California is one of those states that you can’t help but be impressed by, even when you’ve been photographing there for 7 years. I’ve planned elopements there everywhere from Big Sur to Yosemite to the redwoods to Lake Tahoe to Joshua Tree to Death Valley. The Golden State really lives up to its name in so many ways.
Yosemite is one of my favorite locations in America and I think it’s a great pick for elopements! Where else in the US can you stare directly up at a 3,000 foot granite wall and a valley that huge? It’s impossible not to be impressed by the sheer grandeur of it and it’s not like anywhere else in the world.
But that’s not even close to being the only kind of scenery you can find in this force of a west coast state. If you’re looking for recommendations for sea, city, forest, or desert, then keep reading! I’ve shared more of my favorites in this list.
(Or, if reading through all of the options sounds intimidating, you can also filter by exactly what you’re looking for in my interactive map! Click here to go directly there and search through nearly 600 locations.)
Yosemite National Park, California
An absolutely mesmerizing place, and a national park that should be on everyone’s list (in my opinion). It’s honestly difficult to come up with the right words to describe such a place. Yosemite is known for amazing hikes, views, waterfalls, towering 3,000 ft tall granite cliffs, and giant sequoia trees. The scenery here is almost painterly. There’s a lot to see here: Half Dome, Tunnel View, El Cap, Taft Point, Valley floor, and Vernal Falls… You may even spot some black bears! The dreamy and mystical sunrises and sunsets here are ones you’ll always dream about. All these factors make Yosemite a perfect and memorable place to get married.
Best for: Mountains, Canyon, Forest and Waterfall
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Rock Climbing, Camping
Joshua Tree National Park, California
While Joshua Tree is a rock climbing mecca, it offers more than just that– amazing rocky desert landscape filled with captivating Joshua Trees, this landscape is so unique and would make for an amazing elopement location. As a bonus: there are so many awesome vacation rentals surrounding it, and nearby Palm Springs would make for a sweet honeymoon spot.
Best for: Mountains, Forest and Desert
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Rock Climbing, Camping, Stargazing
Big Sur, California
Picture rocky seaside cliffs, dense green forest hikes, fields of wild succulents, and endless beaches to explore up and down the coast. You may recognize the iconic sunset photos at Pfeiffer Beach. I recommend staying in a yurt or “human nest” at Treebones Resort to really top off your Big Sur experience. Amazing year-round
Best for: Forest and Coast
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe has a reputation as being INCREDIBLY blue, and I’m here to tell you it’s not just talk. This lake is (scientifically!) home to some insanely clear turquoise waters that make it one of the purest lakes in the world. There is no shortage of options for an elopement here. Get out on the water in a sailboat, go waterfall hunting, explore Emerald Bay State Park, or head down any of the super picturesque trails around here to get views of water, mountains, and trees all in one image. This is some of California (and Nevada!) at its best.
Best for: Lake, Mountains, Waterfalls and Forests
Best months to get married here: April to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Camping
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is the city that keeps on giving. A little bit PNW, a little bit SoCal, there’s no way to go wrong in the bay area. Into the water? Take a scenic boat trip around the bay, check out the stunning vistas of and from the city’s bridges, or venture just a bit north into Point Reyes National Seashore. Rather be ensconced on land? Spend the day getting lost amongst the trees in Muir Woods National Monument, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, or Mount Tamalpais State Park. More of a city person? There’s no better place. Start your morning at the pier watching sea lions, pop through a (fully playable!) vintage arcade museum, go dim sum sampling in Chinatown, and end your day in a glitzy downtown spot for dinner and drinks. No matter what your dream elopement is, you can have it here. The Palace of Fine Arts and City Hall both boast incredible architecture in the heart of the city!
Best for: City and Coast
Best months to get married here: April to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating
Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park, California
Glacier Point is one of the most iconic spots in Yosemite National Park by far (though the scenery here really does make it hard to choose). Glacier Point offers you an accessible way to see awesome spots like Half Dome, El Capitan, and a 360 aerial of the park by letting you drive right up to it. This stop also has an accessible trail! If you’d rather hike up here, though, there are multiple trails around that either include it as a stop or as a starting point. Bonus—you’ll be right near other beautiful spots like Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley, and the Merced River. At over 7,000 feet in elevation, this is one of those views you’ll remember forever. If you’re eloping in Yosemite, you’re going to want to come here!
