Where to elope in San Diego besides Sunset Cliffs
Why Choose San Diego For Your Destination Elopement
San Diego is perfect for a destination elopement, you’ll find stunning coastal trails, cliffs overlooking the ocean, mountains and desert landscapes. It has a variety of landscapes and tons of activities to do. The weather is amazing year round but especially between October and April.
Where to elope in San Diego Besides Sunset Cliffs
When you look up “best places to elope in San Diego” you are most likely going to come across sunset cliffs first. It’s a beautiful location but it’s also the most crowded spot. It really lives up to it’s name at sunset. But here’s the thing if you are wanting to elope somewhere beautiful and not swarming with tourists, there are better places/ alternatives to elope than Sunset Cliffs.
La Jolla Beaches
Perfect for: couples eloping with 0-8 guests,
Best time: September – April
Permit: Recommended
La Jolla has stunning beaches like Windansea beach, La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Cove,etc that are perfect for an elopement. Besides the beach locations, you’ll find amazing places to stay, super cute coffee and bakery spots, and activities to do on your elopement day.
I would always recommend a weekday and sunrise or sunset to avoid the crowds. I especially would recommend Windansea Beach for golden hour portraits, it’s unmatched!
As your San Diego elopement photographer, I am going to help you find the hidden spots, check for low tides and navigate permits.
Torrey Pines State Beach and Reserve
Torrey Pines is perfect if you want coastal cliffs and do some hiking as well. You can hike up for the best views overlooking the water but you also have the beach below and it makes for a good ceremony spot as well.
You do not have to take a long hike to get to the good spots, there are shorter hikes you can take that are close to the parking lot. I will help you with choosing the best trails.
Just like Windansea Beach, this is one of the spots that’s best at golden hour.
Rules: No dogs at the reserve, only the beach.
Permits: Yes
Cabrillo National Monument
The Old Point Loma Lighthouse at Cabrillo National Monument is such a unique place to elope in San Diego. You get a mixture of architecture but also the epic coastal views that San Diego is known for. It’s also easy to access the locations so it’s perfect for the couples celebrating with a few guests ( less than 10).
Best time: year round
Permit: Yes
This location does require a permit whether it’s just the two of you or you have guests.
North County Locations
Places like Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar all have beautiful coastal tails to elope. All these locations have beautiful beaches and bluffs that make a good backdrop for your elopement. Places like Encinitas and Delmar also have a ton of activities to do and cool coffee spots to checkout. The beaches here are also less touristy and since it’s also walkable, you can grab coffee, explore local spots then walk down to the beach for your ceremony.
The Mountains
San Diego is popular for the beautiful coast but you can also find beautiful mountain locations to elope. Julian is one of my favorite spots. It’s perfect for the couple’s looking for something more unique and you want some greenery. Julian is also known for their apple pie. Another spot is Palomar Mountain, it has stunning views and less crowded than the coastal spots.
Idylwild CA
This spot is about 2 hours away but it is one the most charming mountain towns in closer to San Diego. It’s perfect for the couples that want to get ready a cozy cabin, say their vows surrounded by mountains and pine trees. This spot is one of the most under-rated spots to elope in southern California.
3 Ways To Make Your Elopement Day Unique
If you are wanting to make your elopement day fun but unique to who you are as a couple then here are a few ways to make your day unique,
- Choose a location that feels meaningful or exciting for both of you. You don’t have to just go with the Insta-famous spots.
- Add in activities for your day. Instead of quick photos of just your vows, you can make a full adventure of your day and do some activities you both love.
- Personal details; this can be as simple as personalized vow books or adding a personal detail to a bouquet.
Planning Your San Diego Elopement
Whether you are local or traveling from out-of-state, San Diego is an epic spot to have your ceremony and celebrate your day. Sunset Cliffs is definitely a good spot but there are more locations that are equally stunning but with less crowds.
As a San Diego elopement photographer, I help couples choose the right location and plan their elopement around what feels authentic to them. I’m happy to help you find the best spots and plan an elopement day that is so fun and very you!
