Top 5 Elopement Spots in California

If you're dreaming of saying "I do" surrounded by redwoods, on a windswept cliff, or barefoot on a hidden beach, California is calling. As a wedding and elopement photographer who's always chasing beauty and meaning, I've explored some of the most breathtaking places for intimate vows on the West Coast. Here's a roundup of my absolute favorite California elopement locations.

1. Big Sur

Vibes: Dramatic cliffs, ocean mist, golden light

Big Sur is iconic for a reason. With rugged coastlines, hidden coves, and towering cliffs, it's a dream for couples who want that "epic, cinematic" feel to their elopement. Think vows overlooking the Pacific, a post-ceremony picnic on the rocks, and golden hour portraits in the redwoods.

Tips:

• Permits may be required depending on the exact location (especially state parks like Garrapata or Pfeiffer Beach).

• Avoid summer weekends — it gets crowded. Weekdays = magic.

2. Yosemite National Park

Vibes: Majestic mountains, waterfalls, adventure

If you're drawn to wild beauty and aren’t afraid to hike a little, Yosemite is unbeatable. Imagine exchanging vows at sunrise with Half Dome in the distance or eloping in the forest with waterfalls thundering nearby.

Tips:

• You'll need a wedding permit from the park (I can help you navigate that).

• Glacier Point + Taft Point = unreal photo ops.

3. Joshua Tree National Park

Vibes: Desert chic, moody light, modern-boho

For couples who love that earthy, off-the-grid vibe, Joshua Tree is perfect. The soft desert palette, surreal rock formations, and dreamy sunsets make it an ideal spot for a laid-back, intimate celebration.

Tips:

• Great for small elopements, just the two of you or with a handful of guests.

• Keep an eye on the weather — spring and fall are ideal.

4. Redwood National + State Parks

Vibes: Enchanted forest, timeless, fairytale

There’s something ancient and powerful about eloping among the redwoods. These towering giants create a sense of peace and awe that’s hard to describe. If you're looking for a sacred, nature-filled ceremony, this is it.

Tips:

• Jedediah Smith and Prairie Creek are two beautiful, less-trafficked areas.

• Permits are typically required

5. Mendocino Coast

Vibes: Hidden gem, rugged + romantic, coastal charm

If Big Sur feels a bit too busy, Mendocino is like its quieter, moodier cousin. With dramatic cliffs, foggy mornings, and cozy coastal towns, it’s one of California’s most underrated elopement destinations.

🗺️ Tips:

• Incredible airbnbs and boutique inns perfect for staying post-elopement.

• You can pair coastal views with redwoods for the best of both worlds.

Eloping in California gives you total freedom to create a day that’s meaningful, beautiful, and true to you. Whether you're hiking to your ceremony spot, driving up Highway 1 with the windows down, or sipping wine on the beach after your vows — I’m here to help you plan it all and capture the moments you’ll never forget.

How to Elope in Hawaii: A Complete Guide

There’s something sacred about Hawaii.
Maybe it’s the way the breeze carries the scent of plumeria through the air or the golden light that spills over cliffs at sunset, wrapping the world in warmth. Eloping in Hawaii isn’t just about a beautiful place — it’s about stepping into a slower rhythm, where the world softens and all that matters is you, your partner, and the promise you're making. It’s not just a destination — it’s a feeling. A memory etched in salt, wind, and wonder.

If you’re dreaming of an intimate, unforgettable way to say I do in paradise, this guide is for you.

Why Elope in Hawaii?

Eloping in Hawaii means:

• Saying your vows barefoot in the sand or on a cliff overlooking turquoise waves

• Being surrounded by wild beauty — waterfalls, volcanoes, jungle, and beach, all in one day

• No need for elaborate decor — nature’s doing all the work

And the best part? You get to slow down, focus on each other, and celebrate in a way that’s you.

Best Islands to Elope On

1. Maui

Vibe: Romantic, scenic, golden beaches

Maui is the perfect mix of adventure and luxury. You’ll find soft beaches, winding cliff roads, and secret jungle spots — ideal for couples wanting a blend of ease + magic.

