Elope in California

To elope in California, simply bring a driver’s license or passport for both parties wishing to elope to any county clerk office in the state — weekdays only. Note that some counties in California will also require copies of your birth certificates for this process, so check online well before your trip to confirm if this is a requirement for the county you plan to elope in. While you’re on the clerk’s website you may also check to see if you can start the marriage license application online before you travel. This can shorten your eventual visit to the clerk’s office to finalize your application and help to avoid any unforeseen complications that might arise on the week of your elopement when you’re already far from home. If either party wishing to elope has been divorced within the past six months, you’ll need to present a copy of the divorce decree along with your other required documents.

A California marriage license is immediately valid and remains valid for 90 days. It must be used within the state of California. Once your marriage is formalized, don’t forget to return the actual license to the clerk’s office where it was issued. They will provide you with certified copies of your marriage license. If you’re not sticking around the area for long after your elopement, let us know! Your officiant may be able to assist with this bit. If you’re looking to elope in Lake Tahoe, be sure to double and triple-check the location of your elopement venue to ensure that you are indeed eloping in California and not across the border in Nevada, where you’ll need a marriage license issued by the State of Nevada rather than California.

There are elopement options to fit any budget. Simply Eloped offers all-inclusive elopement packages – California is a stand-out destination. The Golden State has plenty of possibilities for those looking to splurge a little, but if you and your partner are trying to be budget-conscious, you can certainly keep costs low. Your marriage certificate will cost around $100 and, if you’re eloping outdoors, there may be extra fees associated with any permits required to elope in one of the state’s nine national parks. For a custom quote on a package, explore our Quote Builder.

California is a huge state with so many different landscapes that it can be daunting to narrow down the location of your small wedding. Talk with your partner about the kind of weather, scenery, and activities that bring you the most joy before deciding on your elopement destination, venue, and date. The northern half of the state has more pine trees than palms and it celebrates all four seasons out loud while the southern half of California has more of a tropical, beachy feel overall and fewer national parks. Both areas have plenty of perks, so it’s up to you to figure out what your preferences are before honing in on a location for your intimate wedding.

You’ll need to bring $100, one form of government-issued identification per person, and proof of any prior legal separations to any county clerk’s office in the state. You may also need to bring copies of your birth certificates. This varies by county, so do your research. Simply Eloped will guide you through the marriage license process. 

In the State of California, you are required to have one witness present during the ceremony. Note that there is no age requirement in California for witnesses, but any witnesses you choose will need to be old enough to sign their names on the official marriage license.

In California, there is no blood test or waiting period required, so your visit to the county clerk’s office shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. As soon as you’ve completed the application process, the clerk will give you your license immediately and you are ready to elope. California marriage licenses are only valid for 90 days, so make sure you get your marriage license within the 90 days leading up to your elopement date.

All beaches within the State of California require a permit for wedding ceremonies, no matter how small. For example, if you’re getting married in the LA area, be sure to check out LA County’s beach permitting system. Pending where you choose to elope in California, Simply Eloped may coordinate your permit for you, but the state won’t limit access to any public areas, so keep in mind that you might not be completely alone when saying your vows.

California’s weather is exceptional. Even with the varied climates of northern and southern California, the weather is typically sunny and temperate throughout. Keep in mind that the summer months still get hot here, so spring and fall may be better options for heat-sensitive couples. It is also worth noting that the state can experience some clouds in May and June, but these two months are popular with engaged couples who welcome the slightly cooler weather for their outdoor elopements and are happy to avoid the dreaded midday sun that can cause squinted eyes and an unpleasant glare in photographs. Of course, deciding which month will be best for your intimate ceremony also depends on the vibe you’re after. Each season offers something different, especially in the northern part of the state.
If you want to keep costs low, May, June, and July should be avoided, as they are the state’s busiest months for tourism, and prices for things like accommodations and transportation are at their highest. For elopers on a budget, your best bet is a November elopement when visitors are more sparse and prices are subsequently lower.