March 23, 2023

Location Guides, Resources

5 Southern California Elopement Locations You Didn’t Know About! 

Are you looking for unique and special Southern California elopement locations? Look no further! 

Southern California is a beautiful place to elope, with its stunning beaches, lush forests, and majestic mountains. Whether you’re looking for an intimate ceremony or a grand affair, there are plenty of secret and unique elopement locations in Southern California that will make your special day even more memorable! Here are 5 of the best places you may not of heard of to elope in SoCal:

Southern California Elopement Locations

Red Rock Canyon State Park

Red Rock Canyon State Park is a great destination for couples looking to elope! Located in the Mojave Desert of California, the park offers stunning views and plenty of opportunities for adventure. There are also several venues available for elopements at Red Rock Canyon, including scenic overlooks, desert trails, and more!

Keep in mind that the weather in Red Rock Canyon can be very unpredictable! Temperatures range from hot in the summer months to cold in the winter months. So be sure to check the forecast before you go and pack accordingly!

Eloping at Red Rock Canyon is pretty easy. All you need to do is, obtain a permit from the parks office. The cost of the permit varies depending on the size of your wedding party and other factors, so be sure to contact the park office for more information!

Red Rock Canyon offers plenty of activities for couples who want to make their elopement even more special. From hiking and biking trails to rock climbing and horseback riding, there’s something for everyone especially if you are adventurous! 

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is another beautiful destination for couples looking to elope! Located in Southern California, the park offers stunning desert landscapes and plenty of opportunities for adventure. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is one of the largest state parks in California and is home to some incredible desert landscapes. It’s perfect for an elopement because it offers plenty of privacy and seclusion, as well as some amazing views! You can even find some hidden oases with palm trees and other vegetation if you’re looking for something lusher!

The park is open year-round and has no permit requirements for elopements. Couples can choose from a variety of locations within the park, including Palm Canyon, Borrego Palm Canyon Trail, Coyote Canyon, and more!

For those who want to make their elopement extra special, there are several nearby resorts that offer packages specifically tailored to elopements!

Eloping in Santa Barbara 

Santa Barbara is a beautiful city on the California coast, and it’s a great place to elope! The city offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as plenty of romantic spots for couples to tie the knot. Whether you decide to elope in the mountains, or even ride horseback on the beach there are so many adventurous things to do and romantic elopement locations to choose from! 

Within Santa Barbara is the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Garden. This location is a hidden gem in Southern California. Located in downtown Santa Barbara, the garden offers a picturesque setting for an intimate wedding ceremony. This secluded garden features lush greenery, a variety of flowers, and a tranquil fountain at its center! It’s the perfect spot for an outdoor ceremony with just your closest friends and family. It’s a popular destination for couples looking to elope! 

Santa Barbara also has some of the most beautiful beaches in California! From the iconic East Beach to the secluded Butterfly Beach, there are plenty of options for an intimate ceremony. And of course, the Santa Ynez Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop for any elopement as well! There are several trails that lead to stunning overlooks with panoramic views of the valley below. If you’re looking for something a bit more rustic, there are plenty of campgrounds and cabins available for rent too! 

No matter where you choose to elope, Santa Barbara provides a beautiful backdrop for photos and memories that will last a lifetime!

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is located in the San Bernardino Mountains and offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding area. It’s also home to many outdoor activities, making it a great spot for couples looking to have an adventurous elopement.

Big Bear Lake is a popular destination for eloping couples due to its stunning natural beauty and seclusion! The lake itself is surrounded by lush forests and mountains, providing an unforgettable and beautiful backdrop for your special day. There are several cabins and lodges available for rent, as well as plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking if you decide to stay for more than just a day!

Big Bear Lake is conveniently located near Los Angeles and other major cities in Southern California, making it easy to get to from almost anywhere. With its stunning scenery and convenient location, Big Bear Lake is an ideal destination for couples looking to elope!

Malibu Creek State Park

Malibu Creek State Park is another great option for an outdoor elopement in Southern California! This park offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and is home to several hiking trails, making it ideal for adventurous couples who want to explore the area after their ceremony!

There are also picnic areas and campgrounds available for those who want to stay overnight. For couples looking to elope, the park offers a variety of scenic spots perfect for exchanging vows. Whether you choose to have an intimate ceremony in the woods or a larger gathering on the beach, Malibu Creek State Park is sure to be a gorgeous location for your elopement day!

No matter which Southern California elopement locations you choose there are plenty of secret and unique locations in Southern California that will make your special day even more memorable! From desert oases to incredible beaches, these five spots are sure to provide the perfect setting for your big day!

I hope this blog on the 5 unknown Southern California elopement locations has helped you plan your special day! Check out Jennifer Whalen Weddings packages and pricing on her website to book her as your adventure elopement photographer and see more of her work here!

If you’re thinking of eloping in the desert read my blog on The Best Desert Elopement Locations in California

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 The Ultimate Planning Elopement Guide & Checklist
for

Feeling inspired and want to know how to plan your elopement? I've created a helpful guide and checklist to plan the elopement of your dreams in 5 easy steps.  

Elopement Guide

Download your free

2024

From hiking up mountains to running into the ocean, I’m ready to capture your big day just as you imagine it. Let me help you create an experience free of stress and full of what matters most to you. 

I’m your California wedding and elopement photographer turned adventure buddy.

Hi there, I’m Jenn!