17 Of The Best Places To Elope In California

Is there anything more magical than an intimate elopement with a breathtaking backdrop? For the couple seeking a beautiful “just us” experience, California's diverse landscape and agreeable climate offers countless enchanting options for every style, at any time throughout the year. Whether you’re envisioning vows spoken with your toes in the sand overlooking the Pacific or a sweet soirée surrounded by towering redwoods, get ready to swoon over these picturesque locations and their creative packages that make planning a breeze!



OVERLOOKING THE OCEAN



Avila Lighthouse Suites at Avila Beach

Avila Beach, CA

Venue Superpowers:

Beach Ceremonies

All-Inclusive

Upscale Amenities

Fab Features: cozy beachfront hotel with first-class amenities • ceremonies on the beach or the expansive sun deck • all-inclusive wedding packages cover everything from elopements to grand events with custom cocktail hours—even farewell brunches!

Catering: Preferred list, BYO
Price: $ • $$
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The Lodge at Bodega Bay

Bodega Bay, CA

Venue Superpowers:

Picturesque Setting

Lush Grounds

On-Site Accommodations

Fab Features: cliffside boutique hideaway overlooking the northern coast • intimate ceremonies on the lush event lawn while the sun sets over the ocean • a stone’s throw from beautiful beaches, towering redwoods, and Sonoma’s artisanal farms

Catering: In-house
Price: $$
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Pelican Inn

Muir Beach, California

Venue Superpowers:

All-Inclusive

Picturesque Setting

On-Site Accommodations

Fab Features: whimsical Tudor-style inn perfect for intimate events • steps away from Muir Beach • lawn ceremonies set against rolling, chaparral-covered hills that give the feel of the English countryside

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$
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Cavallo Point, the Lodge at the Golden Gate

Sausalito, California

Venue Superpowers:

Historic Details

Panoramic Views

Upscale Accommodations

Fab Features: restored Colonial Revival complex set on 75,000 acres of national parkland • stunning views of the Bay, Golden Gate bridge and SF cityscape • luxurious amenities include the Healing Arts Center & Spa, an award-winning restaurant, and glamorous family-friendly suites and guest rooms

Catering: In-house
Price: $$ • $$$
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China Cabin

Belvedere, CA

Venue Superpowers:

Non-Profit

Historic Details

Panoramic Views

Fab Features: one-of-a-kind first-class social saloon extracted from an 19th-century steamer • ornate interior boasts a crisply painted arched ceiling highlighted with gold leaf, etched glass windows, and crystal chandeliers • decks on three sides offer jaw-dropping views the San Francisco skyline and the colorful boats berthed nearby on the surrounding bay

Catering: Preferred list
Price: $ • $$
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NESTLED IN THE REDWOODS



Stanford Inn & Resort

Mendocino, CA

Venue Superpowers:

All-Inclusive

Lush Grounds

Charming Accommodations

Fab Features: charming inn overlooking Mendocino Bay and the resort’s historic farm • intimate ceremonies in the herb garden or next inside next to a cozy fireplace • gorgeous photo ops in the nearby redwood groves or the rocky coastline

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$
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Julia Morgan Redwood Grove

Garberville, CA

Venue Superpowers:

Private Estate

Historic Details

Lush Gardens

Fab Features: dreamy 1926 estate designed by legendary architect Julia Morgan • host a grand event in one of three of the property's lush gardens, or opt for something more intimate inside the mansion's Great Room • expert on-site coordinators will work closely with your wedding planner to execute your vision

Catering: Preferred list, BYO
Price: $ • $$
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IN A LUSH GARDEN



Hakone Estate and Gardens

Saratoga, California

Venue Superpowers:

Non-Profit

Historic Details

Picturesque Setting

Fab Features: 16-acre lush Japanese garden estate • exchange vows next to a beautiful Koi pond with a cascading waterfall in the background • celebrate your reception on the stunning deck overlooking the Santa Clara Valley

Catering: Preferred list, BYO
Price: $ • $$
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MacArthur Place

Sonoma, CA

Venue Superpowers:

