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California has something for everyone, making it a perfect elopement destination. There are stunning mountain views available in the Sierra Nevada range, the Klamath Mountains and the Eastern Cascades Slopes and Foothills. These mountain ranges dominate the skyline around California, and the peaks can offer amazing backdrops for photographs of your elopement. The biodiversity can also provide amazing scenery for your photographs, and snow-capped peaks offer breathtaking views that you are sure to treasure in your memories forever.
If heights aren’t your thing, California has plenty of amazing locations closer to the ground. Some of the most famous beaches in the world are located in California, including Malibu, Santa Monica and Laguna beaches. With very little rainfall throughout the year, you can be very confident of getting great weather for your elopement if you choose the right place.
There are also no shortage of national parks where you can elope to in California, including Yosemite National Park, Death Valley National Park and Joshua Tree National Park. All of these offer something different and unique, whether you want to experience the waterfalls and sequoias of Yosemite, the rugged canyons and rock formations of Death Valley or the stark angles of the Joshua Trees. There’s certainly something on offer for every style of elopement in California.
All states require a marriage license, so you need to ensure that you understand all of the requirements very early in the planning process. Luckily, it’s fairly straightforward in most cases as long as you meet the criteria and follow the state requirements.
Here is what you need to know about getting a marriage license in California.
Yes! Same sex marriage is recognized in all states, and at a federal level, under the Respect for Marriage Act which was signed into law in December 2022.
No. Blood tests have been abolished as part of marriage license applications in all 50 states, so don’t worry if you’re afraid of needles!
Once you’ve gotten the admin out of the way, you can get to the part you’ve been dreaming of: the wedding ceremony!
As you’d expect, each state has different requirements to make a marriage legal. Make sure you follow the guide below to get your marriage legally recognized.
An officiant is required for marriage ceremonies in California. An officiant must be 18 years of age or older, and: a priest or other faith leader from any religion, a current or retired judge, a legislator or member of Congress from California.
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