California Central Coast Engagement Session
California; The Golden State.
Also known as our home state!
While you most often find us shooting adventure elopements in the Pacific Northwest, such as Oregon and Washington, the entire West Coast is our domain. [Although let's be honest, we are worldwide elopement photographers who love traveling for love stories!]
Hurray! You're probably here because you + your partner have made the brave, bold decision to elope. High fives all around! You two are one step closer to having a wedding day that truly encompasses your relationship.
When planning an adventure elopement, there are a plethora of location options to choose from. One of the most exciting parts of planning your adventure elopement is that you get to make the rules: and one of the most exciting parts of THAT rule is WHERE IN THE WORLD SHOULD WE ELOPE?!
Perhaps California's varied geography, comfortable temperatures, and hundreds of miles of coastline are your jam. Wondering how to elope in California? Let's get started!
Joshua Tree National Park Elopement
The Logistics
Alright folks, let's get the details out of the way. Luckily, you can apply for a marriage license at any county clerk office throughout the state of California. As an example, maybe you are eloping in Santa Barbara, but flying into Los Angeles. You have the option of applying for your marriage license when you arrive in California, in Los Angeles County! Just remember to return your license to the county in which it was issued [usually your wedding officiant can do this for you! Fun fact: Josh is ordained and always happy to help with paperwork and legalizing your elopement!]
Most counties allow virtual appointments to apply for your marriage license, or even the choice to fill out an online application. However, many counties require you to be present to request a marriage license, and making an appointment is key to ensuring you are able to get your marriage license in a timely manner.
You + your partner will want to bring valid picture identification, such as a state issued identification card, driver's license, or passport!
Fees vary from county to county, but you can expect to pay anywhere between $35-$100. California does not require a waiting period, and your license is valid for up to 90 days!
When it comes to witnesses of your elopement ceremony, California only requires one witness. You are more than welcome to have two witnesses sign, but one is the prerequisite!
Wanting to include a family member or loved one in your adventure elopement? Check out California's Deputy for a Day Program! This program allows a friend or family member to officiate marriage/elopement ceremonies for a day! Having a loved one officiate your elopement is a truly special way to involve someone close to you. Most counties in California offer the Deputy for a Day Program, all you have to do is check with the county in which you will be applying for your marriage license.
Interested in other avenues to include your friends + family? Check out our article How to Include Family and Friends in Your Elopement
Of course, there is always the option to get legally married in your home state. This can be a great possibility for couples who don't necessarily want to worry about paperwork during their trip, but still want a lovely, intimate elopement ceremony in a beautiful place to commemorate their love!
Some spots in California may require a permit to have an elopement ceremony there, and this is where your elopement photographer's guidance will come in handy! We ensure that all concerns are covered, so that you + your partner can focus on the exhilarating task at hand: getting married!
Santa Barbara Elopement
The Fun Stuff!
So, California's gravitational pull has a hold of you + your partner, and you're ready to start planning your California adventure elopement. How thrilling!
With 163,696 square miles of Golden State to choose from; where to begin?
We invite you two to really dig deep and explore what landscapes call to you.
When thinking of California, the Pacific Ocean naturally comes to mind! Thousands of miles of coastline decorates California's western border, with a variety of geographical features. Northern California and Big Sur can provide rugged topography and moody weather. Farther south, places such as Santa Barbara, Malibu, and San Diego offer endless sands and surf.
Thinking of somewhere with Pacific Northwest vibes? The expansiveness of Northern California's redwood forests could be up your alley! Redwoods are the world's tallest trees; so just imagine having your elopement ceremony under the shadows of these giants!
California is home to dozens of beautiful mountain ranges, so if a mountaintop elopement speaks to you, the Sierra Nevadas and others could be your perfect match!
Desert vibes calling your name? The Golden State boasts multiple deserts, each with their fair share of unique features, flora, and fauna. This Joshua Tree Elopement shows the beauty of this idyllic place in the middle of the Mojave Desert.
Joshua Tree Elopement
Other Considerations
While California doesn't have as extreme weather as many other locations within the US, there are still some things to take into account. Due to the dry weather + climate change, California unfortunately experiences many wildfires in any given year. Events surrounding wildfires can change and escalate quickly, including freeway closures and trail closures. It is definitely important to stay as informed as you can if you hear about a wildfire in the area you are arranging your elopement, and be prepared!
If you are planning an adventure elopement in California, a great time of year is during the winter or spring, where the weather is generally more mild and the environment is not usually as prone to fires. The "off seasons" such as winter are also great for eloping too, because there are less crowds at popular destinations, such as Big Sur and Sequoia National Park.
While not all locations are easily accessible in the winter [Yosemite National Park is one that comes to mind, with road closures until snow melt occurs], another way to beat the crowds is to organize your elopement on a weekday!
Los Angeles Griffith Observatory Engagement Session
Whether you're planning an elopement in Oregon, Washington, California, or anywhere around the globe, we couldn't be more elated for you! Drop us a message and let's get planning to make your dream elopement a tangible event!
Joshua Tree National Park Elopement
If you're ready to get started on your elopement:
Send Us A Message!