published January 2021
Picture an outdoor elopement.
You probably see two people on top of a mountain or by a large body of water. Maybe on the beach or deep in the woods.
Wherever it is, there’s an awesome symbolism in the place you choose to promise yourself to another person. The redwoods towering above you as you exchange vows can help root your relationship. A flash-memory of holding your partner’s hand as the sun goes down on your ceremony can make you forget why you were mad. And yeah, even a mid-ceremony hail storm can imprint on you the ability to overcome anything with a sense of humor.
2020 has taught the world that small, intimate outdoor elopements can be incredibly meaningful. More couples are running off together to get married in nature and capturing their stories with photo and video to then share with their families instead of using a venue and throwing an after party.
If that outdoor ceremony you're picturing is the one you're wanting to have, but aren't sure how to pull it off, this guide is here to help! It's for couples who are looking for a break away from the traditional marriage ceremonies and choosing to go into nature alone or with a handful of loved ones. Especially during this pandemic.
You probably see two people on top of a mountain or by a large body of water. Maybe on the beach or deep in the woods.
Wherever it is, there’s an awesome symbolism in the place you choose to promise yourself to another person. The redwoods towering above you as you exchange vows can help root your relationship. A flash-memory of holding your partner’s hand as the sun goes down on your ceremony can make you forget why you were mad. And yeah, even a mid-ceremony hail storm can imprint on you the ability to overcome anything with a sense of humor.
2020 has taught the world that small, intimate outdoor elopements can be incredibly meaningful. More couples are running off together to get married in nature and capturing their stories with photo and video to then share with their families instead of using a venue and throwing an after party.
If that outdoor ceremony you're picturing is the one you're wanting to have, but aren't sure how to pull it off, this guide is here to help! It's for couples who are looking for a break away from the traditional marriage ceremonies and choosing to go into nature alone or with a handful of loved ones. Especially during this pandemic.
7 Ways to Elope Outdoors in California
We've narrowed California into 7 land categories so you can hone in on your dream spot. Each of these categories fall under different land management offices and have different processes and regulations, which we've researched for you! We'll also go over pros and cons of each place while sprinkling in helpful tips throughout.
These categories are:
1. National Parks
2. State Parks, Beaches and Preserves
3. City and County Parks
4. Public Lands
5. Private Lands
6. Venues
7. Vacation Rentals
Within any of these places are towering mountains, miles of stunning coastline and beaches, lakes, forests and deserts sweeping throughout the entire state. Scenic-wise, you’re gonna be just fine.
And capturing that day with incredible pictures and a profoundly emotional wedding video? Sand and Stone Media’s totally got you covered. As storytellers we recognize how important location is when capturing authentic moments.
Before we get into it, just know you're always free to reach out to us with any questions. We would love to help you find your perfect spot!
These categories are:
1. National Parks
2. State Parks, Beaches and Preserves
3. City and County Parks
4. Public Lands
5. Private Lands
6. Venues
7. Vacation Rentals
Within any of these places are towering mountains, miles of stunning coastline and beaches, lakes, forests and deserts sweeping throughout the entire state. Scenic-wise, you’re gonna be just fine.
And capturing that day with incredible pictures and a profoundly emotional wedding video? Sand and Stone Media’s totally got you covered. As storytellers we recognize how important location is when capturing authentic moments.
Before we get into it, just know you're always free to reach out to us with any questions. We would love to help you find your perfect spot!
Legal Requirements
You’ll need to get your marriage license from the County Clerk’s office within 90 days before the ceremony, then take that piece of paper with you to the ceremony for the officiant and witnesses to sign. The specific processes and fees are different for each county, so you’ll need to check the info on the County Clerk’s official websites. You don’t need to get a license in any specific county, just choose whichever location is easiest for you.
Different Marriage Licenses
The state of California offers two types of marriage licenses, a public one and a confidential one.
For a list of requirements for each license, here’s a link to the California Department of Public Health Website.
California Department of Public Health Vital Records: Marriage Licenses
COVID NOTE: During the COVID-19, pandemic, many county clerk services are not providing in-person marriage licenses. L.A. county, for example, is only issuing licenses via teleconference. You’ll need to visit your county’s marriage license page to get specific information on cost and availability of marriage licenses.
