As a local who was born and raised in Northern California, I have had the privilege of getting to know this beautiful state and all that it has to offer throughout my entire life. From rural mountain peaks to alpine lakes to redwood groves to the desert, there are so many excellent places to elope in California.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the state’s lesser-known parks located just east of Redding. The park offers volcanic peaks, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and more, and is known for its unique geothermal activity. Explore Upper Kings Creek Meadow with a view of Lassen Peak in the distance or check out an alpine lake like Lake Helen or Emerald Lake. Hike a wooden path along the Bumpass Hell Trail to the largest active geothermal area in the park or to the top of a cinder cone volcano that looks out over the painted dunes. Wherever you choose to elope, Lassen certainly will not disappoint.
I highly recommend booking a cabin or glamping tent at the beautiful Mill Creek Resort! This resort is located near the southern entrance of the park and is owned and operated by a wonderful family and the property is so lovely!
Scenery: volcanic features, mountains, forests, lakes, waterfalls
Activities: hiking, kayaking, swimming
Permit: a special uses permit is required including an application fee of $75; more information on permits here
Dog-friendly: limited to roads, campgrounds, picnic areas, and parking lots; not allowed on trails or in the backcountry
The Redwoods
Northern California is home to the world’s tallest living things, redwood trees. These giants soar over 350 feet high and live for over 2,000 years. Imagine exploring the redwood forest, exchanging vows amongst these breathtaking giants, and then driving to the coast to catch the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean. Redwood forests can be found most popularly in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Redwood National and State Parks, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park. Another well known location in this area is the stunning Fern Canyon where you can explore a streambed lined by walls of ferns as well as herds of elk hanging out on the beach.
Elopement locations within these parks are extensive and vary in popularity.
How to Plan a Redwood Forest Elopement
Humboldt Redwoods Small Wedding
Intimate Humboldt Redwoods Elopement
Scenery: redwood forests, ocean, rivers
Activities: hiking, biking, river rafting, swimming
Permit: permit requirements vary based on what park you are in
Dog-friendly: dogs are generally not allowed on trails; restricted to campgrounds and roads
Check with each park’s rules regarding wedding permit requirements and dogs.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite is a well-known and well loved elopement location for good reason. This park never ceases to amaze with stunning views of glacier carved granite cliffs that glow red at sunset, gorgeous grassy Meadows in the valley, and multiple waterfalls that can keep you busy for days on end. Exchange vows during sunrise at Glacier Point, have a picnic in El Capitan Meadow, and end the day at sunset at Taft Point located 3,500-feet above the valley floor.
Learn more about how to elope in Yosemite here!
Scenery: granite peaks, meadows, rivers, cliffs
Activities: hiking, rock climbing, river rafting, star gazing
Permit: a special use permit is required; $150 application fee; more information here
Dog-friendly: limited to roads, campgrounds, picnic areas, and parking lots; not allowed on trails or in the backcountry
Mount Shasta, California
Mount Shasta is located in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest about 1-hour north of Redding. The area is an excellent choice for elopements if you love spectacular mountain peaks and outdoor recreation. The area is known for Castle Lake, Castle Craggs, Hedge Creek Falls, Shasta Caverns, Lake Siskiyou, and of course the magnificent Mount Shasta volcano standing at 14,179-feet tall. The quaint and quirky town of Mount Shasta sits at the base of the mountain and is a great hub to base your elopement out of.
Scenery: mountains, forests, alpine lakes, rock formations, caves, waterfalls
Activities: hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, paddle boarding
Permit: generally not required for groups less than 75 people; wilderness permit required in wilderness areas
Dog-friendly: the Shasta-Trinity National Forest is dog-friendly, however, dogs are strictly prohibited within the designated Mt. Shasta Wilderness area
Trinity Alps Wilderness, California
This wilderness area is not well known by many, but is an incredible hidden gem in Northern California. The Trinity Alps are home to over 55 alpine lakes surrounded by spectacular granite peaks. Waterfalls, unique flora and fauna, a fascinating history, and conveniently located in my own backyard – so I know all of the secret spots.
Book a stay at the Bonanza King Resort and end your day of hiking with beer and pizza at Trailhead Pizza in Coffee Creek.
Scenery: granite peaks, alpine lakes, forest
Activities: hiking, star gazing, swimming
Permit: generally not required for groups less than 75 people; wilderness permit required in wilderness areas
Dog-friendly: yes, on or off leash
Burney Falls, California
These waterfalls are popular for good reason. Burney Falls, widely referred to as the “8th Wonder of the World”, stands at 129-feet tall and flows year round. They are a popular tourist attraction, so I recommend planning your elopement around sunrise or sunset, during the weekday, in the shoulder season. Reservations are required to visit during the busy season, so be sure to plan ahead. The trail down to the Falls is easily accessible, making it a great option for an elopement with a few guests.
Be aware that the falls are loud and misty, so be prepared to raise your voice and get a little wet!
