As a California elopement photographer who photographs many different landscapes, I must say that mountain elopements are by far one of my favorite types of elopements! There’s nothing more perfect than being surrounded by the sweet smell of pine trees and cedars! Idyllwild, CA is in the San Jacinto mountains of Southern California one of the most amazing locations for mountain elopement! If you’re looking to get away from the noisy city and ready for a quiet peaceful town then Idyllwild is the perfect elopement location for you!
But how do you elope here in Idyllwild, California? I’ve put together this elopement guide for you so you can plan a stress-free mountain elopement here in Idyllwild!
Table of Contents
Mountain Elopement Intimate Locations and Airbnbs
If you’re looking for something more creative than staying at a cabin or Inn in Idyllwild I’d highly recommend staying at a rustic Airbnb in the San Jacinto mountains! I love when couples choose to stay at Airbnbs for their elopements because it allows them the freedom and intimacy of spending time with just themselves or their closest loved ones. Rather than having a big wedding at a wedding venue where you are running around trying to stick to a traditional timeline, by staying at an Airbnb, you don’t really have those traditions if you dont want them! Not only that, but Airbnbs provide such a fun and unique experience that traditional wedding venues do not. Some cute little beds and breakfasts will also allow space for an intimate wedding or elopement!
But when planning out your elopement day make sure to always ask the host if you are allowed to have an event at their Airbnb as some Airbnbs may not allow this or they have specific requirements!
Intimate Locations
Harvey House
This place is a great elopement location option for couples who live in Southern California and are looking to have an intimate ceremony with family as it’s not a far drive and is big enough for a small group of people!
Harvey House is beyond elegant! It’s a mountain sanctuary that will have you in complete awe as you are surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains! See Rachelle and Steven’s forest elopement to see just how gorgeous it is to have an elopement at Harvey House.
Creekstone Inn
Creekstone Inn is a gorgeous modern slant nestled in the woods of Idyllwild. Its stunning scenery of Lily Rock will have you in awe as it’s tucked away on the edge of town.
Strawberry Creek Inn
Strawberry Creek Inn is a cozy bed and breakfast about two hours away from Los Angeles and San Diego! One of my favorite things about this Inn is that it’s open year-round so you can plan your mountain elopement any time of the year and be able to stay here while you tie the knot and rejuvenate your spirit surrounded by the forests.
Hicksville Pines B&B
Hicksville Pine is a unique stay that was inspired by the Hicksville Trailer Park in Joshua Tree! Each room is a different theme from a Dolly Parton room to a Christmas Town Room. If you’re looking for a whimsical, funky eclectic stay this place is for you!
Garner Ranch
Garner Ranch is California’s most scenic location for weddings in Idyllwild. It is still a working cattle ranch. It’s popular for its gorgeous mountain backdrop featuring beautiful meadows, pine trees, ponds as well as Lake Hemet!
Woodland Park Manor
This location is located on five acres of Fern Valley and has been providing mountain getaways in Idyllwild California since 1954. They have the coziest Cottages and Vacation rentals ready for you to relax. They are very close to Pine Cove and Fern Valley where you can have many adventures throughout your elopement weekend from hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding!
Eleven Chimneys
The place is the perfect location for an intimate wedding as it has 6 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, 2 living rooms, a kitchen and dining room that can accommodate 14 people! It’s perfect for couples looking for a mountain retreat that’s a short drive from LA, Orange, and San Diego.
Airbnbs
Marriage Licenses
Obtaining a marriage license is necessary when eloping anywhere in California. Each county has its own requirements. You don’t need to be a California resident to get married but you need to get a marriage license from a California County Clerks’ office.
Obtain your marriage license in any county and it’s valid throughout the entire state of California for 90 days. You can find out more information on California’s Department of Public Health for more!
I hope this elopement guide has helped you get started on planning your mountain elopement in Idyllwild California! If you are going to elope in this magical location in Southern California, I’d love to capture your special day!
Thinking of eloping somewhere else in Southern California with a similar vibe? Check out my blog on How to Elope in the Eastern Sierras & Mammoth Lakes or How to Elope in Big Bear & Lake Arrowhead.
Check out my packages and pricing on my website and see more of my work here!