The Officiant
You’ll need to hire a legally certified officiant to perform the ceremony. You also have the option to have a family member or friend become a Deputy Marriage Commissioner to officiate your ceremony depending on which county you’re in.
Different Marriage Licenses
The state of California offers two types of marriage licenses, a public one and a confidential one.
- The public license is the more common one. It’s purchased by the couple at the county clerk’s office at least 90 days before the ceremony. They typically run at around $90 depending on the county.
- The confidential license is issued when the couple meets certain requirements like living together before marriage. A confidential license is provided if the minister is the one issuing it at the ceremony instead of the county clerk.
For a list of requirements for each license, here’s a link to the California Department of Public Health Website.
California Department of Public Health Vital Records: Marriage Licenses
COVID NOTE: During the COVID-19, pandemic, many county clerk services are not providing in-person marriage licenses. L.A. county, for example, is only issuing licenses via teleconference. You’ll need to visit your county’s marriage license page to get specific information on cost and availability of marriage licenses.
The Officiant
You’ll need to hire a legally certified officiant to perform the ceremony. You also have the option to have a family member or friend become a Deputy Marriage Commissioner to officiate your ceremony depending on which county you’re in.
Choosing "The Spot"
Before you make any first moves, you'll need to do the basic inner work. Get in a good mindpace and ask yourself the big questions. Where do you want to get married? On top of a mountain in the Sierra Nevadas? The central coast? Your uncle's backyard? Out in the desert next to Joshua trees? Try to find something with some significance to you and your relationship. Could be you’ve always known and now you’re pulling the trigger. Either way, the specific location is all up to you, which when you think about it is super cool.
Some other things to consider are location accessibility, tourist seasons, weather, time of day and number of kids who could be running around in the background. How many guests do you want to have attend? Will it be you two and an officiant, a photographer and a videographer? Will you want to rent a portable arch and have flowers at the park or would you rather hike out to some obscure viewpoint and have the scenery be all the decoration you need? Will it be Labor Day weekend with tourists packing onto beaches? Is it stormy in Big Sur? Wildfire season in California has been brutal lately too so, ya know, keep that one in mind.
Another hugely important consideration is whether you're allowed to have a ceremony there at all. California is broken up into different land stewardships, with Yosemite National Park for example having different requirements than Los Padres National Forest which has different requirements than Garrapata State Park and Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve.
With all those questions in mind, let's get into it!
Some other things to consider are location accessibility, tourist seasons, weather, time of day and number of kids who could be running around in the background. How many guests do you want to have attend? Will it be you two and an officiant, a photographer and a videographer? Will you want to rent a portable arch and have flowers at the park or would you rather hike out to some obscure viewpoint and have the scenery be all the decoration you need? Will it be Labor Day weekend with tourists packing onto beaches? Is it stormy in Big Sur? Wildfire season in California has been brutal lately too so, ya know, keep that one in mind.
Another hugely important consideration is whether you're allowed to have a ceremony there at all. California is broken up into different land stewardships, with Yosemite National Park for example having different requirements than Los Padres National Forest which has different requirements than Garrapata State Park and Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve.
With all those questions in mind, let's get into it!
National Parks
Each of California’s National Parks have their own unique scenic personalities. You have the glacier-carved valleys of Yosemite, the enormous redwoods in Sequoia and King’s Canyon, Death Valleys open landscapes and Joshua Tree’s psychedelic skies. National Parks are great ‘cause they’re accessible and accommodating and you won’t have to go through much trouble to find a private area and a scenic setting.
Keep in mind, though, that National Parks are popular during certain seasons so you’ll have to plan ahead. Also, any wedding or elopement that takes place within one will require a Special Use Permit. National Parks are ideal for large outdoor wedding ceremonies, but they may be overkill for a small 15 minute elopement with less than 10 people. That being said, if you've always dreamed of a Yosemite Wedding, it's absolutely easier and less pricey compared renting and organizing a ceremony at a venue.
Permit fees range depending on the park, and you’ll need to personally get in touch with the park through their website to get one. We've provided links to each National Parks' wedding info below.
