If you're looking for the legal requirements for eloping in California, we've outlined them here in 9 easy steps.
If you're still in the brainstorming phase for your elopement itinerary, read on for an insightful feature written by a lifelong California native.
To elope in California, you must:
Photo by Siera Harbin
If you're thinking of eloping in California, you're in luck! This state is home to some of the most beautiful and romantic locations for a small wedding. Whether you want to get married on the beach, in a quaint town, big city, or on a stunning mountain top, California has something for everyone. In this blog post, we will provide tips on how to elope in California and some of the best locations to do it.
In this blog article you’ll find:
First up, you’ll need to choose your location. Although California is famous for it's great weather year round, taking microclimates and weather trends into account when choosing your location is advised.
Want to Elope to the highest peaks in California? Keep in mind they will be under several feet of snow December through April. If you plan to trek Mt. Whitney or scale the backside of Half Dome, book your trip for July.
If you’re thinking of eloping in June, be aware that most of the Northern California coast experiences June Gloom, and a beach elopement in San Francisco during that time would likely be a foggy chilly affair. Schedule your Muir Woods or Half Moon Bay elopement for September for an Indian Summer that is sure to please.
In the Fall wildfire season can bring about air quality concerns to the entirety of California. But the interior areas tend to fare worse. If you’re eloping in October or November, aim for the moist coastal areas, like Lost Coast.
If you've always pictured your adventure elopement with golden hills or valleys in the background, elope in California June - October. If you see yourself standing in a lush green field with wildflowers, that'd require a trip in March or April.
Check out these gorgeous locations for plenty of inspiration:
Photo by Regan Scaife
Once you’re set on location and time of year, you’ll want to plan for your wedding dress. We can accommodate elopment wedding dress orders for last minute adventures on a limited basis. So please check in with us right away to see if we can meet your elopement date. Send us a message. Our usual production time (order date to shipping date) is around 12-14 weeks. So, planning ahead is the way to go, if you can!
When it comes to weather versatility you’re in luck with a Wear Your Love gown. Our dresses are lined in breathable, soft, and extremely comfortable organic cotton. Unlike so many wedding gowns on the market, our lace fabrics are also lightweight and breathable so that many of our summertime brides are able to wear long sleeves if they see fit. If you need a little extra warmth for a winter elopement, most of our dresses can have the sleeves fully lined as well.
Our collection of wedding dresses with skirt slits will suit the beach and urban bride alike. If Grandma and Grandpa aren’t going to be there, why not show a little leg? Or hey, even if they are, showing off what their good genes gave you is not a crime. You’re gorgeous and that’s just as it should be! This is our JULIE long sleeve wedding dress with skirt slit.
Photos by Becca Romero
If uber-romantic photos are on your wishlist, our collection of wedding dresses with beautiful chiffon and English tulle skirts is an absolute must-see for brides planning a beach or mountain top elopement where wind will be in full effect. This is our RORY tulle wedding dress with long sleeves.
Whether you are a chic sophisticated bride, a bohemian free-spirited bride, or a little bit of both, our lace all-over dress collection has something for you. Our whimsical romantic graphic long stem rose lace can’t miss, and our timeless Florals and Leaves lace is sure to please. This is our ARI lace wedding dress with long sleeves.
Photo by Double Coast
Our classic strappy dress collection is always perfect for a summertime fancy-free trip to the alter (or to the forest, beach, or cliffs, as the case may be). Since every one of our gowns is made with stretch lace, there will be nothing holding you back from making the most of your adventure. This is our BREE column wedding dress with spaghetti straps.
Photo by Becca Romero
If you plan to have your wedding be official and on the books with the state, then you’ll need to obtain a marriage license from the county clerk’s office of the county in which you plan to elope.
Here’s what you’ll need to bring to the county clerk’s office:
You will need someone to officiate your marriage (perform your ceremony). If you are planning to bring anyone from home along with you on your elopement, this might be an excellent choice for your officiant. Anyone can be certified to officiate weddings through a multitude of online organizations. Alternatively, if you are a member of a certain faith, you may find this person through an affiliated church located in California. Another option is to use an online wedding blog directory’s vendor search function. We like Wedding Wire and The Knot. Usually officiants listed through these directories will charge a fee of several hundred dollars, plus potential travel expenses if your destination is remote.
Photo by Koryn Nichole
You won’t want to miss capturing the tears of joy and that first kiss as wedded partners.
Your first stop should be the Wear Your Love - Photographers page for a list of our favorites. A majority of them are located in California.
Note that many photographers book up several months or as much as a year and half in advance. So if you know you are eloping soon, don’t delay on this step!
Instagram is a wonderful place to find a photographer that suits your personal taste. A hashtag search for your elopement location might do just the trick. Try this IG search, #sandiegoelopement (insert your preferred location), choose your favorite photo from the results, and follow the tags to the photographer’s profile.
Last on our list is accommodations. AirBNB is the eloping couple’s best friend. Search your dates (best if they are flexible) and turn on map mode to search the area you have in mind. You may end up finding not just a fabulous house near the beach or mountain you want to say your vows on, but perhaps you’ll find a property so stunning you’ll want to stay onsite for the special event.
Half Moon Bay Airstream
Hotel del Coronado
San Onofre State Beach
Wear Your Love specializes in comfortable, packable, and luxuriously soft wedding dresses perfect for elopements. If you're planning an elopement and would like to discuss your dress options, GET IN TOUCH.
Jillian founded Wear Your Love by herself in her garage in 2015. Now she serves as creative director to the most talented team she could ask for. Together they've helped thousands of brides feel beautiful on the most important day of their lives.
