Los Angeles Elopement Guide - Elyana Photography | Los Angeles Wedding Photographer

You simply can't go wrong with a Los Angeles Elopement. The area offers so much in terms of architecture, art, variety, restaurants, etc.

I'm a Los Angeles wedding and elopement photographer and below is a complete guide on how to elope in California in a way that's fun, memorable, and easy!

I know planning an elopement or wedding can feel overwhelming, but trust me, after you read this guide, you'll to know everything you need to know to plan it within a few days.

STEP 1: Determine Your Guest Count

This is important because planning an elopement with just you two is different than planning an elopement with you two and 10 guests. The guest count is important to figure out because it will help determine your elopement location.

STEP 2: Determine Your Dream Atmosphere

For this step I want you both to close your eyes and take 2 minutes to silently visualize you're elopement, particularly during the ceremony, when you're about to say your vows.
Within your visualization, stop for a few moments to take note of the atmosphere you're in. What is that you see?
What you see and feels right to you both in your mind is going to help you narrow down your options. The thing about a Los Angeles elopement is that it is filled with SO MANY possibilities, but it can easily get overwhelming.

The elopement locations I'm going to cover include:

Great Architecture
City Vibes
Woods, Forest, Mountains & Meadows
Seaside
Hip + Funky
Desert
Vineyard
Garden
Spaces that Transport You to Another Country
Chapel

From the list above, select the 2-3 categories that appeal to you the most. Then, browse over those Los Angeles Elopement locations below!

Flower Girl & Ring Bearer Walking | Captured on Polaroid

3. Select Your Ceremony Location

Please keep in mind that not all of these locations will be in Los Angeles, however, they will be within California, mostly SoCAL, with a few exception (Yosemite & Big Sur).

Great Architecture - Los Angeles Elopement

Pasadena City Hall

Location: Pasadena, California (a 20 minute drive from downtown LA)

Ambiance: Breathtaking Mediterranean & Spanish Architecture, large space, lots of backdrop variety

Read my Complete Guide on How to Elope at Pasadena City Hall Here

Accommodations:

The Westin Pasadena

This hotel is literally a 3 minute walk away from Pasadena City hall, which makes the location incredibly convenient. It's also close to a ton of amazing restaurants, shops, bookstores, etc.

The Langham Huntington Pasadena

If you're looking for a super luxurious experience, this is the hotel to stay at. It sprawls over 23 acres with specialty suites and cottages, as well as gardens, beautiful architecture, etc.

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Permit Info: Read all the details on how to elope at Pasadena City Hall HERE.

Santa Barbara Courthouse

Location: Santa Barbara, California (2 hour drive from Los Angeles)

Ambiance: Spanish-Moorish Architecture, probably the prettiest courthouse or city hall in California

Read my Complete Guide on How to Elope at the Santa Barbara Courthouse HERE.

Accommodations:

Both of these hotels are walking distance to the courthouse and to various restaurants!

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Marriage Certificate + Permit Info: Click here for Santa Barbara Courthouse details on this

Los Angeles Union Station

Location: Historic Downtown Los Angeles

Ambiance: A stunning architectural gem that features a blend of Spanish Colonial Revival, Mission Revival, and Art Deco styles. The grand waiting room, with its ornate ceiling, marble floors, and towering windows, provides a sophisticated and timeless backdrop for your intimate ceremony.

Accommodations:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

San Juan Capistrano Mission

To view photo from an elopement here, click here.

Location: San Juan Capistrano

Ambiance: Beautiful Spanish-Style Architecture

Accommodations:

Mission at the San Juan Capistrano Inn

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Sundried Tomatoe

The Bradbury Building

Location: Downtown Los Angeles

Ambiance: Architectural Masterpiece The Bradbury Building, a National Historic Landmark, offers a unique and elegant setting for an intimate elopement. Its stunning atrium features ornate ironwork, marble staircases, and antique elevators, creating a one-of-a-kind backdrop for your special day.

