10 Unique Ways to Elope in Southern California (with Locations & Tips)
Southern California is one of the best places to elope, especially for couples looking for something beautiful, intimate, and unforgettable. With its golden beaches, mountain overlooks, desert skies, and creative backdrops, this region offers endless inspiration for anyone planning a unique elopement. As Southern California elopement photographers, we’ve scouted, shot, and fallen in love with these unforgettable locations and styles.
If you're thinking of skipping the traditional wedding and doing things your way, here are 10 epic ways to elope in Southern California — each one designed to capture the kind of photos you’ll treasure forever.
1. Eloping in Joshua Tree for That Boho Desert Look
A Joshua Tree elopement is perfect for couples craving wide-open skies, bohemian vibes, and earthy tones. The rock formations, cacti, and desert light are a dream for golden hour wedding portraits. This national park is a top choice for any couple working with a Joshua Tree elopement photographer who knows how to highlight the natural beauty of the landscape while telling a deeply personal love story.
Where: Joshua Tree National Park, Keys View, Hidden Valley
Why: Earthy textures, massive boulders, and that warm golden-hour glow make this one of California’s top elopement destinations.
Tips:
Plan your ceremony 1–2 hours before sunset for the best natural light.
Don’t forget permits — you’ll need one for both the ceremony and photography inside the park.
Bring lots of water and wear hiking shoes you can swap out.
2. Vintage Camper Van Elopement for an Adventurous Vibe
If you’re drawn to road trips and retro style, a camper van elopement might be the perfect fit. Whether you park near the ocean or in the high desert, this setup gives you flexibility and a nostalgic feel that works beautifully for California elopement photography. A vintage Airstream or VW bus adds character and makes for timeless, documentary-style wedding photos.
Where: Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Ynez Valley, or Anza-Borrego
Why: A camper van elopement gives you both freedom and character — think cozy, nostalgic, and effortlessly cool.
Tips:
Rent a vintage VW or Airstream from a local host with good reviews.
Map out 2–3 scenic stops to build a story into your elopement photos.
Don’t forget to decorate the van with personal touches like florals, pillows, or a "just married" sign.
3. Temecula Vineyard Elopement with Sunset Views
A Temecula vineyard elopement combines rustic charm with romantic vineyard backdrops. Golden rows of grapevines, soft hills, and warm sunsets make this area a favorite for winery elopement photography. Whether you choose a large estate or a smaller hidden gem, Temecula offers some of the most visually stunning locations for Southern California elopement photos.
Where: Callaway Winery, Leoness Cellars, or Mount Palomar
Why: Rolling hills, golden vines, and Tuscan-style estates make Temecula one of the most romantic spots to elope in Southern California.
Tips:
Most vineyards offer weekday packages for intimate ceremonies.
Plan your session during harvest season (late summer–early fall) for lush vines and perfect light.
Opt for champagne or wine toasts after the vows for relaxed photo moments.
4. Cliffside Elopement in Malibu or Palos Verdes
Few spots feel as cinematic as a Malibu cliffside elopement. Perched high above the ocean, these views are perfect for dramatic, editorial-style wedding portraits. As Malibu elopement photographers, we’ve seen how the lighting here — especially at sunset — can transform a simple ceremony into something magazine-worthy. Palos Verdes is another underrated gem for couples wanting sweeping views without the crowds.
Where: El Matador State Beach, Point Dume, Terranea Blufftop Trail
Why: These coastal cliffs give you panoramic ocean views without the beach crowds — perfect for dramatic vows with a view.
Tips:
Bring a blanket or mini rug if you're planning to sit or kneel on the cliffs.
Wind is a factor — bring hair ties, bobby pins, or a veil you’re okay with flying!
Scout sunrise if you want privacy; golden hour for soft light.
5. Desert Elopement at El Mirage, Trona Pinnacles, or Bombay Beach
For couples who love the strange, surreal, and cinematic, a desert elopement in locations like El Mirage Dry Lake, Trona Pinnacles, or Bombay Beach is an unforgettable choice. Each spot offers something wildly different: the wide-open white flats of El Mirage, the alien rock formations of Trona, and the eccentric, post-apocalyptic art scene at Bombay Beach near the Salton Sea. These locations are ideal for bold, editorial-style elopement photography in California. The raw textures, muted tones, and minimalist landscapes give your photos a dramatic edge, making the couple — and their story — the true focus.
Where: El Mirage Dry Lake Bed, Trona Pinnacles, Bombay Beach (Salton Sea)
Why: If you're drawn to unconventional beauty, these desert locations offer edgy, surreal backdrops unlike anywhere else in California.
