20 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
OVERLOOKING THE OCEAN
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-housePrice: $$
Pelican Inn
Muir Beach, California
Venue Superpowers:
All-Inclusive
Picturesque Setting
On-Site Accommodations
Fab Features: whimsical Tudor-style inn perfect for intimate events • steps away from Muir Beach • lawn ceremonies set against rolling, chaparral-covered hills that give the feel of the English countryside
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
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-housePrice: $$ • $$$
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 listPrice: $ • $$
California Seltzer Co. @ Lovers Point
Pacific Grove, CA
Venue Superpowers:
All-Inclusive
Beach Ceremonies
Panoramic Views
Fab Features: cool eatery and taproom overlooking iconic Lover’s Point • whitewashed dining rooms with vaulted ceiling + picture windows are party-ready…plus two adjoining patios • neighboring park and beach available for picturesque ceremonies
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
NESTLED IN THE REDWOODS
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-housePrice: $ • $$
Julia Morgan Redwood Grove
Garberville, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Private Estate
Historic Details
Lush Gardens
Fab Features: dreamy 1926 estate designed by legendary architect Julia Morgan • host a grand event in one of three of the property's lush gardens, or opt for something more intimate inside the mansion's Great Room • expert on-site coordinators will work closely with your wedding planner to execute your vision
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $ • $$
IN A LUSH GARDEN
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, BYOPrice: $ • $$
Secret Redwood Retreat
Aptos, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Secluded Setting
Whimsically Wooded
Cozy Accommodations
Fab Features: forested garden hideaway with a waterfall, redwood grove, and verdant estate lawn • charming details like a love swing and ivy archway make for romantic photo ops • private lodging for 8 in a redwood cabin, plus plenty of room for camping
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $ • $$
Flying Cloud Farm
Petaluma, CA
Venue Superpowers:
All-Inclusive
Lush Gardens
Family-Owned
Fab Features: family owned & operated, 33 acre private estate with over 30 years of event experience • lush gardens, rolling hills, vineyard views, and established oak trees • full wedding planning packages including elopements or micro-weddings
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $ • $$ • $$$
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-housePrice: $ • $$ • $$$
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: $ • $$Weller House Inn
Fort Bragg, CA
Venue Superpowers:
All-Inclusive
Late Night Celebrations
Charming Accommodations
Fab Features: historic home built in 1886 tucked away near the Mendocino coast • the charming space is perfect for intimate garden weddings or cozy celebrations in the 3rd floor Redwood ballroom • rental includes the use of the house and grounds for 3 days and 3 nights
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $
LAKESIDE
LAKESIDE
The Tahoe Ridge Resort
Stateline, Nevada
Venue Superpowers:
All-Inclusive
Mountain Views
On-Site Accommodations
Fab Features: up-close views of the breathtaking Genoa peak and surrounding valley • lakefront or garden ceremonies framed by pine trees and a rustic stone altar • wooden deck for scenic cocktail hours or receptions
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
AMONG THE VINEYARDS
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 listPrice: $ • $$ • $$$
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-housePrice: $ • $$ • $$$
Viansa Sonoma
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 listPrice: $ • $$ • $$$
Merryvale Vineyards
St. Helena, CA
Venue Superpowers:
All-Inclusive
Historic Details
Late Night Celebrations
Fab Features: sophisticated wine country setting with a lovely deck for al fresco ceremonies featuring stunning valley views • receptions in the two-story Cask Room lined with century-old casks or the warm, Old World-style dining room • enjoy delectable multi-course menus with customized wine pairings
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $$ • $$$
CITYSCAPE
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, BYOPrice: $$
The Clancy, An Autograph Hotel
San Francisco, CA
Venue Superpowers:
All-Inclusive
Creative Menus
On-Site Accommodations
Fab Features: playfully modern hotel with lots of color and downtown San Francisco charm • intimate al fresco weddings in Block 9's tucked-away courtyard, under a blanket of Edison bulbs and a vibrant mural • global-inspired, delectable menus from in-house restaurant Seven Square Taproom
Catering: In-housePrice: $$ • $$$
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