Best for: Mountains, Canyon and Forest
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Stargazing
Channel Islands National Park, California
Channel Islands is a smaller, less frequented National Park, despite it’s prime location just off the coast of Santa Barbara (and with a port under two hours from downtown Los Angeles). Likely due to the fact that this incredible group of islands is only accessible via boat! Ferries specializing in round trips to the islands have tickets available year-round, or, to make your day extra special, charter a private boat for the day that can take you to the park as well as help you island hop in the most relaxing way, no paddling required. If you do want to get into the water, though, snorkeling, surfing, and kayaking are all great options here! Duck in and out of rock arches and navigate around cliffs through the clear waters of the Pacific while taking in wildlife like seals, sea lions, and pelicans. The vistas here are exactly what you’d want and expect—rocky ridges looking out into the ocean flanked by fields of wildflowers and abundant California beauty.
Best for: Coast, Islands
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Snorkeling, Surfing, Kayaking
Palm Springs, California
If your vibe is colorful, artsy, eclectic, and fun, you will absolutely adore Palm Springs. I love Palm Springs for elopements because, despite having that indie and impossibly cool vibe to everything, it’s also full of resort stays that preserve the feeling while also leaving you totally relaxed and at ease. This town is a super solid blend of recreation and rest! It’s also incredibly stunning, with a thriving wildflower scene, its own aerial tramway that will take you to amazing dining options with a view, and nearby Mount San Jacinto State Park. An elopement day with an architecture tour, fine dining, horseback riding, and canyon exploring? Say no more. With a little more time, you can also tag on Joshua Tree National Park!
Best for: City, Desert
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping
Death Valley National Park, California
Death Valley National Park sits on the border between California and Nevada, just about two hours outside of Las Vegas. Needless to say, this probably isn’t for you if you’re looking for a summer elopement spot! But this is a GREAT spot to visit in the winter, when decreased crowds and decreased temperatures make this park really shine. You can easily make an epic elopement day out here–take in the sunrise over the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, hike through any of the MANY canyons loaded with colorful rocks, and close out your day with world-class stargazing. You can even do a self-guided Star Wars driving tour. Seriously.
Best for: Desert, Mountains and Canyons
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4, Stargazing
Rubicon Trail, California
This is a spot to tackle on your elopement day if you want to know that you seriously beat a challenge. This is one of the most challenging 4X4 roads in the country, which, if you’re into doing that on your own, is an epic place to do it! If you’d rather enjoy than navigate, though, you can always hire a local guide to take care of you in the untamed wilderness of Southern California. The trailheads for Rubicon are frequently in state parks, which also means you can soak in some beautiful scenery there before heading out on the road!
Best for: Mountains, Forest and Lakes
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Jeep/4×4
Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley, California
From Sacramento westward into the sea lie two twin counties that hold some of the best wine culture on the planet–Napa and Sonoma. Between the lush vineyards and the rolling green hills, it’s seriously hard to believe that all of this is just north of San Francisco. If you’re a wine lover but don’t want to travel internationally, there’s genuinely no better spot for your elopement day than this. Do a tasting tour, dine at any of many Michelin-star restaurants (like the famous The French Laundry), stay in a resort in the middle of a vineyard, and schedule in some time to dip your feet in the Bodega Bay or pop through any of the dozens of beautiful small towns. The vibe here is slow, luxe, and peaceful. This area also goes great with a two-day general Bay Area elopement!
