Complete Guide: How To Elope In California

With its vast beaches, iconic cities, and extensive nature and wildlife, it’s no wonder so many people decide to elope in California. 

If you’re contemplating doing the same, you came to the right place! In this article, we will tell you all you need to know in order to elope in California. 

Best Places To Elope In California 

California has everything from epic city views to massive trees and magnificent wildlife. Whether you’re looking for a beachy destination or a quiet oasis in the woods, you’ll be sure to find a great destination on our list below. 

California is a great place to elope any time of the year. However, if you would like to avoid some of the crowds and higher prices, it’s best to come from October to March. 

Each destination on the list below has something unique and special to offer. When deciding on the location of your ceremony, it’s best to keep a few things in mind. 

• What is your ideal type of scenery?
• Do you want an indoor or outdoor ceremony?  
• Will it be accessible to all guests? 

Some of the venues may require a bit of walking or trekking. It’s a good plan to know who will be on your guest list so you can ensure the venue is accessible for everyone that will be attending the wedding.  

Now that you know what you are looking for in a venue it’s time to find out the best places to elope in California. 

1. San Francisco 

• Northern California 
• Permit: Location dependent 

This iconic city is filled with venues that will make your elopement dream come true. Set your sights on grand architecture like the Golden Gate Bridge or San Francisco City Hall. 

While San Francisco will have all you can imagine and more, you’ll want to be aware of heavy traffic and increased prices in this area.  

Some fantastic venues to have your elopement at include:  

• San Francisco City Hall 
• Palace of Fine Arts 
• Shakespeare Garden 
• Fuchsia Dell 
• San Francisco Botanical Gardens 
• Fay Park

2. Yosemite National Park

• Northern California 
• Permit: Required 

Immerse yourself in all the beauty Yosemite National Park has to offer. With iconic vistas, granite cliffs, and massive sequoia trees, you’ll be in awe wherever you decide to tie the knot within the park. 

As this is a national park, you will be required to obtain a permit for your wedding and this will cost $150. 

While you’ll have a wide range of locations to choose from, you will have to pick your ceremony location from a pre-approved list. You can find this on the park’s website. 

To preserve the park’s beauty and be mindful of the wildlife, there are restrictions on what you can bring or do at the ceremony. Make sure you’re following these guidelines carefully when planning your elopement in Yosemite.

3. Burney Falls

• Northern California 
• Permit: Required 

This spectacular waterfall is located within the McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. 

Its beauty is well recognized and was even considered “the Eighth Wonder of the World” by President Theodore Roosevelt. 

These majestic falls are easily accessible and don’t require a long trek to reach, making this a perfect backdrop for your ceremony. 

The park requires you to receive a particular use permit to conduct your ceremony here. The exact price has not been specified and may be dependent on your personal situation.

4. Redwood National And State Parks

• Northern California 
• Permit: Required 

If you decide to elope in California, you cannot leave the state without visiting Redwood National and State Parks. With the largest trees in the world, you will be completely captivated by your surroundings. 

In order to elope here, you will be required to follow a specific set of rules, but the lush greenery and ah-inspiring views make it well worth it. 

With multiple hiking trails, this is an excellent place for couples that don’t mind a bit of a trek to reach their destination. 

In order to elope here, you will be required to retrieve a special use permit that is a minimum of $100. 

5. Big Sur

• Northern California 
• Permit: Required 

Big Sur is a mountainous area that stretches across California’s central coast. 

With seaside cliffs and scenic views, it is a magical place for a ceremony. Read our guide about eloping in Big Sur to learn more.

Because of the popularity, you will have to deal with crowds. A permit is required to get married here and will cost you around $300.

6. Malibu 

• Southern California 
• Permit: Location dependent 

This epic beach city is located within the Santa Monica Mountains region. In Malibu, you can escape to a state park and still not be too far away from the action. 

With an array of stunning beaches and prominent nightlife, this is a great place for a couple that wants to be close to the excitement. 

Some amazing venues within Malibu include: 

• Malibu Creek State Park
• Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards
• Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
• El Matador Beach
• The Surfrider Malibu
• Point Mugu State Park
• Malibu Secret Gardens
• Point Dume State Beach

7. San Diego

• Southern California 
• Permit: Location dependent 

Located on the pacific coast, this city is known for its impeccable weather, diverse culture, culinary arts, and picturesque views. If you’re looking for a laid-back city vibe filled with great surf and white sandy beaches, this is your place. 

From cliff-top views to sunset beaches, you have a great choice of destinations in San Diego. A few that we recommend include: 

• Mount Laguna
• Anza Borrego Desert State Park 
• Flora
• The Wedding Bowl
• Balboa Park 
• Glamis Sand Dunes

8. Catalina Island

• Southern California 
• Permit: Location Dependent 

If your looking for an elopement destination a bit outside of the norm Catalina Island is a great decision. Surrounded by crystal blue water and five-star resorts, you’ll enter a relaxing paradise when you step foot on the island. 

While this is a great place to sit beachside and enjoy yourself, the island is filled with adventure. Just getting there is an experience within itself.

As this is an island with no mainland roads you cannot access Catalina by car. 

You will have two options, boat or helicopter. If you opt for a boat you have access to two ferries, the Catalina Flier and the Catalina Express. 

The Catalina Flyer departs every day at 9:00 am from Newport Beach and is a $70 roundtrip. The Catalina is $75 roundtrip but has three departing locations to choose from as well as multiple times.

While a helicopter ride will be the pricer option flying across the pacific ocean and to your elopement location will be an entrance of a lifetime.

9. Lake Tahoe 

• Central California 
• Permit: Location dependent 

As the largest body of freshwater in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, it’s no wonder Lake Tahoe is a top destination to tie the knot. 

From a quiet oasis to jam-packed festivals, there are many different spots to elope in Lake Tahoe with diverse scenery around the lake.

How To Elope In California 

After checking the venue off of your list, you’re ready for the logistics. 

California is an accessible place for most couples to elope as they allow same-sex marriage and you don’t need to be a state or US resident to marry here. 

Here is what you will need to Elope in California:

• Legal identification (driver’s license or passport)
• Social Security Number (for US citizens)
• Certified copies of your birth certificate (for foreigners)
• Passport with certified English translation (for foreigners)
• Proper evidence of the termination of your previous marriage, if applicable
• One Witness 
• A licensed officiant 
• A marriage license 

How To Obtain A Marriage License

To get married in California, you will have to receive the marriage license from the county clerk’s office in the county you plan on getting married.  

Both you and your partner will need to appear at the county office and have valid photo identification. If you are a foreigner, you will need to bring a passport.

It is also recommended that you check with your embassy as your home country may have its own requirements. 

The fee for the license depends on the county you are in and does not include the marriage license. The total cost ranges from $80 – $120 USD. 

Once you have received the marriage license, you will have 90 days to put it to use. 

Anyone who has been legally ordained in California can officiate your wedding. 

California Elopement Packages 

If planning isn’t your thing, you can leave the nitty-gritty details to someone else. California has a range of elopement agencies that can help you meet all of your needs. 

A simple package including a short-term venue rental for the ceremony and an officiant would start at around $400. A more inclusive package can start at $2,000 and continuously increase. 

Final Thoughts On Eloping In California 

If you’re planning to elope in California, you won’t be disappointed. With astonishing views and charming cities, you’ll have no problem creating the perfect romantic atmosphere for you and your partner. 

Just make sure to obtain the proper licensing and permits when planning your special day.

Not sure if eloping in California is a good option for you? Read the following eloping guides:

• Elope in Tennessee
• Elope in Greece
• Elope in Banff
• Elope in Oregon