Accommodations:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

The Walt Disney Concert Hall

Location: Downtown Los Angeles

Ambiance: Iconic and Modern For a modern and iconic architectural elopement, consider the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles. Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, the concert hall's striking stainless steel exterior provides a dramatic and memorable backdrop for your special day.

Accommodations:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

City Vibes - Los Angeles Elopement

iOUE Skyspace

Location: Downtown Los Angeles

Ambiance: Elope in style at OUE Skyspace, LA's tallest open-air observation deck, offering 360-degree views of the city skyline for an unforgettable and unique experience.

Accommodations:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Los Angeles Athletic Club

Location: Downtown Los Angeles

Ambiance: You will literally be getting married on top of a gorgeous building in the heart of downtown LA overlooking the city. The views are ineffable.

How to Do It:

I am unsure if this venue/hotel has packages for elopements. However, since it's a hotel...If you book a room there, I am pretty sure you two could discreetly go up to the roof of the hotel (which has the breathtaking views of the city) and say your vows there. Shhh. Don't say I told you. :)

Accommodations: I'd recommend staying at that hotel (The Los Angeles Athletic Club) and then saying your vows on the top floor overlooking the city.

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Griffith Observatory

Location: Los Angeles

Ambiance: Unique blend of beautiful architecture and views of Los Angeles.

The Griffith Observatory is located in the middle of Griffith Park. Although one can not have a ceremony within the observatory, the outside is equally beautiful.

PRO TIP: Schedule your elopement for 1.5 - 2.5 hours before sunset to take advantage of the best views.

Accommodations:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

You can always plan for picnic within Griffith Park. Since the beach isn't too far, a picnic at the beach is also very doable.

For close-by restaurant options, some I recommend are:

Woods, Forest and Meadows - Los Angeles Elopement

Malibu Creek State Park

Location: Malibu

Atmosphere: Malibu Creek State Park has over 8,000 acres of rolling tall grass plains, oak savannahs and dramatic peaks.

Accommodations:

The Malibu Country Inn

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

The Old Place

Redwood Grove, Carbon Canyon

Location: Orange County (a 40 minute drive from downtown LA)

Atmosphere: Mini Forest, A hidden gem of gorgeous, giant Redwood Trees in Orange County

NOTE: This is a small pocket of redwood trees. The whole area can be walked within less than 5 minutes. So if you're looking for something easily accessible within the area, this is perfect. However, if you're looking for a super immersive forest environment, it would require more a drive, such as Big Bear or Yosemite.

Accommodations:

Pro Tip: There are two access points to the Redwood Grove, which is INSIDE of the larger Carbon Canyon Park. The main access point is to enter through the main Carbon Canyon park entrance. However, I don't recommend this because it's a pretty long trail and involved walking upwards. There is another access point, which is a shortcut. It's located above Carbon Canyon in a residential neighborhood. The cross streets are "Valley View Circle" and "Red Pine Road." This walk is about 5 - 10 minutes total.

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Permit: At this time, no permit is needed to elope here

Topanga State Park

Location: Santa Monica Mountains

Atmosphere: Rustic Elopement For an elopement surrounded by nature, Topanga State Park provides a rustic setting with breathtaking views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

Accommodations:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Franklin Canyon Park

Location: Beverly Hills

Atmosphere: Rustic Lakeside Elopement Elope in the heart of nature at Franklin Canyon Park, featuring a serene lake surrounded by towering trees and picturesque walking trails, perfect for a rustic and intimate elopement.

Accommodations:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

TreePeople Park

Location: Santa Monica Mountains

Atmosphere: Nature-Lover can elope among the trees at TreePeople Park, a beautiful urban forest located in the Santa Monica Mountains. The park offers a picturesque and serene environment for an intimate nature-inspired elopement.

