Table of Contents:

  • Where is Southern California?
  • Why Elope in Southern California?
  • 8 Best Places to Elope in Southern California
    • Palm Springs
    • Joshua Tree National Park
    • Death Valley National Park
    • Alabama Hills
    • Imperial Sand Dunes
    • Anza-Borrego State Park
    • Mt. Baldy
    • Sunset Cliffs
  • How to Choose a Southern California Elopement Photographer
  • Best Time of Year to Elope in Southern California
  • Legalities of Eloping in Southern California
    • Getting your California marriage license
    • Southern California elopement permits
    • Parking passes & fees
  • Epic Activities for Your Southern California Elopement
  • My Top 5 Southern California Travel Tips
  • Southern California Elopement Packages

Don’t get me wrong: I adore the PNW and all of its moody, mountain-y goodness, but sometimes you just need a little sunshine. If your ideal elopement involves sunny skies, vast deserts, rolling sand dunes, and rugged coastlines rather than snow-capped mountains, fog-covered beaches, and rainy walks through the forest, then it sounds like a southern California elopement might be more of your vibe—in which case, you’re in the right place! This guide is jam-packed with all of my top pieces of advice for eloping in southern California, whether you’re envisioning an intimate ceremony among the iconic Joshua trees or a private vow exchange in the hottest desert on Earth. I’ll be covering all the best places to elope in SoCal, what the climate is like, how to get your CA marriage license, and more key pieces of info that you’ll need to plan your special day in this beautiful, sun-drenched stretch of the west coast.

Where is Southern California?

To start us off, where is southern Californa—and what actually counts as southern California? I’ll give you one guess as to where it’s located: the southern portion of the state of California. Wild, right? 

It’s not technically an exact region with defined borders or anything, but rather a region comprised of eight metro areas and a ton of California’s most well-known counties (10 in total): Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Santa Barbara, etc. In other words, most of the areas you probably think of when you think of California, if you’re not a local. 

Fun fact: if you wanna get a little crazy, there’s something called the southern California Megaregion/Megalopolis, which extends into Las Vegas and south across the Mexican border. But for the sake of this guide, we’re just keeping it to the area that’s actually inside of California 🙂

Why Elope in Southern California?

SoCal is known for a LOT of different things; depending on where you’re from and what kind of activities you’re into, you might automatically think of SoCal for its surfing, or for its celebrity population in Hollywood. Maybe you’re a big beach-lover and it’s your dream to lounge around on the sunny beaches of Malibu, La Jolla, and Laguna, or maybe you love to hike and ski, and want to check out all the amazing outdoor rec. There is truly an ENDLESS amount of opportunities for adventure and fun in SoCal no matter what you like to spend your time doing; whether you’d rather enjoy a spa day at a luxury resort in Palm Springs or explore the wild and rugged national parks (which there are four of!). 

P.S. For all you Disney adults out there (no judgement here), SoCal is also home to Anaheim—a.k.a. where Disneyland is located!

In addition to the neverending list of things to do in southern California, it’s also incredibly scenic, with a wide variety of different types of landscapes you could spend weeks and weeks exploring. Beaches? Check. Deserts? Check. Waterfalls? Check. Mountains? Check. Sand dunes, forests, and lakes? Triple check. With such a diverse array of scenery, you could spend one day of your elopement lounging around on the beach, enjoying the vibrant blue waters and sunshine, and spend the next trudging around the driest, hottest desert in the world, admiring the expansive desert views. You’ll never run out of opportunities for incredible adventure in SoCal—your biggest problem will be narrowing down your favorites to fit into your elopement timeline!

Possibly the best part about SoCal is that the year-round sunshine makes it an amazing place to elope at ANY time of year. Unlike the Pacific Northwest, where many of the best elopement locations close down seasonally once winter arrives, southern California has a very Mediterranean-esque climate, and sees pretty pleasant temperatures all year. Temperatures do drop in the winter, obviously, and there are months that invite more rain than others, but in general, you could pretty much pick any date on a calendar and have a solid chance of beautiful weather in southern California. I’ll be talking more about climate and weather a little later on in this guide!

