Ultimate Guide for a Northern California Elopement
If you’re looking for a wedding destination with consistent weather year-round, cozy vibes and breathtaking landscapes, consider a northern California elopement. This rocky portion of California’s coastline has a consistent maritime climate, dramatic cliffs, charming towns and some of the most picturesque coastal lodging out there. It’s an absolutely breathtaking place for an elopement, and I’ve got everything you need to know to elope on the northern California coast right here.
About the northern California coast
The area that I’m covering in this blog post stretches along the California coast from Sonoma County up through Mendocino County. Driving the 101 Highway is the best way to see this stunning area from Point Reyes National Seashore just north of San Francisco all the way to the Oregon border. Highlights include Bodega Bay, Timber Cove, Mendocino, Fort Bragg and Redwood National Park.
While the scenery is enough to sell you on holding your elopement here, another reason why it’s perfect for intimate weddings is because very little activity is required to be able to appreciate its beauty. There are tons of roadside pull-offs and parks, so you can easily take a short walk to a jaw-dropping northern California elopement ceremony or photo location. This makes it a wonderful choice for couples who want to invite family to their elopement who may not be as able to hike longer distances! If this sounds like it checks the boxes for your dream wedding, read on.
When to plan a northern California elopement
From southern California’s year-round sunny skies to the foggy summers in San Francisco, weather along the California coast can be wildly different depending on the location. However, this stretch of coastline in Sonoma and Mendocino counties is generally the same all year-round! The temperatures stay between 45 and 60 degrees nearly all year, typically landing somewhere in the 50s. Usually I’d write here about the best time to visit based on weather and crowds, but for this region, anytime between April and November is lovely. It gets a little rainier in the winter months, but it’s hard to pick a bad time otherwise.
How to legally elope in California
There are a few important things to note about what it looks like to legally elope in California. Their marriage license process is a bit different than most, so
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California’s marriage license process is a little different than most because they provide two different options: a public marriage license and a confidential marriage license. Most couples will opt for the first, as it’s like license in most other states. Choosing the confidential one means no one can obtain public records about your marriage, and no witnesses are required besides the officiant. You also have to attest to living together before marriage to obtain this type of license, and they cost a few dollars more than a public license.
Marriage licenses in California vary in price based on which county you apply in, anywhere from $45-$113. Some counties allow you to apply online, but you’ll need to pick up the license in person. While the license is valid immediately and for 90 days afterwards, it’s recommended to make an appointment for the in-person portion ahead of time. It has to be returned to the county clerk within 10 days.
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With the regular public marriage license, you’ll need an officiant and one witness. Like I mentioned, you don’t need a witness for the confidential license.
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This area is peppered with beautiful state parks that would make incredible northern California elopement locations. There’s also a national park towards the north, Redwood National Park! While I will cover the permits needed at Redwood extensively in its own future blog post, some of the state parks may require permits too. This page has a rundown of some of the more popular parks along the California coast and who to contact, but it’s always best to call the park ahead of time even if you don’t see it on that list.
Best locations for a northern California elopement
Gorgeous spots for a northern California elopement are plentiful in this area. And like I mentioned before, most are relatively easy to access! Here are some of my favorite suggestions.
Point Reyes National Seashore
This park is easily accessible if you fly into San Francisco, as it’s located just north of the city. Even though it’s close to the city, it’s really not all that busy because there’s so much to explore! There are plenty of options for scenic hikes and ceremony spots here, from Cypress Tree Tunnel to South Beach Overlook and Point Reyes Lighthouse to Chimney Rock Trail. We met up with Vanessa + Bryan for an engagement session here on our last visit and it was so beautiful! We’ve totally scouted it for your northern California elopement.
MacKerricher State Park
This 9 mile stretch of beach near Fort Bragg is highlighted by the popular Glass Beach. While the story of how this beach ended up like this is sad (trash dumped into the ocean between the early 1900s and late 1960s), nature has turned it into something beautiful again. The phenomenon of sea glass is nearly as abundant here as sand, and it’s quite a sight to see. Collecting sea glass is discouraged though, because we always want to be Leave No Trace Aware.
Noyo Headlands Park
At Noyo Headlands, you’ll find a 3.5 mile bluff top on the coast of Fort Bragg. The 6 mile trail here is handicap accessible and has numerous benches scattered along it for ocean gazing and wildlife watching.
Russian Gulch State Park
This park’s waterfall bridge over a creek is famously pictured in many snapshots of the Mendocino area and consequently, are quite popular with visitors. If you choose this spot for a photo location, I recommend beating the crowds at sunrise.
Jug Handle State Natural Reserve
If you want to capture photos on a beach rather than a cliff, Jug Handle Beach is beautiful. Masterfully eroded cliffs surround it, and you can even see a bridge from the beach that resembles the well-known one at Russian Gulch.
Sonoma Coast State Park
This state park is rather a collection of coastal parks along the California coastline between Jenner and Bodega Point. There are over a dozen stops along the way to soak in views of the sea stacks off the coast, steep cliffs and crashing waves.
Seaside Beach
Seaside Beach is where Seaside Creek flows into the ocean. This is another great option for those looking to elope on a beach. At low tide, you can even find a hidden beach here through a trail of rock tunnels!
Sea Ranch Chapel
This is a quirkier choice for your elopement ceremony compared to the more outdoorsy locations I’ve listed here, but it’s an iconic building along the coast. This non-denominational sanctuary hosts weddings and can hold up to 20 people.
