Best Places to Elope in California
The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in California with 10 of the Best Elopement Locations
As one of the most diverse states in the United States, California is filled with a vast array of scenery. From deserts to lakes to oceans to mountains to forests to waterfalls, California has it all, and, as a native to California who has photographed many elopements, I can attest that it is one of the best places to plan your elopement wedding! Better yet, you can easily experience multiple landscapes within California by driving a few hours, so if you aren’t yet sure where you want to plan your elopement, keep reading and consider that more than one location may be possible:
Imagine a place where you can say your vows surrounded by towering redwoods in the morning, share your first dance on a cliffside at golden hour, and end your evening soaking in desert silence under the stars. That’s California.
As someone who has explored California in depth and spent years photographing elopements across the state, I can confidently say: California is one of the best places in the world to get married. There’s no shortage of jaw-dropping locations, and the variety of landscapes here is something you just can’t find anywhere else. Beaches, deserts, alpine lakes, waterfalls, mountains, forests… You name it, it’s here. Even better, you can often experience more than one in a single trip.
If you’re still figuring out where you want to tie the knot, let this guide help you visualize the options. Whether you're leaning toward something coastal, tucked away in the forest, or deep in the desert, you’ll find something that speaks to you and photographs beautifully, too.
Best Places to Elope in California
1. Big Sur
Big Sur is one of those places that feels like a dream the moment you arrive. With its dramatic cliffs plunging into the Pacific Ocean, winding coastal roads, redwood groves that make you feel small in the best way, and quiet beaches tucked beneath the bluffs, it’s the kind of place that just stays with you. For elopements, it offers that perfect mix of raw, untamed nature and deeply romantic settings. Whether you want to say your vows beneath ancient trees, on a seaside cliff at sunset, or somewhere in between.
Big Sur is located about 45 minutes south of Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, right along the iconic Highway 1. Getting married here means you’ll have no shortage of stunning backdrops within just a few miles. Ideal for making the most of your elopement day experience and photos.
Some of my personal favorite galleries, photos captured, and wedding days were created in Big Sur simply because the light, the mood, and the views do half the storytelling for you. There’s nothing like immersing yourself in the beauty of Big Sur. It’s especially beautiful in the spring and fall, when the crowds die down and the weather hits that sweet spot between crisp and coastal. And if you want to expand your trip or find a nearby base, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Garrapata State Park all offer charming spots to stay and explore.
If you’re interested in or considering getting married in Big Sur, make sure to check out this blog below for an in-depth details on how to elope and get married in Big Sur
2. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is the kind of place that instantly makes you feel small, in the best way possible. With its massive granite cliffs, flowing waterfalls, and high alpine views, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most iconic national parks in the country. Whether you're standing at the edge of Taft Point or tucked away in a quiet meadow surrounded by wildflowers, Yosemite offers a wide variety of spots for an unforgettable elopement.
Located about four hours east of San Francisco, Yosemite National Park is easily accessible for couples traveling from Northern California or beyond. The best times to visit are late spring for waterfalls at their peak, or early fall when the park quiets down and the temperatures are just right. But if you’re also into winter, and would love to be out in nature during the cold months, Winters in Yosemite are unmatched.
Nearby areas like Mariposa, Bass Lake, and Mammoth Lakes (when Tioga Pass is open in summer) offer more relaxed lodging options and additional spots to explore if you want to make your elopement a multi-day adventure.
If you’re just finding out about how amazing Yosemite is, or considering getting married in one of the most beautiful National Parks in the US, check out this blog on how to elope and get married in Yosemite.
3. Eastern Sierras: Mammoth Lakes & Bishop
The Eastern Sierra region is one of California’s best-kept secrets. With alpine lakes that look like they belong in the Swiss Alps, rugged granite peaks, natural hot springs, and some of the most stunning fall colors in the state, it’s a dream backdrop for an adventurous elopement.
Situated east of Yosemite along the scenic Highway 395, the area offers a more laid-back, less touristy vibe compared to the national parks, but the scenery is equally jaw-dropping. It’s a great pick for couples who want to hike, paddle, or simply soak in a hot spring after exchanging vows.
June through October tends to be the best window for weather and accessibility. And if you're looking to explore more, nearby spots like June Lake, Convict Lake, and Hot Creek offer even more variety for your day or weekend celebration.