After you submit your application, an event coordinator from the park will be in touch with you to guide you through the process. You’ll more than likely need to pay a location fee, which can vary depending on group size and activity area and you may need a film permit for photography and video services. Some parks will also require a monitor service meaning a park ranger comes to watch over the ceremony to make sure everyone's following park rules. Fees range depending on the park but Yosemite and Sequoia are the most pricey with Pinnacles and Lassen being on the cheaper side.
Here are some links to the official Wedding Permit Information on each National Park’s website.
Yosemite National Park
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Death Valley National Park
Joshua Tree National Park (Quick tip: Do a word search for “wedding” since there’s a lot of other stuff on there, too.)
Channel Islands National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Pinnacles National Park
Redwoods National Park
COVID NOTE: Regulations are in a constant state of change during the pandemic and the best way to stay updated is using these links.
Pros: NP's are usually well equipped to handle weddings. They're accessible, have areas set aside for large groups, and provide both privacy and an outdoor experience.
Cons: NP's are popular wedding destinations so you need to go through all the permitting, reservation and fee processes as well as plan well in advance. They can also be extremely crowded during certain times of year.
Conclusion: While not all National parks follow the same process, you'll need to get the right authorization to host a ceremony in one. You'll need to plan ahead and be prepared to pay fees and reserve campgrounds. Np's are fantastic for large weddings, but might be overkill for small elopement ceremonies.
Each of California’s National Parks have their own unique scenic personalities. You have the glacier-carved valleys of Yosemite, the enormous redwoods in Sequoia and King’s Canyon, Death Valleys open landscapes and Joshua Tree’s psychedelic skies. National Parks are great ‘cause they’re accessible and accommodating and you won’t have to go through much trouble to find a private area and a scenic setting.
Keep in mind, though, that National Parks are popular during certain seasons so you’ll have to plan ahead. Also, any wedding or elopement that takes place within one will require a Special Use Permit. National Parks are ideal for large outdoor wedding ceremonies, but they may be overkill for a small 15 minute elopement with less than 10 people. That being said, if you've always dreamed of a Yosemite Wedding, it's absolutely easier and less pricey compared renting and organizing a ceremony at a venue.
Permit fees range depending on the park, and you’ll need to personally get in touch with the park through their website to get one. We've provided links to each National Parks' wedding info below.
After you submit your application, an event coordinator from the park will be in touch with you to guide you through the process. You’ll more than likely need to pay a location fee, which can vary depending on group size and activity area and you may need a film permit for photography and video services. Some parks will also require a monitor service meaning a park ranger comes to watch over the ceremony to make sure everyone's following park rules. Fees range depending on the park but Yosemite and Sequoia are the most pricey with Pinnacles and Lassen being on the cheaper side.
Here are some links to the official Wedding Permit Information on each National Park’s website.
Yosemite National Park
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Death Valley National Park
Joshua Tree National Park (Quick tip: Do a word search for “wedding” since there’s a lot of other stuff on there, too.)
Channel Islands National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Pinnacles National Park
Redwoods National Park
COVID NOTE: Regulations are in a constant state of change during the pandemic and the best way to stay updated is using these links.
Pros: NP's are usually well equipped to handle weddings. They're accessible, have areas set aside for large groups, and provide both privacy and an outdoor experience.
Cons: NP's are popular wedding destinations so you need to go through all the permitting, reservation and fee processes as well as plan well in advance. They can also be extremely crowded during certain times of year.
Conclusion: While not all National parks follow the same process, you'll need to get the right authorization to host a ceremony in one. You'll need to plan ahead and be prepared to pay fees and reserve campgrounds. Np's are fantastic for large weddings, but might be overkill for small elopement ceremonies.
State Parks, Beaches and Reserves
Just because state parks are kinda like national parks’ overshadowed little brother doesn’t mean they have anything less to offer. California has 280 state parks, and while not all of them are wedding-friendly, it’s a little overwhelming how many places there are to choose from. You want a beach? Try Año Nuevo State Park south of the bay area. Want some Redwoods? Calaveras in the Sierras or Nicene Marks by Santa Cruz. An old historic building as a backdrop? Bidwell Mansion in Chico.
