I’ve lived in Northern California my entire life, and as someone who has photographed elopements everywhere from Iceland to Maine, I can say this with total confidence: Northern California is one of the most underrated places to elope in the world.
Part of me loves that it’s still a bit of a secret. Fewer crowds, quieter trails, and lots of hidden gems. But another part of me wants to shout from the rooftops just how amazing this place is. Chances are, you feel the same way. You truly won’t find another place that offers this much variety and beauty (all without the crowds) in one region.
Where else can you walk through a redwood forest, stand on a black sand beach, hike to an alpine lake, chase waterfalls, see wildflowers, and end the day in the mountains, all in the same day?
After photographing elopements across Northern California for the past seven years and calling this place home my entire life, I’ve created the ultimate guide to eloping here. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to know, from the best elopement locations and seasons to marriage license requirements, permits, and tips from a local.
9 Best Places to Elope in Northern California
Northern California offers more variety than almost anywhere else in the country, which is what makes it such an incredible place to elope. Within a single day, you can experience redwoods, waterfalls, volcanoes, alpine lakes, beaches, and more.
Below are the 9 best places to elope in Northern California, chosen based on firsthand experience photographing elopements throughout the region. If you’re still deciding where to elope, I also have a full guide on the best places to elope in California that has more locations and breaks down each one in more detail.
1. Mt. Shasta
Most couples think of places like Mount Rainier or the Rocky Mountains when they picture a mountain elopement, but Mount Shasta is one of Northern California’s best-kept secrets. This small mountain town offers an incredible range of scenery, from alpine lakes and pine forests to waterfalls and mountain views, all without the crowds you’ll find at more well-known locations. Want wildflower meadows? Visit in August. Prefer fall colors? October will do it! How about some snow? January’s your month.
What really sets Mount Shasta apart is how accessible it is. You can get some great views without any hiking, making it an excellent option for couples bringing guests or wanting an easy, stress-free elopement experience. However, if you do want to hike, the Mt. Shasta area has some of my all-time favorite trails for elopements.
- Scenery: Mountains, lakes, forests, rivers, waterfalls, caves, and wildflowers.
- Best time of year to elope: May or October.
- Permit required: No.
Best for couples who: Want a mountain location without crowds, need an accessible location for guests, want to see a variety of different scenery, and are up for a bit of hiking for portraits.
2. Burney Falls
Photos truly don’t do this place justice. Just a short drive from Mount Shasta, Burney Falls is one of the most striking waterfall elopement locations in Northern California. The waterfall flows year-round and is absolutely massive in person. I personally love the falls during the month of October. The fall colors in the area are gorgeous! Not to mention, it’s just a short drive away from about 7 other waterfalls in the state.
Burney Falls is extremely accessible, which makes it a great option for elopements with guests of all ages. Because it’s so popular, timing is everything. I always recommend planning a weekday ceremony at sunrise or sunset. The falls are loud, so be prepared to raise your voices and get a little water on you from the falls (they’re stronger than they look!).
- Scenery: Waterfalls, forests, and lakes.
- Best time of year to elope: April-May or October-November.
- Permit required: Yes, $200.
Best for couples who: Need an accessible ceremony location for guests, love waterfalls, don’t mind feeling a bit remote, and can climb over slippery walks for portraits at the base of the falls.
3. Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park is one of the most unique places to elope in Northern California. Quite honestly, it’s one of my favorite national parks for elopements. If you’re dreaming of a location that feels truly larger than life, this is it. Yes, the park is famous for its giant redwood trees, but it offers far more than just trees. You’ll also find beaches, fern canyons, meadows, and lots of elk sightings.
Because the park is so big, it’s surprisingly easy to find crowd-free ceremony locations, even during the busy summer season. Many of the best spots are easily accessible, which makes this a great option for couples who don’t want to hike. Though if you do want to hike, the redwoods have some of the best trails in the state.
- Scenery: Forests, beaches, rivers, meadows, and fern canyons.
- Best time of year to elope: April-June, September-October.
- Permit required: Yes, $175-$200.
Best for couples who: Want a crowd-free location, need accessible ceremony and portrait spots, don’t mind traveling far from an airport to reach the park, and want some variety in landscapes.
4. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is the perfect Northern California elopement location for couples looking to elope and honeymoon in one go. It’s one of those places that has a little bit of something for everyone. Hike through a forest, relax on the shoreline, get a couples massage, eat at a steak dinner or go to a local dive bar. Whatever your speed is, you’re sure to find it here.
Because Tahoe is popular year-round, crowds are something to plan around. Choosing a weekday, sunrise or sunset ceremony, or an off-season makes a huge difference. When you’re in the area, be prepared for traffic.