Accommodations:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Hugo's Restaurant

Eaton Canyon, Pasadena

Location: Pasadena (25 minute drive from downtown LA)

Atmosphere: Meadows, woodsy, final destination of trail leads to a waterfall

More About the Trail: The trail is about 5 miles long and takes around 2 hours to complete. It is al open year-round. The hike is relatively easy and it leads to a 40 - foot waterfall and views of the Santa Monica and San Gabriel mountains.

PRO TIP: This trail tends to get very crowded Friday - Sunday, so I recommend eloping during the week.

Accommodations:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Permit: At this time, no permit is needed to elope here

Yosemite

Location: Northern California (About a 5 Hour Drive from Los Angeles)

Atmosphere: Absolutely breathtaking, offers dreamy meadows, towering trees, waterfalls, and majestic sights. Personally, I think Yosemite is the most awe-inspiring of places in all of California.

Accommodations Outside the Entrance of Yosemite National Park:

Accommodations Inside Yosemite National Park:

PRO TIP: For my recommendations on where to specifically elope within the park click HERE.

A Few Favorite Areas for the Ceremony Site:

Permit: There is a $150 wedding permit fee and a $35 car entrance fee. I highly recommend making your reservation and booking the permit as far out as possible, as Yosemite can get super packed during high season.

Big Bear

Location: San Bernardino National Forest, up in the mountains (about a 2.5 hour drive from Los Angeles)

Atmosphere: Woodsy, towering pines, snow during winter, lots of cabins, and charming.

Accommodations:

Where to Have the Ceremony:

If you two are just eloping, I recommend finding a patch somewhere in the woods and having the ceremony there. Being surrounded by all of the tall trees or snow during winter time makes for such an enchanting atmosphere.

Post Ceremony:

Prepare a cute picnic you two can enjoy in the woods or visit any of these restaurants included below.

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Peppercorn Grille (this is my favorite restaurant in Big Bear)

*The food is delicious and it has lovely ambiance. It's also in downtown Big Bear, which is fun to explore!

Sequoia National Park

Location: Visalia, California (about 3.5 hours from Los Angeles)

Atmosphere: Home to most beautiful of trees, contains the world's largest living tree, has amazing rocks and cliffside views

Best Places for the Ceremony within the Park:

Accommodations:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

The Peaks Restaurant

Permits: Currently the permit is $150 and must be submitted no later than 90 days before your

elopement date.

Seaside - Los Angeles Elopement

Santa Monica Beach

Location: Santa Monica

Atmosphere: Sunset Serenade Santa Monica Beach is a classic LA location for a beach elopement. The sunsets here are mesmerizing, making for unforgettable photos and a romantic atmosphere.

Accommodations:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Venice Beach

Location: Venice

Atmosphere: For a more eclectic, bohemian vibe, choose Venice Beach as your elopement spot. With its colorful murals, lively boardwalk, and golden sands, it's a one-of-a-kind location. The Venice Canals are also close-by for more photo opportunities!

Accommodations:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Will Rogers State Beach

Location: Santa Monica

Atmosphere: Coastal Elopement nestled along the Pacific Coast Highway, Will Rogers State Beach offers a beautiful and serene beach setting for your elopement, with spectacular sunsets and breathtaking ocean views.

Accommodations:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

The Draycott

Malaga Cove - Los Angeles Elopement

Location: Palos Verdes

Atmosphere: This picturesque beach features rocky cliffs, golden sands, and crystal-clear waters, creating a romantic and intimate setting for your special day.

Accommodations:

Terranea Resort

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

El Matador State Beach

Location: Malibu (About 45 minutes from downtown LA)

Atmosphere: Seaside, beautiful rock formations, really unique beach. This is one of my personal favorite locations for a Los Angles elopement.

Accommodations:

PRO TIP: This beach is the most beautiful during the golden hour, the hour right before the sunsets. With this in mind, I recommend scheduling your ceremony on the beach about 2.5 hours prior to the sun going down. Following the ceremony, portraits of you two can be taken on the beach. I recommend this beach during the golden hour because the line shines beautifully through the rock formations at this time.