To recap, here are a few of the top reasons you should elope in southern California:

  • The wide variety of diverse landscapes to choose from
  • The ability to enjoy both exciting urban areas & rugged wilderness
  • The endless opportunities for epic outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, swimming, climbing, surfing, & more
  • The laid-back, go-with-the-flow atmosphere
  • There are four stunning national parks
  • The weather is gorgeous year-round, with super mild winters
  • The abundance of dining & shopping

8 Best Places to Elope in Southern California

It was incredibly difficult to narrow this list down to just 8, but I’ve done my best to compile the ultimate best southern California elopement locations that I highly recommend for your special day. These are without a doubt the must-visit areas of SoCal, all of which make for phenomenal places to exchange your vows, whether that’s by yourselves or surrounded by a small group of your loved ones. As your southern California elopement photographer, I’ll absolutely help you decide which location(s) will best suit your day, as I know it can be a challenge—but for now, let’s dive in so you can get started!

Note: I’ve also included a list of some of the best places to stay near each location, including Airbnbs, resorts, and hotels.

1. Palm Springs

Oh Palm Springs, you are every desert lover’s dream come true. Famed for its hot springs, trendy hotels, world-class golf courses, lavish spas, and scenic desert views, Palm Springs is the ultimate elopement destination for couples who want a little bit of adventure and a whole lotta luxury. Why not have the best of both worlds, right? This resort city in the Sonoran Desert has it all: a lively art scene, beautiful architecture, swaying palm trees, vibrant nightlife, endless shopping opportunities and fine dining experiences, and an amazing selection of outdoor recreational activities nearby. It’s the perfect blend of leisure and adventure, with 300 days of sunshine per year that grant visitors the ultimate opportunity to explore the desert, whether via Jeep tour, hike, horseback riding, or simply walking through the beautiful palm groves! I’d say Palm Springs is one of the top places on this list for elopements with guests who are traveling in from afar; the relaxing atmosphere and blue skies will make any travel stress worth it, and everyone will get to have a few laid-back days together in the sun. Plus, it’s only an hour from Joshua Tree, so you can easily take a day trip to the national park and be back at your luxe resort by nightfall!

Below are some of the best places to stay for your Palm Springs elopement:

2. Joshua Tree National Park

Speaking of Joshua Tree National Park, it also makes for an epic elopement location in southern California; one of the best, in my opinion. Joshua Tree is made up of two ecosystems of the Mojave and Colorado deserts, joined together to create one of the most scenic parks in the country. Home to the recognizable Joshua trees and unique rock formations, this is a true desert in every sense of the word, boasting vast views of the barren landscape and all sorts of fun desert adventures, including hiking, climbing, and stargazing! It’s not hard to imagine what it would be like to stand among the rugged desert landscape with your love, hand in hand as you tie the knot, surrounded by nothing but the cacti, the bristled Joshua trees, and possibly a few of your favorite people; there’s something so calming and reflective about standing amidst a vast desert. It fosters the perfect setting for a meaningful vow exchange where you’re able to simply be present with each other, and with nature.

Permits: In order to elope in Joshua Tree National Park, you will need a valid entrance pass, as well as a wedding Special Use Permit. You can apply for this permit between 15 days and 12 months prior to your desired elopement date by filling out this application, and emailing it to jotr_permit_office@nps.gov. It comes with a $120 non-refundable application fee, and allows you to have a ceremony at one of the following locations, which each have their own maximum guest and vehicle count:

Below are some of the best places to stay for your Joshua Tree elopement:

3. Death Valley National Park

There’s nothing cooler (or hotter, for that matter) than getting married in the driest, hottest place on Earth—especially when that place offers some of the most wildly beautiful desert views in the country! Death Valley is a land of extremes, as the National Park Service website says, with extreme summer heat that gets into the 110’s, and steady drought that leaves the landscapes insanely dry and barren. Bordering eastern California and Nevada, Death Valley is most known for its colorful rocks, salt flats, sand dunes, and canyons, some of the most popular spots being Titus Canyon, Badwater Basin, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. You’d be surprised to learn that even despite the extreme heat and the park’s macabre name, certain areas actually bloom with wildflowers when rain comes, and there’s quite a diverse array of wildlife in the valley! It’s a really mind-blowing place to explore, the seemingly infinite desert views making the world feel so large and magical, which is a pretty cool feeling to have as you take such a big step in your relationship.

Permits: If you want to elope in Death Valley National Park, you will need to have a valid entrance pass, as well as a Special Use Permit. I recommend applying for this permit as early in advance as possible, as the park receives a large volume of permit requests and it’s first-come, first-served. You can apply for the permit by filling out this application form and following the instructions you’ll receive from the office to pay your $300 non-refundable application fee.