Top Spots: Hana Coast, Makena Cove, Haleakalā for sunrise

2. Kauai

Vibe: Wild, lush, laid-back

Known as the Garden Isle, Kauai is ideal for couples wanting a private, nature-soaked elopement. Think misty cliffs, hidden beaches, and the most vibrant greens you’ve ever seen.

Top Spots: Nā Pali Coast (accessible by hike/helicopter/boat), Hanalei Bay, Waimea Canyon

3. Oahu

Vibe: Accessible, diverse, golden hour magic

Oahu is perfect for couples who want convenience without sacrificing beauty. It offers everything from bustling city vibes to remote beaches and epic mountaintop trails.

Top Spots: Lanikai Beach, Kualoa Ranch, North Shore, Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

4. Big Island

Vibe: Moody, adventurous, volcanic drama

This island is a whole different world — lava fields, black sand beaches, and glowing sunsets. If you want something bold and different, this is it.

Top Spots: Volcanoes National Park, Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, Mauna Kea summit

What You Need to Elope in Hawaii

• Marriage License: Hawaii makes it easy! Apply online here and pick it up in person once you're there. No waiting period!

• Permits: Most beaches and state parks require a permit for weddings or photography — I’ll help guide you through that.

• Officiant: You’ll need a licensed Hawaii officiant (or we can work around this with a self-solemnizing ceremony + legal paperwork done at home).

• Time of Day: Sunrise or sunset is key. Midday light is harsh — golden hour is everything here.

What It’s Really Like to Elope in Sedona

Spoiler: It's magic — but not in the “perfect hair and no sweat” kind of way.

There’s a certain kind of magic that lives in Sedona — and once you’ve been, you’ll feel it.
The red rocks glow at golden hour, the wind moves through the canyons like it knows secrets, the energy of the earth hums beneath your feet. Everything else seems to fall away the second you step into that crimson desert light.

It’s real, raw, a little dusty, and full of moments you’ll feel in your bones. Here’s what it’s actually like to elope here — the magic, the mess, and the moments that matter most.

Red rocks. Golden light. Just the two of you.

1. You’ll wake up with the sun (or chase it as it sets)

Sedona is best when the light is soft — which means sunrise and sunset are everything. The quiet, sacred morning glow of a sunrise elopement - there’s something surreal about hiking up to a scenic overlook while the world is still sleeping, watching the sky shift from lavender to gold as you read your vows.

But sunset is just as magical — the way the light hits the red rocks turns them into something that feels like another planet.

2. There might be dirt on your dress — and it’ll be worth it

Eloping in Sedona is for the adventurous at heart. That doesn’t mean you have to hike 6 miles in a wedding dress — but it does mean your day will feel real and rooted. You’ll walk barefoot in red sand, feel the wind in your hair, maybe scramble up some rocks or laugh when your veil gets caught in a cactus.

It's imperfectly perfect — and every smudge on your hem will have a story behind it.

3. You’ll feel everything more deeply

There’s a certain energy here. Locals call it the vortex — a place where the earth’s energy is amplified. Whether or not you believe in that kind of thing, almost everyone who visits Sedona says the same thing: it feels different.

And on your wedding day, when emotions are already heightened — yeah, it hits.
Couples often tell me they felt more grounded. More connected. More present.
No distractions. No timelines. Just the two of you, promising forever with the whole desert as your witness.

4. The logistics are easier than you think

Here’s the good news — eloping in Sedona doesn’t mean going totally off-grid. The area has stunning Airbnbs, great vendors, and breathtaking locations that don’t require hardcore hiking.

You will need a permit for some locations if you're planning to have a ceremony or bring guests, and it’s important to practice Leave No Trace principles (especially with florals and decor).

5. It’ll be more than a wedding day — it’ll be an experience

Sedona has a way of turning your elopement into an experience.
You can start the day with yoga or meditation, have coffee on your Airbnb deck overlooking the canyons, hike to your ceremony spot, exchange vows as the light shifts across the cliffs, and then celebrate with a picnic, a private chef, or stargazing under the clearest skies you’ve ever seen.

It’s not about rushing through a ceremony — it’s about creating a memory that’s deeply yours.