Reserve gorgeous venues for your luxury elopement with our editor's recommendations for elopement-friendly ceremony sites, plus three tiers of options for California honeymoon venues.
With so many amazing locations to choose from, the state of California is a dazzling destination for a luxury elopement. The Mediterranean-like climate is conducive to outdoor ceremonies, and you have your choice of idyllic settings.
CALIFORNIA
Photo of Napa by Marilyn Oliveira
LOS ANGELES
Famous for its weather, beaches, and glamorous ties to the entertainment industry, Los Angeles is among the most sought-after tourist destinations (and real estate) in the world. Eclectic in terms of both energy and topography, The City of Angels offers lush hills and verdant vineyards, architectural wonders and artistic neighborhoods, sophisticated cities and opulent hotels, plus the promise of seeing celebrities in their natural habitat. Rich with history and teeming with world-class attractions and activities, Los Angeles is an exciting and luxurious setting for an elopement.
Major Airport: Los Angeles Int'l Airport (LAX)
High Season: June - August
Low Seasons: December - February
Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau
POPULAR AREAS & ATTRACTIONS
BEVERLY HILLS
Manicured streets and world-class shopping lace the lavish hotels and estates in this exquisite zip code, and its central location to all that Los Angeles has to offer makes it particularly alluring for visitors. The ultimate in luxury destinations, Beverly Hills is also home to high-end bridal shops, exquisite jewelry stores, and anything else you may need to complete your elopement. (Photo courtesy of Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau)
HOLLYWOOD
A decade of intense gentrification has restored Hollywood to the same level of glamour that made it famous. Celebrated restaurants, edgy bars, and luxe outdoor shopping districts surround modern hotels and historic properties that have been beautifully renovated to their former glory. West Hollywood boasts the famous Sunset Strip and is just a stone's throw from Beverly Hills. (Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board)
MALIBU
Malibu may be most associated with its spectacular beaches, but rolling hills and beautiful vineyard estates are also key attractions in this illustrious seaside neighborhood. A charming hub of upscale shopping and restaurants keeps things civilized, but its relative seclusion and plush options for lodging are what make Malibu the perfect oasis for a gorgeous elopement.
(Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board)
LOS ANGELES
REQUIREMENTS
QUICK GUIDE
BLOOD TESTS: None
LOCAL CITIZENSHIP: Not Required
PROOF OF AGE: Required
LOCAL RESIDENCY: Not Required
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE: Legal
WAITING PERIOD: None
​
BEVERLY HILLS COURTHOUSE
9355 Burton Way
First Floor
Beverly HIlls, CA 90210
310.288.1261
​
LAX COURTHOUSE
11701 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Sixth Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90045
310.727.6142
​
Complete a Marriage License Application
source: LAVote.net
Sources: Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau; Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board; Visit California
SAN DIEGO
Blurring the lines between edgy metropolis and sleepy resort town, San Diego is paved with some of California's most popular attractions amid what is arguably the best weather on the planet. Looking for adventure? The world-famous zoo and safari park offer private tours and ziplining along with access to wildlife. Longing for culture? The city's historic districts are flush with character, as is its epicenter of art, theatre, and museums. San Diego's relaxed vibe and sun-splashed beauty infuses everything from its breathtaking beachfront resorts to its ultra-posh inland estates, making this Southern California gem a dream destination.
Major Airport: San Diego International Airport (SAN)
High Season: June - August
Low Season: December - February
Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Joanne DiBona
POPULAR AREAS & ATTRACTIONS
CORONADO
The breathtaking seaside destination of choice for celebrities and tourists for over a century, Coronado was specifically developed as a resort town around the Hotel del Coronado, the iconic resort that has hosted multiple presidents and myriad film shoots. Private villas plus the promise of gondola rides through the Coronado Cays make the peninsula among the most romantic destinations in Southern California.
