San Diego is one of the most popular locations in California among tourists, but it’s also one of the best elopement locations in California. San Diego is right at the bottom of California near the border of Mexico, and lies right on the the breathtaking coast of the Pacific Ocean. With dramatic cliffs, fun activities, amazing hikes, and great food, San Diego makes for one heck of an elopement location. Whether you’re looking for elopement packages in San Diego, or a comprehensive guide all about eloping in San Diego, you’ve come to the right place.
San Diego Elopement Locations
Beaches, indoor studios, and outdoor gardens are just a few different elopement locations you can choose from in San Diego. If you’re wanting to view an entire list, check out this blog post filled with a ton of trendy, versatile, and modern wedding and elopement venues in San Diego.
Sunset Cliffs
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Max capacity: 50
Sunset Cliffs is my favorite place to elope in San Diego. I personally love the beauty and simplicity of this area. It’s peaceful, quiet during sunrise, and the perfect backdrop for any ceremony or photo. I would caution against a sunset elopement here though, as this place is packed with people!
Mount Laguna
See more: Mount Laguna
Max capacity: 25
Mount Laguna is the perfect elopement location for the couple who wants to have a forest-like elopement. This area doesn’t require any hiking to see some of the best views of San Diego. It’s also one of the lesser known places to tie the knot, making it easy to find an area for an intimate ceremony.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
See more: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Max capacity: 15
If you’re a fan of the desert, then you should definitely consider this state park for your elopement. With over 500,000 acres, you’re guaranteed to find a secluded spot for your ceremony. Anza-Borrego is known for its wildflowers. It’s similar to Joshua Tree without the drive!
The Condor’s Nest Ranch
See more: The Condor’s Nest Ranch
Max capacity: 300
The Condor’s Nest Ranch is one of the most breathtaking outdoor elopement locations in San Diego. Not only does it offer incredible views of Palomar Mountain, but it also includes a garden, greenhouse, and lodging on site. It’s off the grid and is a perfect spot to tie the knot if you’re wanting something secluded and outdoors. Photo by: Zelo Photography.
The Wedding Bowl
See more: The Wedding Bowl
Max capacity: 40
The Wedding Bowl is another one of my favorite elopement locations in San Diego. It’s very unique and reminds me of Big Sur! It’s quiet and gives you the perfect view of the coast. It’s a secluded and perfectly sized area, especially for elopements with a few guests.
San Diego Permit Information
Depending on where you decide to elope in San Diego, you may need a permit for your special day. For example, state parks like Anza-Borrego and Sunset Cliffs require permits, but indoor venues such as Flora don’t. Always be sure to check with the venue coordinator to see whether or not you’ll need to obtain a permit. If you do, send it in as early as possible to avoid late processing and extra fees!
The Best Time of Year for Your San Diego Elopement
Fall and spring are the best times to elope in San Diego, specifically the months of October, November, March, and April. During the fall, the temperatures are in the low 70s, there are a low amount of tourists, and they also have quite a few festivals. In the spring, the temperatures are in the mid 60s and it’s the best time to see the wildflowers and beautiful greenery.
If you can, avoid the winter and summer season. This is peak travel season, meaning prices are much higher and there are a ton more people visiting the area.
San Diego Elopement Package Budget Examples
High-End San Diego Elopement
- $500 – plane tickets for 2
- $100 – marriage license fees
- $100 – location permit
- $2,000 – three nights at a luxury hotel
- $6,500 – photographer
- $700 – florist for bouquet and decor
- $3,000 – dress, accessories, and shoes
- $300 – hair and makeup
- $800 – suit, accessories, and shoes
- $900 – private yacht rental
- $500 – private chef
- TOTAL: $15,400
Mid-End San Diego Elopement
- $500 – plane tickets for 2
- $100 – marriage license fees
- $100 – location permit
- $1,000 – three nights at a 3-star hotel
- $4,500 – photographer
- $400 – florist for bouquet and light decor
- $1,500 – dress, accessories, and shoes
- $200 – hair and makeup
- $500 – suit, accessories, and shoes
- $200 – wine tasting
- TOTAL: $9,000
Low-End San Diego Elopement
- $500 – plane tickets for 2
- $100 – marriage license fees
- $100 – location permit
- $500 – three nights at a simple hotel/airbnb
- $2,500 – photographer
- $200 – florist for bouquet
- $700 – dress, accessories, and shoes
- $100 – hair and makeup (or free if done yourself)
- $300 – suit (rented)
- TOTAL: $5,000
The Best Places to Stay in San Diego for Your Elopement
San Diego and the surrounding area has a variety of different lodging options you can choose from for your elopement. From 5-star hotels to camping, you’re sure to find something that suits you. If you’re wanting to stay in a nice hotel, I recommend checking out Hotel Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, and The Lodge at Torrey Pines.
If you prefer an Airbnb, I highly recommend checking out Room D at The Dutra Inn, The Craftsman House, The Wave Watcher, and The Mountain View Retreat! Click on the map icons to see more pictures and locations of each of these Airbnbs.
San Diego Elopement Activities
There is nothing short of fun activities to do around San Diego. If you’re looking for some unique ideas or food places to try, check out this epic list below!
- Take a tour of the Whaley House, one of San Diego’s most haunted places
- Try some authentic Mexican food at Las Cuatro Milpas
- Go paragliding over the Pacific Ocean at Torrey Pines Gliderport
- Explore everything Balboa Park has to offer
- Book a luxury picnic on the beach of San Diego
- Take a private surfing lesson from the San Diego Surf School
- Try hiking some of San Diego’s most well known hikes
- Take a toga class at Riffs Yoga Studio
- Hit up a local farmers market for some fresh produce
San Diego Elopement Packages
I offer elopement packages in San Diego that include elopement scouting, timeline planning, vendor referrals, and much more! To view my California elopement packages and other packages, click here.
San Diego Elopement Package Pricing:
- 4 hours – 1.5 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 $6,500
Want to see a real San Diego elopement? Check out Lexi and Daniel’s sunset cliffs elopement here!
FAQ
You can elope anywhere you want in San Diego. The most popular San Diego elopement locations include Sunset Cliffs, Coronado Beach, and Balboa Park.
Yes, you can get married in Balboa Park. Balboa Park has a variety of indoor and outdoor wedding venues.
The average cost of a wedding in San Diego is $38,000.
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.
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