Below are some of the best places to stay for your Death Valley elopement:

4. Alabama Hills

The Alabama Hills are undoubtedly one of the most picturesque parts of southern California, boasting these crazy beautiful rock formations, eroded hills, and breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Even if you’ve never been to Alabama Hills, you may recognize the area as it’s been featured in many a film (and endless Instagram posts) thanks to its dramatic, rugged scenery—especially along what’s been nicknamed “Movie Road.” The Alabama Hills are a fantastic place to go rock climbing and hiking thanks to the expansive wilderness and rugged, rocky terrain, as well as biking, horseback riding, and fishing! One thing that’s important to note about Alabama Hills is that the indigenous people of the valley still live there, as it’s where their ancestors have been for many centuries; for this reason, please be sure to respect the land and be aware of your impact on not only the environment, but also the life that calls the hills home. 

Because Alabama Hills are on BLM land, you will most likely need a Special Recreation Permit in order to have your ceremony. They ask that you file your application at least 180 days in advance of your desired elopmeent date by completing this application, and emailing it to the Alabama Hills BLM office at BLM_CA_Web_BI@blm.gov. 

Here are a few of the best places to stay near Alabama Hills for your elopement:

5. Imperial Sand Dunes

Want to feel like you’re starring in your own sci-fi movie among massive, rolling sand dunes? (Literally—scenes from iconic movies like Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed here!) 

The Imperial Sand Dunes (also known as Glamis) is by far one of the most awe-inspiring and unique elopement locations in southern California, with endless hills of golden sand and adventurous opportunities galore. Now these aren’t just your ordinary sand dunes that you’d find in any desert—the system extends over 40 miles, with some dunes reaching towering heights of 300 feet above the desert floor! It’s such an insane place to witness firsthand, whether you want to walk around the dunes or go on an off-road adventure to see the scenery, plants, and animals. Nearby is the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness, which provides a bit more of a quiet area in comparison to the busy, often high energy atmosphere of the main dunes. How awesome would it be to spend some time off-roading at the Imperial Sand Dunes, and then riding off into the sunset via horseback at the North Algodones Dunes in the evening?

Due to the popularity of the dunes and the fact that they’re on BLM land, permits are required for visits between October 1st and April 15th. You can buy your permit online for $35 in advance, or onsite for $50!

Below are some of the best Airbnbs and hotels near Glamis:

6. Anza-Borrego State Park

Anza-Borrego State Park is a park that I feel not enough couples consider for their elopement; it’s just a two-hour drive from San Diego and is absolutely gorgeous! It’s actually the second-largest state park in the country by land area, part of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts UNESCO Bisophere Reserve and right next to the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. Despite its dry desert environment, there’s plenty of plants and animals throughout the park that you might see, including roadrunners, foxes, palm groves, cacti, wildflowers, and even sheep, if they’re not feeling shy! One super cool thing about Anza-Borrego State Park is that it’s been named an International Dark Sky Park, meaning it’s an amazing place to go stargazing due to the lack of light pollution! In fact, a large part of the desert in southern California remains pretty undeveloped due to its wild terrain, so you’ll find lots of spots that are far enough away from city lights to see plenty of stars.

Permits: The Anza-Borrego State Park website isn’t super clear on whether or not a permit is needed to hold a ceremony in the park, so I recommend reaching out to their office directly via the BLM website.

Here are a few beautiful desert hotels and Airbnbs in Borrego Springs:

7. Mt. Baldy

I know it’s easy to think that SoCal is all desert and beaches, but there are, in fact, mountains here and there—including Mt. Baldy! Located in the Angeles National Forest, about an hour northeast of Los Angeles, Mt. Baldy has one of the most popular hikes in the area for avid hikers who are looking for a challenge; the trail is 11 miles total with 3,990 total feet of climbing. It’s definitely a difficult trail that requires a lot of effort, but the output is so worth it when you reach the summit and get to enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains! Mt. Baldy is also home to a large ski resort with a 20-minute scenic chairlift ride up the mountain, if you’d rather relax as you make your way to the top than hike the 11 miles! Oh, and you should probably know that Mt. Baldy is actually just a nickname for the mountain, officially named Mt. San Antonio. 

Besides the Mt. Baldy Ski Resort, here are a few cozy places to stay nearby:

8. Sunset Cliffs

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a quintessential SoCal spot, located in San Diego along the western shoreline of the Point Loma peninsula. It’s a spectacular coastal location to visit, boasting vast views of the Pacific Ocean, jagged sandstone cliffs, mysterious caves, tidepools, and all sorts of marine life. Thanks to the gorgeous scenery, the close proximity to San Diego, and the long stretch of coastline, Sunset Cliffs has become a super popular place for beachgoers of all kinds—from pro surfers to people who’d rather get some R&R in the sunshine and enjoy the warm sands. Exploring the sea caves and all the unique textures & patterns of the cliffs is such a magical experience, especially if you manage to catch one of the incredible sunsets that gave the park its name! Locals and visitors alike love to explore the rugged coastline of Sunset Cliffs, so be aware that it often gets fairly busy, especially in the summer and on weekends.