Best for: Mountains, Forest and Vineyards
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping, Wine Tasting
Sequoia National Park, California
If you want to spend your elopement among the trees, this is the right place! Sequoia National Park (and its sister park, Kings Canyon) sports some of the oldest and largest Sequoia trees in the world. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or horseback riding through the groves, this is a great way to put it all in perspective and feel truly awe-struck during your elopement. Saying your vows with centuries old trees as your witness… what could be better? There are also great scenic drives through these parks if you’re not into the idea of hiking on your wedding day. Bonus—this park has a year-round lodge that will let you stay close to the action without sleeping in a tent, if that’s not your speed.
Best for: Forest
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is one of those spots that shows you all the bounty of California in one go. From picturesque beaches, to stunning architecture, to overflowing vineyards, this town is beauty after beauty. The historic courthouse is a beautiful Spanish-style building with a clock tower that overlooks the town as well as the incredible grounds. Arroyo Burro Beach County Park sports beautiful wide beaches and rocky cliffs. Goleta Butterfly Grove is a protected home of Monarch butterflies every winter, Montecito Hot Springs are natural hot springs a brisk hike from the trailhead, and the Red Rock Pools along the Santa Ynez River are just a short ways away. Not to mention the super cute State Street that runs through downtown lined with shops and restaurants!
Best for: City. Coast and Beach
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Kings Canyon National Park, California
Kings Canyon National Park is the sister park to Sequoia National Park! This park is worth a visit separately or in conjunction with other stops in the area. Redwood Canyon, located within the bounds of the park, has insanely tall and plentiful old-growth sequoia trees and is a great hike. From backpacking and camping, to scenic drives or horseback rides, this park has some great options for things to do. This would be an excellent pick for a chill elopement where you just want to feel in awe of nature and take things slowly.
Best for: Forest, Canyon and Mountains
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping
Redwood National Park, California
Redwood National Park is one of those places that’s impossible to overhype. Walking through these trees that are so old and so tall is an experience that can only be described as spiritual. Saying your vows in a quite literally ancient ecosystem with the trees as your witnesses is about as far from a big wedding as you can get. This is a truly awe-inspiring spot for your elopement. You can easily spend a whole day here, or you can head to the nearby coast to really complete the theme of feeling miniature in the face of our beautiful planet.
Best for: Forest, Canyon and Mountains
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping
San Diego, California
If you want the vibes of SoCal but with the beach town vibes cranked to the max, San Diego is absolutely a place you should check out. Balboa Park is home to some truly beautiful architecture and there’s nothing like a sailboat tour through the bay for views of the entire skyline. Nearby, the Point Loma Lighthouse is a dramatic landmark right next to the water. Tidepooling, cliffside sunsets, and sea cave exploring are all at their peak here. This is all about two hours south of LA by car!
Best for: City, Coast and Beach
Best months to get married here: Year Round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Not far from the beauty of Mount and Lake Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park has been going strong for over 100 years. Paddle around Manzanita Lake in a kayak and take in views of Lassen Peak—a nearly 10,500 ft tall active dome volcano that fuels hydrothermal areas around the park. The scenic highways in the park are great, letting you cruise through the scenery and pull off when you see something that you’d like to get a closer view of or gaze at a little longer. Stay on site by camping in a cabin, a tent, or at the guest ranch on park grounds and go outside at night for an impeccable view of the stars.
Best for: Mountains, Forest and Lakes
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Camping
Imperial Dunes, California
If you love off-roading and unique landscapes, this is going to be a huge hit for you. The Imperial Dunes are situated in the southeastern corner of the state, between the Salton Sea and Mexico. This landscape is a favorite of Hollywood’s for many films, including Star Wars, so expect incredible views on a huge scale. Can you picture spending part of your day adventuring over hills in a dune buggy? Or riding a horse through the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness right next door? There’s also camping options here if you want to stay the night.
Best for: Sand Dunes
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4, Stargazing
The Lost Coast, California
Make no mistake—the Lost Coast is not actually lost at all. What it is is truly, genuinely wild, with no roads connecting the undeveloped shores back to the only nearby road. This is a backpacking DREAM. With a 25 mile trail and unspoiled nature all around, this would be an unforgettable trip… or place to elope. This is a trek to be sure—but it would be a genuinely epic adventure, too. For a taste of the area without the camping requirements, you can also visit the nearby black sand beach and the former site of the Cape Mendocino Lighthouse, both of which are driveable.