Lovely Landscaping

All-Inclusive

On-Site Accommodations

Fab Features: idyllic and understated Sonoma hotel, spa, and culinary scene • say "I do" on the elegantly landscaped West Lawn, followed by photos among the lush historic farm buildings, winding paths, and secret gardens • indoor/outdoor receptions with an easy flow between chic salons and airy patios

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$ • $$$
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Hastings House Garden Weddings

Half Moon Bay, CA

Venue Superpowers:

Private Home

Lush Gardens

Panoramic Views

Fab Features: intimate celebrations and elopements in a garden setting • ceremonies in the enchanting half-acre lot on the edge of Miramar Beach • gorgeous photo ops among the lush landscaping, a lovely meadow, and the breathtaking Half Moon Bay that's just a few steps

Price: $ • $$
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Weller House Inn

Fort Bragg, CA

Venue Superpowers:

All-Inclusive

Late Night Celebrations

Charming Accommodations

Fab Features: historic home built in 1886 tucked away near the Mendocino coast • the charming space is perfect for intimate garden weddings or cozy celebrations in the 3rd floor Redwood ballroom • rental includes the use of the house and grounds for 3 days and 3 nights

Catering: Preferred list, BYO
Price: $$ • $$$
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LAKESIDE



The Tahoe Ridge Resort

Stateline, Nevada

Venue Superpowers:

All-Inclusive

Mountain Views

On-Site Accommodations

Fab Features: up-close views of the breathtaking Genoa peak and surrounding valley • lakefront or garden ceremonies framed by pine trees and a rustic stone altar • wooden deck for scenic cocktail hours or receptions

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$
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DESERT OASIS



The Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows

Palm Springs, CA

Venue Superpowers:

Historic Gem

All-Inclusive

Poolfront Celebrations

Fab Features: historic Spanish-Colonial hideaway that blends Old Hollywood glamour with Art Deco flair • luxe micro-weddings celebrate among the firepits, cozy garden alcoves and palm tree-lined pool and enjoy couple-time at the wellness spa • customized menus showcase local, seasonal ingredients, a curated wine list, and handcrafted cocktails

Catering: In-house
Price: $$ • $$$
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AMONG THE VINEYARDS



Trione Vineyards and Winery

Geyserville, CA

Venue Superpowers:

Rustic-Chic

Historic Details

Panoramic Views

Fab Features: classic Wine Country romance surrounded by vines • rustic elegance in the two-story Old Stone Building, constructed with classic Old World masonry and exposed fir beams • lovely al fresco spaces include a bocce court and beautifully landscaped lawns

Catering: Preferred list
Price: $ • $$ • $$$
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Carneros Resort and Spa

Napa, CA

Venue Superpowers:

Lush Grounds

Mountain Views

On-Site Accommodations

Fab Features: say “I do” against a backdrop of Napa Valley vineyards and distant mountains • the Napa and Sonoma Ballrooms showcase soaring peaked roofs, handcrafted barn-board walls, and state-of-the-art lighting and sound • the 28 acres include beautifully landscaped walking paths, flowering gardens with fountains, and spacious lawn and stone fireplace

Catering: In-house
Price: $ • $$ • $$$
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Viansa Winery

Sonoma, CA

Venue Superpowers:

Private Estate

All-Inclusive

Picturesque Setting

Fab Features: romantic hilltop setting overlooking the Valley of the Moon • circular fountain courtyard bordered by olive trees and grapevines • versatile Pavilion affording breathtaking panoramic views of the Sonoma Valley, the estate vineyards, and coastal wetlands

Catering: Preferred list
Price: $ • $$ • $$$
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CITYSCAPE



The Newhall Nest

San Francisco, CA

Venue Superpowers:

Panoramic Cityscape Views

Late Night Celebrations

On-Site Accommodations

Fab Features: versatile event space set above SF"s Financial District • chic celebrations in the penthouse's loft-like interior with well-appointed decor and fabulous city views • dine and dance the night away beneath stringed bistro lights on the intimate rooftop deck

Catering: Preferred list, BYO
Price: $$
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