Location Guides, Resources

Best California Beach Elopement Locations with Ocean and Cliffside Views

California is a beautiful state, and its beaches are some of the most stunning in the world! If you’re looking for a romantic California beach elopement location with breathtaking ocean and cliffside views, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of the best beach elopement locations in California that will make your special day even more memorable!

California-Adventure-Elopement-Photographer_0113 Best California Beach Elopement Locations with Ocean and Cliffside Views

Southern California Elopement Locations 

El Matador Beach

El Matador Beach is an ideal spot for beach elopement. Located in Malibu, California, the beach offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and dramatic rock formations. The beach is relatively secluded, making it a great spot for couples who want to keep their ceremony private!

El Matador beach is accessible by car or by hiking down a steep trail from the parking lot! Couples should also be aware that El Matador Beach can get crowded on weekends and holidays. So make sure to plan your elopement during the week or early in the morning to avoid large crowds! 

California-Adventure-Elopement-Photographer_0113 Best California Beach Elopement Locations with Ocean and Cliffside Views
California-Adventure-Elopement-Photographer_0113 Best California Beach Elopement Locations with Ocean and Cliffside Views
California-Adventure-Elopement-Photographer_0113 Best California Beach Elopement Locations with Ocean and Cliffside Views
California-Adventure-Elopement-Photographer_0113 Best California Beach Elopement Locations with Ocean and Cliffside Views

Point Dume

Zuma Beach at Point Dume is another great choice for couples looking to elope! This beach is also located in Malibu, California! This beach offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and plenty of privacy for your special day.

The beach is easily accessible from Los Angeles, making it a convenient option for those who don’t want to travel too far. If you’re looking for something extra special, consider renting out one of the beachfront homes or villas located near Zuma Beach! This will give you even more privacy and allow you to create an intimate atmosphere for your special day.

California-Adventure-Elopement-Photographer_0113 Best California Beach Elopement Locations with Ocean and Cliffside Views
California-Adventure-Elopement-Photographer_0113 Best California Beach Elopement Locations with Ocean and Cliffside Views
California-Adventure-Elopement-Photographer_0113 Best California Beach Elopement Locations with Ocean and Cliffside Views
California-Adventure-Elopement-Photographer_0113 Best California Beach Elopement Locations with Ocean and Cliffside Views
California-Adventure-Elopement-Photographer_0113 Best California Beach Elopement Locations with Ocean and Cliffside Views

Leo Carrillo Beach 

Leo Carrillo Beach is another great beach located in Malibu, California! This beach offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is known for its secluded coves and rock formations, making it an ideal spot for a romantic ceremony. You can also take advantage of the nearby tide pools and caves for some unique photo opportunities! (My favorite part!)

When planning your elopement, you’ll need to consider the time of year you plan to visit. The summer months are usually the busiest, so if you’re looking for a more private experience, consider visiting during the off-season! Additionally, be sure to check with local authorities about any permits or restrictions that may apply before you arrive.

California-Adventure-Elopement-Photographer_0113 Best California Beach Elopement Locations with Ocean and Cliffside Views
California-Adventure-Elopement-Photographer_0113 Best California Beach Elopement Locations with Ocean and Cliffside Views

La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove is one of the most popular beach elopement locations in California. Located in San Diego, this picturesque beach offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and cliffsides. It’s also home to a variety of wildlife, including sea lions, seals, dolphins, and whales, perfect for relaxing and watching wildlife after your elopement! The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and has plenty of space for an intimate ceremony. Plus, it’s just a short drive from downtown San Diego, making it easy to access!

 Catalina Island

Catalina Island is a beautiful and secluded island located off the coast of Southern California. Two of the island’s most popular beaches, Descanso Beach and Two Harbors Beach, offer stunning cliffside views and make for the perfect location for an intimate beach elopement.

See more on the best Southern California beaches to elope at on my blog!

Northern California Elopement Locations 

Pfeiffer Beach

Pfeiffer Beach is located in Big Sur, California, and is known for its stunning sunsets and rugged coastline! This secluded beach offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and cliffsides. It’s known for a rock called “Keyhole Arch”. It’s a natural arch that allows waves and light to come through. Pfeiffer Beach is also known for its purple sand! The further down the beach you go, the more purple sand you will find! This is one of my favorite spots for sunset photos! 

California-Adventure-Elopement-Photographer_0113 Best California Beach Elopement Locations with Ocean and Cliffside Views
California-Adventure-Elopement-Photographer_0113 Best California Beach Elopement Locations with Ocean and Cliffside Views
California-Adventure-Elopement-Photographer_0113 Best California Beach Elopement Locations with Ocean and Cliffside Views
California-Adventure-Elopement-Photographer_0113 Best California Beach Elopement Locations with Ocean and Cliffside Views

Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore is a stunningly beautiful and unique location located just north of San Francisco on the coast of Marin County, California. This pristine wilderness area is home to over 1,500 species of plants and animals and features rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and lush forests.

Point Reyes National Seashore is a popular location for elopements due to its breathtaking cliffside views of the Pacific Ocean. The park has several beaches that are perfect for intimate elopement ceremonies, including Limantour Beach, Drakes Beach, and Heart’s Desire Beach.

Mendocino

Mendocino is located in Northern California and offers some of the most breathtaking cliffside views in the state. There are several beaches in the area that are perfect for elopements, including Glass Beach and Russian Gulch State Park. Whether you’re looking for a secluded and intimate beach for your elopement or a more adventurous outdoor experience, Mendocino County has something for everyone. The beaches with cliffside views in Mendocino offer some of the most breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and are the perfect backdrop for a romantic and unforgettable elopement ceremony.

No matter which location you choose for your special day celebration you can be sure that your elopement will be filled with breathtaking ocean and cliffside views that will make your special day even more memorable!

California-Adventure-Elopement-Photographer_0113 Best California Beach Elopement Locations with Ocean and Cliffside Views
California-Adventure-Elopement-Photographer_0113 Best California Beach Elopement Locations with Ocean and Cliffside Views
California-Adventure-Elopement-Photographer_0113 Best California Beach Elopement Locations with Ocean and Cliffside Views
California-Adventure-Elopement-Photographer_0113 Best California Beach Elopement Locations with Ocean and Cliffside Views

Now that you know all the best California beach elopement Locations with ocean and cliffside Views, check out my blog on how to plan a Malibu Elopement to help you get started on your elopement planning! And when you’re ready to book a Southern California elopement photographer reach out to me through my contact page!

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