You have come to the right place if you’re searching for beautiful weather, coastal lines, and dramatic cliffs. Whisking off to elope in San Diego will be picture-perfect for your elopement!
San Diego brings you both trendy and versatile. You can enjoy elegant architecture and fantastic cuisine one day and hike among the massive sequoia trees the next.
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In today’s article, we will walk you through everything you need to know to elope in San Diego successfully.
Best Places To Elope In San Diego
San Diego is crawling with excitement and magnificent views. It doesn’t matter if you’re searching for a beachy destination or a quiet oasis in the woods, this city on the pacific coast in California can offer you the best of both worlds.
The weather is one of the many great things about this beautiful city. As it is relatively mild year-round, San Diego makes for a great place to elope no matter the season.
However, if you’re trying to skip the crowds and higher prices, you’ll want to visit from October to March.
Each destination we have listed below has its own unique offering. If you’re unsure about the type of location you are looking for, it’s best to ask yourself a few questions.
- What is your ideal atmosphere? (quiet and intimate or upbeat and lively)
- Do you want an indoor or outdoor ceremony?
- Will it be accessible to all guests?
While most locations are easily accessible, some do require a bit of walking or trekking to reach. You will want to take this into consideration when deciding on your destination.
Without further ado, let’s find out the best places to elope in San Diego. Please note these are not listed in any specific order.
1. Anza Borrego Desert State Park
- Permit: Required
- Parks Website
These wide-open valleys with desert floors and seasonal wildflowers make for a perfect elopement destination for any outdoor enthusiast. As California’s largest state park, it has acres of picturesque locations to tie the knot.
If you would like to ensure that the range of wildflowers are in bloom, you can call the park’s hotline at (760/767-4684), and they will supply you with updated information.
2. Sunset Cliffs
- Permit: Required
- Parks Website
The Sun Sets Cliffs are one of our favorite places to elope in San Diego. With coastal views, hidden caves, and dramatic cliffs, it’s hard to beat.
There are three different spots that are accessible for guests and common locations for weddings. These include Sunset Cliffs Park at Ladera Street, Sunset Cliffs at Luscomb Point, and Sunset Cliffs at Osprey.
You may want to opt for a sunrise ceremony to avoid the crowds. This time of the morning will also make for some magnificent wedding photos.
3. Mount Laguna
- Permit: Required
- Park Website
If you would like to escape to the woods and say I do among the beautiful sounds of nature, this is your place. While you can trek to particular spots if you wish, you can reach some pretty amazing viewpoints without the hassle of hiking.
This is an excellent destination if you’re looking for a more quiet and intimate ceremony with your partner.
4. Flora
- Permit: Not Required
- Venue Website
If you’re looking to avoid the natural elements but still be surrounded by lush greenery and sunlight, Flora is a perfect destination for you.
The chic venue is conveniently located in the lively Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego.
This is a great option if you want to work directly with a wedding venue and avoid some of the city and state regulations that come with choosing a public location.
5. The Wedding Bowl
- Permit: Required
- Park Website
The Wedding Bowl is a one-of-a-kind location with great coastal views. Its unique atmosphere and breathtaking sights make this one of the most popular wedding destinations in San Diego.
This location is just a few steps down from the road, making it easily accessible yet hidden enough so you won’t be seen from street view.
If you’d rather avoid the sand but are still hoping for an oceanfront ceremony, this is an ideal location. The wedding bowl is the perfect mix of lush greenery and deep blue water.
6. Coronado Beach
- Permit: Situation dependent
- Beach Website
You can never go wrong with eloping on the beach, right? With close-up views of the pacific and dramatic cliffs off in the distance, this beach offers a truly romantic atmosphere.
The long stretch of golden sand offers plenty of perfect places for you and your honey to say your vows. Unlike some of San Diego’s other popular beaches, Coronda tends to be a little less crowded.
Make sure to catch a glimpse of the famous Hotel Del Coronado.
7. La Jolla
- Permit: Situation dependent
- Website
La Jolla is a seaside neighborhood with a rugged coastline, sandstone canyons, and winding trails that will lead you among the pine trees.
This neighborhood is filled with delicious cuisine, epic views, and some amazing snorkeling. With its wide range of activities, this is a great place for the ceremony and an extended honeymoon.
Torrey Pines State Reserve
- Permit: Required
- Park Website
This coastal state park is filled with absolutely stunning scenery. You’ll have your choice of several beaches and dramatic cliff views.
It may even be possible to catch a glimpse of some whales during migration season! Torrey Pines is a passing home to several different species, such as the gray whale and the humpback whale.
This is the perfect place for romantics and adventure seekers alike with jaw-dropping vistas and diverse wildlife.
For additional information on how to have your wedding here, you can call the visitors center at 858-755-2063.
Looking For A Romantic Stay?
We recommend this hotel: Pendry San Diego.
How To Elope In San Diego
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.
To elope in San Diego, you will need:
- A marriage license
- A wedding officiant
- One Witness (at least 18 years old)
How To Get A San Diego Marriage License
To get married in California, you will have to receive a marriage license from a county clerk’s office within the state.
You and your partner will have to appear in person with the following documentation:
- 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
If you are not a US citizen, you should double-check with your embassy to ensure your marriage will be legal in your home country.
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.
How To Find An Officiant In San Diego
Anyone who has been legally ordained in California can officiate your wedding.
If you opt for a religious ceremony, you can choose from a priest, minister, rabbi, or authorized person of any religious denomination.
If you would like to stray from the traditional ceremony, have a friend or family member officiate your wedding. Getting ordained online is a quick and easy process.
San Diego Location Permits
A special use permit may be required in order to hold your ceremony at a specific location.
Some areas will require a permit no matter the situation; others are dependent on the size of the elopement.
Most of the state parks will require a permit. You can find additional information here.
Beaches tend to be a bit more lenient as they do not require a permit as long as your party is under 20 people. You can find additional information here.
Elopement Packages San Diego
Whether you’re looking for someone to help you plan a simple ceremony or you would like to go all out for your elopement, there are plenty of places in San Diego that can help with all of your wedding day needs.
Packages can range anywhere from $500 to $8,000 and beyond. You can normally find a well-inclusive package without breaking the bank.
A package including the following will cost around $4,000.
- Wedding Officiant
- Dedicated planner
- Hair and Makeup for one person
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Bouquet and boutonniere
Final Thoughts On Eloping in San Diego
From crystal beaches to magical forests, San Diego is filled with diverse locations that can bring your elopement dreams to life. Just make sure you have all the necessary paperwork completed.
If you would like to leave the logistics to someone else, plenty of agencies can take care of all of your elopement needs.
Not sure if San Diego is the right place to elope? Read one of the following guides:
