When it comes to eloping, you have endless options, which can be great but also a little intimidating. After all, how do you pick the right spot for you and your partner? 

As an all-inclusive elopement team, we know that picking the right location can make your elopement day that much more memorable. So, we have created a list of the key things you should look for and ask yourself when choosing where to elope. 

And, if you are looking for some specific inspiration, be sure to check out the incredible locations in Northern California sprinkled throughout the tips. From coastlines to cities to National Parks, you’ll find it all here, no matter the vibe you want. 

Tips for Picking Where to Elope

Meaning

Is there a place that holds a special memory that just being there makes you feel like you and your partner are falling in love all over again? 

One of the best ways to make your elopement even more memorable is to choose a place that has a significant meaning for you and your partner. This can be anything from where you popped the question, where you went on your first date, the park you always go to on the weekends, or where you took your first vacation together. 

For example, our clients, Megan and Hassan, fell in love in San Francisco so for their elopement day they went to all of their favorite city and nature spots to celebrate their love. 

You can also choose a place you and your partner have always wanted to visit, or somewhere you can go back to year after year to celebrate your anniversary. Picking a location like this doesn’t just give you a memory that you can look back on in photos, but something you can physically go back to in 20 years to remember that day. 

Scenery 

What you are surrounded by also has a major impact on the overall aesthetic and vibe of your elopement. Are you looking for something more citylike and urban? Do you want something more relaxed and beachy? Or maybe you want something surrounded by nature with incredible views? 

Northern California offers you an incredible range of backdrops to choose from. From the ancient Redwoods to scenic mountains, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cityscapes your chosen setting will become more than just a backdrop – it can become your venue too.   

There is no right or wrong answer for what you are looking for, but you want to make sure that you are thinking about how you want your elopement to look and feel and what environment will match that. 

For example, San Francisco may be the perfect place for a city elopement. You can head down to City Hall to tie the knot, explore the city, and take in all the views. San Francisco is unique because you can hit both city vibes and gorgeous nature sports right outside of the city (beaches, the Redwoods) – it has the best of both worlds. 

On the other hand, you may want more of an adventure elopement with some excitement surrounded by nature. In that case, Yosemite may be the perfect place for you and your partner. 

You should definitely take time to think about how you want to spend your elopement day and what you want to be surrounded by before picking the perfect spot. 

Seasons and Weather 

When you are going to have your elopement in Northern California is going to play a significant role in where to elope in general. 

Here’s an overview of what the weather in Northern California typically looks like at different times of the year: 

Spring: You will often face rainy weather, but it is the best for floral blooms by the coast or valley. Ideal elopement locations in Northern California during this time of the year are California State Parks such as state parks in Big Sur, Point Reyes National Seashore, or Mt. Shasta. 

Summer: This is the best time for most beach locations and the Tahoe/Yosemite area, but you should stay out of the valley because of the heat unless you choose to have your elopement at sunrise. This is actually our most popular time for sunrise shoots to beat the crowds. Some other great elopement locations for this time of the year are the Mendocino Coast, Trinidad, and Klamath National Forest. 

Fall: You’ll encounter fewer crowds and beautiful weather in all locations. You’ll also start to see pretty fall colors in the valley and some at Lake Tahoe or Yosemite. If you want those fall colors in the woods for your photos, you can find a place where those colors really pop such as the Redwoods or Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Winter: At this time of the year you’ll find snow in the Tahoe/Yosemite area. Beaches are a great option during Northern California winters and even though you’ll encounter higher chances of rain you can find many days that are moderate weather. You can also look into having an elopement at the Lost Coast. 

But remember, your elopement is not just about the weather. Some landscapes and scenery look better and shine brighter in certain seasons. So, as you are picking your date, think about what will look best at that time of year. 

Travel 

Another important part of choosing your elopement location is looking into travel. With the location you choose, you’ll want to make sure that it’s easily accessible at the time of year you’ve chosen. 

For example, locations like Yosemite and the Redwoods will be easier to navigate year-round versus more remote destinations that will require a little bit more planning and preparation such as the Lost Coast. 

It’s also good to familiarize yourself with the area where you’re planning to have your elopement to know what amenities and accommodations are nearby – especially if you’re having guests come to your elopement. You’ll want to be able to share this information with them as far in advance as possible. 

Activities 

When most people think about elopements, they think about a small ceremony and a wedding day that is maybe only a couple of hours long. But that is not what your elopement has to be at all. There are so many activities and adventures that you can add to your elopement day to make it truly special for you. 

If you want to have more fun, think about what activities will really make you and your partner smile. For example, you could go hiking in Yosemite, paddle boarding in Tahoe, or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge! 

You can also consider exploring San Francisco if nature isn’t your vibe. Not only can you see new areas or places you have always wanted to visit, but it also gives you the chance to get a ton of variety in your photos with all the different backdrops. 

Number of Guests 

Another misconception about elopements is that they are only elopements if it is just you and your partner. The reality is that you can still have other people at your elopement. However, it will be a significantly smaller number of guests than you would find at a wedding (usually just a couple of your closest friends and family). 

This is a special day in your life, and for some people, that means not wanting other people around them all the time. After all, you may even have chosen an elopement to do something more intimate with just you and your partner. 

Thinking about how intimate and secluded an elopement location is can be so important to the overall feeling of your day. If you want a bit more privacy, you may need to travel a bit further out to find it. Especially in Northern California, there are many places that are very popular not only with tourists but also with locals. This means you may want to find some spots off the beaten path a bit or go into your day knowing that you will be in the same spaces as the general public throughout the day. 

Just because your elopement location may be popular doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice privacy. There are so many ways to find little pockets or hidden gems that can allow you and your partner to have those more intimate moments in these places. 

As you are picking where to elope, you want to consider if you want any guests there with you for a few different reasons. First, some locations may be easier if it is just you and your partner. Having to coordinate a whole group of people going on a 2-mile hike to your ceremony location, for example, can be a bit difficult. 

Second, some locations may also limit the number of guests you can have. So, it is important to keep that number in mind as you start to look for locations to ensure everyone can be accommodated. 

Finally, you can also think about how involved you want them to be. Do you want to have a private vow exchange and then have a small ceremony with your guests? Do you want people there for your ceremony but go off just you and your partner after you’ve tied the knot? 

All of these things are important to consider so you know how to plan out the day, what accommodations people may need, and where everyone needs to be in general. 

Check for Permits

While you can pretty much elope almost anywhere you can imagine, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to get permits for some of these places. This isn’t necessarily a reason not to choose a specific place – most of the time, permits aren’t too complicated to get. However, you want to make sure you plan for this and do your research so you don’t get blindsided on your elopement day. 

National Parks, for example, almost always require some sort of permit for your elopement. You will most likely have to apply for this a few weeks in advance (at the latest) to ensure you can have your ceremony there. 

So, before you write it down in the books, make sure you have done your research and obtained any required permits. 

Are You Ready to Choose Where to Elope? 

Hopefully, these tips will help you as you choose where to elope. While there are many different things you should consider, the most important thing to remember is that this day is for you and your partner. This means you can make it whatever you want. 

Don’t settle for a thrown together day that should honor your love story.

Your dream elopement planned in 30 days with a photographer ready to document every moment.

We provide you with everything you need, all in one place, including an experienced elopement photographer, an expert planner, a mindful budget and vendor booking strategy, unlimited elopement support, consults, and more! Go here to check out our all-inclusive elopement packages. 

Happy elopement planning!