elopement Photography &
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Best Places to Elope in California
I’m Kristin, a California elopement photographer and planner who helps couples plan stress-free, unforgettable days.
Eloping in California is easier than you think and the views are unreal.
From mountain cliffs to alpine lakes and coastal sunsets,
California is full of incredible elopement locations.
Here are the best places to elope in California and what to know
before choosing your spot.
Lake Tahoe is one of the most versatile places to elope in California. You get alpine mountains, clear blue water, rocky shorelines, and some of the best sunsets in the state — all in one location.
Whether you want a quiet ceremony on the beach, portraits on a dock, or panoramic views from above the lake, Tahoe offers options for every vibe.
Permits are required for certain beaches and state park locations, but the process is usually straightforward with the right guidance.
If you’re dreaming of a laid-back mountain + water elopement, Lake Tahoe is hard to beat.
Explore How to Elope in Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe:
Mountain Views & Crystal Clear Water
If you want dramatic cliffs, epic overlooks, and views that feel straight out of a movie… Yosemite is it.
From granite giants like El Capitan and Half Dome to quiet forest trails and alpine lakes, Yosemite gives you that adventurous, once-in-a-lifetime kind of backdrop.
It’s perfect for couples who:
– Love hiking or exploring
– Want sunrise or sunset views
– Don’t mind a little adventure for a huge payoff
A special use permit is required to elope in Yosemite, but the process is more simple than most couples expect — especially when you know where to go and how to plan around crowds.
If you’re dreaming of bold scenery and a day that feels completely immersive, Yosemite is one of the best places to elope in California.
Explore How to Elope in California
Yosemite National Park:
Iconic and Unreal in Every Direction
If you’re looking for something a little more secluded, Mount Shasta might be your spot.
With towering mountain views, wide open meadows, and peaceful forest trails, it feels wild in the best way. Fewer crowds. More space. Big sky energy.
It’s perfect for couples who:
– Want epic mountain views without national park traffic
– Love a slower, quiet vibe
– Are drawn to nature that feels untouched
Depending on your ceremony location, permits may be required — especially on public lands — but there are also flexible options that make planning feel simple and stress-free.
If you want a mountain elopement that feels intimate, adventurous, and off the beaten path, Mount Shasta is one of the best places to elope in California.
Mount Shasta:
Wild, Quiet, and Underrated
If you love the idea of a city backdrop with dramatic views, San Francisco is such a fun option.
You get the Golden Gate Bridge, coastal cliffs, historic architecture, and that dreamy fog that makes everything feel cinematic.
It’s perfect for couples who:
– Want an intimate ceremony with a skyline view
– Love a mix of urban + coastal scenery
– Don’t necessarily want a mountain or forest setting
From simple courthouse ceremonies to outdoor overlooks with the bridge behind you, San Francisco offers flexible options for a stylish, intimate elopement.
If you want something iconic, romantic, and effortlessly cool, San Francisco is one of the best places to elope in California.
San Francisco:
Iconic Views and City Romance
I’m a California elopement photographer and planner for couples who want a wedding day that feels intentional, relaxed, and genuinely fun.
I don’t just show up with a camera, I help you plan your elopement from the beginning. From talking through locations and logistics to building a timeline that flows, I’m there to guide you, cheer you on, fix your dress, and keep the day feeling calm and easy.
I care about what lights you two up and what makes your connection yours, and I help create an elopement day that feels like it was made just for you.
I specialize in elopements across California, especially Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, and help couples navigate the planning process without it feeling overwhelming.
Hey, I'm Kristin!
"We really wanted someone that was going to make our pictures fun while taking them and that’s exactly what we got."
- Hailie & Justin
California Marriage License Requirements
Where to Get a Marriage License in California
To elope in California, you’ll need a marriage license issued by any California county clerk.
You can apply for your marriage license at any county clerk’s office in California, regardless of where your ceremony takes place. Many counties allow appointments or online applications.
How Long a California Marriage License Is Valid
A California marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date it’s issued. Your ceremony must take place within that window.
Do You Need to Be a California Resident?
No. You do not need to live in California or be a U.S. resident to get married here. Out-of-state and international couples can legally elope in California.
Do You Need an Officiant or Witnesses in California?
Witness Requirements for Eloping in California
- Public marriage license: Requires one witness
- Confidential marriage license: Requires no witnesses
Who Can Officiate an Elopement in California?
- A professional officiant
- A religious officiant
- A friend or family member who becomes ordained
- A photographer or planner who is legally ordained
Many couples choose California elopement locations that feel peaceful, scenic, and surrounded by nature.
In many cases, yes — especially if you’re eloping on public land.
Do You Need a Permit to Elope in California?
- National parks
- State parks
- Certain beaches or protected areas
Understanding permit rules early helps avoid stress later and keeps your elopement respectful to the land.
How to Start Planning Your California Elopement
The best way to start is by focusing on how you want your day to feel, not checking boxes.
- Choose a general location or landscape
- Understand the legal basics
- Get guidance on permits and logistics
- Build a timeline that allows you to slow down
You don’t need to have every detail figured out to begin — just a direction.
Ready to Elope in California?
If California feels like the right place to get married and you want guidance through the process, working with someone who understands elopements can make everything feel easier.
From location ideas and permits to timelines and day-of flow, having support allows you to focus on what actually matters — the two of you and the experience you’re creating together.
So You're Ready to
Now Let’s Make It Easy
The next step is having someone in your corner who can help the process feel simple, calm, and stress-free.
This isn’t just photography.
this an experience built around the two of you!
The laughter, the quiet moments, the adventure
are captured beautifully and wrapped in a stress-free,
red-carpet process from start to finish.
Planning Support: Location scouting, permits, timelines, vendor recommendations — I handle all the behind-the-scenes details so you can focus on what matters most: each other.
Creative Touches: From faux florals and color palettes to the tiny details that make your day look and feel cohesive, I’ll help design your setup so it’s both beautiful and stress-free.
Faux Florals: Custom faux florals are included with every elopement. I’ll help you choose a bouquet and boutonnière that match your colors, location, and vibe — no wilting, no stress, and they photograph beautifully in every season.
Picnic, Cake, & Toast: Celebrate your “just married” moment with a cozy picnic setup, a mini cake, and a bubbly toast (non-alcoholic options available!). It’s the perfect way to slow down and take it all in together.
Two Photographers (Add-on): When you want full coverage, my husband Rick joins me — capturing your day from every angle so nothing goes unseen.
Day-Of Coordination: I’ll keep your day running smoothly from start to finish so you don’t have to think twice about what’s next.
Sneak Peeks & Final Gallery: A handful of teasers within 24 hours (because I know you’ll be dying to relive it), and your full gallery delivered within 45 days — filled with images that bring it all rushing back.
the experience
Take a peek at what I offer to make your elopement experience easy, intentional, and actually enjoyable.
Elope in California
"Kristin we cannot thank you enough! It was truly just the most perfect day, thank you for all your hard work making everything come together. You made it so EASY and the ability to feel relaxed and just be able to enjoy every second of our wedding day is such a gift. We are so happy, thank you so much!" - Jaime & Cody
"The ability to feel relaxed & just be able to enjoy every second of our wedding day is such a gift."
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Kristin Smith Photography
Kristin is a California elopement photographer who helps couples plan and photograph intentional, stress-free elopements in places like Lake Tahoe, Yosemite and epic California locations.
From location guidance and timelines to documenting the day itself, I’m here to make the entire experience feel relaxed, meaningful, and easy.
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