Best Elopement Ideas And Locations For A Romantic California Wedding
Are you planning a romantic and intimate wedding experience in California? Consider elopement as a budget-friendly alternative to traditional wedding ceremonies. With elopement, you can skip the hassle of renting large venues and hosting big banquets, and instead focus on enjoying nature and each other's company without any traditional or societal pressure. This article highlights some of the best locations for elopement in California, along with an estimate of the event's cost.
BEST LOCATIONS FOR ELOPEMENT IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles Elopement
Los Angeles is the perfect place for a beautiful elopement in Southern California. With its stunning scenery, including mountains, beaches, and beautiful weather, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best locations for elopement in Los Angeles, where you can exchange your vows and take unforgettable photos:
GRIFFITH PARK AND GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY
Take a walk through the hills with the iconic Hollywood sign in the background. You can also enjoy a picnic at sunset in honor of your elopement.
VASQUEZ POCKS
This nature park features unique rock formations that have been used in various films and music videos, making it the perfect location for couples who want to feel like celebrities.
MALIBU
This beach city is one of the most popular locations for micro-weddings in Los Angeles. You can enjoy beach elopement packages without having to travel long distances. After the ceremony, head to the nearest nightclub and party the night away.
MALIBU CREEK STATE PARK
This park has canyons, gorges, and ranches, and is perfect for horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, and taking beautiful photos.
MALIBU ROCKY OAKS ESTATE VINEYARDS
This elite wine estate features an Italian-style villa, large vineyards, winding roads, and great drinks, making it an excellent spot for couples looking for a luxurious elopement.
EL MATADOR STATE BEACH
This popular beach is perfect for couples who want to take beautiful photos and enjoy delicious food by the ocean. However, it can be crowded even on weekdays, so if you're looking for privacy, it might not be the best option.
POINT MUGU STATE PARK
This park offers sand dunes, grassy valleys, canyons, mountains, and lagoons. You can walk, spend the night in tents, swim, ride bicycles, and even spot dolphins or pelicans in the background of your wedding photos.
MALIBU SECRET GARDENS
This hidden and eco-friendly location features a vintage bungalow, fruit trees, and tropical flowers, making it perfect for couples who want a quiet and intimate elopement.
POINT DUME STATE BEACH
This picturesque cape on the Pacific coast offers stunning views of the nearby islands and peninsulas, a bay, and historical monuments, making it an ideal spot for couples who want to elope in a unique and breathtaking location.
Catalina Island Elopement
If you're looking for a picturesque and unique location for your wedding, consider Catalina Island. With over a century of tourism history, this island boasts well-developed infrastructure and a serene atmosphere that will make your ceremony unforgettable. Getting to the island is an adventure in itself, as it can only be accessed by boat or helicopter. Once there, indulge in a luxurious stay at one of the island's five-star hotels and spend the evening with your loved one.
San Diego Elopement
The ocean breeze, bike paths and the atmosphere of Latin American culture – the wedding ceremony in this city will definitely be remembered for a long time. There is no usual urban turmoil here: San Diego can rightfully be called a quiet place, which seems to have been accidentally imprisoned in the framework of a big city. Note that the local beaches fascinate with sunset landscapes. Choose one of the many locations for your holiday:
ANZA BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK
A park in the Colorado Desert that boasts the best starry views of the night sky. There are two major hiking trails here, and one of them is featured in the book and movie Wild. For tourists (and lovers of beautiful photos), Hellhole Palms, a grove of California fan palms and Maidenhair Falls are also of interest here.
LA JOLLA
A place literally made up of luxury. In the local rocky bay, you can meet sea lions and go diving. And there are golf courses, The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, a nudist beach, expensive boutiques and prestigious restaurants. Finally, you can take photos on the streets against the background of beautiful frescoes by contemporary artists.
THE WEDDING BOWL
A very popular, albeit small wedding location in Cuvier Park. There is a stunning view of the ocean, but you need to get a wedding permit in advance: if several couples apply for the same time, then the permission is simply played.
BALBOA PARK
An urban cultural park, which has a place not only for canyons and gardens, but also for more than ten museums, theaters, restaurants and even a zoo. And there is also a centennial carousel and a sports complex.
MOUNT LAGUNA
A small town with forests, mountains and all conditions for active winter recreation. Just an hour's drive from the beaches of San Diego, and you will find yourself in an Alpine landscape. There is a camping site and authentic rustic houses for living here.
Coronado Elopement
Coronado is a resort town that boasts a stunning beach, luxurious villas, and the world's largest hotel at the time. The Hotel Del Coronado itself is an ideal location for a ceremony with plenty of options for a civilized holiday. Palm Springs, on the other hand, is a deserted resort town famous for its trendy architecture, cultural events, and hot springs. With its stunning views from the San Jacinto Mountains, this city is perfect for a beautiful photo shoot, and its film festivals add to the cultural charm.
Palm Springs Elopement
It is a deserted resort town known for its trendy architecture, cultural events and design (for example, Modernism Week is regularly held here). And there are hot springs and good golf courses. It's very hot here in summer, but if you prepare, the ceremony will pay off. Moreover, various film festivals are constantly organized here, and a panorama of the city opens from the San Jacinto Mountains. You can get to the top on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, and this is another idea for a beautiful photo shoot.
