24 Breathtaking California Elopement Wedding Venues
Is there anything more romantic than an intimate elopement with a stunning backdrop? For the couple seeking a beautiful small wedding experience, California's diverse landscape and agreeable climate offers countless enchanting options for every style, at any time throughout the year. Whether you’re envisioning vows spoken with your toes in the sand overlooking the Pacific or a sweet soirée surrounded by towering redwoods, get ready to swoon over these picturesque locations that fit any budget!
OVERLOOKING THE OCEAN
OVERLOOKING THE OCEAN
The Lodge at Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Picturesque Setting
Lush Grounds
On-Site Accommodations
Fab Features: cliffside boutique hideaway overlooking the northern coast • intimate ceremonies on the lush event lawn while the sun sets over the ocean • a stone’s throw from beautiful beaches, towering redwoods, and Sonoma’s artisanal farms
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
China Cabin
Belvedere, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Non-Profit
Historic Details
Panoramic Views
Fab Features: one-of-a-kind first-class social saloon extracted from an 19th-century steamer • ornate interior boasts a crisply painted arched ceiling highlighted with gold leaf, etched glass windows, and crystal chandeliers • decks on three sides offer jaw-dropping views the San Francisco skyline and the colorful boats berthed nearby on the surrounding bay
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $ • $$
Pelican Inn
Muir Beach, California
Venue Superpowers:
All-Inclusive
Picturesque Setting
On-Site Accommodations
Fab Features: whimsical Tudor-style inn perfect for intimate events • steps away from Muir Beach • lawn ceremonies set against rolling, chaparral-covered hills that give the feel of the English countryside
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Avila Lighthouse Suites at Avila Beach
Avila Beach, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Beach Ceremonies
All-Inclusive
Upscale Amenities
Fab Features: cozy beachfront hotel with first-class amenities • ceremonies on the beach or the expansive sun deck • all-inclusive wedding packages cover everything from elopements to grand events with custom cocktail hours—even farewell brunches!
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $ • $$
Cavallo Point, the Lodge at the Golden Gate
Sausalito, California
Venue Superpowers:
Historic Details
Panoramic Views
Upscale Accommodations
Fab Features: restored Colonial Revival complex set on 75,000 acres of national parkland • stunning views of the Bay, Golden Gate bridge and SF cityscape • luxurious amenities include the Healing Arts Center & Spa, an award-winning restaurant, and glamorous family-friendly suites and guest rooms
Catering: In-housePrice: $$ • $$$
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
San Diego, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Panoramic Bay Views
All-Inclusive
Destination Weddings
Fab Features: inviting bayfront hotel surrounded by water on three sides • multiple spaces include grand ballrooms, a verdant garden patio, and a sunny seaside embankment • perfect for destination weddings, with delicious restaurants, spa services, and plush accommodations
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$ • $$$
NESTLED IN THE REDWOODS
NESTLED IN THE REDWOODS
Stanford Inn & Resort
Mendocino, CA
Venue Superpowers:
All-Inclusive
Lush Grounds
Charming Accommodations
Fab Features: charming inn overlooking Mendocino Bay and the resort’s historic farm • intimate ceremonies in the herb garden or next inside next to a cozy fireplace • gorgeous photo ops in the nearby redwood groves or the rocky coastline
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Peacock Ridge
Temecula, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Panoramic Vistas
Woodsy Setting
Peacock Sanctuary
Fab Features: 13-acre peacock sanctuary with hilltop views and onsite accommodations • affordable DIY-friendly packages are available • weddings support the non-profit wildlife sanctuary and receive a tax break!
Catering: In-house, Preferred list, BYOPrice: $ • $$
Julia Morgan Redwood Grove
Garberville, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Private Estate
Historic Details
Lush Gardens
Fab Features: dreamy 1926 estate designed by legendary architect Julia Morgan • host a grand event in one of three of the property's lush gardens, or opt for something more intimate inside the mansion's Great Room • expert on-site coordinators will work closely with your wedding planner to execute your vision
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $ • $$
IN A LUSH GARDEN
IN A LUSH GARDEN
Hotel Nia, Autograph Collection
Menlo Park, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Modern Vibes
Indian Weddings
Diverse Event Spaces
Fab Features: fresh, modern hotel in the heart of Silicon Valley • over 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event spaces, from stunning ballrooms to lush lawns to private patios • talented chefs can accommodate all kinds of cultural menus
Catering: In-house, Preferred listPrice: $$ • $$$
Hastings House Garden Weddings
Half Moon Bay, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Private Home
Lush Gardens
Panoramic Views
Fab Features: intimate celebrations and elopements in a garden setting • ceremonies in the enchanting half-acre lot on the edge of Miramar Beach • gorgeous photo ops among the lush landscaping, a lovely meadow, and the breathtaking Half Moon Bay that's just a few steps
Price: $ • $$Campovida
Hopland, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Enchanting Gardens
Vintage Vibes
Weekend Weddings
Fab Features: romantic retreat and organic farm surrounded by 13 acres of enchanting gardens • say "I do" beneath the Learning Arbor, a leafy canopy comprised of 12 varietals of interlaced grapevines • the vintage Hop Barn has requisite rafters, plank wood floors and rustic details for an authentic barn wedding, with large doors that open to a surrounding deck for dancing under the stars
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $$ • $$$
Inn of the Seventh Ray
Topanga, California
Venue Superpowers:
Year-Round Tented Patio
Lovely Landscaping
Seasonal Food & Wine
Fab Features: creekside venue and fountain courtyard surrounded by greenery • tented and heated patio allows for outdoor celebrations year-round • menus feature fresh, seasonal organic foods and wines
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Harmony Chapel and Garden
Harmony, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Intimate Chapel
Quaint Vintage Vibe
Adorable Ice Cream Truck
Fab Features: quirky-quaint chapel with beautifully hand-carved wood doors and a unique wine barrel facade • picturesque gazebo and rustic creekside stage are perfect for al fresco ceremonies • finish with small-batch, locally made ice cream from the Scoop Truck!
