If you’re looking for an underrated elopement location with incredible ocean views, remote Redwood groves, and charming places to eat, you’ve just met your match. If this is your first time in Mendocino, or you’ve been numerous times before, I’m here to help you plan the elopement of your dreams in this small town along the coast. Whether you’re looking for marriage license information, trip suggestions, or want to see a list of my favorite elopement locations, you’ve come to the right place. This is the ultimate guide on how to elope in Mendocino.
Step 1: Choose Your Location
Mendocino has it all—beaches, Redwoods, wildflower meadows, and so much more. Whether you’re dreaming of saying your vows by the ocean, among the trees, or somewhere in between, there’s no shortage of amazing spots to elope here. Here are 5 incredible elopement locations in Mendocino.
Mendocino Headlands State Park
Mendocino Headlands State Park is undoubtedly the most popular place to elope in Mendocino, and for good reason! The park is over 347 acres. It’s known for its seaside bluffs, hidden beaches, and wildlife corridor. What makes this location even more great is its accessibility—many of the best ceremony spots are just a short walk from downtown, making it incredibly convenient while still feeling worlds away from town. This is one of the best spots for guests, especially older folks who need something just a short walk away.
Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve
Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve is one of the most breathtaking places to elope right outside of Mendocino. It’s one of the most remote Redwood groves in California which is always a plus if you’re looking for a spot without crowds. There is a bit of hiking required to see the main attractions of the grove (2 miles roundtrip) but the walk is worth it. There are a variety of different picnic areas and groves to explore as well as a small creek that runs through the grove.
Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park
You can’t talk about Mendocino without talking about Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park. Port Cabrillo is a famous lighthouse built between 1908 and 1909. It sits on over 270 acres of land that include hiking trails, a variety of wildlife, and of course, breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. This is also one of the best dog-friendly spots in Mendocino. Do with that what you will (please bring your dog).
Russian Gulch State Park
Russian Gulch State Park is another popular spot in Mendocino, especially if you’re a waterfall lover. This state park has tons of waterfalls, fern-covered trails, and in the spring, wildflower meadows. The park extends out to coast which makes it a great location for couples looking to see a variety of different landscapes while still staying close to town. Because this spot is so close to town, it tends to be a bit more popular than others on this list.
Mendocino Woodlands State Park
You don’t need to travel far to be surrounded by giant Redwoods on your wedding day. In fact, you can find over 700 acres of them in Mendocino Woodlands State Park. The Redwoods in this area are a bit smaller than the ones you’ll find in Montgomery Woods, but it’s right outside of town which makes traveling here convenient. It’s also a plus that it tends to be less busier than most of the other locations on this list.
Step 2: Choose Your Date
Mendocino is beautiful year-round. However, if you’re looking for the perfect time of year, March-May is the best time to elope in Mendocino. Here is all the information you need to know about the seasons in the area so you can choose the best date based on your preferences.
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Step 3: Get Your Marriage License
You can get a marriage license in any county in California. However, if you’re hoping to get one specifically in Mendocino, the process is very easy.
All you need to do is call the County Clerk’s office at (707)-234-6819 to schedule a marriage license appointment. You will both need to show up with your IDs and $85 for the license. You can complete the application there or fill it out ahead of time.
If you need more information, check out the official website here.
Do I Need an Officiant and Witness to Elope in Mendocino?
Yes, you will need two witnesses and an officiant to elope in Mendocino.
Pro tip: I’m ordained and officiate ceremonies for free for my couples! Friends and family members can also become ordained to officiate ceremonies for free online.
Step 4: Get a Permit
Because Mendocino is made up primarily of state parks, you will more than likely need a special use permit in order to have a ceremony. That being said, this is dependent on the park you choose, number of guests you’re bringing, etc. To see if you need a permit, simply Google “[ceremony location] wedding permit or special use permit” and there should be a webpage with all the information you need.
If you’re still feeling lost, ask your photographer. They will know where to send you.
Step 5: Book Your Travel
Mendocino has some of the most charming places to stay in California. Below are some of my personal favorites.
Airbnbs
- Handcrafted Hideaway – A small and romantic cabin tucked deep in the woods of Mendocino.
- Stunning A-Frame Cabin – An a-frame cabin surrounded by Redwoods with a hot tub and cozy interior.
- Water Tower Retreat – A tiny home nestled among Redwoods with boho design.
- Yellow Oceanfront Getaway – Oceanfront cottage on the bluff-top with private tide pools and a wrap around deck.
Hotels
- Nicholson House – A 5-star hotel near the headlands originally built in the 1800s.
- Brewery Gulch Inn – An eco-salvaged Redwood hotel with a lean and contemporary arts and crafts style.
- Sea Rock Inn – A charming cottage-style hotel with stunning ocean views.
- Heritage House Resort and Spa – A luxurious and romantic 37-acre sanctuary along the coast.
- Mendocino Hotel – A charming boutique hotel right along the beach.
Step 6: Book Your Activities
One of the reasons I adore Mendocino is because of its variety of different activities to choose from. If you’re looking to incorporate some fun things to do on your elopement day or are simply looking for suggestions afterwards, here are some of my top recommendations.