Below is a list of the top hotels and Airbnbs near Sunset Cliffs for your elopement:

How to Choose a Southern California Elopement Photographer

Before we move on to talking about the climate of southern California, and the legal processes you’ll need to follow, I wanted to give you a few personal tips when it comes to hiring a southern California elopement photographer! It can be challenging to find the perfect photographer for you; someone who you trust, connect with, and aligns with both your values & budget—so I hope these small pieces of advice can help you move through the process effortlessly and find the right person.

  1. Find someone who has experience in the area: Having a photographer with experience in southern California is key to planning a smooth, seamless elopement. It helps IMMENSELY to have someone by your side who is familiar with the area (whether or not they’ve been to your exact elopement location), and can help guide you through your trip. Bonus points for sure if they have been to your exact elopement location, or are able to scout the location for you in the days leading up to your elopement to find the best spots, trails, lighting, etc.!
  2. Find someone who can give you personalized location & vendor recommendations: Hiring someone who has experience in the area is also important so that they can provide you with personalized location and vendor recommendations, based on your unique day and what you are looking for. This way, you’re not on your own when it comes to researching locations, and you can inquire with vendors you know you can trust!
  3. Find someone who can sign your legal documents: If you’d like to keep your elopement small, and would rather not have both an officiant and photographer present at your ceremony, you can find a photographer who doubles as both! Sometimes it’s just nice to have that privacy, especially if you’re nervous to say your vows, or it’s really important to the two of you that you can focus fully on each other. I personally don’t perform full ceremonies, but I am able to serve as your officiant and sign your legal documents—so no need to hire somebody else to do it for you! You’ll kill two birds with one stone (and probably save some money, too).

Lucky for you, you’ve got somebody right here who checks all three of those boxes! I’d love to be your southern California elopement photographer and tag along on your adventure; reach out here and let’s make it happen, friend.

Best Time of Year to Elope in Southern California

We all know that SoCal is basically a dream come true as far as weather goes, right? One of the biggest reasons that SO many people flock to southern California when looking for a vacation or a new home, is the consistent weather—aka the ability to be outside year-round, without freezing your butt off. A totally foreign concept to us PNW folks, no?

Because of the way southern California is situated between the Pacific Ocean to the west and the desert mountains to the east, the weather patterns are super consistent, with pleasant temperatures pretty much year-round. I’m not a meteorologist, so don’t ask me to explain why or how exactly that happens; you can read about it more in this article I found, if you wanna get scientific with it! Essentially, all you need to know is that SoCal is a beautiful place to elope at any time of year, and is a total dream come true for people who love spending the majority of their time outdoors.

Southern California’s subtropical climate is typically divided into two seasons: wet season, from November-March, and dry season, from April-October. Dry season will typically pass by with barely any rain, but wet season doesn’t usually see any crazy amounts of rain, either, often causing droughts across the state. In recent years, regions like Santa Ana have seen an unfortunate amount of wildfires in the warmer months, so that’s also something to keep in mind if you’re eloping somewhere between April and October.

When it comes to choosing the best time of year to elope in southern California, you won’t need to worry as much about choosing the best weather; you may want to instead focus more on the types of activities you’d like to do, as well as what crowds will be like! Popular spots in SoCal can get really crowded in the warmest summer months, when a lot of people have vacation time and want to hit the beach, so you may want to opt for a spring, winter, or fall elopement to experience fewer crowds. The other important thing to keep in mind is what sorts of activities you’d like to incorporate into your elopement timeline! Temperatures are pretty great for things like hiking all year-round, but let’s say you really want to go whale watching: the best time to see gray whales and humpback whales off the coast of southern California is usually between January and April.

Legalities of Eloping in Southern California

Getting your California marriage license

The first (and probably most important) step to eloping in southern California is getting your California marriage license! After all, you do want to be legally married, right? 😉 

Fortunately, you do not need to be a California resident in order to get married in California, so you can make it official no matter where you’re coming from! You just need to be at least 18 years old, otherwise you’ll need parental consent. To apply for your license, you can visit any county clerk’s office in California, and then you’ll be able to use your license in any county.