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $ • $$
San Francisco Botanical Garden
San Francisco, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Non-Profit
LGBTQ+ Friendly
Unbeatable Location
Fab Features: 5 stunning outdoor venues in the heart of the city • elegant tented receptions on the expansive green lawn surrounded by lush scenery • intimate ceremonies in a secluded redwood grove
Price: $ • $$ • $$$
Dallidet Adobe and Gardens
San Luis Obispo, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Affordable
Flexible Packages
Rehearsal Dinner Options
Fab Features: state historic landmark boasting original adobe architecture and luxuriant gardens • lovely ceremonies beneath a rustic wooden arbor and receptions in a garden courtyard surrounded by lush greenery • picturesque bricked paths wind through the gardens and the front patio
Price: $ • $$
LAKESIDE
LAKESIDE
Lassen Meadows Ranch
Chester, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Private Retreat
Lakefront Lawns
Camping Welcome
Fab Features: 160-acre private getaway in the Northern Sierras with a lake, meadows and stunning mountain views • picturesque events move from sprawling green lawns to a barn and outdoor kitchen pavilion • a cozy cabin for the newlyweds and plenty of space for guest camping beneath the stars
Catering: BYOPrice: $ • $$
Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa
Lake Arrowhead, California
Venue Superpowers:
Full-Service Resort
Lakeside Ceremonies
Destination Weddings
Fab Features: full-service AAA Four Diamond Resort nestled along the lakeshore in the richly forested San Bernardino Mountains • exchange vows on the lovely lakeside lawn, flanked by towering pines • the Lakeview Terrace Room boasts warm tones, picture windows, and glass doors that open onto an al fresco terrace
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$ • $$$
AMONG THE VINEYARDS
AMONG THE VINEYARDS
Viansa Winery
Sonoma, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Picturesque Setting
Private Estate
Panoramic Views
Fab Features: romantic hilltop setting overlooking the Valley of the Moon • circular fountain courtyard bordered by olive trees and grapevines • versatile Pavilion affording breathtaking panoramic views of the Sonoma Valley, the estate vineyards, and coastal wetlands
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $ • $$ • $$$
Merryvale Vineyards
St. Helena, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Al Fresco Celebrations
Old World Dining Room
All-Inclusive
Fab Features: sophisticated wine country setting with a lovely deck for al fresco ceremonies featuring stunning valley views • receptions in the two-story Cask Room lined with century-old casks or the warm, Old World-style dining room • enjoy delectable multi-course menus with customized wine pairings
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $$ • $$$
Carneros Resort and Spa
Napa, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Lush Grounds
Mountain Views
On-Site Accommodations
Fab Features: say “I do” against a backdrop of Napa Valley vineyards and distant mountains • the Napa and Sonoma Ballrooms showcase soaring peaked roofs, handcrafted barn-board walls, and state-of-the-art lighting and sound • the 28 acres include beautifully landscaped walking paths, flowering gardens with fountains, and spacious lawn and stone fireplace
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$ • $$$
B.R. Cohn Winery
Glen Ellen, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Pastoral Romance
Ceremony Amphitheater
Historic Olive Grove
Fab Features: ceremonies in a spectacular al fresco Amphitheater with a large stage and terraced lawn • dreamy vineyard and mountain backdrop from under an ancient oak • olive grove-shaded receptions on an expansive lawn bordered by blooms
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $ • $$ • $$$
CITYSCAPE
CITYSCAPE
The Newhall Nest
San Francisco, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Panoramic Cityscape Views
Late Night Celebrations
On-Site Accommodations
Fab Features: versatile event space set above SF"s Financial District • chic celebrations in the penthouse's loft-like interior with well-appointed decor and fabulous city views • dine and dance the night away beneath stringed bistro lights on the intimate rooftop deck
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $$
Are we friends yet? Join MyGuide for more goodness!
Some clients may have paid to be placed in our editorial and some of these links may be affiliate; however, we never include a venue, vendor, or product unless they have a proper place here. This is part of our Core Values. We create our website first and foremost to be good for the couples using it to plan their Big Day. We won't stray from that for a few advertising dollars. #scoutshonor