- Scenery: Forests, lakes, and mountains.
- Best time of year to elope: May-June, September-October.
- Permit required: In most cases, yes, but it depends on your location.
Best for couples who: Want to elope near a town with things to do, want a variety of scenery, have a larger budget, and are flexible with timing around crowds.
5. The Lost Coast
The Lost Coast is, in my opinion, the most underrated place to elope in Northern California. I recommend this location to couples who truly want an off-the-grid experience. I’ve photographed elopements all over Northern California, and the Lost Coast is by far one of my favorite spots for them.
Getting here requires a long, winding drive on narrow roads. The coastline is rugged, with black sand beaches, steep cliffs, and hardly any people. On multiple visits, I’ve seen more wildlife than people. As a bonus, the Lost Coast is within driving distance of Humboldt Redwoods State Park, which means it’s easy to get a variety of scenery in one day.
This is not a location I recommend for large groups or couples who want easy access. But if privacy is your top priority, it’s hard to beat.
- Scenery: Beaches, cliffs, and redwoods.
- Best time of year to elope: May-June, September-October.
- Permit required: No.
Best for couples who: Want complete privacy, are okay with a long drive and limited services, don’t plan to bring many guests, want a truly remote elopement experience, and love black sand beaches.
6. Big Sur
You can’t talk about Northern California elopements without mentioning Big Sur. I’ve photographed elopements all over the state, and Big Sur remains one of the most stunning places to get married, period.
Big Sur is incredibly popular for elopements, and for good reason. There are countless pull-offs along Highway 1 that lead to short trails and overlooks for ceremonies. That said, this area is fairly busy year-round, especially in summer, and permits are strictly enforced. Don’t be surprised if you see other couples getting married the same day you do. From experience, fall is the best time to elope here.
Big Sur isn’t the place to elope if privacy is your top priority, but if beautiful backdrops for photos is what you’re after, it’s hard to beat.
- Scenery: Beaches, cliffs, redwoods, rivers, and wildflowers.
- Best time of year to elope: June-October.
- Permit required: Yes, depends on location, usually starting at $300.
Best for couples who: Are okay planning around crowds, prefer accessible ceremony locations with minimal hiking, are comfortable navigating permits, and love the coastal look.
7. Yosemite National Park
You can’t make a list of the best places to elope in Northern California without including Yosemite. I’m pretty sure it’s a crime. This is the national park most people picture when they imagine an elopement. How could it not be? Granite cliffs, waterfalls, meadows…it’s in a league of its own.
That said, Yosemite is one of the busiest national parks in the country, and there’s no true “quiet season.” I’ve photographed elopements here in every season, and crowds are something you should expect year-round. It’s common to see other couples getting married, having to wait in line for photos, and visitors nearby during ceremonies. If privacy is high on your priority list, Yosemite is not the best fit. But if it’s the scenery you’re after, you won’t find anything else like it in the state.
- Scenery: Waterfalls, forests, rivers, granite cliffs, and meadows.
- Best time of year to elope: June or October.
- Permit required: Yes, $150.
Best for couples who: Are comfortable planning around crowds, need accessible ceremony locations for guests, want waterfalls and big views without long hikes, and are okay sharing popular spots with other visitors.
8. Lassen Volcanic National Park
It’s not called the “mini Yellowstone” for nothing. Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the most underrated places to elope in Northern California, and I say that as someone who has photographed elopements all over the state. This park is packed with unreal variety: steaming hydrothermal areas, lava fields, alpine lakes, pine forests, waterfalls, and mountain views.
What really sets Lassen apart is how quiet it is. Because it’s one of the least-visited national parks, even during peak season, it feels empty compared to places like Yosemite or Tahoe. I’ve photographed elopements here where we had entire trails, lakes, and overlooks to ourselves. Many of the park’s most popular landscapes are easily accessible from parking lots, which makes it a great option for couples who want adventure without committing to long hikes.
Access is seasonal due to snow, but if you plan your timing right, Lassen has some of the most unique landscapes in California with a fraction of the crowds.
- Scenery: Mountains, waterfalls, thermal pools, forests, rivers, and meadows.
- Best time of year to elope: May, September-October.
- Permit required: Yes, $75.
Best for couples who: Want unique scenery without crowds, love volcanic landscapes, want accessible ceremony locations with optional short hikes, and are planning a summer or early fall elopement.
