Find your California Elopement Package
Step into a dreamy coastal paradise the moment you arrive in the Golden State, where breathtaking shores meet rugged mountains, vibrant greenery lines sun-drenched valleys, and picture-perfect vineyards offer serene backdrops for your special day. Whether it's an intimate ceremony by the ocean, a rustic wine country exchange, or a majestic redwood forest celebration, eloping in California means embracing romance in its purest form.
ElopementPackage.com currently offers elopement packages for dreamy destinations like the Big Sur Coast, Napa Valley, Joshua Tree, and Lake Tahoe.
Find your California Elopement Venue
Big Sur Coast
Rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and stunning ocean views make this iconic coastline a dramatic backdrop for couples seeking natural beauty and romance.
Napa Valley
For wine enthusiasts and lovers of rolling hillsides, Napa offers elegant vineyard settings surrounded by sun-drenched valleys and picturesque wineries.
Joshua Tree
Desert dreamers will fall for the otherworldly landscape of Joshua Tree, where unique rock formations and stunning sunsets create a magical atmosphere for your special day.
Lake Tahoe
Crystal clear waters surrounded by pine-covered mountains provide a serene alpine setting that's perfect for nature-loving couples in any season.
Why is California Awesome
Introducing the iconic regions of California, where timeless romance meets the most interesting locations. Discover why this destination is perfect for your elopement:
Unique Locations
From the rugged coastline of Big Sur to the sun-drenched vineyards of Napa Valley, the otherworldly desert of Joshua Tree, and the alpine beauty of Lake Tahoe, California elopements offer incredibly diverse settings, catering to every couple's unique preferences.
Localized Beauty
With its Mediterranean climate in many regions, California provides a year-round canvas for your celebration, ensuring that your special day is bathed in natural beauty regardless of season. Even winter months offer mild temperatures in many parts of the state.
Cultural Richness
Immerse yourselves in California's diverse cultural heritage, adding a unique and meaningful touch to your elopement experience, whether it's incorporating wine country traditions, coastal ceremonies, or desert spirituality.
Accessibility & Convenience
Major airports throughout the state make California easily accessible for couples and any guests you choose to include. And with world-class accommodation options ranging from luxury resorts to charming boutique hotels, your entire elopement experience can be seamless.
Culinary Excellence
Celebrate your union with farm-to-table cuisine that California is famous for. From wine country pairings to coastal seafood feasts, your post-ceremony dining can be an unforgettable experience showcasing the region's gastronomic delights.
Adventure Opportunities
Extend your elopement into a honeymoon adventure with endless activities including hiking among ancient redwoods, wine tasting tours, surfing along the coast, stargazing in the desert, or skiing in the mountains – all within the same incredible state.
Looking for a specific kind of Elopement?
Find your perfect
California elopement experience
We're firm believers that there's magic within each and every wedding that takes place. Instead of cookie-cutter packages, we create customized experiences tailored specifically to you.
How We Craft Your Custom Package
Our approach is different – we listen first, then design. After understanding your vision, we'll create a personalized elopement experience that perfectly captures your relationship and style. Your custom package will be built around these essential elements:
Essential Services We Include:
- Professional Officiant who is legally registered
- Guidance on obtaining marriage license
- High quality meaningful & joyful ceremony!
Photography Options
Choose from our roster of extraordinary California photographers who specialize in capturing the unique beauty of your chosen location – from dramatic coastal cliffs to desert sunsets.
Dedicated Personal Elopement Planner
What's Included in Our California Elopement Packages
We want to make sure your elopement is as unique as your love story. So rather than offer you a "one size fits all" package, we offer customized packages so that your day is as magical and memorable as can be. Generally, this is what couples decide to include:
Personalized Ceremony
Our officiants craft intimate, heartfelt ceremonies tailored to your style—romantic, playful, or relaxed, always uniquely YOU.
Permits & Location Guidance
We assist with the logistics—including understanding permits for beaches, state parks, and national parks (which vary significantly in cost and required lead time)—so you can focus on enjoying your moment.
Local Florals & Styling
A California-inspired bouquet and boutonnière designed with seasonal blooms reflecting California's rich aesthetic. Flower crowns, leis, or custom décor options available for extra personality.
Adventure Upgrades
Want more excitement? Add an exhilarating jet boat ride, private yacht charter, classic convertible rental, or romantic sunset cruise.
Adventure-Inspired Photography
Your elopement captured by a seasoned California photographer who knows the best secret spots—from dramatic coastal overlooks to vineyard vistas to desert landscapes. Expect vibrant, timeless images you'll cherish forever.
