San Diego Elopement + Mini Honeymoon: Turn Your "I Do" Into a 3-Day Romantic Getaway

Thinking of a low-cost San Diego elopement that’s romantic, meaningful, and leaves room for saving toward a future home? You’re in the right place. Stephanie and I chose a minimalist courthouse marriage, followed it up with an intimate home celebration, and spent our mini honeymoon embracing one another — now celebrating 11 years of love. You don’t need to break the bank to create magic; put your money where it matters: your future together.

This guide is for couples who want to:

• Elope affordably using walk-in courthouse services

• Capture it all with stunning San Diego elopement photography

• Turn their vows into bona-fide memories with a romantic 3-day mini honeymoon

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Day 0: Courthouse Ceremony & Instant Marriage 📝

Cut costs, break molds, and say “I do” with ease at one of San Diego’s convenient courthouse locations—no big wedding required. Here are a few walk-in and appointment-friendly options:

• County Administration Center
  1600 Pacific Hwy, Room 273, San Diego, CA 92101
  Phone: (619) 237‑0502

  • $129 regular marriage license (+$107 for civil ceremony, +$58 for witness if needed)

  • Civil ceremonies offered every 30 minutes from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

  • Outdoor ceremonies available under the arbor with views of the bay—great for photos

• Santee Branch Office
  10144 Mission Gorge Rd, Santee, CA 92071

  • Same pricing as above

  • Appointment required for marriage license; ceremonies offered on select Saturdays

• Chula Vista Branch Office
  590 Third St, Chula Vista, CA 91910

  • Less crowded location with the same pricing and services

  • Easy option for South Bay couples

• San Marcos Branch Office
  141 E Carmel St, San Marcos, CA 92078

  • Perfect for North County residents

  • Appointments required; ceremonies available during business hours

Pro Tip: You can often complete your license appointment and ceremony on the same day—especially if you schedule an early time slot and opt for a quick civil ceremony on-site.

3-Day San Diego Elopement + Mini Honeymoon Itinerary

Day 1: Elopement & Rooftop Romance

• Morning

  • Grab coffee and breakfast at Better Buzz Coffee La Jolla
    Address: 909 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
    Why We Love It: Great espresso, stylish interiors, and ocean breeze make this a cozy spot to ease into your day.
    Photo Tip: Capture your drinks with the morning light spilling in. Ask your photographer to shoot wide for an editorial-style start to your day.

• Afternoon

  • Elope at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
    Address: Ladera St, San Diego, CA 92107
    Why We Love It: Sweeping ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and that golden West Coast light. It’s San Diego’s most iconic elopement spot for a reason.
    Photo Tip: Schedule your vows for golden hour. Have your photographer capture wide landscapes as well as tight shots with the cliffs behind you.

• Evening

  • Celebrate with dinner at ALTITUDE Sky Lounge
    Address: 660 K St, San Diego, CA 92101
    Why We Love It: Modern rooftop with sweeping views of downtown, Petco Park, and the bay. Chic and celebratory.
    Photo Tip: Dress up and pose during blue hour. Let the city lights become your bokeh. Candid champagne clinks = timeless!

Day 2: Relax, Recharge & Sail

• Morning

  • Hike the Saigon Trail
    Address: 9883 La Jolla Farms Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
    Why We Love It: Hidden coastal trail with ocean cliff views and secret beaches.
    Photo Tip: Candid hiking shots and dramatic wide angles as the sun breaks the horizon.

• Midday

  • Couples spa experience at one of San Diego’s top spots:

    • The Catamaran Spa – 3999 Mission Blvd, tropical vibes on the bay.

    • Fairmont Grand Del Mar Spa – 5300 Grand Del Mar Ct, ultra-luxe getaway.

    • Spa Kingston – 2230 Fifth Ave, cozy and centrally located.
      Photo Tip: Post-massage glow, robe-and-slippers candids, and soft window light portraits.

• Afternoon

  • Rent bikes from Bike and Kayak Tours Coronado
    Address: 1201 First St Suite 100, Coronado, CA 92118
    Why We Love It: Coastal cruising, scenic backdrops, and ferry views.
    Photo Tip: Capture movement — tandem shots, boardwalk strolls, windswept hair and laughter.

• Evening

  • Book a sunset sail:

    • Sail San Diego – 2051 Shelter Island Dr

    • Pacifica Sailing Charters – 1450 Harbor Island Dr
      Why We Love It: Two-hour sails with wine, sunset views, and sea breeze kisses.
      Photo Tip: Golden light portraits with ocean horizon, silhouettes against the sails.

Day 3: Wine Tasting in Fallbrook

• All Day

  • Take a scenic drive north to visit:

    • Estate d'Iacobelli – 2175 Tecalote Dr, Fallbrook, CA 92028

    • Beach House Winery – 1534 Sleeping Indian Rd, Fallbrook, CA 92028

    • Monserate Winery – 2757 Gird Rd, Fallbrook, CA 92028
      Why We Love It: Ocean-view patios, relaxed tastings, and Tuscan-inspired settings.
      Photo Tip: Vineyard walks, close-ups of glasses clinking, and sun-dappled vines.

• Optional Stay

  • Book a cozy Airbnb in Fallbrook or return to San Diego for one final date night.

Wrap Up: Your Elopement, Your Way

Eloping in San Diego doesn’t mean spending big—it means choosing what really matters: your commitment, captured beautifully, and spent wisely toward your future. A courthouse license and quick ceremony let you invest in your life together rather than a big wedding.

From those first courthouse smiles to intimate cliffside “I do’s,” spa rejuvenation, coastal adventures, and vineyard toasts—you’ll have 3 days of love, adventure, and editorial-style moments you’ll cherish.

📸 Ready to Begin?

💍 Planning a Proposal, Elopement or Engagement in Southern California?
From scenic coastlines to dreamy vineyards, we specialize in capturing unforgettable “Yes!” moments across SoCal. Whether it’s last-minute or carefully planned, we’ll help you pull it off beautifully—with natural light, fast turnaround, and timeless photos.

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Our elopement photography packages are designed for couples who are:

• Seeking authentic, candid coverage (not stiff poses)

• Wanting a planner-photographer who coordinates locations & logistics

• Ready for a romantic escape that’s equal parts magic and minimalism

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Let’s turn your “yes” into an experience you can relive—forever.