9. San Francisco
Last but certainly not least is San Francisco. As someone who has photographed elopements all across Northern California, I can confidently say this city offers more variety than almost anywhere else on this list. In a single day, you can exchange vows on the beach, take photos overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, wander through historic neighborhoods, and celebrate with one of the best meals you’ll ever have.
San Francisco is especially ideal for couples who want their elopement to feel like a full experience. The city makes it incredibly easy to combine getting married with a honeymoon, whether that means fine dining, ferry rides, or exploring nearby spots like Marin Headlands or Muir Woods. While some locations require permits and crowds are part of the deal, I promise it’s worth it.
- Scenery: Redwoods, beaches, and city views.
- Best time of year to elope: March-May and September-November.
- Permit required: Sometimes, depending on location.
Best for couples who: Want a city-based elopement with nature nearby, plan to elope and honeymoon in the same place, need highly accessible locations for guests, and love variety without long drives.
Best Time of Year to Elope in Northern California
The best time to elope in Northern California is typically May through October, but the ideal season depends heavily on where you plan to elope. Northern California has one of the most varied climates in the country, and conditions can look completely different just a few hours apart. I’ve photographed elopements here in every season, and while you can’t go wrong any time of the year, timing your location with the right season can make a huge difference.
Summer (June-August)
Summer is a great option for Northern California elopements, especially along the coast or in higher-elevation areas. Coastal locations stay cooler, while mountain regions are more accessible once snow melts. That said, summer is also peak tourist season. National parks and popular locations can feel crowded, sometimes to the point of limiting privacy.
I usually recommend avoiding inland areas like Redding or lower-elevation parts of Mt. Shasta during peak summer due to extreme heat. San Francisco can also be surprisingly cold, windy, and busy this time of year. On the coast, you may experience June gloom (lots of fog), which is a photographer’s dream for lighting!
Best for: Coastal and mountain elopements, warm weather, and couples who don’t mind sharing popular locations.
Fall (September-October)
Fall is hands-down my favorite time to elope in Northern California. Crowds thin out, temperatures are comfortable, and the fall colors really shine, especially in the national forests. Pricing for travel and lodging tends to drop, a lot of the beaches are emptying out thanks to the cooler weather, and wildlife is out and about.
September and October consistently deliver some of the best conditions I’ve seen for elopements across Northern California, especially if privacy matters to you.
Best for: Fewer crowds, comfortable weather, and fall colors.
Winter (November-March)
Winter is an underrated time to elope in Northern California. Depending on location, you could experience sunny days, foggy redwood forests, or snow-covered mountains. I’ve photographed multiple winter elopements where we had entire locations completely to ourselves. Compared to a place like Washington, Northern California gets its winter season pretty late. In a place like Mt. Shasta, we don’t usually get snow until December, sometimes even January!
That said, winter does come with unpredictability. Rain is common in forested and coastal areas, and snow can limit access in the mountains. Flexibility and backup plans are key.
Best for: Maximum privacy and couples who are flexible with weather.
Spring (April-May)
Spring is one of the most stunning seasons in Northern California. Snowmelt makes waterfalls the strongest they’ll be all year, wildflowers begin to bloom, wildlife is very active, and mountains still hold snow. I often recommend spring to couples who want a lot of variety in a single day. It’s one of the few times you can realistically experience waterfalls, wildflowers, beaches, and snow-capped mountains all within the same region.
Spring weather can be mixed, especially along the coast.
Best for: Waterfalls, wildlife, and couples who want diverse scenery.
Do You Need a Permit to Elope in Northern California?
It depends on where you plan to elope. Northern California is made up of national parks, state parks, beaches, national forests, and public land, and each location has its own rules. While you may hear the term “special use permit” often when it comes to planning an elopement, not every elopement requires one.
Permits are usually required for elopements in:
- National parks like Yosemite or Lassen
- State parks like Humboldt Redwoods or Emerald Bay
These locations typically require a short application, a permit fee ($50-$300), and ceremonies to take place in approved areas.
Permits are usually not required for:
- National forests
- Beaches and undeveloped public land
If you’re unsure whether or not your location requires a permit, simply Google “[your elopement location] special use permit for wedding” and you should be able to find what you need. I find that in most cases, unless you’re eloping in a national park, you don’t usually need a permit to elope in Northern California.
This is something I help my couples figure out during the planning process.
How to Get a Marriage License
Getting a marriage license in California is very easy, even if you’re traveling from out of state. You can obtain your license from any county in California, regardless of where your ceremony takes place. That said, I usually recommend getting it from the county where you’ll be eloping, since all counties require an in-person appointment to get a marriage license.
Marriage licenses are valid for 90 days from the date they’re issued.