Parking: The parking here truly can be a nightmare. It's a teeny, tiny lot. This beach also gets very crowded. With this in mind, I HIGHLY recommend eloping here Monday - Wednesday to secure parking & avoid crowds.

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Perks of this restaurant: Gorgeous ambiance, overlooks the ocean, and has farm to table food.

Point Dume Beach

Location: Malibu (About 45 minutes from downtown LA)

Atmosphere: Seaside, dramatic cliffs overlooking the water, gorgeous views

Accommodations:

PRO TIP: Have your ceremony on one of the cliffs over looking the water for the best views & most epic photos. The walk to the cliffs area is about 7 minutes. The cliffs section is also VERY wide & spacious, allowing for safe photography. The great thing about this beach is that it has ample parking. However, I still recommend eloping here on a weekday to avoid crowds.

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Perks of this restaurant: Gorgeous ambiance, overlooks the ocean, and has farm to table food.

Leo Carrillo Beach

Location: Malibu

Atmosphere: Gorgeous beach with interesting coves!

Accommodations:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

The Korean Bell of Friendship

Location: San Pedro

Atmosphere: Cultural Elegance Elope at the Korean Bell of Friendship, an intricately designed bell and pavilion symbolizing friendship between the United States and South Korea, set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

Accommodations:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Point Fermin Park

Location: San Pedro

Atmosphere: Perched on a coastal cliff in San Pedro, Point Fermin Park offers an idyllic location for an intimate elopement with panoramic ocean views and a historic lighthouse.

Accommodations:

Sunrise Hotel San Pedro

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Wayfarers Chapel

Location: Pacific Palisades

Atmosphere: The stunning glass architecture of Wayfarers Chapel creates a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere for your elopement, surrounded by lush gardens and captivating ocean views.

Accommodations:

Terranea Resort

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Palisades Park

Location: Santa Monica

Atmosphere: Perched above the Pacific Ocean, Palisades Park offers breathtaking ocean views and a picturesque setting for an intimate elopement. With lush greenery and a charming rose garden, it's a romantic spot for your special day.

Accommodations:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Elephante

Wilder’s Addition Park - Los Angeles Elopement

Location: San Pedro, Long Beach

Atmosphere: I LOVE this park. It's surrounded by beautiful greenery, palm trees, and overlooks the ocean.

Accommodations:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Big Sur

Location: Central California in Monterey County (about 5.5 Hours from Downtown Los Angeles)

Atmosphere: Jaw dropping views, a unique mixture of forest and coastal vibes

Click Here for My Complete Big Sur Elopement Guide

Ceremony Locations on the Coast | Seaside Atmosphere:

Ceremony Locations in the Redwoods | Forest Atmosphere:

The Easiest Way to Elope in the Big Sur:

Personally, I think of of the best ways to elope here is to book a room at the Glen Oaks Big Sur.

Why?

It's a BEAUTIFUL hotel that offers intimate cabin sites and elopement packages, making everything really easy. It has a PRIVATE redwood grove within the hotel. So you can literally have your ceremony outside your cabin within the magical redwoods. Pfeiffer Beach is located nearby, an easy drive away if you want to stop for some photos at the coast. This offers the best of both worlds.

The Best Part:

They allow registered guests to hold a small elopement ceremony for free as long as it's 4 people or less.

Accommodations:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Catalina Island

Location: Santa Catalina, one of California’s Channel Islands, lies southwest of Los Angeles.

Atmosphere: Fun, beautiful, makes you feel like you're off in the mediterranean

Accommodations that are also perfect as a ceremony location for your elopement:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

How to Get to the Island: Click Here

It takes about 1 hour to get to Catalina Island via a high speed ferry or 15 minutes via a helicopter.

Where do the high speed ferries leave from?

The cities of Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach.

Where do the helicopters leave from?

Helicopters can be accessed from Long Beach and San Pedro to Avalon.

