Elope in California

Romance, adventure, and a love story. Your California elopement sounds like a movie, right? So, where will be the location shoot? If you are a fan of sunshine, palm trees, and beaches, you will likely choose SoCal. If you are into the dramatic coastline, pine trees, and misty fog then you will head for Northern California. Choose the destination that speaks to your love story.

So, what are Simply Eloped’s fav spots, you ask? Let’s start in San Francisco. How can you truly describe this city? (Trust us, just about everybody has tried!) You can choose to wed at the iconic San Francisco City Hall, where love has been the story for decades. LGBTQ rights have been a San Francisco beacon, and you can tie the knot where so many have before you. City Hall is truly an architectural beauty if you are wonder why all the fuss over a government building! However, you can also choose to wed in Fay Park, which boasts a peaked gazebo and sundial with the inscription ‘grow old with me’ and some epic San Fran views. Not to be forgotten is the Botanical Garden in the Golden Gate Park. You are surrounded by 8000 plants and trees from around the world with five ceremony gardens. If you are into the whole boat theme, hop on board the San Francisco Bay Ferry! Or, choose the former steamer ship called the China Cabin. Soak in the sea views of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Did you know that you can have your winter wonderland wedding in California? Most do not think of snow and the Golden State, but Lake Tahoe can bring you plenty of the white stuff! And then the area turns on a dime for the summer and brings you incredible lake scenery. The most famous Lake Tahoe ceremony photos always come from Emerald Bay State Park Lookout. Google it…you will be shocked. Mountain peaks surround the turquoise waters of the bay. The two of you stand above it all as the sun sets and colors reflect off everything. It’s a ‘come to God’ moment. Lake Tahoe has plenty of beauty to go around. Tahoe Paradise Park, where you wed under a 1000-year-old Redwood tree. Sugar Pine Point Park State Pier may be a mouthful, but it’s just as blue as blue can be. Stand on the pier and look out into nothing but water (and mountain ranges way away). Regan Beach West and D.L. Bliss State Park Beach will make you happy with perfect beaches, blue water and many trees! The Lake Tahoe look. Logan Shoals Vista Point offers an intimate look-out experience where the golden hour is exceptional. Just a short walk so you can arrive looking fashionably pristine! Revive Coffee & Wine is a rustic cabin indoor/outdoor experience and very pretty. You can choose to elope under the trees with up to 20 guests or inside for a cozy experience. Comfort and boho all in one.

You can’t talk about California elopements without the Big Sur. It’s as if all the best things about the state were thrown in a blender. Majestic cliffs, ancient redwoods, and waves crashing on the beaches come together to create adventure elopements for nature lovers. Carmel River State Beach is a lovely, secluded coastline with rocky shores and blue skies just waiting for your intimate ceremony. Glen Oaks Big Sur is a grove of redwoods that have stood the test of time. A perfect way to begin your forever. Are you looking for a cabin elopement in the woods? Then Carmel Redwoods Cabin is for you. The ultimate in a forest wedding. Last but not least, we have Big Sur Lodge. Stylish west coast meets chic vibe is all over this gorgeous venue. You can choose under the ancient redwood grove or Redwood Patio that is nestled up to the river. Romantic and tranquil, this is the spot where you don’t have to leave to have it all.

One thing California is not short on is hopelessly talented photographers and filmmakers. Your authentic love story will be all over your epic California elopement photos. The only problem will be choosing which shots to blow up for your walls!

So you think you would like some tunes at your elopement? There is music everywhere so what is your thing? Jazz, rock-n-roll, classical harp? Or a soloist? It's all possible, so let us know what you are dreaming of!

Can't picture dealing with the details without an assistant by your side? If anyplace will understand that, it's California! So choose the Simply Eloped package that will match you to your wedding helper.

Once you select which California Elopement package is your world, we will match you to your team of vendors. Locals are your very best source of info in the Golden State - from the best places to eat to the best beaches to surf. And they will know all the pretty spots and intimate nooks that you would miss.

California is all about dreams coming true, and your wedding professionals are there to make that happen. So express your ideas, ask the questions and let them help you design your ceremony. Simply Eloped is all about stress-free and fun, so choose your California Elopement package and relax! We got this!

California elopements are so diverse that the answer to this will entirely depend on what type of ceremony you are having and your destination. Across the board, the quietest time to elope is early morning. You will find spectacular sunrises and romantic intimacy. And, hopefully, some of that iconic mist!

If you are not a morning person, then aim for the golden hour (the time just before sunset). The two of you will be sharing your first newlywed kiss just as the sun sets, leading to some pretty stunning photos.