Scenery: waterfalls, mountains, forests
Activities: hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding
Permit: a Special Event Permit is required from the state park; fees depend on group size and event details
Dog-friendly: heavily restricted to parking lots, paved roadways, and campgrounds; not allowed on the trails to the falls
Trinidad, California
Trinidad is my favorite Northern California coast town. This picturesque little town offers sweeping ocean views, fresh seafood, coastal cliffs, secluded beaches, and isn’t a far drive from the redwoods. Spend the day exploring College Cove followed by a hike out to Elkhead. Explore old-growth redwood trees during the afternoon and catch sunset on the beach.
Redwood and Northern California Coast Elopement
Scenery: ocean, redwoods, forests, mountains, coastal cliffs, beaches, lagoons
Activities: hiking, kayaking, fishing
Permit: a Special Event Permit is required for weddings in Trinidad State Beach
Dog-friendly: highly dog-friendly
The Lost Coast, California
The Lost Coast is another Northern California hidden gem, featuring 100-miles of undeveloped coastline. Take a scenic drive from the historic Victorian town of Ferndale along the Mattole Road out to the coast. Have your elopement ceremony in the redwoods followed by a drive to Shelter Cove to explore the beaches, the Cape Mendocino Lighthouse, and keep an eye out for Roosevelt elk, whales, and sea lions.
Redwood Elopement Followed by an Adventure to the Lost Coast
Scenery: ocean, forests, beaches, redwoods, mountains
Activities: hiking, backpacking
Permit: permit requirements vary depending on where exactly you choose to elope on the Lost Coast
Dog-friendly: the Lost Coast wilderness area is friendly for leashed pets
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree National Park is known for stunning desert views, unique flora and fauna, and incredible rock formations. Spend the day exploring iconic locations like Split Rock, Cap Rock, Arch Rock, or the 49 Palms Oasis. A Joshua Tree elopement is the perfect place for desert-loving, adventurous couples.
Best for couples who: love rock climbing, desert
Scenery: desert, unique flora and fauna, rock formations, oasis
Activities: hiking, rock climbing, stargazing
Permit: a Special Use Permit is required in addition to a $120 application fee
Dog-friendly: limited to roads, campgrounds, picnic areas, and parking lots; not allowed on trails or in the backcountry
Fun fact: Joshua trees are actually members of the yucca family and aren’t true trees. In order to reproduce, they require pollination from the yucca moth. Joshua tree lifespans can exceed 500 years and they are unique to the Southwestern United States.
Sequoia National Park, California
Sequoia National Park is best known for its giant sequoia trees as well as the 14,505-feet tall Mount Whitney. General Sherman, the largest living tree on Earth (by volume), also exists here. The park is also home to marble caves, waterfalls, and plenty of forest groves to explore. This park is an excellent elopement location for those that love big trees.
Scenery: forests, mountains, caves, waterfalls
Activities: hiking, caving
Permit: a Special Use Permit is required in addition to a $150
Dog-friendly: limited to roads, campgrounds, picnic areas, and parking lots; not allowed on trails or in the backcountry
California Deserts
California offers a wide range of desert elopement locations for couples seeking a unique wedding experience. With locations like Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Death Valley National Park, or the Trona Pinnacles in the Mojave Desert, the opportunities are endless. Ride dirt bikes at the Ocotillo Wells SVRA or hike to the painted dunes in Death Valley. Watch a golden sunset in the desert followed by star gazing.
Scenery: desert, rock formations, sand dunes, slot canyons, unique flora and fauna
Activities: hiking, offroading, star gazing
Permit: permit requirements will vary depending on specific location for your wedding ceremony
Dog-friendly: check with specific locations
Pinnacles National Park, California
This national park is one of two least visited parks in the state of California. It has limited road access and lacks large-scale visitor facilities and most of the best features can only be seen by hiking. Pinnacles is known for its dramatic rock spires and talus caves. Due to its seclusion, a Pinnacles National Park elopement is sure to be a one-of-a-kind experience without the crowds often experienced by other National Parks in the state.
Scenery: rock formations, caves, canyons
Activities: hiking, rock climbing, bird watching, spelunking, caving
Permit: a Special Use Permit is required in addition to a $350 application processing fee
Dog-friendly: limited to roads, picnic areas, and parking lots; not allowed on trails or in the backcountry
Channel Islands National Park, California
This national park is the least visited park in the state. It is only accessible by boat or private plane which offers an incredibly unique and secluded elopement opportunity for adventurous couples.
Scenery: ocean, islands,
Activities: whale watching, sea cave kayaking, hiking, boating, diving, fishing
Permit: a Special Use Permit is required in addition to a $250 application processing fee and proof of liability insurance
Dog-friendly: no, pets are strictly prohibited
Ready to Plan Your California Elopement?
Hi, I’m Heather Murphy! Your Northern California, born and raised guide and photographer. I love to help couples plan intimate, stress-free, and highly personalized wedding experiences in beautiful places. In addition to capturing your special day, my California elopement packages include the following:
- Location scouting and recommendations
- Timeline creation
- Help with permits
- Vendor and accommodation recommendations
- Activity ideas
- Packing list
I can’t wait to capture this unforgettable moment in your lives! Reach out to start the planning process.