Switzer Farm
This majestic Victoria farmhouse sits right on the coast in Westport and its 22 acres are totally breathtaking. Renting this spot as your venue also includes lodging for you and some guests at the beautiful home on property.
Cross into southern Oregon
While there are so many stunning places along the coast here, you can also find some gorgeous spots just up the road in southern Oregon. You’ll have more options for lodging and food in northern California, but if you want somewhere that’s underrated, you can choose a spot across the border for a second portrait location.
Redwood National Park
Once you get up closer to the Oregon border, you’ll reach Redwood National Park. Of course, you know I love a good national park elopement! And I think it’s one of the best places to elope on the northern California coast. That’s why I covered this whole area in its very own elopement guide. I think choosing a spot in amount the redwoods and another spot along the coast would make for the perfect full day elopement – or you could add in a couple more stops for a custom multi-day elopement!
Redwood State Parks
Did you know there are actually several different parks here that feature those famous redwood trees? These include Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. The national park is worth the trip, but don’t miss these less crowded gems either!
Where to stay for a northern California elopement
There are so many breathtaking places to stay when you elope on the northern California coast. It was difficult even to narrow down this list! There are plenty of lodging options that have gorgeous interiors to match the unreal views of the coastline on the outside. You don’t have to look to hard to find the perfect pairing of both, making this one of the most romantic areas to stay for an elopement! I’ve rounded up a few suggestions. Bonus: all of the traditional hotel options below have wedding
The Inn at Newport Ranch – small, secluded property with a luxe coastal vibe and jaw-dropping views
Agate Cove Inn – quaint, peaceful hideaway
Heritage House Resort and Spa – jaw-dropping coastal sanctuary
Harbor House Inn – West coast coastal grandmother vibes with a Michelin star restaurant
Timber Cove Resort – sleek, updated resort with an earthy feel
Little River Inn – white cottages tucked into the coastal forest
Cliffside home in Manchester – stunning property with massive windows overlooking the ocean (and a hot tub)
Intimate treehouse – all-wood cabin nestled among redwoods near Mendocino
Ocean Heaven Escape – bright nautical vibes with a stunning cliffside wraparound porch
Zen Jewel Sanctuary – Asian-inspired home set in a Japanese garden
Ocean & River Views Home – dog friendly home for 6 with accordion doors that open to the waterfront patio
Havens Neck barn – ultra modern barn with beautiful indoor/outdoor space
Mendocino Lighthouse Seaside Retreat – modern and spacious with floor to ceiling windows
Navarro Property Cabin in Albion – mid-century modern cabin
A camper van – okay, this option won’t be for everyone, but it’s what we did in northern California and I could totally see some of my adventurous couples embracing nature like this too!
Things to do when you elope on the Northern California coast
While many more nature-focused elopement destinations can be lacking for dining options, that isn’t the case on the northern California coast. Here, you’ll find foodie gems and Michelin-starred restaurants with views that are simply unbelievable. There’s so much to be discovered in the food scene here, from Point Reyes all the way to Fort Bragg, but our favorite food scene is in Mendocino. Here are a few recommendations in that area for your northern California elopement!
Food
Trillium Café – gorgeous patio in a garden setting with a bright, chic menu
Luna Trattoria – handmade Italian in a quaint setting. We personally loved the food here!
Wild Fish – oceanside establishment with organic fare and fresher than fresh seafood
Little River Inn – it makes my list of places to stay but you can eat here as well!
Corners of the Mouth Natural Food Store – upscale grocer in an old church. Stop here for picnic supplies!
Bonus pick because it’s fantastic even though it’s not in Mendocino:
Harbor House Inn – head to this ocean view Michelin-starred restaurant for a truly indulgent tasting menu experience
Activities
Per usual, I always recommend marking a few of my location suggestions off the list even if you don’t choose them for your ceremony. If you’re looking for something a little more, here are some options for activities for you and your guests during your northern California elopement.
Rent a canoe for spotting otters and seals – Catch A Canoe & Bicycles Too is based out of the Stanford Inn, a great place to put in and see the cliffs from a different perspective
Tour sea caves in a kayak – if you want someone to take you around to the best coastline features, go on a guided kayak tour with Kayak Mendocino!
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens – this 47 acre garden is a year-round attraction thanks to the mild maritime climate
Sunset picnic on the coast – pick one of the other spots on the list, grab picnic supplies from Corners of the Mouth and take in the sunset with the person you love. So romantic!
Go wine tasting at Lula Cellars in Philo – this cute tasting room has beautiful views just outside of Mendocino
Take a whale-watching tour – from April to November you can spot these gentle giants off the coast as they migrate
Gallery Bookshop - if you know me, you know I will literally plan a trip around bookstores. This is the perfect spot to support local small businesses and grab a book to read while you relax on the patio of your Airbnb with your new spouse listening to the waves roll in.
See Bowling Ball Beach at low tide – these rounded boulders are hidden by the tide during certain parts of the day, but if you visit at the right time you’ll spot these uniquely eroded concretions.
Explore the tidal pools - A free and fun activity where you can do you at your leisure, just be sure to check the tide charts to know when to go.
Let me help you elope on the Northern California coast!
If you’re still unsure whether a northern California elopement is right for you, let me tell you that my husband and I love this place. It’s a fantastic choice if you want a place that’s easy for all your guests to get to, features great food and lodging options and has that cozy, mountain-meets-ocean vibe. I would love to help you plan the perfect adventurous elopement on the northern California coast!