If you’ve been considering eloping, one thing on your to-do list is going to be to choose your elopement venue. The great news is that in California, there is going to be an elopement venue that has everything you’re looking for. 

Whether it’s a venue with jaw-dropping scenery, one that offers you an unforgettable experience, or one that has everything on-site you need to fully enjoy your celebration –  you are sure to find something here. 

As an all-inclusive elopement vendor team, we wanted to share some different elopement venue options and how to choose your venue so you can have the best elopement experience possible. 

Let’s dive into some potential possibilities for you to choose from. 

Different Elopement Venue Options 

When looking for your dream elopement venue, here are some different options you can take a look at: 

All-inclusive elopement experience 

There are so many great all-inclusive options in California, such as in places like Yosemite and Big Sur. 

An all-inclusive elopement venue can make things a breeze for you and your partner, as it will typically include accommodations, food, transportation to and from the airport, any necessary permit fees, an officiant, a floral package, and more as part of the fee. 

Here are some a couple of different options for you to peruse: 

Yosemite 

Rush Creek Lodge, located at the entrance of Yosemite National Park, offers a Yosemite Elopement Package. This package includes a four-course dinner for up to 20 guests, fresh table garlands, small bites for dessert, beer, wine, champagne toast, and more. 

You can choose to get married inside Yosemite National Park or on their on-site outdoor terrace, and a two-night stay is included. 

Big Sur

At Post Ranch Inn, you can plan your ceremony at a stunning overlook of the Pacific Ocean, in a redwood forest, or surrounded by coastal views. This package includes a private wedding ceremony, wedding flowers, an officiant, a marriage license, a two-night stay, and more. To learn more about everything this package includes go here. 

Lake Tahoe 

Forest Suites Resort offers several different ceremony locations, such as the Forest Suite Chapel or The Arch Tahoe. You can choose either their two-person elopement package or their friends and family elopement package, which both include a two-night stay in their Honeymoon Suite for you and your partner. 

Their friends and family elopement package allows you to invite up to 25 guests. You can learn more about their different elopement packages here. 

An elopement venue that offers you one-of-a-kind, memorable experience

Another elopement venue option that you could choose is one that offers you and your partner a unique elopement experience. For example, you may decide to book a hotel with space to accommodate a luxury picnic or a small dinner for you and your guests. 

We had a client who researched a campsite with “the best ceremony location” in the Big Sur Redwoods and booked it for their ceremony. Then, they had their family cook an authentic Mexican dinner together at the campsite, and they all stayed there. 

We also had another one of our couples who rented beach houses that accommodated all of their guests. They all got ready at their respective beach houses and also right there on the beach house property, there was a place to eat that accommodated all of the guests.

Your elopement venue doesn’t just have to be the place where you have your ceremony. It can be a place that lets you align the venue with your elopement vision, whether that looks like renting a cabin with a large porch for you and your guests to all enjoy coffee or a sunset together, a space to host a dinner or a spot where you can have a campfire to enjoy at the end of your elopement day. Or perhaps you even want to have your elopement on the water. 

If that sounds like a dream come true, be sure to look at City Cruises San Francisco, which has an elopement package that includes up to 30 minutes of private yacht time, a ceremony performed dockside by a uniformed captain, and a bottle of champagne for you and your partner to enjoy. 

An elopement venue that has on-site activities 

You can also choose an elopement venue that has activities you can try on-site, such as a lake where you can go kayaking, a private hiking trail, swimming, etc., to enjoy either before or after your ceremony. 

For example, the Inn at Newport Ranch not only offers you an elopement package but also allows you to enjoy activities such as UTV tours, whale watching, or horseback riding. 

You could also choose a place like Alila Ventana Big Sur, which offers a wide range of activities, such as hiking or one of its signature experiences. 

How to Choose the Right Elopement Venue for You

Follow these easy steps to help you choose the best elopement venue for you: 

Start by thinking BIG. 

Write down everything you and your partner want your elopement venue to include – the sky is the limit and remember there are no right or wrong answers here. 

Next, ask yourself these questions and write down your answers 

• Do you want an elopement venue that includes everything all in one spot? 
• How does your elopement venue align with the elopement timeline you’re envisioning? 
• Do you want to have activities available to do at your elopement venue? 
• Do you want to have your elopement ceremony in one place and a celebration in another like a restaurant/hotel etc? 
• What is the vibe you want your venue to have – do you want your venue to be outside? Inside? Ballroom rustic? Campsite casual? A more formal dinner? 

Decide how many guests you’re going to invite 

When it comes to choosing your elopement venue guest size is a BIG thing to consider for both your budget and also figuring out how you’re going to feed everyone. You’ll want to establish your budget in advance and allocate your funds accordingly. 

Select the venue that aligns with your elopement vision 

When it comes to choosing your elopement venue, the truth is there is really no limit to where you can go. And, while that may seem exciting and overwhelming all at the same time, there are a few things that you should keep in mind when you are finding the perfect fit. 

First and foremost, always remember that this day is about you and your partner. You don’t have to pick a location for anyone else, and you get to choose what you want to do. 

Second, your elopement day can look like whatever you want it to. Whether you want something really laid back and relaxed or fun and adventurous, there are no rules. So when you are picking your location, find somewhere that excites you! 

Finally, remember that you can always celebrate with your friends and family afterwards. Even if you choose a location that only you and your partner are allowed to be in, that doesn’t mean your entire wedding experience has to be isolated from everyone else if you don’t want it to be. 

You can always have a separate reception, throw a party, or do whatever else you want with the rest of your friends and family after you elope! 

Ready to Choose Your Elopement Venue?

We hope that you found this guide helpful. If you want even more guidance on choosing where you want to elope, make sure to check out our guide here, which includes 7 tips you can use.  

Also, we understand that choosing your elopement venue can feel overwhelming but you don’t have to do everything all on your own. If you’re looking for a California elopement package with a vendor team ready to start making your stress-free elopement a reality, let’s work together! 

All you have to do is – 

1. Book your complimentary consultation. During this session, we will offer you creative ideas, show you what’s possible, and guide you step by step in crafting a day that’s unique to you. 

2. Then, you’ll receive a guided questionnaire to simplify your decision-making, which also includes short video explanations from elopement experts. In this part of the process, we will help you choose vendors, set budgets, and effortlessly craft your dream timeline. 

3. After you submit your questionnaire, we handle all the research for your tailored proposal, from venue and accommodation to vendors and excursions. We then will hop on a planning call where we’ll wrap up all the details seamlessly and connect you with everything you need for your stress-free elopement.

Does that sound just like what you’ve been looking for? Go here to get started!