How and Where To Elope in Los Angeles: Tips For Planning a Magical LA Elopement
Picture this: you and your sweetheart standing on the sandy beach at sunset as the waves crash, and you pledge your love and life to each other … with nobody else but your photographer there! For some people it sounds boring, I get it. But for those of you who think it sounds like a dream, keep reading. I’m sharing all my best tips and favorite LA elopement spots for a magical day with just the two of you (plus me, as your witness and elopement photographer in Los Angeles!).
How To Elope in Los Angeles: Elopement FAQs
First, let’s get some of the technical stuff out of the way. Fortunately, it’s totally doable to elope in Los Angeles, but here are some answers to common questions to make sure you have all the information.
How Fast Can You Elope in California?
You can elope in California pretty quickly — think same-day if you're ready! Just head over to a county clerk's office, get your marriage license, and find someone to officiate (or do it at the courthouse if you schedule an appointment). It’s really that simple and speedy!
What Are the Requirements To Elope in California?
To elope in California, you need a valid marriage license, which requires photo IDs of both partners and, if applicable, proof of divorce. No blood tests or residency requirements here! Just show up with your documents, and you're good to go.
Can You Get Married on the Same Day in Los Angeles?
Yup! In Los Angeles, you can apply for a marriage license and get hitched on the same day. Just make sure you have all your paperwork ready and find an available officiant. Keep in mind that you can get married at the courthouse, but they typically require you to set an appointment after you get your marriage license. So, you can only do a same-day Los Angeles elopement if you have someone to officiate it. (Or, you can hire me as your photographer, and I can sign your marriage license for you!)
Can I Elope on a Beach in California?
Yes, you can totally elope on a beach in California! As an elopement photographer in Los Angeles, it’s one of my favorite places for a photoshoot. With its stunning coastline, California offers many beautiful beach locations for your special day. Just check if you need a permit for the specific beach you choose. (P.S. This is something I do for my clients, so they don’t have to worry about it.)
Debunking Misconceptions About an LA Elopement
One thing I want to make clear is that just because you can get married quickly in California doesn’t mean you have to rush your elopement. In fact, if you know you want to elope in LA, I encourage you to plan it just like you would a micro wedding.
Sure, it won’t take as long as planning a huge bash, but you can make sure it’s everything you want and more by carefully selecting the location, your photographer, and any details you want to make the day even more special. I actually have a whole article on that — so check it out for ways to make this day perfect.
Where To Elope in Los Angeles: 4 Dreamy Options
Alright, let’s get that first task out of the way: choosing where to elope in Los Angeles because you have a lot of options. My biggest piece of advice is to choose somewhere that’s special to you — maybe it’s where you had your first date or somewhere neither of you has been before but always wanted to go. Here are some ideas.
1. On the Beach
It’s no secret that having a Los Angeles elopement on the beach can be breathtaking, especially if you plan it during golden hour when the light is just right for stunning photos. Here are a few beaches that offer unique and intimate settings for your unique and intimate elopement.
Manhattan Beach: The beach's iconic pier could serve as a charming backdrop for stunning wedding photos of just the two of you.
El Matador Beach, Malibu: Its dramatic cliffs and rock formations create a stunning backdrop for a romantic, private ceremony.
Will Rogers State Beach: Not only is the endless stretch of sand at this beach beautiful, but it’s quieter and more secluded than its neighboring beaches.
Rosie’s Dog Beach, Long Beach: For pet lovers, this dog-friendly beach could add a unique twist to your elopement without the need for any guests — but definitely with your fur babies!
Leo Carrillo State Park, Malibu: Known for its natural beauty, this park provides a serene environment for a peaceful, intimate wedding.
Hermosa Beach: Offering spectacular sunsets, this beach is ideal for a romantic evening elopement for two.
Abalone Cove Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes: This beach offers scenic tide pools and cliffside views, adding a touch of nature to your intimate LA elopement.
Venice Beach, Venice: With its vibrant atmosphere, this beach brings a fun and eclectic vibe to any elopement in Los Angeles.
Paradise Cove Beach, Malibu: Its palm trees and charming cabanas offer a tropical vibe, perfect for a destination-style elopement right in LA.
Zuma Beach, Malibu: With its pristine sand and clear blue water, it's an idyllic setting for a Los Angeles elopement.
Of course, there are tons of other beaches in and around LA that would work, too! (And I’d love to be your Los Angeles elopement photographer at any one of them.)
2. In the Forest
The Angeles National Forest is a gem close to Los Angeles, perfect for a picturesque elopement. This forest is a thriving ecosystem. At the lower levels, you'll find dense chaparral shrub forests and oak woodlands, which gradually transition to pine and fir-covered slopes as you go higher. This diverse landscape offers a variety of beautiful settings for your intimate wedding ceremony.
557 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, including 73 miles of National Recreation Trails
176 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, offering numerous scenic spots for a private ceremony and stunning photo ops
The forest spans 655,387 acres, covering almost the entire San Gabriel Mountain range, with peaks rising over 10,000 feet
The forest is vast, and there are so many different spots perfect for an intimate elopement. (And I can help you choose the best one, including those in Nor Cal!)
3. At a Vacation Rental
Choosing a vacation rental from a site like Airbnb, VRBO, or Vacasa for your elopement is kind of like having a wedding and mini honeymoon all in one place — especially if you choose one in a stunning location. You could rent a cottage on the beach or a chic loft in the heart of LA. Either way, after you say “I do,” you don’t have to jet off somewhere to enjoy your first few days of marriage.
In addition to the convenience and romantic ambiance, vacation rentals offer unparalleled privacy for your special day. Unlike traditional wedding venues, you won't have to share the space with other events or guests, allowing you to fully immerse yourselves in the moment.
Plus, many rentals come with luxurious amenities like hot tubs, private pools, and stunning views that can make your elopement feel even more unique and personal. With the flexibility to choose a location that perfectly matches your vision, a vacation rental provides the perfect blend of comfort, intimacy, and adventure for your elopement.
4. Somewhere Indoors
Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of a classic indoor setting for your wedding. If so, Pasadena City Hall is a lovely spot for an LA elopement. Built in 1927, this iconic landmark features a beautiful courtyard adorned with fountains, elegant archways, and lush greenery, providing a picturesque backdrop for your ceremony. The grand staircase and intricate details of the building offer countless opportunities for breathtaking wedding photos.
Not to mention, its central location in Pasadena allows easy access to charming nearby neighborhoods, parks, and historic Old Town, known for its lively nightlife and high-end restaurants and hotels. This makes it perfect for a leisurely post-ceremony stroll or an intimate celebration dinner — perhaps with a few more guests if you want.
Capture Every Moment of Your Elopement With Professional Photography
While there are a lot of traditional wedding elements you don’t need for an elopement — a huge venue, plated dinner, or massive wedding cake — you’ll definitely want to hire someone to perfectly capture the day. No matter where you choose to elope in LA, I would love to be your photographer!
As an elopement photographer in Los Angeles, I specialize in capturing the intimate moments that make your day special. But don’t worry — I blend into the background, allowing you to focus on each other while I document the genuine emotions and moments of the day. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, I ensure every shot reflects the essence of your love and the beauty of your elopement.
Want to learn more about my elopement photography services? Get in touch today, and let’s chat about your upcoming celebration!