The list of requirements for special use permits varies a ton, depending on the park. Some will need special permitting and location reservations, others won’t. Some state parks have incredible views and some are bird refuges that are little more than swamps.
The point is, state parks are incredibly varied and can be confusing to understand processes for. SO, to make it easy for you, we’ve included this map of all of California’s State Parks.
Here's our recommendation. Find a state park you like, you may already have one in mind or not, but search around using this tool and when you find a state park you like, click on it's little dot and follow the link to the Park’s website to get the permitting info. Sometimes you’ll have to call or email directly.
Just because state parks are kinda like national parks’ overshadowed little brother doesn’t mean they have anything less to offer. California has 280 state parks, and while not all of them are wedding-friendly, it’s a little overwhelming how many places there are to choose from. You want a beach? Try Año Nuevo State Park south of the bay area. Want some Redwoods? Calaveras in the Sierras or Nicene Marks by Santa Cruz. An old historic building as a backdrop? Bidwell Mansion in Chico.
The list of requirements for special use permits varies a ton, depending on the park. Some will need special permitting and location reservations, others won’t. Some state parks have incredible views and some are bird refuges that are little more than swamps.
The point is, state parks are incredibly varied and can be confusing to understand processes for. SO, to make it easy for you, we’ve included this map of all of California’s State Parks.
Here's our recommendation. Find a state park you like, you may already have one in mind or not, but search around using this tool and when you find a state park you like, click on it's little dot and follow the link to the Park’s website to get the permitting info. Sometimes you’ll have to call or email directly.
Pros: Getting married at a state park or beach is simple and easy. There are a ton of them scattered throughout the state so odds are you won't have to go far from home to find one. Many of them are used to hosting large weddings and are very accommodating, but you can also be away from crowds and hike into the backcountry if you want and anything in between. You have a lot of options here.
Cons: It can be hard to know what the processes are for each place. Information on their websites can be varied. They can also suffer from crowding during certain seasons so plan ahead for sure.
Conclusion: We highly recommend State Parks as small elopement destinations. Even with permits and fees, they're very affordable. There are so many places and types of scenery to choose from that you'll probably find a state park that has whatever you're looking for if you do your research and use the interactive map.
Cons: It can be hard to know what the processes are for each place. Information on their websites can be varied. They can also suffer from crowding during certain seasons so plan ahead for sure.
Conclusion: We highly recommend State Parks as small elopement destinations. Even with permits and fees, they're very affordable. There are so many places and types of scenery to choose from that you'll probably find a state park that has whatever you're looking for if you do your research and use the interactive map.
City and County Parks and Spaces
There are lots of public lands around you, and they’re divided up into places like Open Space Preserves, County and City Parks, Recreation Areas or Wildlands. California is full of local spaces that you can choose to elope in and the process is usually pretty easy and straightforward.
The process of eloping in a county or city park follows the same structure as a state park, but on a local level. Since there are so many of them, it can be hard to know whether you'll need a permit or how to get one. The most straightforward way is to contact your local Parks and Recreation Department through email or a phone call. They'll be able to help from there.
Pros: You can find plenty of city and county parks in California. You won't have to look far and getting in contact with the city offices is not too hard.
Cons: They can be crowded during weekends and evenings. You might have kids playing nearby or runners running through your video. They probably won't have that private, natural epic outdoor vibe you're looking for.
Conclusion: The process for getting married in city or county spaces isn't too hard, but they're not the most scenic spots for landscape images. Plan ahead for a weekday morning or early afternoon ceremony to get the most privacy.
*Here’s something we do want to throw in when it comes to eloping in State Parks or City areas… technically for most wedding-related events you’ll need a permit, but if it’s a group with 10 people or less and the ceremony lasts 15 minutes or so, you can probably get away with not getting a permit. Do we recommend it? No, obviously follow due process if you can. Fines can be up to $500 for not getting special use permits.
That being said, we've filmed plenty small weddings at city and state parks. One time we were shooting a wedding at a state park where the couple hadn’t gotten a permit. During the ceremony a park ranger pulled up in the parking lot right by where the ceremony was happening and then just drove away without a second thought. Authorities aren't out looking to ticket couples on their wedding day, they're trying to stop large gatherings that interfere with other guest's experience. Less than 10 people and a half hour ceremony won't draw attention, especially if everyone's being respectful of the space and not busting music and getting wasted in the parking lot. We recommend doing that later at home.
