10 Best Places to Elope in California in 2025-2025
Nowhere in the US will you find a place as perfect as California, with its diverse landscapes ranging from snow-capped mountains and dramatic cliffs to sandy beaches and rocky deserts.
This is why a California elopement is perfect for any couple! Many couples worldwide plan to elope in California from San Diego to Joshua Tree due to its stunning destinations. You will find everything here – beautiful nature, perfect weather, and lovely spots- no matter what kind of wedding you plan.
If you are considering where to elope in California, I will share some of the best places to tie the knot in 2023.
- Joshua Tree
- San Diego
- Malibu
- Laguna Beach
- La Jolla
- Santa Monica
- Sunset Cliffs
- Palm Springs
- Big Sur
- Lake Tahoe
Joshua Tree National Park
This vast desert is one of the best places to elope in Southern California. It features eye-catching Joshua trees and offers vast, rocky scenery that makes for a perfect backdrop. The destination is ideal for every boho, free-spirited couple to fulfill their fun-loving wedding dream.
San Diego
If you're looking for a beautiful and romantic place to elope, look no further than San Diego. San Diego is the perfect place to elope with its sandy beaches, stunning sunsets, and Mediterranean climate. Whether you're looking for an intimate ceremony for two or an intimate wedding with a few select family and friends, San Diego has everything you need to make your special day perfect.
Malibu
Elope in Malibu, as it’s a perfect place located towards the west of Los Angeles. Malibu is loved for its idyllic beaches, incredible scenery, fine dining, vineyards, and beautiful villas.
Laguna Beach
Elope in Laguna Beach if you want an elopement with a European vibe. The gorgeous sunsets and crashing waves in the backdrop are sheer perfection. It offers unlimited opportunities with its stunning sand and great weather and is also filled with charming restaurants and boutiques.
La Jolla
A charming, picturesque town in Southern California, also regarded as the jewel of America's finest city San Diego. Many couples choose to elope in La Jolla for its dramatic coastline, pristine beaches, and art galleries. It also offers fine dining, and panoramic ocean views with striking landscapes.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a beautiful setting for elopement weddings. The white sandy beaches and romantic vibes make for a blissful backdrop. With its excellent weather, endless opportunities shouldn't be missed.
Sunset Cliffs
Sunset Cliffs in San Diego is very popular and one of California's best places to elope. It is an incredible 68 acres of the park offering sunny and pleasant year-round weather. It's usually crowded in summer, so a sunrise elopement wedding is an excellent option if you want to beat the crowds.
Palm Springs
This desert in California is well known for hosting the Coachella Festival. It is a perfect place to elope in California, with mountains, desert scenery, and windmills in the valley that make for a unique landscape and lots of fun photo opportunities during your special day.
Big Sur
I love Big Sur for its beautiful seaside cliffs, peaceful misty air, green hills, and aqua blue water. For forest vibes filled with redwood trees and a California coastal feel, Big Sur is the way to go.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe offers all the excitement that one can ask for. It is the largest alpine lake in North America. As you explore this beautiful place, you can enjoy several activities together, such as camping, swimming, boating, rafting, horseback riding, and so much more!
These are some of the incredible places to elope in California. There is so much more to California than you might think, as the options are endless. What I love best about California is that you can experience many different landscapes.
Are you inspired to elope in California? I help couples plan elopements and can offer insights on styling every element of your event. Feel free to call me and let me know, I will be more than happy to assist you!
