The Ultimate Northern California Elopement Guide

How to Elope in Northern California

As a lover of anything and everything outdoors, Northern California is one of my absolute favorite places. I am a California elopement photographer and there’s nothing more exciting than a couple inquiring about a Northern California Elopement! So I wanted to share everything you need to know if you are considering eloping in Northern California. From the best locations to the best places to stay, this Northern California Elopement guide will cover it all! 

Table of Contents

• Why Elope in Northern California?
• How to get to Northern California
• Best Time of the Year to Elope in Northern California
• Top 7 Best Northern California Elopement Locations
• How to get Married in Northern California?
• Best Places to Stay in Northern California
• Fun Northern California Elopement Activities + Ideas
• Best Northern California Elopement Vendors
• Meet your Northern California Elopement Photographer
• Northern California Elopement Packages

Why Elope in Northern California?

There is no doubt that Northern California offers a plethora of stunning locations for your elopement. From the rugged coastline of Big Sur to the towering redwoods of Muir Woods, there is something for every couple. Northern California might be the perfect elopement location for you if:

• You’re a lover of adventure
• You love hiking and exploring new areas
• You’re wanting epic views for your elopement ceremony
• You want to explore forests, beaches, and mountains
• You want an intimate ceremony surrounded by nature
• You want plenty of beautiful options for locations to elope

How to Get to Northern California

Northern California is a pretty large area that covers the San Francisco Bay area and up. So there are several different airports that you can fly into. But no matter what, you will most likely need to drive a way to reach your elopement location unless you are eloping in one of the major cities. 

The 3 major airports that you can fly into in Northern California are:

• San Francisco International Airport
• San Jose Mineta International Airport
• Sacramento International Airport

Should you rent a car?

Most likely you will need to rent a car if you are eloping anywhere outside the city. The drives to get to many of the best Northern California elopement locations are pretty long. 

Best Time of Year to Elope in Northern California

Spring

Springtime in Northern California is absolutely stunning as the surrounding mountains still have tons of snow, the waterfalls and rivers are abundant and flowing, and the wildflowers are blooming! The temperatures typically range from 60-75 degrees which is the perfect weather for a hiking elopement! Spring is definitely one of my favorite times of the year to capture elopements in Northern California. 

Summer

If you are planning an elopement closer to the Coast in Northern California, then the summer months are a great time. While tourist activity is much higher during this time, there are plenty of beautiful locations where you can have a more private elopement ceremony. I would recommend avoiding the more inland areas in the summer months as temperatures can get up to 100 degrees. 

Fall

Fall is probably the most beautiful time of the year in Northern California. The leaves are changing colors and the tourist activity dies down a ton. Whether you want a romantic beach elopement or an adventurous hiking elopement in the Redwoods, the temperature usually falls in the mid-high 60s which is perfect!

Winter

Winter is also a beautiful time of year to elope if you don’t mind a little more unpredictability with the weather. It could rain or it could be 75 degrees so if that doesn’t bother you then it’s a beautiful time of year to elope. And you can also get some beautiful snow-capped mountains which make for an epic backdrop for your elopement photos. 

Top 7 Best Northern California Elopement Locations

Northern California has SOOO many amazing locations for you to choose for your elopement and it can’t definitely be overwhelming when trying to decide. As an elopement photographer who has traveled a ton and shot elopements in lots of places, here are my personal favorite locations! 

1. Big Sur

Big Sur is one of the most iconic Northern California elopement locations and for good reason. IT’S STUNNING! You have the jagged cliffs and beautiful ocean views, making for the most epic backdrop for your elopement! 

Best Time of Year to Elope: April – October

Permit(s) Needed: Special Use Permit

2. Yosemite

Of course, Yosemite had to be included on this list. From beautiful meadows to some of the most breathtaking cliffs, waterfalls, and mountains through the park, you can’t go wrong with a Yosemite elopement. The one downside to eloping at Yosemite is that it is typically very busy so if you’re looking to have a more intimate and private ceremony, this probably isn’t the location for you. 

Best Time of Year to Elope: June – September

Permit(s) Needed: Special Use Permit

3. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is much less well known but is definitely a special place. Surrounded by the most stunning mountains the park also has crystal clear lakes, steaming fumaroles, beautiful meadows, and of course epic volcanoes. Being as this is a much less well-known park, it’s a great option if you are seeking a more private ceremony! 

Best Time of Year to Elope: August & September

Permit(s) Needed: Special Use Permit

4. Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta is a super unique location in Northern California that offers gorgeous lakes, fewer crowds, and year-round fun. You can visit in the summer months and enjoy some paddle boarding and swimming after your elopement. Or visit in the winter months and ski, snowboard, or just enjoy the beautiful snowy mountain views! 