Once you’ve obtained your California marriage license, there’s no waiting period—meaning you can get married as soon as you’d like. The license will be valid for 90 days from the day you get it, so make sure your ceremony happens within that timespan, otherwise you’ll have to get a new one!

Southern California elopement permits

In addition, you may need to obtain some sort of Special Use Permit for your elopement, depending on where you’re holding your ceremony. If you’re tying the knot in a national park, then you’ll for sure need a Special Use Permit—the instructions for which I detailed for each of the national parks in the above list already! You can check out the NPS website for the specific park you’re eloping in to find further details. 

If you’re eloping at a California State Park, you may need a Special Event Permit depending on which park you’re eloping at, as well as the size of your group. In general, these permits come with a $25 processing fee, or a $100 fee if your permit request is submitted less than 30 days in advance. Because permit requirements differ for each park, I’d recommend doing research on the specific park you’re visiting—or better yet, reaching out to the park office to double check that you know what you need to do!

Parking passes & fees

Finally, you’ll need to make sure to pay the proper parking fees for anywhere you visit in SoCal! 

National Park entrance passes are typically $30 per private vehicle, otherwise you can opt for an annual park entrance pass for $55 or an $80 America the Beautiful Pass.

California State Parks have day-use fees that vary by season and park; you can find a full list of park fees here. Alternatively, you can check to see if you’re eligible for/would rather pay for any California State Park passes!

Epic Activities for Your Southern California Elopement

I know I’ve already mentioned a TON of amazing things to do in southern California that could take up your entire trip, but here’s a list of just a few more to get your ideas flowing!

1. Watch the sunrise or sunset from Zabriskie Point

2. Go stargazing at Griffith Observatory

3. Take portraits at Salvation Mountain

4. Go camping in the Mojave Desert

5. Go rock climbing in Joshua Tree

Love the idea of incorporating a rock climbing adventure into your elopement day? Check out my Complete Guide to Planning a Rock Climbing Elopement!

6. Go surfing in Malibu

7. Take scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway

8. Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

9. Go whitewater rafting in the San Gabriel Mountains

10. Kayak around the Channel Islands 

My Top 5 Southern California Travel Tips

Before I leave you, I wanted to share a few final tips for traveling around southern California for your elopement to ensure you have the safest, smoothest, and most unforgettable experience possible.

  1. Rent a car: You’ll definitely want to rent a car in order to get around SoCal, rather than relying on any sort of public transportation. Sure, there’s some great transit within the bigger cities, and you could get Ubers/Lyfts if needed, but honestly, you’ll want the freedom to explore with your own car and be on your own schedule.
  2. Bring layers: I know you’re probably eloping in SoCal because it’s beautiful and warm and sunny, but you’d be surprised at how chilly it can get in the evenings once the sun sets, as well as in the more mountainous areas! Be sure to pack plenty of layers, especially if you’ll be hiking before the sun has fully risen or after it’s set.
  3. Book campsites in advance: Lots of the popular campsites in SoCal will get booked up far in advance, so if you’d like to camp during your elopement, I recommend booking yours early on if you’re able to!
  4. Have backup plans in place: This is a crucial one no matter where you’re eloping, because you never know what could happen. There are SO many things that could get in the way of the timeline you planned, be it weather, travel plans, road closures, etc. If you can get in the mindset to embrace it all, as well as have backup plans put in place in advance, you’ll be golden! In fact, I wrote a whole separate blog about How to Embrace “Bad” Weather On Your Elopement Day that I’d love for you to read 🙂
  5. Don’t try to see it all: There are ENDLESS amazing things to do in SoCal, and it’s so tempting to try and squeeze everything into one trip. But I’d recommend just choosing a few places and activities instead, and really making the most out of those; otherwise, you’ll most likely be exhausted and feeling overwhelmed/rushed. You can always come back in the future for another trip, or maybe even a vow renwal later on!

Southern California Elopement Packages

Now that you know absolutely everything there is to know about eloping in southern California, I know you’re probably itching to start planning your dream day. If you’d like the help of an expert, I’d be thrilled to tag along and provide support when it comes to choosing locations, obtaining permits, picking your outfits, booking accommodations, and so much more. Take a look at my southern California elopement packages to get an idea of what I offer, and then inquire with me to get this party started!

For more in-depth elopement planning resources like this one, check out the Blog—or click through a few of my recent favorites below:

Complete Guide to Planning a Rock Climbing Elopement

4 Tips for a Breathtaking & Photogenic Elopement Day

How to Plan An Epic Post-Elopement Reception

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