FAQs.
What can I expect with your California Elopement Experiences?
Our California elopement experiences are fully customized to match your vision. We handle everything from finding the perfect location to coordinating all vendors and logistics. Unlike traditional packages, we build your day around what matters most to you, whether that's an intimate ceremony at sunset on Big Sur's coastline or a celebration among ancient redwoods. Every element is personalized, with pricing based on your specific choices rather than pre-set packages.
I'm nervous about my pictures - what can I expect from your California elopement photographer?
Our California photographers are specialists in elopement photography who understand the unique landscapes and lighting conditions of their regions. They excel at capturing intimate moments in natural settings and know exactly when and where to position you for those breathtaking California backdrops. Even couples who normally feel awkward in front of the camera tell us they felt completely comfortable and natural with our photographers' guidance.
How do I elope in California?
Eloping in California is straightforward with our help. First, you'll need to obtain a California marriage license from any county clerk's office in the state. Both partners must appear together with valid ID. There's no waiting period, and the license is valid for 90 days. California offers two types of licenses: public (requires one witness) and confidential (no witnesses required). At ElopementPackage.com, we'll assist you through the process, help coordinate vendors, and guide you on location options to ensure your special day goes smoothly.
When is the best time to elope in California?
California offers year-round elopement opportunities thanks to its diverse climates. For coastal regions like Big Sur, September-October and early spring typically provide the clearest skies (avoiding the May-August fog season). Wine country peaks during harvest season (September-October) with lush vineyards and vibrant colors. Desert locations like Joshua Tree are best in spring (March-May) and fall (October-November) when temperatures are moderate—summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making ceremonies challenging. Lake Tahoe offers warm summer days (June-September) and stunning winter backdrops (December-February), though winter ceremonies may require flexibility due to potential storms. We'll help you choose the perfect timing based on your preferred location and weather preferences.
How do I choose the right California elopement experience?
Choosing the right California elopement experience starts with identifying what landscapes and settings speak to you as a couple. Are you drawn to dramatic coastlines, serene vineyards, otherworldly deserts, or alpine lakes? Consider what feels authentic to your relationship. During our consultation, we'll explore your vision, style preferences, and priorities to create a completely customized experience. Unlike standard packages, our approach allows you to include exactly what matters to you, whether that's an epic helicopter tour or simply an intimate ceremony with spectacular photography.
What do I need to elope in California?
To elope in California, you’ll need:
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both partners
- $35-$115 for the marriage license fee (varies by county)
- Marriage license obtained from any California county clerk’s office
- One witness (for public licenses) or no witnesses (for confidential licenses)
Our team will handle all other logistics including location permits, vendor coordination, timeline planning, and day-of support so you can focus entirely on enjoying your special day.
How do I make my California elopement legal?
Every state has different requirements for applying for and receiving a marriage license, and the State of California is simple in some ways, but not so simple in others. In order to apply for your marriage license, you’ll need:
- An ID — state issued or a passport works
- A copy of a divorce decree if either you or your partner have previously been married
You can begin this process online, but you’ll still need to make an appointment with a license agent to validate your information and obtain the physical copy of your California marriage license.
California offers two types of marriage licenses:
- Public License: Requires at least one witness and creates a public record
- Confidential License: Requires no witnesses but you must swear that you live together as spouses
The state of California does not require a waiting period, and license fees range from $35-$115 depending on the county and license type.
It is crucial to receive your marriage license prior to attending your ceremony, otherwise your union will not be legally recognized as a marriage! Set an alert on your phone while it’s fresh in your daily planner: do anything and everything you can do to remind yourself to bring your license! To make an appointment with an agent to receive your marriage license, please click here.
How do I prepare for the day of my elopement?
Preparing for your California elopement day is all about minimizing stress and maximizing joy. We recommend:
- Get a good night’s sleep and start your day with a nourishing breakfast
- Allow plenty of time for hair, makeup, and getting ready
- Wear comfortable shoes appropriate for your location (especially important for beach, forest, or desert locations)
- Bring sun protection, water, and weather-appropriate layers
- Keep your marriage license and IDs in a safe, accessible place
- Most importantly, focus on each other and the meaningful commitment you’re making
Your elopement planner will provide a detailed timeline and handle all logistics so you can be fully present in every moment of your special day.
Ready to Elope in California?
Contact us today so we can plan your dream California elopement—an effortlessly romantic adventure you'll treasure forever.