Two companies that offer daily departures are Catalina Express and Catalina Flyer.

Catalina Express departs from: Long beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point

Catalina Fever departs from Newport Beach.

Hip & Funky - Los Angeles Elopement

The Venice Canals

Location: Venice

Atmosphere: Channel the romantic and colorful charm of Europe by eloping along the Venice Canals. Surrounded by picturesque bridges and charming homes.

Accommodations:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

The Sunken City

Location: San Pedro

Atmosphere: For a mystical and adventurous elopement, consider the Sunken City in San Pedro, a unique location featuring the ruins of a 1920s neighborhood that slid into the ocean.

Accommodations:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Moorten Botanical Gardens, Palm Springs

Location: Palm Springs (about 2 hours Los Angeles)

Atmosphere: Funky, fun, and colorful, lots of plants, off-beat

A Little About The Space:

This space is for couples who love greenery. For elopements and intimate weddings, the investment is $1000 for up to 20 guests and 2 hours of renting the grounds.

Accommodations That Also Work as Elopement Spaces:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Desert - Los Angeles Elopement

Joshua Tree

Location: Joshua Tree National Park is a vast protected area in southern California (about 40 minutes from Los Angeles)

Atmosphere: breathtaking landscapes, expansive desert, massive rock formations, Cholla cacti, a mystical energy, etc.

Best Places for the Ceremony within the Park:

Accommodations That Also Work as Elopement Spaces:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Permit Info:

The permit is $120 to have a ceremony in a designated area within the park. There is also a $30 entrance fee per car.

Palm Springs

Location: Palm Springs (about 2 hours Los Angeles)

Atmosphere: Funky, fun, and colorful, lots of plants, off-beat

Accommodations That Also Work as Elopement Spaces:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Vasquez Rocks

Location: Agua Dulce Springs, About 1 Hour from Downtown LA

Atmosphere: Spectacular rock formations, desert vibes

Accommodations:

Hyatt Regency Valencia

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Vineyard - Los Angeles Elopement

Temecula

Location: SoCal Wine Country (1 Hour Drive from Los Angeles)

Atmosphere: Panoramic views of the rolling hills, amazing wineries and ranches

Accommodations That Also Work as Elopement Spaces:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Leoness Cellars

Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards

Location: Malibu

Atmosphere: Panoramic views of Malibu & vineyards

Click Here for My Complete Malibu Rocky Oaks Guide

Accommodations:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Garden - Los Angeles Elopement

Arlington Garden

Location: Pasadena, California (a 20 minute drive from downtown LA)

Ambiance: The cutest, intimate garden with "secret garden" vibes

PRO TIP: The great thing about Arlington Garden is that it is just a short drive away (5 minutes) from a ton of great things to do, like restaurants, entertainment, etc. It is also located to a lot of nice accommodations. So you could stay at a hotel nearby, have your elopement in Arlington Garden, and then have a picnic in the garden, or dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Accommodations:

The Westin Pasadena

The Langham Huntington Pasadena

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Permit Info:

Arlington Garden requires permits for ceremonies, photo sessions, etc.

For more Permit Info, click here.

The Los Angeles River Center & Gardens

Location: Los Angeles

Ambiance: This hidden oasis in the heart of Los Angeles offers a lush garden setting for an intimate elopement. The Los Angeles River Center & Gardens features beautiful courtyards, fountains, and Spanish-style architecture.

Accommodations:

The Westin Pasadena

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Virginia Robinson Gardens

Location: Beverly Hills

Ambiance: Elope in the lush and enchanting Virginia Robinson Gardens, a hidden gem in Beverly Hills. The historic estate features beautifully landscaped gardens, including a rose garden, tropical garden, and Italian terrace garden.

Accommodations:

The Mosaic Hotel

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Il Cielo

James Irvine Japanese Garden

Location: Los Angeles

Ambiance: The James Irvine Japanese Garden, tucked away in downtown Los Angeles, offers a serene and tranquil setting for an intimate elopement. The traditional Japanese garden features a calming waterfall, koi pond, and beautiful stone pathways.

