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



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-house
Price: $ • $$
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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 list
Price: $ • $$
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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-house
Price: $ • $$
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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, BYO
Price: $ • $$
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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-house
Price: $$ • $$$
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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-house
Price: $ • $$ • $$$
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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-house
Price: $ • $$
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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, BYO
Price: $ • $$
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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, BYO
Price: $ • $$
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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 list
Price: $$ • $$$
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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: $ • $$
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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 list
Price: $$ • $$$
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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-house
Price: $ • $$
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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, BYO
Price: $ • $$
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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

Catering: Preferred list
Price: $ • $$ • $$$
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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

Catering: BYO
Price: $ • $$
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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: BYO
Price: $ • $$
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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-house
Price: $ • $$ • $$$
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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 list
Price: $ • $$ • $$$
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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, BYO
Price: $$ • $$$
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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-house
Price: $ • $$ • $$$
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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 list
Price: $ • $$ • $$$
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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, BYO
Price: $$
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