There are lots of public lands around you, and they’re divided up into places like Open Space Preserves, County and City Parks, Recreation Areas or Wildlands. California is full of local spaces that you can choose to elope in and the process is usually pretty easy and straightforward.
The process of eloping in a county or city park follows the same structure as a state park, but on a local level. Since there are so many of them, it can be hard to know whether you'll need a permit or how to get one. The most straightforward way is to contact your local Parks and Recreation Department through email or a phone call. They'll be able to help from there.
Pros: You can find plenty of city and county parks in California. You won't have to look far and getting in contact with the city offices is not too hard.
Cons: They can be crowded during weekends and evenings. You might have kids playing nearby or runners running through your video. They probably won't have that private, natural epic outdoor vibe you're looking for.
Conclusion: The process for getting married in city or county spaces isn't too hard, but they're not the most scenic spots for landscape images. Plan ahead for a weekday morning or early afternoon ceremony to get the most privacy.
*Here’s something we do want to throw in when it comes to eloping in State Parks or City areas… technically for most wedding-related events you’ll need a permit, but if it’s a group with 10 people or less and the ceremony lasts 15 minutes or so, you can probably get away with not getting a permit. Do we recommend it? No, obviously follow due process if you can. Fines can be up to $500 for not getting special use permits.
That being said, we've filmed plenty small weddings at city and state parks. One time we were shooting a wedding at a state park where the couple hadn’t gotten a permit. During the ceremony a park ranger pulled up in the parking lot right by where the ceremony was happening and then just drove away without a second thought. Authorities aren't out looking to ticket couples on their wedding day, they're trying to stop large gatherings that interfere with other guest's experience. Less than 10 people and a half hour ceremony won't draw attention, especially if everyone's being respectful of the space and not busting music and getting wasted in the parking lot. We recommend doing that later at home.
Public Lands
National and State Forests, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas and other public lands are a fantastic place if you’re looking for a more rugged and rustic outdoor elopement ceremony. California has a ton of Public land and while they’re divided into different categories, the general rule is groups of 75 or more will need a permit. Great news for anyone looking for a low-key outdoor elopement! Los Padres National Forest covers a lot of central California Coastline while Los Plumas National Forest can get you views like Yosemite without the crowds or fees.
They're kind of place you can elope for free and if you're willing to camp, hike, backpack or just explore without worrying about permits. Of course, be respectful of the area and other people who may be using this public land.
Pros: No permits necessary. This is the place for people wanting to get away from the crowds to a secluded and scenic place. They can be quiet and distant if you find the right location.
Cons: They're usually less accessible for groups and you'll have to location scout to find a spot since they have no events coordinator for guidance.
Conclusion: This is a highly recommendable way to have a more rugged elopement experience and you can do it for free with no strings attached! Just find a spot, get an officiant and a photographer and get it done.
We’ve linked another map of California’s National Forest land. To find out more info on an area, click on it and follow the link.
National and State Forests, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas and other public lands are a fantastic place if you’re looking for a more rugged and rustic outdoor elopement ceremony. California has a ton of Public land and while they’re divided into different categories, the general rule is groups of 75 or more will need a permit. Great news for anyone looking for a low-key outdoor elopement! Los Padres National Forest covers a lot of central California Coastline while Los Plumas National Forest can get you views like Yosemite without the crowds or fees.
They're kind of place you can elope for free and if you're willing to camp, hike, backpack or just explore without worrying about permits. Of course, be respectful of the area and other people who may be using this public land.
Pros: No permits necessary. This is the place for people wanting to get away from the crowds to a secluded and scenic place. They can be quiet and distant if you find the right location.
Cons: They're usually less accessible for groups and you'll have to location scout to find a spot since they have no events coordinator for guidance.
Conclusion: This is a highly recommendable way to have a more rugged elopement experience and you can do it for free with no strings attached! Just find a spot, get an officiant and a photographer and get it done.
