adventure.
As destination elopement photographers who have spent years living on the road and exploring California in our van, we know this state inside and out. In this guide, we’re sharing our favorite locations for couples who want a wedding day that feels intentional, beautiful, and true to them. You’ll also find tips to help you plan your California elopement, frequently asked questions, and advice for narrowing down the spot that feels like your perfect place.
Whether you’re dreaming of Big Sur’s wild coastline or the towering granite walls of Yosemite, this guide will help you find the California elopement location that fits your vision perfectly.
Best Time of Year to Elope in California
One of the best parts about planning an elopement in California is that there’s truly no bad time to go. With so much variety in the landscape, you can plan around what kind of scenery and weather feels right for your day.
Here’s a quick breakdown by season:
- Spring: One of our favorite times to explore Big Sur and the Central Coast. Everything is lush and green, and so many different types of wildflowers are blooming everywhere. Spring is also amazing in Yosemite, with waterfalls at their peak and far fewer crowds than summer. The Eastern Sierra is a great choice too, with warm temps at lower elevations and snow still covering the high peaks.
- Summer: Ideal for Northern California, especially the Redwoods. The weather is mild, trails are accessible, and the trees are incredible in the early morning light. Check out our Redwoods blog if that area is on your radar.
- Fall: A great time to elope in the desert, with cooler temperatures starting to settle in. Late fall can also be beautiful in Yosemite and the Eastern Sierra, especially if you’re hoping to avoid peak season.
- Winter: Perfect for desert locations like Joshua Tree or Glamis, where summer heat would make things tough. Southern California and even Big Sur can be beautiful in the winter, especially on those moody, coastal days that feel straight out of a movie.
No matter when you go, California offers something incredible. The key is matching the season to the kind of experience you want to have.
Where to Elope in California
It is no surprise you are looking for the best places in California to elope. With 9 National Parks, 20 National Forests, and endless stretches of BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land, the options are almost limitless. Whether you are dreaming of mountain peaks, desert landscapes, wild coastline, or ancient forests, there is a perfect spot out there for you.
Below, we are sharing our favorite elopement locations across the state, plus an interactive map to help you start visualizing your dream elopement day.
Best Places in California to Elope:
- Yosemite National Park
- Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains
- Big Sur
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Central Coast
- Glamis Sand Dunes
- Sequoia National Park
Click around on the map below to see where each location is and start imagining what your day could look like.
Need Help Choosing Your Perfect Elopement Spot?
We know narrowing it down can feel overwhelming, especially when California has so many incredible places to explore. If you want personalized help finding the location that fits your vision, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Eloping in Yosemite National Park: What You Need to Know
Towering granite cliffs, countless high altitude lakes, wildflower meadows, and some of the tallest waterfalls in the country make Yosemite National Park feel like it was made for unforgettable elopements. It is one of the most iconic places to elope in California, and is known world-wide for its endless breathtaking backdrops for your ceremony, portraits, or quiet moments together.
Yosemite can definitely get busy, but that is where our experience makes all the difference. Brian lived and worked in Yosemite for over 15 years, and we know the local trails, hidden gems, and quieter corners that most visitors never find. If you want a more private and personal Yosemite elopement, we can help you find the perfect spot and plan a day that feels entirely your own.
Learn more about planning a Yosemite elopement here.
Eloping in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains
The Eastern Sierra is one of California’s most stunning and underrated places to elope, in our opinion. Just east of Yosemite National Park, this area is filled with jagged mountain peaks, beautiful lakes, natural hot springs, and wide open valleys that feel completely untouched.
While most couples head straight to Yosemite Valley, the east side of the mountains offers equally dramatic views with a lot less people. It is the perfect choice if you still want insane mountains as your backdrop without worrying about packed trails or busy overlooks.
Some of our favorite areas to explore include the blue waters of Convict Lake and the rugged beauty of Mammoth Lakes. Whether you want a quiet morning ceremony by the water or an adventurous hike into the wilderness for sunset, the Eastern Sierra has unforgettable views at every turn.
Why Big Sur Is One of the Best Places in California to Elope
Big Sur is the kind of place that stays in your mind even after you leave. The cliffs rise straight up from the Pacific Ocean, and the gusher blue waves crash against rugged rocks below. Rolling green hills stretch along the cliffs, covered with wildflowers in the spring. Sandy beaches hide between towering cliffs, and hiking trails wind their way through canyons and forests.
