This guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of planning an unforgettable elopement in the Golden State. Get ready to say “I do” in a place that’s as unique as your love story!

If you want to get married with a Bohemian vibe then you should consider a stunning desert landscape for your elopement. Though both deserts, these two locations couldn’t be any different. While Joshua Tree is full of beautiful rock formations and unique (if not stabby) desert plants, Glamis Sand Dunes is just hill after rolling hill of soft, mesmerizing sand. While each has its own unique look, both locations offer stunning contrasts and beautiful lighting opportunities for those romantic, jaw-dropping pictures you’re looking for. Don’t forget Death Valley National Park, which offers views that seem otherworldly (just don’t make the trip in the summer when temperatures can be the hottest on earth)!

Other desert destinations to consider for your elopement:
• Palm Springs (Southern CA)
• Red Rock Canyon State Park (Central CA)
• Mojave Desert (Central CA)

Famous for its ancient sequoias and breathtaking mountain views, Yosemite National Park offers a fantastic California elopement experience for any outdoor adventurer. The colors that flood the sky at sunrise and sunset breathe a bit of magic throughout the park and make for awesome photos. And, while part of the thrill of visiting Yosemite are the challenging hikes to those breathtaking overlooks, there are also quite a few places you can drive to. So you never have to feel confined to just one area on the most exciting day of your life.

How about exchanging vows with your forever person amidst snow-capped mountains surrounding a glimmering lake while soft flurries fall on your love-struck faces? Sounds a little too good to be true, right? Not if you decide to escape to Lake Tahoe for a romance filled elopement. Trust me, you’ll feel like you’re getting married in a Hallmark movie (the good kind like where someone ends up marrying a secret prince).

Other mountainous destinations to consider for your elopement:
• Big Bear + Mt. Arrowhead (Southern CA)
• Pinnacles National Park (Northern CA)
• Mammoth Lakes (Central CA)

Because California has so many different environments, you could start with a sunrise surf on a warm beach and find yourself night skiing in the snowy mountains — all in a single day — depending on where you are in the state! Even though California is in a severe drought, this is the time of year you can expect some precipitation, whether that’s snow or rain. Different parts of the state get hit with types of weather during the months of December through March, so it’s best to plan your elopement by preparing to deal with an unexpected storm.

In the winter, you can count on the larger and more northern mountain ranges being covered in snow, but even in Southern CA you can still find areas that give off that winter wonderland vibe. Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear or even the Angeles National Forest can offer rustic, hygge vibes within 2 hours of Los Angeles. In the Sierras, Lake Tahoe and the Mammoth Lakes areas are absolutely magical this time of year, plus you get immediate access to some of the top ski resorts on the west coast. Yosemite and the Sequoias are other great winter options, but be prepared for potential road closures.

It’s also a good idea to assume you will get cold at some point, so it’s best to be prepared with additional fancy wedding clothing like a faux fur shawl that compliments your dress or an elegant coat you want to commemorate forever. Pro Tip: Skin-toned leggings lined with fur are another great way to warm things up during colder months.

Hello wildflowers! Also, hello “May Gray” — the overcast, foggy weather that can affect both the coastal and inland areas, depending on where you are in the state. Parts of California still experience a bit of rainfall at the beginning of April, but for the most part, this is when temperatures start to rise. It’s a great time of year if you dislike extreme heat, want to avoid crowds, and love being surrounded by nature at its most vibrant.

Typically, the rolling hillsides are still a gorgeous green and covered in flowers as the temperatures remain between 50 and 70 degrees. For those of us living here and accustomed to warmer weather, that’s still a bit chilly, but it’s absolutely delightful when you plan to hike around and don’t want to get too sweaty in your wedding attire!

While temperatures remain on the higher side in Southern and Central California, up north it begins to cool down and the leaves begin to take on the vibrant shades of fall foliage. Because school is back in session, the crowds have dispersed so you may still be able to enjoy a lot of the summer fun without as many people around, especially in September. This also means it’s easier to book travel (often less expensive hotels, flights and rental cars) and the weather is still fairly stable.

Afternoon heat waves are still common down in the Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Diego areas, as well as in the deserts like Palm Springs and Joshua Tree. However, at night, temperatures drop and it becomes much more comfortable. In Big Sur, Lake Tahoe, the Redwoods, and Yosemite, the chance of rain —or even snow —increases but it still isn’t as likely as in the winter and daytime temperatures are mild and comfortable for a range of activities.

Wildfires are still a big concern during the first few months of autumn, especially around the state during September and October. If you plan to elope in a high-risk area (including Yosemite, the Sequoias, or Lake Tahoe), it’s highly recommended you have a backup plan in place as the fires are highly unpredictable and spread very quickly.

Crowds, unpredictable heat, and the potential for wildfires can make summer elopements a little more challenging in California. However, because the state is so large, you can still find places off the beaten path without the drastic temperatures, both along the coast and inland (this is not the time of year to head to Joshua Tree or Palm Springs if you plan to do any hiking). During the months of June–August, it’s definitely a must to plan to celebrate your elopement on a weekday and/or at sunrise. This will help to reduce the risk of crowds and make it more likely you’ll get approved for a permit!

July, August, and September are the hottest months of the year—fields have turned golden yellow, and the wildflowers have mostly passed—except in the mountains or up north. There are a lot of pros and cons to eloping in the summer in California. Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain and all of the beaches will be packed with tourists—there’s a reason they’ve flocked to those areas. The warm weather allows people to comfortably partake in outdoor summer activities like swimming, surfing, camping, kayaking, mountain biking, etc. This is a great time to explore the northern parts of the state, including the Redwoods, Mendocino Coast or Mt. Shasta.

Obtain a marriage license from any California County Clerk’s office. Both parties must be present and provide valid photo identification. There is no waiting period, and the license is valid immediately upon issuance.

California law requires an officiant to conduct the ceremony. This can be a religious officiant, civil officiant, or even a friend or family member ordained for the occasion. You’ll also need at least one witness to sign the marriage license.

As you can see from all of the photos in this guide, California is one of the best elopement destinations. Whether you dream of a beachside ceremony, a mountain adventure, or a romantic mountaintop wedding, the Golden State offers endless possibilities. By considering your preferences, planning ahead, and utilizing experienced vendors, you can create an unforgettable elopement experience that reflects your love and commitment. Embrace the freedom and beauty of an intimate ceremony and discover the hidden gem elopement destinations that California has to offer!

Lisa has photographed extensively around California (and even eloped in Big Sur herself) so she knows all of the ins and outs of planning your elopement here. Her Southern/Central California elopement packages start at $3900 and Northern CA packages start at $4900. All elopement packages include travel fees, permit research, location assistant, and timeline planning.