We’ve linked another map of California’s National Forest land. To find out more info on an area, click on it and follow the link.
Private Lands
(a.k.a. Grandpa and Grandma's backyard)
Never discount the possibility of using your grandpas’ backyard or your family friend’s beach home. Not all of us are lucky enough to have those kind of contacts, but take advantage of them if you can! Some of our favorite weddings happened during COVID when people decorated their yards better than some venues. If you have access to a farm or a cabin in the woods, even better! You and your guests will probably be sure chill on your wedding day since if it's in a familiar place.
Pros: With the right contacts, sweet-talking and decorating, you can pull off a beautiful ceremony in an incredible location that you're comfortable and familiar with.
Cons: We can't think of any. This is a fantastic idea.
Conclusion: Backyard weddings are some of the most beautiful we've done. They're intimate and relaxed and some of them rival venues without the couple spending a dime.
Venues
As far as outdoor venues go, there are thousands to choose from in California. Many of them offer gorgeous views and great accommodations. These are mainly for larger ceremonies but many are perfect for small elopement ceremonies, too. We won't talk too much about them in this article because there are resources for days on this subject, but a simple search for "outdoor wedding venue in [location]" will give you plenty of options.
Pros: They'll take care of everything, you know what you're getting and you're guaranteed privacy and accommodations.
Cons: They're on the pricey side and you'll need to plan far in advance (some venues are booked out two years down the road.)
Conclusion: Venues tend to lean towards to larger traditional weddings, but intimate ceremonies are completely doable if you're willing to pay for the service and not have to think too hard about it.
Vacation Rentals:
Vacation rental elopements from AirBnB and VRBO are an elegant and trendy solution for people looking to mix a little bit of a venue in with a casual outdoor ceremony. Think about it, you find the right AirBnb with an amazing backyard view, then rent it out for a couple of days of privacy and have a small ceremony with close friends! You could rent an arch and have flowers and host a small dinner afterwards. AirBnB used to have a tool that let you specifically look for event rentals, but has since disabled it so you'll have to do some searching. VRBO lets you filter your list though.
Obviously, this is all contingent on getting the owners’ permission and respecting their space and guidelines, but you won’t have to worry about permits or reservations! Definitely check in with the owner and lay out all of your plans beforehand. Keep in communication with them and be transparent. Many AirBnB's don't allow parties or gatherings, but you can always just ask! There are a ton of owners out there with a soft spot for love and might make an exception for a small elopement ceremony if you ask nicely.
We wholeheartedly recommend a vacation rental to anyone looking for a quick hack for outdoor elopement ceremonies. And in California you’ll find no shortage of 'em.
Pros: Privacy and the potential for good views and a place to stay at an affordable price is hard to find at a venue or full outdoor ceremony.
Cons: Finding an AirBnB that allows events might take a while to find. You may have to message owners to find one that's cool with an elopement in their yard (it never hurts to ask though!)
Conclusion: A vacation rental is a little mixture of outdoor and venue ceremonies and while some of them cost $3000 a night and look like a castle, you can also find beautiful backyard views at a $500 dollar cabin.
(a.k.a. Grandpa and Grandma's backyard)
Never discount the possibility of using your grandpas’ backyard or your family friend’s beach home. Not all of us are lucky enough to have those kind of contacts, but take advantage of them if you can! Some of our favorite weddings happened during COVID when people decorated their yards better than some venues. If you have access to a farm or a cabin in the woods, even better! You and your guests will probably be sure chill on your wedding day since if it's in a familiar place.
Pros: With the right contacts, sweet-talking and decorating, you can pull off a beautiful ceremony in an incredible location that you're comfortable and familiar with.
Cons: We can't think of any. This is a fantastic idea.
Conclusion: Backyard weddings are some of the most beautiful we've done. They're intimate and relaxed and some of them rival venues without the couple spending a dime.
Venues
As far as outdoor venues go, there are thousands to choose from in California. Many of them offer gorgeous views and great accommodations. These are mainly for larger ceremonies but many are perfect for small elopement ceremonies, too. We won't talk too much about them in this article because there are resources for days on this subject, but a simple search for "outdoor wedding venue in [location]" will give you plenty of options.