4. San Francisco & Marin County
If you’re looking for a mix of modern city energy and peaceful coastal nature, this region of Northern California delivers. One moment you’re walking along the Embarcadero or standing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, and the next you’re surrounded by towering redwoods or gazing out over the cliffs of the Marin Headlands.
San Francisco offers iconic views, easy logistics, and endless character, while Marin County brings in a slower pace, fog-kissed forests, and dramatic ocean overlooks. It’s a perfect combination for couples who want to keep things intentional but diverse: city charm meets quiet nature, all within a short drive.
You can start the day with portraits in the city or a sunrise ceremony in the headlands, then wander through Muir Woods National Monument and wrap up with a casual dinner in Sausalito or a beach picnic to end the day. It’s the kind of location where you can truly have it all without needing to go far.
5. Mendocino & Sonoma County
Mendocino and Sonoma Counties are two of Northern California’s most scenic and soulful places to elope. They offer a mix of rugged coastal views, peaceful redwood forests, and charming small towns that feel intentionally slow-paced. For couples looking to escape the crowds and focus on the experience, these regions provide a quiet, beautiful setting to celebrate your day in a way that feels personal and unhurried.
Mendocino sits along the coastline about three and a half hours north of San Francisco, where dramatic cliffs meet the Pacific and misty mornings set the mood. You can exchange vows on a bluff above the ocean, then head into town for a cozy dinner or explore hidden beaches and redwood trails nearby. The town itself feels like something from another era, with locally owned shops, historic buildings, and a laid-back rhythm that encourages you to slow down and take it all in.
Sonoma County, just south of Mendocino, brings in a different kind of beauty with rolling vineyards, open farmland, and redwood groves scattered throughout. It’s ideal for couples who want a little more variety or who are planning an elopement weekend with guests. You can start the day at a winery, say your vows beneath the trees, and end the evening in a quiet tasting room or at a hillside Airbnb.
Late spring and early fall are great times to visit both regions, offering mild weather, fewer visitors, and golden light that photographs beautifully. If you’re looking to extend the adventure, spots like Fort Bragg, Russian Gulch State Park, the Bohemian Highway, and Anderson Valley are all worth adding to the itinerary. Whether you’re drawn to ocean air or vineyard views, Mendocino and Sonoma give you the best of both worlds in one unforgettable trip.
6. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
Standing among the largest trees on Earth is a surreal experience, and one that makes for a powerful place to say your vows. Sequoia and Kings Canyon are neighboring parks that pack in everything from giant sequoias and alpine lakes to quiet meadows and dramatic canyons.
They’re located in Central California, about 4–5 hours from both Los Angeles and San Francisco, making them surprisingly accessible for a national park. If you're looking for a ceremony surrounded by towering trees or near a peaceful mountain lake, this region has both.
The best time to visit is summer through early fall when the higher elevation areas are open and the weather is more predictable. You can easily base yourself in Three Rivers or Grant Grove, with Hume Lake nearby for some added lake time or post-ceremony picnics.
7. Del Norte County (Crescent City)
If you’re looking to truly get off the grid and into the wild, Del Norte County offers one of the most untouched and awe-inspiring elopement settings in California. Nestled in the far northwestern corner of the state, Crescent City and its surrounding landscapes feel remote in all the best ways. This area is home to some of the tallest redwoods on Earth, dramatic rocky coastlines, and fog-draped trails that make every step feel like you’re walking through a storybook.
It’s ideal for couples who want complete privacy, sweeping forest views, and a slower pace that encourages being fully present. The redwood groves here, such as Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, are especially dense and vibrant, offering a quiet stillness that’s hard to find elsewhere. And just minutes away, you’ll find beaches that feel completely untouched, perfect for an oceanside ceremony or portraits among the driftwood and sea stacks.
Crescent City is also just a short drive from the Oregon border, where the scenery only gets better. If you're up for a little exploring, nearby spots around Brookings Oregon, like Natural Bridges, Arch Rock State Park, and Lone Ranch Beach in southern Oregon are absolutely worth the trip. These areas are incredibly photogenic and offer even more coastal beauty to round out your elopement day or weekend adventure.
The best time to visit is between May and early October, when the weather is typically drier and trail access is easier. That said, this part of California stays green and moody year-round, which adds to its charm. For couples looking for something deeply peaceful, wild, and unique, Del Norte County and the surrounding southern Oregon coast make for an unforgettable place to say your vows.