Accommodations:

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Spaces that Transport You to Another Country - Los Angeles Elopement

Santa Ynez

Location: Santa Barbara, California (about 2.5 hours from Los Angeles)

Ambiance: Known for it's wineries and dreamy landscapes, has multiple spaces that transport one to France, the rolling hills of Tuscany, etc.

Elopement Spaces:

Airbnbs That Could Also Work As Elopement Spaces:

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

Chapels

Wayfarers Chapel

Location: Pacific Palisades

Atmosphere: The stunning glass architecture of Wayfarers Chapel creates a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere for your elopement, surrounded by lush gardens and captivating ocean views.

Accommodations:

Terranea Resort

Dinner for two or Intimate Reception Options:

4. Book Your Vendors

Once you decide on your ceremony space, you'll want to book:

A Wedding Photographer - feel free to reach me here if you're looking for a SoCal wedding photographer
Elopement Outfits (dresses can take up to 4 months to be shipped and alterations usually take 1 - 2 months)
A Officiant
A Makeup & Hair Artist
A Florist if You'd Like a Bouquet & Boutonniere

These are generally the only vendors needed for an elopement.

5. Secure Location Permits

Keep in mind that every location requires different things (permits) for a ceremony. Some permits need to be secured well in advance. Once you're set on your elopement space, I'd google "YOUR ELOPEMENT SPACE WEDDING PERMIT." This will give you the necessary info on how to secure any permits should your location require one.

Grandson Playing with His Grandfather, the Father of the Bride | Captured on Polaroid

6. Make it Legal

You can get a marriage license at any County Clerk’s office in California by bringing a valid ID and $100.00. The marriage license it only valid for 90 days.

One thing to note: The County Clerk’s office isn’t open on weekends, and it often closes early on weekdays.

In CA, you don't need to get married in the county you receive your license in. For example, if you got your marriage license in LA county, you can get married in Ventura county.

IMPORTANT: In order for your ceremony to be legally binding, you must have one witness and an officiant.

Information Needed for Your Marriage License:

For You & Your Partner: full Names, address, date & place of birth
Names & birth places for each of your parents, including your mother's maiden name
Government Issued Photo IDS, such as a passport, driver's license, military ID, or state issued ID.
$100 cash for the application fee. The exact amount varies per county

Changing Your Names:

Both Parties can choose the names they will use after marriage. This doesn't apply to first names. You can choose to keep your last name or use your partner's last name. You can also create a hyphenated last name or change your middle name for a similar effect.

To see more details, check out this website to learn more about how to get a California marriage license.

7. Create Your Elopement Itinerary With a Timeline

The possibilities for your elopement are endless. Take a look at these for some inspo!

MINI LOS ANGELES ELOPEMENT TIMELINE TEMPLATE (NO GUESTS)

4 HOURS

12:00 – 1:00 Getting Ready (Together, Separately, With Friends, Whatever You’d Like!)

1:00 – 1:30 First Look

1:30 – 2:00 Travel to Ceremony Location

2:00 – 2:30 Ceremony

2:30 – 3:00 Portraits session with close friends/family

3:00 - 4:00 Couple Portraits

LONG LOS ANGELES ELOPEMENT TIMELINE TEMPLATE (WITH GUESTS)

10 HOURS

11:00 – 12:00 Candids of You Both Getting Ready at YourAirbnb (Together, Separately, With Friends, Whatever You’d Like!)