Here’s how it works using San Francisco County as an example:
- Schedule an appointment online to get a license. Be sure to bring all necessary documents (ID, birth certificate, etc.) as well as $127 in cash, money order, credit, or debit card for the application fee.
- Show up to your appointment and fill out an necessary paperwork.
- Pick up your marriage license and have your ceremony!
- After the ceremony, you or your officiant mail the completed license back to the county for processing.
For the most up-to-date details, always double-check your county’s website. You can also refer to the official San Francisco marriage license page for an example of the process.
Do I Need an Officiant and Witness?
Yes. You need one officiant and at one witness.
Pro tip: A friend or family member can officiate your ceremony by getting ordained online for free. I also offer complimentary officiant services as part of my elopement packages.
As for witnesses, you can bring friends or family along or have somebody on the trail sign your license!
Northern California Elopement Timeline Examples
One of the most common questions couples ask me when planning a Northern California elopement is: “How much photo coverage do we actually need?”
Based on the dozens of elopements I’ve photographed across Northern California, I typically recommend 8 hours. However, it truly depends on your location. Want something in the Redwoods? 4 hours is usually a good amount of time. Want to hike and picnic and chase waterfalls in Yosemite? 12 hours might be what you need.
Below are a few real-world timeline examples to help you picture what a Northern California elopement day can look like.
12-Hour Elopement
- 10:00am – I arrive at your cabin or Airbnb for getting ready photos
- 11:00am – First look on the river
- 11:30am – Drive to the ceremony location
- 12:00pm – Arrive at a redwood grove for your ceremony
- 12:15pm – Ceremony with family and friends
- 12:45pm – Family photos and hugs
- 1:30pm – Picnic, champagne, and FaceTime calls with loved ones
- 2:00pm – Couples portraits in the forest
- 4:00pm – Drive toward the coast or a second location
- 5:00pm – Coastal portraits and exploring nearby trails
- 7:00pm – Head back to lodging to reset
- 7:45pm – Cake, champagne, letters, or a private dinner
- 8:45pm – Sunset or golden hour portraits at a nearby overlook
- 9:45pm – Stargazing, lanterns, or a quiet moment to end the day
- 10:00pm – Photo coverage wraps up
8-Hour Elopement
- 12:00pm – I arrive for getting ready photos
- 1:00pm – First look
- 1:30pm – Drive to ceremony location
- 2:30pm – Ceremony along the coast
- 3:00pm – Family portraits
- 3:30pm – Couples portraits nearby
- 4:30pm – Drive to second location
5:30pm – Picnic in a wildflower meadow - 6:30pm – Sunset portraits
- 8:00pm – Photo coverage wraps up
4-Hour Elopement
- 4:30pm – I arrive for getting ready photos
- 5:00pm – First look
- 5:30pm – Ceremony on the river with family
- 6:00pm – Family photos
- 6:30pm – Golden hour portraits
- 8:30pm – Photo coverage wraps up
Northern California Elopement Activities
One of my favorite things about eloping in Northern California is how much you can do in a single day. These are a few of my favorite activities in the state, many of which I’ve incorporated into elopement days with couples.
- Hike to the top of a stunning mountain to exchange vows
- Visit Alcatraz in San Francisco
- Go swimming in the nearby lakes
- Hit the slopes at Mt. Shasta ski resort
- Go on a waterfall tour (we have a TON up here!)
- Try the Railbikes in Sacramento
- Stop for a burger at Yak’s on the 5 in Dunsmuir (absolutely amazing burgers – their sticky buns are a MUST!)
- Spend the night at the Railroad Park Resort
- Go stargazing at Lake McCumber
- Take pictures next to the trees in Redwood National Park
- Take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway
Northern California Elopement Photographer
I’m Brianna, a Northern California–based elopement photographer who specializes in planning and photographing elopements throughout Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. I’ve lived here my entire life and have spent the past seven years photographing elopements across redwoods, mountains, alpine lakes, volcanic landscapes, and everywhere in between.
I don’t just show up with a camera. I help couples choose the right location, plan realistic timelines, navigate permits, avoid crowds, and more. I want to build you an elopement day that actually feels like you.
If you’re looking for a Northern California elopement photographer who knows the area like the back of their hand and can guide you through the entire process from start to finish, you’re in the right place.
To see full package details, you can check out my pricing page. Below is a quick look at what’s included in every Northern California elopement package.
Northern California Elopement Packages
- 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
- Complimentary album design
- 24-48 hour sneak peeks to share with the world
- Travel fees to anywhere in California are already included
- Starting at $6,500
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. I’m a Pacific Northwest elopement photographer whose 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.
