Places to Elope in California that Aren't National Parks

EEEEKKKKKKKK!!!!! YOU ARE ELOPING! How super awesome. I am seriously so excited for you. Eloping is so incredibly special, intimate, and meaningful.

If you are just starting to plan everything out here are 5 helpful elopement tips.

Now that you decided to elope I am sure the first thing on your mind, other than what dress to buy, is where to say your vows! Where do you actually want to elope?

If you are looking to elope in a national park in California I created an article all about the various national parks within the state. The article has links to permits, ceremony locations, and so much more. You can find that article here.

Now, maybe you love national parks but aren’t really feeling having your elopement in one. California has so many awesome hidden gems to elope that aren’t National Parks it is amazing! So lets get to it:

Places to Elope in California

That Aren't National Parks

1. Hwy 108 Sonora Pass

Growing up in Sonora we would take drives over hwy 108 to see the gorgeous views, the beautiful mountains, and just enjoy nature. This area is seriously one of my favorite places ever. The cool breeze, the fresh mountain air, the birds chirping, the massive granite rocks, the sound of the river…. it is amazing.

2. Alabama Hills, California

If you aren’t sure if you want to get married in the mountains or the desert this literally might be the perfect spot for you. The mountain views are to die for and the desert landscape is amazing.

3. South Lake Tahoe, California

Oh South Lake Tahoe how I love you. If you are wanting to be in the mountains, be close to anything that you may need, and have an awesome place to have a little city time fun then South Lake Tahoe might just be your perfect place. Tahoe is a very touristy place. You have all the night life you can handle, awesome shopping, awesome hotels, great hiking spots, great suntanning beaches. Seriously you have everything here!

4. Mammoth Lakes, California

5. Three Rivers, California

6. Fort Funston Beach, San Francisco California

7. Pinecrest Lake, California

Oh man if you want a nice mountain lake this is your spot. I am obsessed with Pinecrest! It is located on the National Forest, has a super neat hiking trail all the way around the lake, and is just perfect. Pinecrest Lake is along Hwy 108 about an hour outside of Sonora, California.

8. Mohave Desert, California

I feel like anywhere within the Mohave desert is a good idea. I mean…. it is the desert and it is so gosh darn beautiful! You don’t need to go to Death Valley National Park or Joshua Tree National park to have an awesome desert elopement.

9. Shaver Lake, California

If you are looking for a place in the Central Valley that is within the mountains and next to a lake look no farther! Shaver Lake is up Hwy 168 about an hour outside of Fresno.

10. Mckinley Grove, California

If you are wanting to say your vows under the Giant Sequoia Trees you don’t have to go to Kings Canyon National Park or Sequoia National Park to do so. Mickinley grove is an amazing hidden gem just outside of Shaver lake located within the Central Valley.

11. Kennedy Meadows, California

12. June Lake Loop, California

OOOOHHHHHHHHHH!!!! This one! especially in the fall! If you are flexible and willing to just up and go when the leaves change colors June Lake loop is amazing!

This spot is such a cool little hidden gem that no one knows about. It is a grove of redwoods and Giant Sequoia trees just outside of Shaver Lake. If you are wanting to say your vows under Giant Sequoia Trees look no further.

11. Hope Valley, California

12. Do you have any cool spots? Comment below and I will add them to the list :)

On a broader spectrum and not so location specific :

1. The beach

   • California has some of the most amazing beaches around. The entire coast is gorgeous no matter where you go.

2. Within one of the National Forests

   • If you are looking for a mountain wedding, or a wedding in the woods, you should definitely consider one of California’s great National Forests. There are quite a few different forests offering amazing views, high country lakes, waterfalls, and so much more.

3. California State Parks

   • Let me tell you, California has some absolutely beautiful state parks. This is definitely an options. Some of them you will need to get a permit so it is something to consider for sure.

4. Waterfalls

   • I have been on a mission to find waterfalls in California. Oregon has some amazing waterfalls but I am finding out that California has some pretty epic waterfalls. Wouldn’t it be cool to say your vows under a gorgeous waterfall?

5. Awesome high county lakes

   • Now if you want an adventure why not start off your marriage with a backpacking trip to a high country lake in the wilderness? I mean how special would it be to head out on a backpacking trip, say your vows the first or second evening, and then have your honeymoon out backpacking! Just the two of you in the back country! Talk about an epic story!

6. The wilderness

   • Again, mountains weddings. They seriously have my heart.

7. The redwoods in northern California

   • You don’t have to go to a national park to enjoy the California redwoods. There are multiple California State Parks that have some amazing redwoods to adventure around in.

8. Any lake in California.

   • California has sooooo many lakes! Seriously there are some amazing ones.

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