12:00 – 12:30 First Look

1:30 – 2:00 Short 1 mile hike to a picnic in a beautiful natural area

2:00 – 3:00 Picnic

3:00 – 3:30 Hike Back

3:30 - 4:00 Get ready for Ceremony in Desert

4:00 - 4:30 Ceremony

4:30 - 5:00 Photos with Loved Ones

5:00 - 6:00 Couple Portraits

6:00 - 8:00 Head back to Airbnb for intimate dinner with friends & family, cake cutting, and open gifts

8:00 - 9:00 Share a first dance + roast s'mores in the backyard + stargaze

Elopement Packages Los Angeles

I offer a couple of different elopement packages for Los Angeles as far as elopement photography goes. If you'd like to learn more about this, please feel free to reach me for more info.

Contact Me Here

Additional Los Angeles Elopement Tips:

Q: We are having a destination elopement in Los Angeles, any tips on how to arrive?

A: Yes, so getting to California is pretty easy as there are a lot of airports to choose from. The most popular airport for accessing Los Angeles is the Los Angeles International Airport, also known as LAX. There are also other options though, such as Burbank Airport, which is also in Los Angeles, and Long Beach Airport.

Q: Any suggestions on what we can have our guests do around Los Angeles?

A: Yes! So many fun things to do around Los Angeles. That is one of the main benefits of having a Los Angeles wedding or a Los Angeles elopement.

Some of these things include visiting one of the many beaches in LA, going to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, wine tasting in Napa Valley or Temecula, hiking to the Hollywood Hill sign, exploring Disneyland in Anaheim, visiting Yosemite National Park (which is about a 5 hour drive from Los Angeles), visiting the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, going to Hearst Castle in San Simeon, exploring the Big Sur Coastline, etc.

If you'd like to have some of those pre-wedding memories documented, be sure to reach out to your Los Angeles wedding photographer and ask if they offer rehearsal dinner or pre-wedding photography packages!

Q: What is your favorite thing about Los Angeles elopements?

A: The variety. La is such hodgepodge of cultures, cuisines, landscapes, etc. No wedding is ever the same and that keeps it interesting! This is the main reason why I love being a Los Angeles wedding photographer.

Q: When is the best time to have a Los Angeles elopement?

A: A huge perk of having a Los Angeles elopement or wedding is that Los Angeles offers year round, beautiful weather. This makes Los Angeles the perfect place to have an outdoor wedding. Personally, from shooting weddings throughout different times of the year, I would say the absolute best time to get married in late September, early October. Why?

The weather in Los Angeles during this time is especially spectacular. I have asked a few other Los Angeles wedding photographers what their favorite wedding month is, and the average answer is September - November. I'm assuming it's because it isn't as hot as the summer months. The summer months in Los Angeles can go upwards of 100 degrees.

Q: How much can we expect to spend?

A: Honestly, this varies. Elopements can range from around $1,000 to $12,000 depending on travel, if you're having a few guests, etc.

As for an 150 person wedding, a recent survey estimated that the average wedding in Los Angeles, costs around $45,000. The national average is around $34,000, so yes, having a wedding in Los Angeles tends to be more expensive. On the other hand, the average for weddings in Manhattan is about $77,000.

Keep in mind that these prices represent weddings with standard guest counts, around 150 - 200 people. If you have a smaller guest count, the cost will be much less as the overall price is most affected by the guest count.

The cost for a Los Angeles wedding photographer specifically tends to average anywhere between $4,600 - $7,500.

Q: How much time will we need to plan our Los Angeles Elopement?

A: On average, it takes about 3 - 4 months of relaxed planning for an elopement which will involve travel. If you live in California, it can be planned in a month.

For a larger wedding, it takes an average of 10 - 15 months. Most vendors are booked around 6 - 10 months in advance. The venue is usually booked 12 months in advance. A Los Angeles wedding photographer is usually booked 10 - 12 months in advance.

Reach Out - Elopement Packages Los Angeles

Interested in learning more about my wedding photography collections? Feel free to reach me here!

I’m Elyana, a Los Angeles wedding photographer whose intention is to capture relationships in a manner that is artistic and heartfelt.

My goal on your wedding day is to make sure you feel beautiful, celebrated, and seen.

Get in Touch Here!