If you’re considering eloping, there’s no place quite like the Western USA for breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you dream of standing on a rugged cliffside as the sun dips below the horizon or exchanging vows in the middle of a serene desert landscape, the West has something for every couple. From stunning national parks to hidden forest clearings, this guide will walk you through the best locations to elope in the Western United States. Let’s find your perfect backdrop to say, “I do.”

Love has the power to bring magic into lives, and for C and D, their love soared to new heights as they tied the knot in an intimate spring elopement amid the stunning windmills of Palm Springs, California. The couple’s special day was filled with whimsy, romance, and an enchanting celestial theme, complete with a mesmerizing crescent moon arch adorned with a burst of colorful flowers. Let’s journey into this celestial fairytale and witness the magic that unfolded!

Southern California has all the warm sandy beaches for your ceremony and trendy postnuptial drinks spots you could want…BUT that’s just the tippity top of the (desert) iceberg! You’ll also find: sand dunes, slot canyons, islands, and stargazing! SoCal has so much to offer the couples that want to venture off the beaten path and the couples simply want to venture to a quiet spot to catch the sunset.

You already have some of the pieces for your elopement: the love of your partner, the bravery to do something different for your wedding day, and the desire to create memories, not just photographs. The next step is picking a location. A great place to start is by simply imagining your wedding day. Is there an ocean breeze, the sounds of waterfalls, or the smell of juniper? Are you dusty from dancing in desert sands or are you wet from skipping rocks into the ocean waves? If any of these ring true for you then Southern California could be the perfect place for your elopement.

Here, let me show you a few spots!

T + S’s elopement was an L.A. dream come true! Bright and early in the magic of a spring sunrise, this couple said “I do” on a sandy canvas with the Pacific as their backdrop. It was like the beach itself gave a standing ovation. But here’s the twist – it wasn’t just a ceremony; it was a full-on beach picnic extravaganza! Think fluffy blankets, mimosas, and avocado toast, all while seagulls provided the soundtrack. They didn’t just exchange rings; they exchanged bites of sweets too. The sun painted the sky in all shades of “happy” as they danced on the shore and laughed like they owned the beach. From vows to views to bites, this LA elopement was a love-fueled adventure that beach dreams are made of.

Lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, rugged coastlines, and enchanting forests intermixed with quaint ocean villages and bustling cities — what doesn’t Northern California have? Within the array of landscapes and endless experiences your perfect elopement awaits. 

I have to admit something…I always knew this part of the United States was beautiful, but my research exceeded all my expectations of what I thought I’d find! Not only did I find some places that immediately landed a spot on my bucket list, but I was floored learning that in a day you can walk the city streets and through the forests to a wild beach. There was only one thing left for me to do, see Northern California for myself. And I did. And I get the hype. 

And now… I want to take you there for your elopement!

It was a weekday morning in downtown San Francisco. The two lovebirds, after years of dating, were finally taking a huge leap toward marriage and starting a life together!

They showed up at City Hall, the iconic Beaux-Arts building, to tie the knot in a sweet and simple wedding. They were surrounded by nothing but love. What started off as a typical weekday morning, slowly turned into a very special day. And with it being a weekday morning it was quite as can be in this typically bustling building.

Waking up early to watch the sun rise from a desert landscape is one of the most magical experiences a couple can have. And when it comes to a romantic elopement among the stunningly unique Joshua Trees, you know it’s going to be a day to remember!

It’s been a dream of J + H’s for years – to elope to Joshua Tree National Park and exchange their vows at sunrise! Early last year, we made the dream a reality!

If you’re looking for a unique and romantic way to tie the knot, then look no further than the Santa Monica Pier in Southern California. Last spring, one couple decided to exchange their vows at this iconic location, surrounded by the beautiful Pacific Ocean and the stunning backdrop of the California coastline.

My time with R + L was short, but so full! We started the afternoon with getting ready at the AirBnB where Marla came to do L’s hair and makeup. We got to sit around, chat and hear R + L’s story!

As micro weddings are becoming more popular it is fun to put together shoots to show all the different possibilities. Along with the incredible team of vendors we brought this California beach micro wedding to life with warm toned glasses on a table surrounded by the natural rock formations, an abundance of baby’s breath and a golden arch.