Best for: Coast, Forest and Beach
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping, Stargazing
Pinnacles National Park, California
Just off the Californian Central Coast, Pinnacles National Park stretches over 26,000 acres. This is a newer park (in designation), having only become a National Park in 2013. It’s full of incredible rock spires, stretching up out of the ground in thick ridges. It’s no wonder that it’s such a huge rock climbing destination. Lots of rocks also means plenty of caves and canyons for you to explore during your elopement! You may even see a California condor here, an endangered bird with a 9 ft wingspan (which would be a great way to make your day memorable if you’re a wildlife enthusiast). There are also tent cabins for rent here if you’re into the idea of camping out in the park but want to make your stay as easy as possible.
Best for: Mountains, Lakes and Canyon
Best months to get married here: May to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Rock Climbing
City Hall, San Francisco, California
San Francisco’s City Hall is so beautiful that it’s home to both big weddings and elopements alike! This is a building that looks more “museum” than “municipal”. From truly grand staircases that lead up to carved white stone walls, to the ornate and gilded front door, to genuinely pretty breathtaking stone, tile, and glasswork everywhere, there’s a reason they call this the People’s Palace! This is a great stop if you love the idea of a venue, but not the idea of paying for one.
Best for: City
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Exploring
Mount Tamalpais, California
Mt. Tam is a stunning area just outside of San Francisco that has so much variety. You can go from wildflowers and bay vistas, to incredibly tall trees and mossy rocks, to watching the sunset over the foggy valley below. With plenty of hiking trails that will lead you either through eucalyptus-scented groves or to seasonal spots like Carson Falls, it’s impossible to get a bad view here. This is also a great choice for a two-day elopement due to how beautiful everything in this area is and the plentiful camping sites!
Best for: Mountain, Forest, Waterfall and Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: April to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping
Point Reyes National Seashore, California
Point Reyes National Seashore is one of many Bay Area gems in California! This protected area sports rolling green hills, cliff-lined beaches, wildlife like elephant seals, and even a historic lighthouse. If you’re the hiking type, you can make the trek to Alamere Falls or up to the top of Mount Wittenberg. If not, hit the beach and look up at the sheer rock faces around you and soak in the surf and sand. This is all located about an hour’s drive from San Francisco that takes you through some seriously stunning locations along the way!
Best for: Mountain, Forest, Coast and Beach
Best months to get married here: April to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding
Mt. Whitney, California
If you’re looking for an adventure-packed elopement day, it’s hard to beat Mt. Whitney! This 14er is the highest mountain in the lower 48 and the views from the summit are otherworldly. If you don’t want to hike to the top, you can still get incredible views of the peak and rocky “needles” from other spots that make for an incredible backdrop. Or make it a two-day elopement and also spend time in the bordering Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks!
Best for: Mountains and Forest
Best months to get married here: May to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Mammoth, California
About 45 minutes south of Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes is an area not to be missed! Mammoth Mountain offers year-round skiing and Rainbow Falls is a 101-ft fall that ends in a swimming hole. The Inyo Craters are deep, lake-filled craters in the earth from steam explosions in the 14th century, providing deeply cool viewpoints. If you want a view of lake, forest, and mountain all in one go, Lake Mary is also a great pick. Or, visit Devils Postpile National Monument, which doubles as a section of the famous Pacific Crest Trail for a super memorable story. You can either camp here or stay in one of the many resorts nearby–the choice is yours.
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Lakes and Waterfalls
Best months to get married here: May to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking, Boating, Camping
Muir Woods/Muir Beach, California
If you’re looking to spend your elopement under giant redwood trees, Muir Woods is an incredible option. There are six miles of trails here that allow you to wander through the forest and soak in all of the magic an old growth forest has to offer. You can also find your way to Muir Beach, attached either by scenic Muir Beach Overlook or through a separate parking lot. These parks are also super accessible, making it a great fit if you have a disability! This is all located just a 40 minute drive from San Francisco. Make it a two-day elopement and see city, sea, redwoods, and nearby Mt. Tam for a quintessentially California experience.
