Best Places to Elope in California

Mount Tamalpais

Mount Tam is perfect for couples who want epic views without an epic drive. This place serves up rolling hills that seem to stretch forever, with views of the Bay, the city, and even the Pacific on a clear day. Coastal fog blanketing the valleys below can also occasionally show up to add a bit of a dramatic flair. 

It’s a great destination for your elopement all year round, but it’s particularly beautiful in later spring when the hills are green and the wildflowers are out. 

For your special events permit, please contact dkopler@parks.ca.gov

Muir Woods

There’s something deeply romantic about saying your vows under a canopy of trees older than most modern love stories. The dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves? Iconic. And the hushed serenity of the forest makes every word you whisper to each other feel sacred.

It’s also a great location if accessibility is important for you with their well-taken care of walking and hiking paths. And if you choose me as your elopement photographer, I have a National Parks pass, which means I can get you, your partner, and your officiant in for free!

You will need to get a special use permit for your elopement, and you can learn more about that here!

Battery Spencer



If you’re picturing dramatic cliffs, windswept grasses, and the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, Battery Spencer is your spot. On clear days, you can see the entire San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz, and the glimmering Bay.

Fog season runs from May through July, so if you want those classic clear views, aim for September or October. Permits are not usually required for small gatherings, but check with the Golden Gate National Recreation Area for updated rules.

San Francisco



The city itself is an amazing place for your California elopement. There are so many great locations to exchange your vows at or simply explore and take photos afterward, like the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Park, or even a tucked-away corner of downtown North Beach. 

The city is bustling with people, so to avoid crowds, plan for a weekday/sunrise elopement. And definitely pack layers! Also, each location has its own rules for ceremonies, so double-check if permits are required for your dream spot. 

And if you’re planning to elope here, check out my San Francisco elopement guide!

Shark Fin Cove



Hidden away on the Santa Cruz coast, Shark Fin Cove is where rugged fin-shaped rock formations meet turquoise waves. It’s quite secluded, gorgeous, and just the right amount of adventure for a couple ready to take the plunge—literally or figuratively.

Weekdays are best for avoiding crowds. Also, there’s a bit of a hike to get to the beach, so wear comfy shoes and pack light. Most beaches require permits for elopements, but rules may vary by location. You can find more information about permits here!

Yosemite National Park



Yosemite is iconic for a reason, with its granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, alpine meadows, and endless vistas. Glacier Point offers panoramic views of Half Dome and the sweeping valley below, while El Capitan is an epic sight to see on its own!

Spring is perfect for waterfalls after the snow starts melting, while fall offers fiery colors and cooler weather. Summer can get busy, so plan for sunrise or weekday vows. You will need to get a permit to elope in Yosemite, and you learn more about that here!

Big Sur



With rugged cliffs, crashing waves, serene beaches, and towering coastal redwoods, Big Sur oozes romance. It’s perfect for couples who want a mix of forest and ocean vibes all in one place. Picture saying your vows with the iconic Bixby Bridge in the background or standing on a bluff surrounded by windswept wildflowers.

Popular spots like McWay Falls or Pfeiffer Beach can get crowded, so plan for early mornings or weekdays to get some privacy for your elopement. The Big Sur elopement permit situation is a bit tricky. You will not be able to have a weekend elopement (so Fridays-Sundays) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and overall, no events are allowed on holiday weekends. Any other time, weekend elopements should be okay. You can learn more about it here!

Joshua Tree



Joshua Tree is quirky, surreal, and unapologetically itself. (Kind of like Moira Rose.) Its desert landscapes, with twisted Joshua trees and giant rock formations, feel like stepping onto a whole other planet. The soft glow of the desert light at sunrise and sunset is a chef’s kiss, and the wide-open spaces make it easy to find a spot that feels like yours and yours alone. Spring and fall will be the best seasons to elope here, but summer will be hotter than Ross in leather pants, so I’d personally recommend avoiding it unless you can handle the heat.

You will need to apply for a permit to elope in Joshua Tree, and you can learn more about that here!

Lake Tahoe



Lake Tahoe’s versatility is unmatched. Want a serene lakeside ceremony? Done. Dreaming of mountain vistas? Easy. Prefer a snowy winter wonderland? Say no more. It is a dreamy elopement location all year round!

If you’d like to elope within one of Lake Tahoe’s state parks, a permit will be required. A lot of Lake Tahoe’s public land is managed by the US Forest Services, and they may have their own rules and regulations for your elopement. You can learn more about that here!

Redwood National & State Parks



If the redwoods in Muir Woods feel magical, then the ones in Redwood National and State Parks are next level. These trees are so tall and ancient that they make you feel like a tiny blip in the best way possible. Plus, Fern Canyon looks like something straight out of Jurassic Park (minus the dinosaurs, thankfully, lol).

Redwoods National Park and State Parks each have pre-approved ceremony locations, but you may be able to choose different spots as well, which are subject to review. You can learn more about the whole process here!

Sunset Cliffs



Perched high above the Pacific Ocean, Sunset Cliffs in San Diego is the moment. It’s laid-back, romantic, and effortlessly beautiful, with waves crashing dramatically against rugged sandstone cliffs. And as the name suggests, the cliffs are especially beautiful during the sunset.

To elope here, you’ll need a permit from the City of San Diego.

Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is one of the most underrated California elopement spots. It’s absolutely gorgeous, with alpine lakes, wildflower-covered meadows during the summers, and dramatic mountain backdrops. In the fall, the aspen trees turn the most beautiful shades of gold and orange, but overall, Mammoth Lakes are stunning all year round!

Depending on the location you choose in the area, you may need to get a permit. You can learn more about that here!

Sequoia National Park

The sequoias here are giants. These ancient trees are among the largest living things on Earth, and standing beneath them is a humbling experience. The park’s combination of forested trails, scenic meadows, and granite peaks makes it a breathtaking location for your ceremony and photos!

Late spring and early fall are the best times to elope and visit here for mild weather and accessible trails. Sequoia National Park has pre-approved elopement locations for you to choose from, but you’ll also need to apply for a permit to elope in one of them.