Where to elope

Your Experience

Elopement Locations + Guides

Malibu, CA
Minnesota

December 2024

Malibu, CA
Big Sur, CA


November 2024

Big Sur, CA
Malibu, CA
Yosemite, CA


October 2024

Sequoia, CA
Big Sur, CA
Yosemite, CA
Jedediah, CA

September 2024

Yosemite, CA
Big Sur, CA
Malibu, CA




August 2024

Malibu, CA
Yosemite, CA
Big Sur, CA




July 2024

Carmel/Monterey, CA
Big Sur, CA
Malibu, CA



June 2024

Malibu, CA
Big Sur, CA
Yosemite, CA



May 2024

Malibu, CA
Big Sur, CA
Yosemite, CA


April 2024

Malibu, CA
Big Sur, CA





March 2024

Malibu, CA




February 2024

Catalina Island, CA
Malibu, CA



January 2024

Take a peek at my travel schedule to know where I’ll currently be throughout the year.

Where I’m Going

Big Sur
Joshua Tree
Malibu
Catalina Island
Yosemite National Park
Mammoth Lakes
Eastern sierras
Big Bear Lake
Lake Arrowhead
Death Valley National Park
Redwood National & State Parks
Lake Tahoe
Glamis Sand Dunes
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Sequoia National Park
Mt. Shasta
San Francisco and Bay Area

Choosing elopement destinations that inspire, humble, and make an individual feel grateful for life and the love they have found is what a lot of couples dream of doing. The climate, landscapes, and weather varies a ton, and so does the best time to elope. Below are a few things to look into while deciding where to spend the best day of your lives.

Best ‎Places to Elope

Best places to elope in california

The Best Seasons for Your Elopement

Your adventure will depend on the weather more than anything in the location of your choosing. California generally has great weather all year round. But it is good to keep in mind that such elopement spots are usually flocked by tourists from across the globe. Certain seasons will bring in more people than others.

The spring brings rain showers but also flowers and lush green areas. The weather is cooler so there is a possibility of more people being around. It’s always good to have a backup plan for any adventure elopement but the chances of rain are increased during this season.

Summer in California will give you the perfect Golden Hour sunsets for your elopement photos and in the evening the temperature is quite pleasant. If you pick a spot more in-land it will be hotter than a place on the coast during the day. Summer is also a busy season for weddings and elopements!

California’s fall season is a beautiful time to elope. If you love fall colors and moderate weather then this could be the best time of year for you to elope. The weather cools down a little and it’s such a great time of year. Most coastal spots in Northern California tend to see warmer temperatures in the months surrounding September, but it’s also still within the busy season, so you’ll want to plan accordingly. You may also notice that places can still be busy since this is a peak season for travel especially in California! If you’re hoping for a secluded elopement, consider planning mid-week!

Winter can offer magnificent sceneries, especially on a snowy mountaintop. The snow falling from treetops can result in a magical view for the perfect wedding day. The days are shorter as well so usually planning a full day from sunrise to sunset is really doable. However, the weather can also be a little more unpredictable in the winter, so it is wise to be prepared for anything!

Eloping is much easier planning wise when compared to a full-blown wedding. The best part is that you won't have to fuss about booking huge venues with caterers and sending numerous invitations to guests. However, planning is still essential to make the big day as stress-free as possible. Here are some of the aspects to look into:

    Research the requirements to get a marriage license to the destination you've chosen.
    Some states may require witnesses and ensure a family member comes along to serve that purpose.
    Fill out the necessary paperwork for a marriage license.
    Purchase plane tickets on time.
    Book a reasonable Bed & Breakfast or hotel.
    Book in advance to ensure the hotel does not fill up.
    Make reservations in advance to secure a spot.
    Remember, the rings.
    Book a hair and makeup stylist.
    Remember to pack an ID or a passport.
    Pack the attire of the day- This includes any accessories.
    Carry reusable water bottles.
    Pack toiletries items to avoid unnecessary fuss.
    Ensure phone charges are packed safely.
    Have some extra money just in case.

What to Consider When Traveling for Your Elopement

Make sure to look into the accessibility of the location before booking for an elopement. The world has much to offer, and certain destinations provide different sceneries. Some locations are far out from the airport, so you may require driving for extensive hours. It would be best to take a ferry or a helicopter to ease and simplify the long journey when facing such a situation if applicable. If you have any guests attending they will also know how to get to the location the best way.

For the best elopement day, contact a reliable elopement photographer like Jennifer Whalen to offer advice or assistance where needed. Before booking a particular destination spot, check out how busy the place might be on the internet or even on Instagram or Facebook. It is highly recommended to travel for an elopement at the lowest peak of the season or year. Whatever the weather or place Jennifer Whalen will be there to capture your perfect day!

Accessibility

- Chelsea

"Jennifer's keen eye and dedication to such a stylistic approach have us loving each and every single picture captured. It was more than a pleasure to have her with us every step of that day; it was like hanging with two gal pals! WE COULD NOT HAVE ASKED FOR ANY BETTER ARTISTIC VISION than hers. We would HIGHLY RECOMMEND JENNIFER'S TALENT to each and every couple out there that wants something fresh and unique when considering a photographer."

- Rachel

"Jenn captures every moment at every angle. This isn't your traditional photography! This is a new age of photography where the surroundings become as important as the people! The beauty of laughter, angles, and exposure bring out perfect pictures! YOU WILL HAVE A HARD TIME CHOOSING WHICH PHOTOS YOU WANT IN YOUR ALBUM!”

- Natalie

“We hired Jenn to take our engagement photos out in Joshua Tree. She straight-up SLAYED every photo, spent so much time with us, and was so fun to work with. I CANNOT RECOMMEND HER ENOUGH. I say this as an art director who works with photographers on photoshoots all the time at my job: hire this woman! You won't regret it.”

- Kylie

“We were thrilled with how the photos turned out. Jenn is a very skilled editor and has a wonderful aesthetic. I KNEW IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT FOR MY PHOTOGRAPHER HUSBAND TO FIND A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER WHO HE TRUSTED, BUT WE ARE BLTH SO GLAD THAT JENN SHOT OUR WEDDING. She will make your vision come true and is an absolute pleasure to work with.”

What others are saying:

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