Best for: Forest, Coast and Beach
Best months to get married here: May to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Pasadena, California
You can have your elopement at a piece of Hollywood history with Pasadena City Hall! From Charlie Chaplin to Parks and Recreation, people have been filming here for decades for a good reason. It’s six-story Renaissance style tower and immaculate grounds are a beautiful place to get married! This is also a great central location for an L.A. elopement–travel 20 minutes south into downtown, explore the massive and beautiful grounds of Griffith Park just 10 minutes to the west, or venture north into Angeles National Forest. Starting in Pasadena means you can get sea, city, and forest vibes all in one day!
Best for: City
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Mojave Desert, California
The Mojave Desert is honestly practically a state of its own. From Death Valley National Park to Joshua Tree National Park to the Mojave National Preserve, this desert sprawls out over four different states and so many genuinely iconic areas. Geographical features like sand dunes and lava tubes, wildlife like tortoises and cactus wrens, and flora like giant saguaros and gnarled Yucca all factor into making this part of the American southwest unlike anywhere else on earth. On the California side, you’ll be bordered by the Sierra Nevada and Santa Monica mountains, giving you great views of way more than just sand and stone. If you’re a space fanatic, you’ll be floored at the views of the stars from here.
Best for: Desert
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Stargazing
Sonoma Coast, California
Most people associate Sonoma County exclusively with wine country, but the coast here is also incredible! There are things to do for every person along the Sonoma Coast—waterfront dining, wide sandy beaches with great seastack rocks, and hikes like Bodega Head that give you the most stunning vistas you can picture (often without strenuous hiking). Sonoma Coast State Park is a special spot to visit full of dunes, caves, arches, and trails stacked with wildflowers. This would make a great elopement location all on its own, but you could also pair the Sonoma Coast with a second day in wine country (or vice versa) to feel like you’ve really been spoiled by the California landscape.
Best for: Sand Dunes, Coast, Beach and Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Balboa Park, San Diego, California
Just blocks from the bay in the middle of San Diego, Balboa Park offers nearly endless opportunities for ways to spend your elopement day! Stop by a carousel from 1910, visit multiple art and science museums, see the largest outdoor pipe organ, enjoy the Japanese Friendship Garden or cactus garden… the list goes on. With acres to explore and endless walking trails, a dog park to bring your four legged friends to, and countless bars and restaurants surrounding the perimeter, you can think of this as SoCal’s Central Park. There’s also a world-class zoo here, if animals are high on your list! Balboa Park is home to some genuinely stunning architecture, including fountains, towers, and swaying palm trees that will give you all the right vibes for a San Diego elopement.
Best for: City and Forest
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Golden Gate View Point in Mill Valley, California
Across the bridge and just outside of Sausalito in the Marin Headlands, the Golden Gate View Point leads to some of the best views of the bridge it’s named after (not to be confused with the Golden Gate Overlook, which is also beautiful but on the San Francisco side of the strait). Park in the paid lot and do a small hike up the hill to get some unparalleled views of the Golden Gate Bridge stretching out in full below just below you, letting you take it in in all its glory and get some great pictures while you’re there! Pro tip: it can get pretty windy up here. This isn’t a spot you’ll get to yourself, but you’ll likely garner some enthusiastic congrats from other visitors! The uninterrupted view in your photos will be so worth it.
Best for: City and Coast
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
California has so much variety that it can be intimidating! To help narrow down your list, I’ve created this searchable map, where you can filter by season, activity, and scenery to get a tailored selection of options just for you. There are nearly 600 locations here ready for you to explore!
You also don’t have to do this alone. California is a massive state and I know that choosing where to get married is an equally massive decision! I’m here to give you a bespoke experience from the very start, with location lists that I know will fulfill your vision, crafted timelines that will work for you, and expert permit consultation services. Think of me as your photographer/hype woman/planner/Google/listening ear.
Ready to dive in? Click here to be taken to my contact form and let’s chat.
