How to Elope
- Check the Law.
- Book Your Travel and Find Your Vendors.
- Plan the Ceremony.
- Throw a Post-Elopement Party.
- Send Those Announcements.
- Do: Prepare Yourself for Family and Close Friends' Reactions.
- Don't: Forget to Take Care of All the Legal Details.
- Do: Hire a Local Planner, Photographer, and Videographer.
The Best Places to Elope
- Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
- Central Park, New York City.
- Bogus Basin, Idaho.
- Moab, Utah.
- City Park, New Orleans.
- Tybee Island, Savannah.
- City Hall, San Francisco.
- Maui, Hawaii.
This is only allowed to be performed in a few states currently, including Colorado, California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. This is a great option for couples who want to have an elopement in one of these states!
Eloping is becoming a more popular, chic way for couples to express themselves. It can be more romantic, cheaper, and less stressful—not to mention: You can exchange your vows anywhere, which adds the possibility of an adventurous element and a unique bonding experience.
How to Pick the Perfect Elopement Location
- • A PLACE THAT'S SPECIAL TO “YOU”
- • CHOOSING A PLACE WITH EPIC VIEWS.
- • SHOULD BE EASY TO GET TO.
- • CHOOSE THE RIGHT SEASON.
- • IS WHERE YOU'RE GOING SAFE?
- • HOW INTIMATE IS THIS SPOT?
- • HAVE A BLAST!
The cost of elopingWhile there is no set cost to elope, most couples spend $5,000-$15,000, far less than the national average of $33,000 for a traditional wedding. Eloping couples tend to cut out the things they don't care about, and perhaps pay a little more for the things they do.
Where can I elope in California? You can elope anywhere in California. The best places to elope in California include Yosemite National Park, Big Sur, and Joshua Tree National Park.
Do I need a permit to elope in a national park? Yes. Almost all of the U.S. National Parks allow ceremonies to take place within their grounds. You'll need to purchase a “special use” permit within a few weeks to several months in advance.
A valid state driver's license, state identification, or passport is acceptable alone; however, a temporary driver's license, military ID, immigration card, school ID, or employment ID is acceptable only along with a certified copy of the birth certificate.
Where to Elope in Big Sur: My favorite locations
- Glen Oaks Big Sur. ★ Also great for tiny weddings and larger weddings!
- Ventana Big Sur. ★
- Loma Vista Gardens. ★
- Henry Miller Memorial Library. ★
- Garrapata State Park. Garrapata State Park offers a stunning beach and dramatic views from trails along the rocky coastline.
COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS CURRENTLY PROHIBIT WEDDING RECEPTIONS IN MONTEREY COUNTY | District Attorney | Monterey County, CA.
A public marriage license becomes a public record, and anyone can request an informational copy. This license can be used anywhere in the State of California. The cost for a public marriage license is $61.
Weddings at Pebble BeachWe cater to your every need, working with you to plan the perfect event for you and your guests in one of the world's most magnificent settings. Be it an intimate gathering or a grand ceremony and reception, your wedding at Pebble Beach will be an unforgettable celebration.
Both parties must be single and not married to each other or anyone else. Both parties must apply at the County Clerk's Office. Bring valid photo identification such as a driver's license, passport or military identification. To get married in California, you will also need to pay a fee.
Facility Rental Fee: Wedding Retreat Peak Season (May – October): $28,000 – $35,500 (includes lodging for 2 or 3 night stay at the ranch and optional features) Wedding Retreat Off-Peak Season (November – April): $22,000 – $29,500 (includes lodging for 2 or 3 night stay at the ranch and optional features)
12 Fabulous Monterey and Carmel Venues for an Elopement or Small Wedding
- The Sanctuary Beach Resort.
- Old Whaling Station Historic Adobe and Gardens.
- Rocky Point Restaurant and Events.
- InterContinental The Clement Monterey.
- Bernardus Lodge & Spa.