Joshua Tree National Park Elopement
Discover the natural beauty of Joshua Tree National Park, located just two hours from Los Angeles. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Wild West, and marvel at the stunning rows of Yucca succulents known as Joshua trees. Don't forget to stop by a local cafe for some refreshing cocktails and protect yourself from the sun and prickly cacti during your photo shoot.
Big Bear Lake Elopement
Big Bear Lake is the perfect destination for a romantic day trip or wedding celebration, located just a couple of hours from Los Angeles. Enjoy the convenience of good transport accessibility and immerse yourself in the history of this location, famously used as the filming location for several western movies. Take advantage of the natural setting by going water skiing, boating, fishing, or parasailing. In winter, hit the slopes for some snowboarding, or simply stroll through Boulder Bay Park.
Sequoia National Park Elopement
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Sequoia National Park, home to trees that are over two thousand years old. Take in the untouched landscape that remains largely unchanged since the time of the Indian tribes. Explore the park's oak groves, meadows, river valleys, coniferous forests, waterfalls, canyons, and granite rocks. Whether you choose to relax in a tent, go fishing, mountaineering, or hiking, make sure to visit The Giant Forest Museum for a deeper understanding of this magnificent national park.
Algodones Dunes Elopement
Algodones Dunes, also known as Glamis Dunes, is not just a cluster of sand dunes but a national landmark. Located three hours from Los Angeles, this desert paradise is a photographer's dream location, and a popular setting for films like Stargate and Resident Evil Jumanji. Due to the heat and stuffiness, it's recommended to visit at dawn, but be sure to bring sunscreens and take advantage of the silence and privacy. Catch some scarab beetles while you're there and explore the beautiful scenery of this national park with a paid entrance fee.
BEST LOCATIONS FOR ELOPEMENTS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ELOPEMENT
Northern California is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the United States, making it an ideal location for a memorable wedding ceremony.
Yosemite National Park Elopement
One of the top spots to consider is Yosemite National Park, which is renowned for its majestic mountains, waterfalls, and meadows. A special wedding permit, which costs $150, is required for a wedding ceremony in the park. You must choose one of the designated locations for your ceremony and follow the park's regulations for eco-friendly behavior. The park offers breathtaking views of granite rocks and giant sequoias, but be aware that some viewing platforms are closed during winter months due to snowfall.
Big Sur Elopement
This mountain range with sharp cliffs and views of the Pacific coast will suit those lovers who are not ready to run away from civilization to the end of the world. Yes, there are really a lot of tourists here, but there is also a greater choice of locations:
VENTANA BIG SUR
A resort with glamping, a church for a wedding, meadows, and ocean views.
LOMA VISTA GARDENS
This event venue is good with everything you need to organize a cozy rustic wedding, and the bonus is mountain views, a well-kept garden, and a forested terrace.
PFEUFFER BEACH
A popular but rather secluded snow–white beach with a rocky arch right in the ocean and stunning sunsets.
LIMEKILN STATE PARK
A park with a camping site, known not only for the redwood forest but also for the lime waterfall, the remains of old factory kilns, and Hare Creek Canyon.
ANDREW MOLERA STATE PARK
A place for excellent surfing, fishing, and walking on the beach, hills, or meadows. There is also a camping site popular among bikers: do not miss the chance to take unusual photos on the background of motorcycles.
San Francisco Elopement
There are not the lowest prices here, but there are many cool architectural attractions that are suitable for a wedding photo shoot and a wedding ceremony all year round. Many people think that the weather in these parts is too capricious, but this has its advantages. For example, a wedding in the background of a foggy coast. Separately, it is worth paying attention to such locations for romantic filming as:
SAN FRANCISCO CITY HALL
It is not just a district government building, but a real monument of art and architecture, which is more than a hundred years old.
PALACE OF FINE ARTS
A legendary exhibition complex, famous for its spectacular colonnade and surrounded by water.
SHAKESPEARE GARDEN
A themed garden dedicated to plants from the works of the great English poet and playwright.
FUCHSIA DELL
Part of Golden Gate Park, ideal for admiring the local sundial, walking along hiking paths and hiding in bright purple and red flowers.
SAN FRANCISCO BOTANICAL GARDENS
Another part of Golden Gate Park, which boasts a coniferous forest, Asian gardens with pagodas, palm trees and different varieties of flowering magnolias.
Burney Falls Elopement
For a truly enchanting wedding ceremony, consider Burney Falls in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. This magnificent waterfall cascades down 129 feet, creating a stunning misty valley that makes for unforgettable photos. A wedding permit is required, but you can also enjoy all the other tourist activities the park has to offer, including camping, hiking, and boating.
Redwood National And State Parks Elopement
Lastly, Redwood National and State Parks are another popular location for a wedding ceremony in Northern California. This area is known for its giant old redwoods, pines, and ferns, as well as numerous hiking and cycling routes. A wedding permit is required, with a minimum cost of $100.
IN CONCLUSION
If planning a wedding in Northern California seems daunting, there are specialized agencies that offer elopement packages in both Southern California and Northern California, with prices ranging from $400 to $2,000. To capture the beauty and memories of your special day, consider hiring Sheff Production Photography & Videography for stunning wedding photos and videos. Remember, your wedding should be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, not stress and headaches.
