01: WHY CHOOSE TO ELOPE IN CALIFORNIA

02: BEST TIME TO ELOPE IN CALIFORNIA

03: WHERE TO ELOPE IN CALIFORNIA

04: BUILDING YOUR PERFECT CALIFORNIA ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE

Why California?

California is pure magic. With every type of landscape imaginable — from the rugged Pacific Coast to towering redwoods, epic desert sunsets to snowy Sierra peaks — it’s made for couples who want something that looks and feels like no one else’s wedding.

Think:

• Misty redwood cathedrals
• Clifftop sunsets over the ocean
• Giant boulders + desert blooms in Joshua Tree
• Crystal-clear alpine lakes
• Golden hills, vineyards, and secret beaches

Whether you’re hiking to your vows, barefoot in the sand, or eloping in a cabin in the woods — California has a “holy shit this is real” location with your name on it.

Types of Elopements in California

• Redwood Forest Vows
  Surrounded by ancient trees and soft, mossy ground.
• Coastal Clifftop Ceremonies
  Sunset, salty air, and crashing waves.
• Desert Elopements
  Cactus silhouettes, starry skies, and surreal landscapes.
• Alpine Adventures
  Mountain lakes, granite peaks, and wildflower meadows.
• Wine Country Vibes
  Rolling vineyards, golden hills, and long table dinners under the stars.
• Multi-Day Elopement Road Trips
  Big Sur ➝ Yosemite ➝ Tahoe? Say less.

Need help deciding where and when? I’ll help you build your dream adventure.

🌱 Spring (March–May)

Vibe: Wildflowers, waterfalls, green hills
Best for: Big Sur, Yosemite Valley, desert blooms
Top Spots: Carrizo Plain, Joshua Tree, Mendocino, Eastern Sierra
✔️ Pros: Mild temps, lush views
❌ Cons: Snow may still block high-elevation roads

☀️ Summer (June–August)

Vibe: Blue skies, dry trails, adventure-ready
Best for: High Sierra hikes, Lake Tahoe, NorCal coast
Top Spots: Yosemite high country, Mount Shasta, Mammoth Lakes
✔️ Pros: Epic visibility, long days
❌ Cons: Desert heat, crowded national parks

🍂 Fall (September–October)

Vibe: Golden tones, quieter parks, dreamy light
Best for: Wine country, Big Sur, redwoods
Top Spots: Napa Valley, Santa Cruz Mountains, Sequoia National Park
✔️ Pros: Crisp air, colorful foliage
❌ Cons: Wildfire risk in some areas

❄️ Winter (November–February)

Vibe: Snowy mountains, stormy coastlines, moody forests
Best for: Joshua Tree, Death Valley, cozy cabins
Top Spots: Eastern Sierra, California desert parks, Redwood National Park
✔️ Pros: Fewer tourists, magical moods
❌ Cons: Winter storms, limited mountain access

Time of Day Tips

• Sunrise Elopements – Best for Yosemite, deserts, and popular overlooks
• Sunset Elopements – Prime time for coastal ceremonies and golden hour portraits
• Weekday Elopements – Way fewer crowds, especially in national parks and coastal spots

🌲 Redwoods & Forests

• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
• Humboldt Redwoods State Park
• Big Basin (reopening soon!)
• Henry Cowell Redwoods
• Muir Woods (permit required)

🌊 Coastlines

• Big Sur (Garrapata, Pfeiffer Beach, Bixby Bridge)
• Malibu Bluffs & El Matador Beach
• Mendocino Headlands
• Point Reyes National Seashore
• Palos Verdes / Laguna Beach

⛰️ Mountains & Lakes

• Yosemite National Park
• Lake Tahoe
• Mammoth Lakes
• Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
• Lassen Volcanic National Park

🌵 Deserts

• Joshua Tree National Park
• Death Valley National Park
• Alabama Hills
• Mojave Preserve
• Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

🍷 Vineyards & Rolling Hills

• Napa & Sonoma
• Paso Robles
• Santa Ynez Valley
• Temecula
• Livermore Valley

Do You Need a Permit?

Yes — most of the time.

You’ll likely need one if you’re eloping on:

• National park land (Yosemite, Joshua Tree, etc.)
• California state parks
• Coastal or conservation lands

I’ll help you navigate:

• Permit applications
• Guest limits & restrictions
• What’s allowed (no confetti, no arches in redwoods, etc.)
• Leave No Trace guidelines

GETTING LEGALLY MARRIED IN CALIFORNIA

• Apply in person at any County Clerk’s office (no residency requirement)
• No waiting period — get married the same day
• License valid for 90 days
• One witness required (two max)

Officiant Options:

• I’m ordained and can legally marry you and document your whole day
• Your friend/family member can get ordained online for free
• Prefer a pro? I’ve got amazing California officiants I can recommend

BONUS: HIRING YOUR CALIFORNIA ELOPEMENT DREAM TEAM

Let’s get you a crew that vibes with your energy and shares your values. I work with:

• Inclusive officiants who honor all love
• Stylists and florists who get your vision
• Body-positive hair + makeup artists
• Private chefs, pop-up picnics, and grazing tables
• Local planners who know the land + permits

CALIFORNIA ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY PACKAGES

📸 Elopement Packages start at $4500
All packages include:

• Custom planning + location guidance
• Permit & timeline support
• Film + digital photography
• 72-hour sneak peeks
• Vendor recs
• Me: your Type-A goofball & built-in hype human

Bonus? I can legally marry you too.