- The Barns at Cooper Molera.
- Carmel Valley Lodge.
STARTING AT $37,125 FOR 50 GUESTS.
And as we know, it can be dangerous. According to Confronting the Risk of Elopement, “Elopement is widely defined as a dependent resident leaving a facility without observation or knowledge of departure and under circumstances that place the resident's health, safety, or welfare at risk.”
Eloping will save you a lot of money and help you stay on track with your finances. The average wedding in the US costs around $36,000, according to White. On the other hand, elopements are typically significantly cheaper than the average wedding.
You will need written consent of at least one parent (or guardian) and permission from a California superior court judge. You don't need to be a resident of California or the US to apply. Same Sex Marriages ARE allowed. Both of you MUST be present to apply and sign your marriage license application.
So the easiest places to get married are Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and Washington, D.C. These places recognize common law marriage, which means that you and your spouse are a legally married couple
5 Helpful Elopement Tips
- Don't Just Run Away. Elopements now carry a much different meaning than they once did.
- Choose Your Dream Location.
- Hire A Photographer + Videographer.
- Remember That Marriage Laws Are Different All Over.
- Keep It Close.
Under California marriage law, the individuals must be of appropriate age (18 or older without parental consent), both must be consenting to the marriage, and they must have capacity. For consent to exist, both people must freely enter the marriage and not be forced in any way to marry the other person.
To elope in Redwood National Park, a special use permit and a threatened and endangered species addendum must be secured first. The permit itself is $100 minimum, and the application for the permit can be found here.
$500 – $3,000 – Yosemite has some cheaper options for lodging outside of the park or you can ball out with a place right inside the valley. It's completely up to you! Check out this guide for help!
It's common for children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to run or wander away from caregivers or secure locations. This is called elopement. Elopement is common in children with autism and can be a traumatic situation for a child and caregivers.
What do you need to elope in California? You'll need to bring $100, one form of government-issued identification per person, and proof of any prior legal separations to any county clerk's office in the state. You may also need to bring copies of your birth certificates. This varies by county, so do your research.
No weddings are permitted on Alcatraz. Private events on Alcatraz must be conducted in areas that are historically appropriate; for example, entertainment activities are not allowed in the main cell block areas.
Can I get married in Muir Woods? At Muir Woods National Monument, permits for weddings are issued outside of peak visitor hours, so either before 10 a.m. or after 4:30 p.m.
Best Places to Elope in California
- Yosemite.
- Joshua Tree.
- Big Sur.
- Death Valley National Park.
- Sequoia National Park.
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
- San Francisco / Bay Area.
- Glamis Sand Dunes.
- Pfeiffer Beach.
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
- Garrapata State Park.
- Carmel River State Beach.
- Asilomar State Beach.
- Seascape Park Beach.
- Coast Dairies State Park.
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
To elope in San Francisco, you'll need to obtain a California marriage license. Check out this post to see exactly how to get a marriage license in California. You will also need an officiant and two witnesses. Also, if you decide to elope outdoors, you'll need to obtain a location permit.
Best elope in San Jose, CA
- Marry Me In Santa Cruz. 25.0 mi. 28 reviews.
- Hastings House Garden Weddings. 33.9 mi. 55 reviews.
- The Sacred Adventure. 18.1 mi. 35 reviews.
- Sand Rock Farm Bed and Breakfast. 23.3 mi. 87 reviews.
- 1 Hour Marriage. 43.5 mi. 7 reviews.
- Reverend Rich. 8.3 mi.
- The Blubook Events. 4.0 mi.
- Amazáe Events. 1.1 mi.
Choosing Your San Francisco Elopement Location
- Architecture: San Francisco City Hall | Palace of Fine Arts.
- Gardens: San Francisco Botanical Garden | Golden Gate Park | Fay Park.
- Coast: Golden Gate National Recreation Area | Point Reyes National Seashore.