If you want an elopement that feels wild, untamed, and really connected to nature, Big Sur is one of the best places you can choose. Every turn feels like a scene from a movie, and it is a place we never get tired of exploring with our couples. You can see what a real Big Sur elopement looks like here with Sruthi and Don’s stunning day along the coast.
It is also worth mentioning that Big Sur’s coastal weather can be really unpredictable, with misty mornings and fog rolling over the cliffs even in summer. But that moody atmosphere is part of what makes this place so magical and a photographers dream, year-round.
Eloping in Joshua Tree National Park: A Desert Dream
Joshua Tree is on our list of best places in California to elope because of how unique it is. The desert landscape is filled with towering rock formations, twisted Joshua trees, giant cacti, and wide open skies that stretch on forever. It feels almost like stepping onto another planet, making it an unforgettable setting for a one-of-a-kind elopement.
Spring, fall, and winter are the best seasons to plan your Joshua Tree elopement. Summers bring extreme heat, but the off seasons offer much more comfortable days for exploring and celebrating. Desert winters can be deceiving though, because the days often feel sunny and mild, while temperatures drop sharply once the sun goes down. Packing layers is important if you are planning a winter elopement here.
If you love the idea of exchanging vows surrounded by desert beauty and dramatic rock formations, Joshua Tree is definitely one of the most unique and striking places to do it.
Eloping on California’s Central Coast: Coastal Charm and Rolling Hills
California’s Central Coast is one of the most underrated areas for an intimate, scenic elopement. Stretching from Monterey Bay down to Point Mugu, this large area offers a mix of wild coastline, charming beach towns, rolling green hills, and hidden coves that feel like your own private paradise.
Some of our favorite spots along the Central Coast include Morro Bay, Montana de Oro, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. Springtime is really magical here, when the hills turn vibrant green and wildflowers are seen in big patches from miles away. If you are picturing of a coastal elopement with a laid-back vibe and stunning views, the Central Coast is an incredible choice. The best months to elope here are usually January through May, when the landscape is at its most vibrant and colorful.
Why Glamis Sand Dunes Is an Epic Elopement Location
If you are looking for an elopement location that feels truly out of this world, Glamis Sand Dunes might be the perfect place. Picture standing on top of a giant dune, mountains rising in the distance, with nothing around you but waves of sand and open sky as you exchange your vows.
Glamis is also one of the best places in California to elope if you’re down to include some type of adventure in your elopement day. You can ride dune buggies across the sand, explore the landscape by side-by-side, sled down the dunes, or relax in nearby natural hot springs after your celebration. It is a playground for adventure and one of the most unique places to elope in California.
Saying “I Do” Beneath the Giants at Sequoia National Park
There are few places in the world that feel as awe-inspiring as standing among the giant sequoia trees. Towering thousands of years old, these trees create a feeling that is hard to describe until you experience it for yourself.
Sequoia National Park is the perfect choice if you are dreaming of an elopement surrounded by ancient beauty. You can exchange vows beneath the massive trunks, wander quiet trails through the groves, and explore some of the lesser-known parts of the park. There are also cozy cabins and unique lodges nearby, which make it easy to turn your elopement into a full weekend getaway surrounded by nature.
California Elopement FAQs
Still have a few questions about planning your California elopement? Here are some quick answers to the things couples ask us most often.
How much does it cost to elope in California?
It really depends on where you choose to elope. If you are getting married inside a National Park, expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $500 for a special use permit. Some places are more expensive or have additional requirements, so it is always a good idea to check ahead of time. We help all of our couples figure out what permits they need and when to apply.
How do you legally get married in California?
You will need to get a marriage license from any county clerk’s office in California. The good news is there is no waiting period after you pick it up, so you can get married right away. Since Becky is an officiant in all 50 states, she can help guide you through the paperwork and make sure everything is legal and official.
Where should you elope in California?
With so many National Parks, forests, and wide open BLM lands, there is no shortage of incredible places to elope. Part of our job as your California elopement photographers is helping you find the spot that fits your vision, your vibe, and your sense of adventure. If you haven’t already checked out the map above, scroll back up and take a look at the best places in California to elope.
Do you need a witness to get married in California?
Yes, you will need at least one witness to sign your marriage license. If you are eloping just the two of you, no problem, Brian can act as your witness so you can still have an intimate day without worrying about the details.
Ready to See What This Could Look Like for You?
If you are ready to start planning your California elopement, we would love to help you bring your vision to life. Whether you already have a location in mind or need a little guidance finding the perfect spot, we are here to make sure your day feels true to you from start to finish.
