Three images side by side. The left is two women laughing while standing in a rocky area. The middle is a wedding couple about to kiss while standing next to the water. The right image is a couple smiling while walking through a slot canyon.

California Elopement Photographer

How, Where & Why to Get Married in California

A newlywed couple dancing on top of a rock in the desert.

welcome to the golden state

Why Should You Elope in California?

The Golden State provides enchanting environments for adventure couples on their wedding day. There’s always some place to capture your hearts. From San Francisco to Yosemite, Lake Tahoe to the Redwoods, Joshua Tree to Malibu, Death Valley to the Eastern Sierra, and everything in between.

California, with its diverse landscapes and vibrant energy, ensures everyone can find their ideal setting to embark on the adventure of a lifetime on their wedding day.

Where Should I Get Married in California?

California is a big state with a lot to offer, so making the right choice for your wedding can be tough. Luckily, your California elopement photographer can help. (AKA—me!)

psst - hover to see a look at the landscapes of the destinations!

A couple hugging while standing in between their motorcycles.

Are you delighted by desert valleys, mountains, and cacti?

You might want an outdoor wedding in Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Mohave Preserve, or Anza Borrego.

A couple standing close together looking out over the water.

Want to kick off your shoes and feel the sand and surf?

Read your vows on the beaches of Laguna Beach, Malibu, Santa Cruz, or Half Moon Bay.

A groom holding up his bride in a forest area as she smiles.

Enraptured by mountain views?

Consider eloping in Yosemite National Park, Mammoth Lakes, Lake Tahoe, or Mount Shasta.

A groom leaning in behind his bride kissing her cheek.

Love spectacular views of the ocean?

Enjoy your wedding photos on the cliffside beaches of Santa Barbara, Big Sur, Mendocino, and the North Coast.

A newlywed couple holding hands and walking out of city hall.

Love visiting iconic landmarks?

Tie the knot in the San Francisco Bay Area and snap photos near the Golden Gate Bridge.

A couple kissing on a walking path in the forest.

Enthralled by tall trees?

Enjoy the rich redwood forests of California, including Sequoia National Park, Redwoods National Park, and Humboldt.

A couple holding hands while standing in a doorway.

Appreciate small towns with a lot of personality?

Grab your special someone and elope in Ojai or Healdsburg.

Wedding & Elopement Location Guides

Looking to get married in California, but don’t know how to go about it? Lucky for you, Love & Latitudes Outdoor Wedding and Elopement Photography has location-specific guides with all the information you need. Just another way we make sure you have a stress-free wedding day!

How to Elope
in Death Valley NP

How to Get Married
at SF City Hall

How to Elope
in Joshua Tree NP

How to Elope
in Yosemite

How to Elope
in San Francisco

How to Get Married
in Mammoth Lakes

How Can I Elope in California?

California elopements are exciting. But there’s a lot to think about too. What do you need to get married in California legally? Do you hire an officiant or a family member? How about places to stay? Attire? We cover all that here and more. Got more questions?

Book a free consultation and I’ll walk you through it.



leave no trace


As a California elopement photographer, it’s my job to put you at ease and capture the special moments of your wedding day.

Photography


California requires an ordained minister and at least one witness for a legal wedding ceremony. Luckily, we have an officiant on staff.

officiant



Getting married in a national park, state park, or public location? You might need a permit. Don’t worry. We’ll help you through the process.

A newlywed couple standing with two wedding vendors smiling in the desert.

permits



Whether you want a wild or chill elopement, we can help with the logistics, including scheduling and location assistance with the best times of day in mind.

logistics



A couple holding hands and walking along the beach.

Mother nature is always invited to your wedding day if you get married outdoors. We’ll help you brave the elements.

weather


A couple kissing in a field of yellow flowers

Do you envision your newly-wed suite in a hotel, Airbnb, or camping spot? There are no wrong answers as long as you and your special someone are happy about it.

lodging



locations

Know exactly where you want to get married? Still weighing your options? No idea where you want to tie the knot? No matter what the case may be, we are here to ensure you love your wedding location.



Choosing to get married indoors? We can provide some venue recommendations that’ll match your vibe.

Venues


A newlywed couple standing close together looking off to the side in front of cacti.

Getting married outdoors has its challenges. We’re happy to help brave the elements—and look good doing it.

attire


Keep the great outdoors healthy and happy by practicing LNT principles.

A couple kissing while standing on a rock in a desert area.
A newlywed couple popping a bottle of champagne in front of a cabin.
A couple sitting on a chair together laughing.

California Wedding & Elopement Packages

✓ Planning assistance

✓ Scheduling, locations, and permits

✓ Vendor recommendations

✓ Activity ideas

✓ Online high-resolution gallery

✓ Travel fees included

✓ Optional officiant services.

A woman standing in a field of flowers at the foot of a mountain holding a camera.
A selfie of a couple in the mountains.
A woman standing on rocks in a park.

Meet Your California Elopement Photographer

I’m Diana, and I was born and raised in California. I’ve lived here for 27 years I’m still in love with it. The state has so much to offer and so many places to explore.

That’s why my husband, Isiah, and I choose to live in a van—driving all over California to photograph and officiate elopements and weddings.

Even when I’m not attending a wedding, I still have my camera in hand. There’s just so much beauty that I love to capture through my lens and share with others.

Reviews from trailblazing couples

Reviews from trailblazing couples

Reviews from trailblazing couples

Reviews from trailblazing couples Reviews from trailblazing couples Reviews from trailblazing couples

“With Diana you don’t just get a photographer, you get a planner, second set of eyes, a confidant, and a friend. She made us feel like we had taken professional pictures before and like we knew what we were doing (we didn’t).”

-Alexis S.

“Diana made all of our elopement dreams come true!!! Every time we look at our photos we fall in love all over again.”

-Emily E.

“Diana was incredible every step of the way. From vendor recommendations to helping us navigate the national parks permit system. She was incredible and worked with the vision we had for the day as well as understanding us as a couple.”

-Jimmy H.

Where Else Do You Travel?

We’ll go anywhere you take us! While we are based in the American Southwest, we are more than happy to meet you wherever you want to go. The most important thing is that your wedding day reflects your values, hopes, and expectations.

What are you waiting for? Let’s Elope!

Ready. to start planning your California elopement? Let’s hop on the phone! No strings attached, just an informative conversation with yours truly.

Stay Connected with Love & Latitudes

Not ready to commit, but want to stay connected? You can stay in the loop with Love & Latitudes by signing up for our newsletter! You’ll get updates on new elopement guides, new blogs, print sales, travel schedule updates and more!

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