(Photo courtesy of SanDiego.org)
DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO
America's Finest City counts beautiful coastal views among its charms, but its heart can be found in Balboa Park, where the San Diego Zoo is situated along with scores of museums, the Rueben H. Fleet Space Center, and the Old Globe Theatre. The waterfront is home to the Maritime Museum of San Diego, while Seaport Village overlooking the bay is a delightful complex of shops and eateries. (Photo courtesy of SanDiego.org)
LA JOLLA + TORREY PINES
The upscale beach community of La Jolla is a sun- drenched oasis of quaint shops, lovely hotels, sophisticated restaurants, and clean, beautiful shores. Rugged cliffs and lush woodlands covered with hiking trails can be found at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in La Jolla, as can the celebrated Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course. A world-class lodge and spa overlooking the Pacific Ocean round out the reasons that make La Jolla a prime proposition. (Photo: Lisa Field)
SAN DIEGO
REQUIREMENTS QUICK GUIDE
BLOOD TESTS: None
LOCAL CITIZENSHIP: Not Required
PROOF OF AGE: Required
LOCAL RESIDENCY: Not Required
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE: Legal
WAITING PERIOD: None
COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
By Appointment Only
1600 Pacific Highway
Suite 260
San Diego, CA 92101
619.237.0502
​
Download a Marriage License Application
​
source: arcc.sdcounty.ca.gov
ARTICLES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU
MISSION BEACH
San Diego's fabulous seaside playground combines the casual fun of a delightful beachside boardwalk with the exceptional luxury of palatial resorts. The beach itself -- complete with landmark roller coaster -- is among the most popular in Southern California, while nearby Mission Bay is a top fishing spot. Best of all, the tropical ambiance harnessed by the beachfront hotels brings an island vibe to the area, combining the best of both worlds in one fantastic location. (Photo: Joanne DiBona)
Sources: SanDiego.org; Visit California
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
Where history, charm, and romance intersect, the San Francisco Bay Area sets an impressive scene for a luxury elopement. You can marry in the city, spend your wedding night overlooking the ocean, and honeymoon in wine country -- or do it all in reverse if you like. The point is, there are so many different destinations and beautiful backdrops to enjoy in NorCal that constructing a dream elopement may be as close to effortless as it gets.
Major Airport: Kahului Airport (OGG)
High Seasons: December - March, June - August
Low Seasons: April - May, September - November
Time Zone: Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST)
NAPA VALLEY
A fantasy of leafy vineyards, rolling hills, charming inns, and quaint restaurants, Napa exudes a peaceful energy that speaks of tasteful days and romantic nights. Elopement ceremony sites include picturesque locations among the vines, old-world churches, and private estates that offer unparalleled views as well as privacy. (Photo: Marilyn Oliveira)
THE CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO
The iconic City by the Bay is a romantic and exciting destination overflowing with culture and charm. Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, and Pier 39 are prime tourist and entertainment spots, while a bevy of posh hotels, restaurants, and scenic overlooks provide options for luxury elopement sites. Insider tip: San Francisco City Hall is famous for its palatial beauty, making it one of the top spots for elopements in the state. (Photo courtesy of San Francisco Travel)
POPULAR AREAS & ATTRACTIONS
BAY AREA
REQUIREMENTS
QUICK GUIDE
BLOOD TESTS: None
LOCAL CITIZENSHIP: Not Required
PROOF OF AGE: Required
LOCAL RESIDENCY: Not Required
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE: Legal
WAITING PERIOD: None
SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY CLERK
City Hall, Room 168
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
415.554.4950
Make an Appointment Now
​
NAPA COUNTY CLERK
900 Coombs Street
Room 116
Napa, CA 94559
707.253.4247
​
Complete a Marriage Application
​
MONTEREY COUNTY CLERK
City Hall
580 Pacific Street, Room 6
Monterey, CA 93950
831.646.3935
​
Complete a Marriage Application
​
sources: SFGOV.org; countyofnapa.org; co.monterey.ca.us
Marin Headlands
MONTEREY COUNTY
Home to some of California's loveliest and most intimate towns, Monterey County is known for its historic sites and unparalleled scenic beauty. Pebble Beach offers world-class golf and exquisite scenic drives; Carmel-by-the-Sea boasts quaint shops and restaurants straight out of a storybook; and Monterey proper features attractions such as Cannery Row, Old Fisherman's Wharf, and the world-famous aquarium that bears its name. (Photo courtesy of San Francisco Travel)