8. Palm Springs & Joshua Tree National Park
There’s something otherworldly about the desert, especially in Joshua Tree National Park. With its surreal rock formations, endless sunshine, and minimalistic beauty, it’s a standout choice for a bold and memorable elopement. Pair that with the retro charm and modern comforts of Palm Springs, and you've got a location that’s equal parts stylish and raw.
Just two hours from Los Angeles, this area is ideal for sunrise or sunset ceremonies when the light hits just right and the temps are cooler. If you're into artsy, boho, or laid-back vibes, this desert combo is hard to beat.
October to April is your best bet for comfortable weather, and nearby gems like Pioneertown, Coachella Valley Preserve, and Desert Hot Springs make for fun pre- or post-ceremony adventures.
Check out this awesome full day adventure in Joshua Tree
9. Malibu
Malibu offers that classic Southern California beach experience, but with a quieter, more intimate feel than most expect. Think cliffside views, golden sunsets, and tucked-away beaches that are perfect for a low-key ceremony with major visual impact. Malibu, in a way, looks very similar to Big Sur, which is a great alternative if reaching Big Sur is a bit far for your wedding day.
Malibu is located just west of Los Angeles, it’s an easy escape from the city while still offering that cinematic coastal backdrop. Whether you're eloping on the beach or saying your vows on a bluff above the waves, Malibu delivers simplicity and beauty without the crowds.
The best months to plan for are spring and fall, when the temperatures are comfortable and it’s easier to find quiet spots. El Matador Beach, Point Dume, and nearby Topanga Canyon offer even more variety for your day.
10. San Diego
San Diego combines nearly perfect weather year-round with an impressive range of elopement backdrops. You’ve got beach cliffs, desert landscapes, laid-back neighborhoods, and vibrant culture all rolled into one location.
As California’s southernmost major city, it’s easy to reach and fun to explore. Whether you want a toes-in-the-sand ceremony in La Jolla or an adventurous elopement in Anza-Borrego, San Diego gives you room to do it your way.
The sweet spots for eloping here are typically spring and fall, when the weather is especially mild and crowds are manageable. Nearby, the Torrey Pines area and La Jolla offer postcard-worthy views, while Anza-Borrego adds a unique desert contrast if you're up for something more off the beaten path for your adventure elopement.
California has a location for every type of couple, whether you're dreaming of a cliffside ceremony, forest adventure, or golden beach sunset. It's truly a state where you can tailor your day to reflect exactly who you are, from the backdrop to the atmosphere, and everything in between.
If you're starting to picture your day in one of these incredible places, here are a few planning tips to help:
Start early: I recommend reaching out 8–12 months in advance to secure permits, plan your travel, and reserve your ideal vendors. Some locations (like Yosemite or Big Sur) require permits or have limited availability during peak seasons.
Think about your guest count: Some of these locations are better suited for just the two of you, while others can accommodate a small group. Knowing your guest count early will help narrow things down.
Consider a weekday elopement: Especially in popular spots, weekdays offer better lighting, fewer crowds, and more flexibility with vendors.
Plan for the full experience: Don’t just think about the ceremony. Think about how you want the day to feel from start to finish. Sunrise hikes, sunset portraits, post-vow picnics. There are endless ways to make it yours.
Elopements & Intimate Weddings Guides and Resources
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Your elopement should be more than just beautiful photos. It should be a day that reflects your story and gives you space to be fully present. And if California is calling you, trust that it’s for good reason. If you're still not sure which direction to go, consider what kind of experience you want. Intimate, adventurous, scenic, or all of the above, and you might find that California has more than one answer for you.
Meet Your California Elopement Photographer
Hi, I’m Will Khoury
Choosing the right photographer is about more than just photos. It’s about having someone by your side who knows the ins and outs of planning an intentional, stress-free elopement in California. From the coastal cliffs of Big Sur to the redwoods of Mendocino and the alpine lakes in the Sierra, I’ve explored this state deeply and helped countless couples create a day that feels true to them.
I’m here to help you plan a day that’s not just beautiful, but smooth, flexible, and meaningful. Whether you need help narrowing down locations, building a timeline, or figuring out permits and logistics, I’ve got you covered, so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
Ready to Start Planning Your California Elopement?
This is what we do best. Helping couples plan unforgettable elopements in California and capturing every part of the story, from quiet, in-between moments to guiding you to sweeping scenic views.
If you're imagining a day that’s all about you, in a place that feels just right, you’re in the right place. Learn more about what it looks like to plan and elope with us, or head to my contact page to get started on planning your special day.
Let’s make something incredible together.