As the #1 most visited state in the United States, California is undoubtedly one of the most popular places to elope. Known for its sunny weather and diversity of landscapes, it's a place where you can go from redwoods to coast, from big city to small town all within a matter of hours. Having lived in California all my life, I've spent years exploring all the different parts of the state, from road tripping down Highway 1 to Big Sur, to camping in Yosemite in the snow, to finding hidden gems dotted throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. It's that passion and love for the outdoors that has brought me to specializing as a Northern California elopement photographer - that plus my obsessive love of planning and many Google Sheets. So if you're thinking about eloping, here's everything you need to know on where to elope and how to plan an elopement in Northern California!
Best Places to Elope in Northern California
Where exactly is Northern California?
And why does it look like it should actually be called Central California? For those local to California, you will likely consider Northern California to be the area centered around the San Francisco Bay Area. After all, the hotly debated topic of NorCal vs. SoCal is often centered around the major cities of San Francisco vs. Los Angeles. For the sake of this guide, Northern California will be focused on the region between Monterey County to the south and Sonoma County to the north. Yes, there are also plenty of places to elope north of this area, like the Mendocino coast or Humboldt redwoods - but that would need a whole other guide to cover.
Where can I elope in Northern California?
Did you know that California holds the records for both the most state parks (280!) and most national parks (9) in the US? Most parks allow elopements (and sometimes weddings) with a special event permit. Alternatively, you could choose to elope at a private place, like a hotel, B&B, or venue. These places are typically more suited for intimate weddings with guests, but some may offer elopement packages as well.
While each has its own pros and cons, for most couples, the choice is easy. California is a place of incredibly diverse landscapes, and best way to experience them is to get out there!
Hint: View this post on your desktop if you want to sort by location or landscape!
Phew, that list was long, wasn't it? And it doesn't even come close to covering all the places where you could elope! Here's a breakdown of some of the best places to elope in Northern California. Big Sur Elopement
Check out Big Sur elopement examples: Haley + Brian, Nick + Taylor, David + Maddie, Katiana + Jamie
Best known for: Redwood groves, rugged coast, and rocky beaches Where to stay: Glen Oaks Big Sur (cabins), Ventana Big Sur (glamping and luxury resort), Post Ranch Inn (luxury hotel and treehouses) Where to eat: Nepenthe ($$$), Big Sur Bakery ($$) Weather: Highs from 60-80°F and lows from 40-50°F, most rain from December to March What you should know:
Santa Cruz elopement
Check out Santa Cruz elopement examples: Katelind + Gustavo, Jessica + Peter, Jennifer + Pravin
Best known for: Old growth redwoods, cliffside coast, and rocky beaches Where to stay: A-Frame (Airbnb), Treehouse (Airbnb), Treehouse (glamping), Fern River Resort (cabins) Where to eat: Zoccoli's Deli ($), Lillian's Italian Kitchen ($$), Shadowbrook ($$$) Weather: Highs from 60-80°F and lows from 40-50°F, most rain from December to March What you should know:
Half Moon Bay Elopement
Check out Half Moon Bay elopement examples: Kali + Clinton, Audrey + Clinton, Rebecca + Chris
Best known for: Cypress tree forests, cliffside coast, and sandy beaches Where to stay: Airstream (Airbnb), Airstream (Airbnb), Studio (Airbnb), Penthouse (Airbnb), Beach Bungalow (Airbnb), Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay (luxury hotel) Where to eat: Flying Fish & Grill ($$), Barbara's Fish Trap ($$) Weather: Highs from 60-70°F and lows from 40-50°F, most rain from December to March What you should know:
Oakland Elopement
Check out Oakland elopement examples: Katie + Peter, Julie + Luke
Best known for: Accessible redwood groves Where to stay: Luxury Cottage (Airbnb), Scandinavian Guesthouse (Airbnb), Apartment (Airbnb), Berkeley City Club (historic hotel) Where to eat: The Cheeseboard Collective ($), Homeroom ($$), Wood Tavern ($$$), Commis ($$$$) Weather: Highs from 60-80°F and lows from 50-60°F, most rain from December to March What you should know:
San Francisco Elopement
Check out San Francisco elopement examples: Janelle + Eduard, Anya + Ramsey, Laura + Chris, Jacqui + Dennis, Kat + Jason
Best known for: Golden Gate Bridge, city views, architectural buildings, coast and beaches Where to stay: Modern Suite (Airbnb), Cavallo Point Lodge (30 min from city), Bird's Nest Bungalow (Japanese style Airbnb 1 hr from city) Where to eat: Tartine Bakery ($$), Brenda's French Soul Food ($$), State Bird Provisions ($$$), Foreign Cinema ($$$), Gary Danko ($$$$) Weather: Highs from 60-70°F and lows from 40-50°F, most rain from December to March What you should know:
Yosemite Elopement
Best known for: Epic mountains, sequoia trees, and waterfalls
Where to stay: Ahwahnee Hotel, Curry Village (tent cabins), Evergreen Lodge (40 min from park), Autocamp (Airstream 1 hr from park) Where to eat: The Ahwahnee Dining Room ($$$) Weather: Highs from 50-90°F and lows from 20-50°F, most rain from December to March and snow from November to April What you should know:
Lake Tahoe Elopement
Best known for: Snowy mountains and lakeside views
Where to stay: Tahoe Pines Treehouse (Airbnb), Judge Peek Cabin (Airbnb), Little Black Cabin (Airbnb), Tahoe City Getaway (Airbnb) Where to eat: Base Camp Pizza ($$), MacDuff's Pub ($$), Kalani's ($$$) Weather: Highs from 40-80°F and lows from 15-40°F, most rain from December to March and snow from November to May What you should know:
Northern California Elopement Venues
Check out California elopement examples: Shana + Gilbert, Fena + Evan
Best known for: Private and accessible ceremony and/or reception space Where to stay: Onsite or nearby hotel What you should know:
How to Elope in Northern California
First of all, it's important to know how to get legally married in California! Here's what you'll need:
Then the fun part - crafting your dream elopement day!
Let's make it happen!
Don't worry if you're in the early planning stages and feel a little lost! As a Northern California elopement photographer, I provide all of my couples with:
Fully inspired and ready to start crafting a day full of adventure together?
9 Comments
Hannah
2/24/2021 06:37:30 am
Wow! So much good information on where, how, when to elope in California and your photos are the bomb!
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2/24/2021 06:47:15 am
Wow, this is so helpful, thank you! I didn’t know California is SO diverse, I want to explore now.
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2/24/2021 08:13:44 am
This is such an amazing guide for eloping in Northern California! I love the Big Sur and you covered everything here for couples. Gorgeous photography style as well. Thanks for sharing!
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2/24/2021 07:21:57 pm
This is an invaluable resource with so much amazing information. Your photos are incredibly stunning as well. Just breathtaking!
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angela
2/24/2021 09:27:08 pm
This is a great resource for your clients (and really anyone who finds your page). So detailed and helpful. And your images are stunning! Great work!
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Emily
2/25/2021 01:08:30 pm
Beautiful work!! And great information!!
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Patricia Almanzor
7/22/2021 10:47:04 pm
Needed a photographer for Aug 20 2021 for 45 people SF city hall wedding and private dining.
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