Pros: They'll take care of everything, you know what you're getting and you're guaranteed privacy and accommodations.
Cons: They're on the pricey side and you'll need to plan far in advance (some venues are booked out two years down the road.)
Conclusion: Venues tend to lean towards to larger traditional weddings, but intimate ceremonies are completely doable if you're willing to pay for the service and not have to think too hard about it.
Vacation Rentals:
Vacation rental elopements from AirBnB and VRBO are an elegant and trendy solution for people looking to mix a little bit of a venue in with a casual outdoor ceremony. Think about it, you find the right AirBnb with an amazing backyard view, then rent it out for a couple of days of privacy and have a small ceremony with close friends! You could rent an arch and have flowers and host a small dinner afterwards. AirBnB used to have a tool that let you specifically look for event rentals, but has since disabled it so you'll have to do some searching. VRBO lets you filter your list though.
Obviously, this is all contingent on getting the owners’ permission and respecting their space and guidelines, but you won’t have to worry about permits or reservations! Definitely check in with the owner and lay out all of your plans beforehand. Keep in communication with them and be transparent. Many AirBnB's don't allow parties or gatherings, but you can always just ask! There are a ton of owners out there with a soft spot for love and might make an exception for a small elopement ceremony if you ask nicely.
We wholeheartedly recommend a vacation rental to anyone looking for a quick hack for outdoor elopement ceremonies. And in California you’ll find no shortage of 'em.
Pros: Privacy and the potential for good views and a place to stay at an affordable price is hard to find at a venue or full outdoor ceremony.
Cons: Finding an AirBnB that allows events might take a while to find. You may have to message owners to find one that's cool with an elopement in their yard (it never hurts to ask though!)
Conclusion: A vacation rental is a little mixture of outdoor and venue ceremonies and while some of them cost $3000 a night and look like a castle, you can also find beautiful backyard views at a $500 dollar cabin.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if you're looking for a way to plan your outdoor elopement here in California, there are plenty of options for you. The landscape in this state is incredibly varied, ranging from rugged mountains to craggly coastline and dry deserts to humid forests. And there are so many places that you can choose from if you're willing to put in just a little work and effort. If you want a catered outdoor venue that you don't have to think about and your budget is expansive, you'll find something. If you want to hike into the wild for a meaningful moment with your partner, no problem, you'll find a place.
And as a last reminder, we want to encourage you to practice leave no trace and take care of our outdoor spaces and pack out anything you bring in with you.
I'm Ben. My wife Courtney and I run Sand and Stone Media and we love photographing and filming small elopement ceremonies. We studied Journalism and Communications in school and have built our lives and business around capturing people's stories through photo and video. If you’re interested in our services or have questions about this guide, don't hesitate to reach out to us!
In conclusion, if you're looking for a way to plan your outdoor elopement here in California, there are plenty of options for you. The landscape in this state is incredibly varied, ranging from rugged mountains to craggly coastline and dry deserts to humid forests. And there are so many places that you can choose from if you're willing to put in just a little work and effort. If you want a catered outdoor venue that you don't have to think about and your budget is expansive, you'll find something. If you want to hike into the wild for a meaningful moment with your partner, no problem, you'll find a place.
And as a last reminder, we want to encourage you to practice leave no trace and take care of our outdoor spaces and pack out anything you bring in with you.
I'm Ben. My wife Courtney and I run Sand and Stone Media and we love photographing and filming small elopement ceremonies. We studied Journalism and Communications in school and have built our lives and business around capturing people's stories through photo and video. If you’re interested in our services or have questions about this guide, don't hesitate to reach out to us!
SANTA CRUZ WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY / SANTA CRUZ WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHY / SANTA CRUZ WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / BIG SUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / CALIFORNIA INTIMATE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / BIG SUR ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER / CARMEL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / BIG SUR WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER / SANTA CRUZ ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER / SANTA CRUZ FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER / FAMILY VIDEOGRAPHER / SANTA CRUZ BUSINESS PHOTOGRAPHER / SANTA CRUZ REAL ESTATE VIDEOGRAPHER / PROPOSAL SANTA CRUZ