Tips:
Be prepared for extreme light and heat — morning or sunset is key.
Bring props or bold outfits to contrast with the neutral tones.
Bombay Beach is part of an art collective, so check local events or installations ahead of time.
6. Helicopter Elopement Over LA or Catalina Island
A helicopter elopement brings luxury, adventure, and unbeatable aerial views. Couples can choose to exchange vows mid-flight or land in a secluded spot like Catalina Island. Capturing a helicopter elopement requires a photographer experienced in high-altitude or destination wedding photography, especially one who can shoot in varied lighting and fast-moving environments.
Where: Island Express Helicopters, Orbic Air, or IEX to Catalina
Why: This is for the couple who wants to literally take their elopement to new heights. Epic views, a private moment in the sky, and a landing zone all your own.
Tips:
Most companies offer 30–60 min tours — pair it with a beach ceremony or mountaintop toast.
Coordinate carefully with your elopement photographer about flight times and lighting.
Go for darker or neutral clothing to contrast the sky and avoid too much glare.
7. Hollywood Hills Elopement with the City Below
If you love city vibes, a Hollywood Hills elopement offers stunning skyline views and a modern, stylish feel. A Los Angeles elopement photographer familiar with Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon, or Mulholland Drive can guide you to the best hidden overlooks for dramatic portraits, day or night. This is a favorite for couples who want a mix of urban edge and natural light.
Where: Griffith Park, Mulholland Drive, Vista Hermosa Natural Park
Why: Urban couples can keep it sleek with an LA elopement that includes city lights, rooftop energy, and modern design.
Tips:
Consider sunrise for the best light and privacy.
Add a vintage car, champagne toast, or rooftop first dance for more storytelling.
Watch out for parking rules in some overlook areas.
8. Forest Elopement in Big Bear or Angeles National Forest
For mountain air, pine trees, and peaceful trails, consider a forest elopement in Big Bear or the Angeles National Forest. These areas are ideal for couples looking for romantic, nature-based California elopement photography. Add in a nearby waterfall like Eaton Canyon or Sturtevant Falls, and you’ve got a moody, magical backdrop for vows and portraits.
Where: Bluff Lake Reserve, Grays Peak Trail, Sturtevant Falls
Why: If you’re drawn to pine trees, waterfalls, and quiet trails, a forest elopement brings peace and earthy romance.
Tips:
Opt for weekdays to avoid hikers and get more privacy.
Pack bug spray, water, and something warm — even summer mornings can be chilly.
Bring vow books and hand warmers if it’s a fall or winter elopement.
9. Sailboat Elopement in Newport or Marina del Rey
There’s something incredibly romantic about saying “I do” at sea. A sailboat elopement at sunset offers dreamy lighting, soft movement, and quiet intimacy. A photographer experienced in coastal or yacht elopement photography will know how to work with the lighting, reflections, and tight spaces to deliver cinematic, windswept images that capture the whole mood.
Where: Newport Harbor, Marina del Rey, or Dana Point Harbor
Why: Few things feel more romantic than saying your vows out on the water, surrounded by nothing but sea and sky.
Tips:
Coordinate with the captain for anchor points and ceremony timing.
Wear boat-friendly shoes or go barefoot for comfort and safety.
Plan a quick celebratory drink onboard and bring a Bluetooth speaker for music.
10. Creative Elopement at a Museum or Art Installation
For couples who want something bold and unconventional, a creative elopement at a location like The Broad, The Getty, or Salvation Mountain adds color and culture to your day. Art museums and installations are visually powerful spaces — and a Los Angeles elopement photographer with an eye for composition and lighting can use that environment to create truly artistic wedding portraits.
Where: The Getty, The Broad, Desert X, or Salvation Mountain
Why: Bold architecture and color make museums ideal for stylish, unconventional couples. Bonus: it’s often easier to plan weekday ceremonies at these spots.
Tips:
Get permission or check photography rules — some spaces require permits or have time restrictions.
Dress with intention — modern or high-fashion styles pop best against minimalist backdrops.
Arrive early to avoid crowds.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a quiet elopement for two or an adventurous day with a few close friends, the key is to make it yours. Southern California has no shortage of epic locations and breathtaking light — and with the right photographer, your elopement will feel less like a shoot and more like an experience. From Malibu cliffs to Temecula vineyards and the magic of Joshua Tree, your love deserves to be captured in a way that’s as unique as your story.
Looking for an elopement photographer in Southern California?
We specialize in last-minute, creative, and destination-style shoots. Visit LastMinutePhotoshoot.com to check out our elopement photography packages and let’s plan something unforgettable.