- Go on a whale-watching tour during the winter months
- Enjoy a luxury picnic on the bluffs of Mendocino
- Have a fresh local lunch at Trillium Cafe
- Walk the streets of downtown Mendocino, stopping in local shops to purchase souvenirs
- Go canoeing or kayaking along the water
- Visit the botanical gardens
- Attend one of the many festivals Mendocino puts on each season
- Ride a railbike or take a train ride through the Redwoods in Fort Bragg
- Explore the local lighthouses
- Check out the local museums and art galleries
- Be a foodie and explore some of Mendocino’s most popular restaurants
Step 7: Create a Timeline
You’ve booked your travel (and hopefully your vendors, wink wink) and have chosen your location. All that’s left to do before the big day is to create a timeline. Here are some examples to help get you started.
12-Hour Elopement
- 10:00am – Brianna arrives at the Airbnb for getting ready images
- 12:00pm – First look in the garden
- 12:15pm – Head to Russian Gulch State Park for the ceremony with friends and family
- 1:00pm – Arrive and begin the ceremony
- 1:15pm – Family portraits
- 1:45pm – Casual family picnic in the park with FaceTime calls to loved ones
- 3:00pm – Couples portraits on the beach at Big River Beach
- 4:00pm – Drive out to Mendocino Headlands for more couples portraits
- 6:00pm – Head back to the cottage for a champagne toast and cake on the deck
- 6:45pm – Relax and celebrate with loved ones
- 8:00pm – Couples portraits at a hidden coastal bluff for golden hour shots
- 9:00pm – Small bonfire on the beach with s’mores and a first dance under the stars
- 10:00pm – Photo coverage wraps up, Brianna leaves
8-Hour Elopement
- 1:00pm – Brianna arrives at the Airbnb for getting ready images
- 2:00pm – First look
- 2:15pm – Head to Jug Handle State Reserve for the ceremony
- 3:00pm – Arrive and begin the ceremony
- 3:15pm – Family portraits on the bluff
- 3:30pm – Quick couples portraits
- 4:00pm – Leave for Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
- 5:00pm – Couples portraits and picnic on the garden grounds
- 6:00pm – Travel to Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
- 6:30pm – Quick couples portraits on the lighthouse bluff
- 7:00pm – Head to Glass Beach for a sunset toast with family and portraits
- 8:00pm – Photo coverage wraps up, Brianna leaves
4-Hour Elopement
- 5:00pm – Brianna arrives at the Airbnb for getting ready images
- 6:00pm – First look
- 6:15pm – Head to Russian Gulch State Park for the ceremony
- 7:00pm – Arrive and begin the ceremony
- 7:15pm – Family portraits along the beach
- 7:30pm – Sunset couples portraits at the beach
- 9:00pm – Photo coverage wraps up, Brianna leaves
Step 8: Elope!
Congratulations! You’ve just planned the most incredible elopement in Mendocino. I hope this guide gave you all the inspiration and help you needed to plan your elopement. Remember to soak it all in, every ocean view, wildlife sighting, and pastry eaten. It’s what Mendocino is known for, after all!
Mendocino Elopement Packages
Hi, I’m Brianna! I’m an elopement photographer and planner based in Northern California, and I specialize in helping couples from all over the world create unforgettable, adventurous wedding days in stunning places like Mendocino. My work goes beyond just capturing your big day—I’m here to guide you every step of the way. From curating the perfect list of dream locations and recommending trusted vendors to assisting with permits and marriage licenses, I’ve got you covered. Ready to make your elopement as stress-free as possible? Check out the details of my elopement packages below!
- 4 hours – 2 days of elopement coverage anywhere in California
- A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
- Personalized elopement location recommendations
- Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
- Assistance and information to help you with permits, licenses, etc.
- 90+ page elopement planning guide filled with tips and tricks
- Customized elopement timelines
- Optional complimentary officiant services
- Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
- 24-48 hour sneak peeks to share with the world
- Travel fees to anywhere in California are already included
- Starting at $8,000
Need more elopement inspiration? Check out my Redwood National Park Elopement Guide, Northern California Elopement Guide, or my Humboldt Redwoods Elopement Guide!
Don’t forget your FREE elopement guide!
An all-in-one planning guide for all things elopements! Whether you’re hoping to hike through the mountains of Washington or sip a margarita on the beaches of California, this comprehensive elopement guide has everything you need to know about how to plan the perfect elopement.
You? You’re the kind of person that gets a lil’ teary eyed looking at an epic view…
That moment when you turn to the person you’re with and ask, “Are you seeing this?” I live for it. Places with trees and mountains and soft breezes that make you say, “I can’t believe this place exists,” I spend pretty much all of my free time searching for and exploring them.
These places have always felt like home to me. And if you’re the kind of person who also feels more at home surrounded by trees than by people? Then we’ll get along really well. The Pacific Northwest is full of secret spots that are too special to share with just anyone. But it would make me happy to share them with you on your wedding day.
If the mountains/beaches/redwood forests are calling your name, go ahead…
(I promise you won’t regret it.)
P.S. I’m Brianna. My mission is to create custom, one-of-a-kind elopement experiences in the Pacific Northwest that allow couples to fully immerse themselves in the highest levels of excitement and wonder on a day designed exclusively for them.