Best Time of Year to Elope: Year-round (just depends on the type of weather you like)

Permit(s) Needed: No

5. Mendocino Coast

If you’re hoping for an amazing elopement location with beautiful coastal views lined with thousands of Redwoods trees, then the Mendocino Coast is for you. It has the best of both worlds AND and it has amazing weather year-round with the temperature typically not fluctuating too much.  

Best Time of Year to Elope: Year-round

Permit(s) Needed: No

6. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a super popular vacation spot in California and for good reason. The beautiful crystal clear lake is gorgeous and there are so many different activities to do while you are there. There are tons of accessible beaches, amazing hotels and Airbnb’s, and plenty of things to do to make your elopement day extra special!

Best time of the year to elope: March – November

Permit(s) Needed: Yes, some locations require a Special Use Permit

7. Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is definitely one of my favorite locations for elopements. From the lush green forest to some of the most beautiful coastlines, Redwoods National Park is perfect if you and your partner are lovers of nature and adventure! With Coastal Redwoods being the tallest plants in the world, you truly need to be there experiencing them in person to comprehend their size. Check out my Redwood National Park Elopement Guide for more information! Also wanted to mention that both live and dried florals are prohibited in the park due to the risk of bringing in pests. So plan ahead and use fake flowers or get creative and opt for something a little different!

Best Time of Year to Elope: May – September

Permit(s) Needed: Special Use Permit

How to Get Married in Northern California

Northern California marriage license + laws

When planning your Northern California elopement, the first step to getting legally married is to get your California Marriage License. Every state has different rules, so let’s go over what you need to get legally married in California. 

You can obtain your California marriage license by visiting any County Clerk’s office together in person.

California Marriage Laws:

• Fill out California Marriage License Application
• License Filing Fee: $80
• Legal Age to Marry: 18 years or older
• Waiting period: no (meaning you can get married as soon as you have your license!)
• Must get married within 90 days of getting a marriage license
• Witnesses needed? Yes, one person over the age of 18
• Marriage Officiant required? Yes
• Is California Residency required? No

Best Places to Stay in Northern California

When planning your Northern California elopement, figuring out where to stay is also super important. Eloping is a super special and unique experience and your accommodations should also be a top priority. Below you’ll find some of my favorite Airbnb’s from each location listed above:

Big Sur

• The Cottage Getaway by the Sea
• Loma Vista Gardens – Forest Yurt

Yosemite

• Yellow-Fish House n/Yosemite National Park w/pool!
• Modern Cozy Cabin
• North Pines Campground

Lassen Volcanic National Park

• Cozy Log Cabin
• Quiet/Cozy A-Frame Near Mount Lassen National Park

Mount Shasta

• Modern Mount Shasta Cabin
• A-Frame Cabin Retreat with Hot Tub
• Ocean view private King suite in 3-acre forest

Mendocino Coast

• Applegate Cottage nature-inspired, artisan design
• Modern & Tranquil ~ Mins to Coast ~ ♛Hot Tub ~ BBQ

Lake Tahoe

• Revamped Mid-Century Modern / Tahoe A-Frame
• Hygge Barn/Featured in Sunset Mag /Walk to Lake

Redwood National Park

• Treehouse Getaway
• Enjoy Private Redwoods from Your Bed or the Deck
• Ocean view private King suite in 3-acre forest
• Rustic Coastal Cabin – ‘Sugar Mountain’
• Oceanfront White Rock Resort, private jacuzzi!
• 2BR Oceanfront | Hot Tub | Deck | W/D
• Modern Cabin in the Redwood Rainforest
• Jedidiah Smith Redwoods retreat with ocean view
• The Gasquet Fly In

Fun Northern California Elopement Activities + Ideas

• Enjoy the beautiful views and spend your day hiking
• Soak in the hot springs at Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Kayaking and paddle boarding in Lake Tahoe
• Rock climbing
• Visit glass beach
• Enjoy a scenic drive on the Pacific Coast Highway
• Go swimming in one of the many lakes
• Snowboarding and Skiing in the winter months
• Hike to one of the many waterfalls in Northern California
• Enjoy a sunset picnic on the beach

Best Northern California Elopement Vendors

Meet Your Northern California Elopement Photographer

As a Northern California Elopement Photographer, I have tons of knowledge when it comes to planning an epic elopement. As someone who is super passionate about my job, I don’t want to just be your photographer. I want to help you with the planning process, finding locations, places to stay, vendors, and most of all help you figure out solutions when things derail. It’s your wedding day and the last thing you should be doing is stressing out. I want to ensure that my couples have the best day possible and that means being a shoulder for them to lean on when problems arise!

Northern California Elopement Packages

Multiple coverage lengths are available for adventurers who want to go for an all-day hike, or couples who want to take it easy and soak in the day with their partner. So what’s included?

• planning assistance
• personalized location guide
• day of timeline
• vendor recommendations
• online gallery
• full printing rights