Tips To Plan Your Dream Experience Eloping in San Diego

San Diego is a perpetually sunny city with some of the most beautiful views imaginable, making it a pretty dazzling place for your California elopement. If you are currently making plans for eloping in San Diego, I’m here to be your guide. As a San Diego wedding photographer, I adore partnering with couples so they can document their day. Here’s everything you need to know! 

A Photographer’s Guide To Eloping In San Diego

A happy couple walks on a beach in white at sunset holding hands before eloping in san diego

When You Should Elope in San Diego & How to Pick Your Date

First off, let’s chat dates. While you might have to plan around the seasons in other cities, San Diego stays pretty perfect all year long. Now, it’s just a matter of working around the crowds. We hit our tourist season from June through August, making spring or fall a bit more ideal for your stay. Winter also stays pretty gorgeous! Once you have your season, it will just be a matter of where you want to elope as well as their availability. 

San Diego Elopement Locations

While I’m convinced you can’t pick a bad spot for eloping in San Diego, there are a few spots that are better than others. Here are some of my faves! 

  • Torrey Pines: This 2,000-acre nature preserve combines grassy fields with sandy paths for a uniquely California vibe. 
  • Silver Strand State Beach: This beach stretches for 2.5 miles and doesn’t get the same crowds you might face elsewhere. 
  • Sunset Cliffs: Yes, the cliffs are literal, but you’ll never be up too far. This place is particularly dreamy as the sun sets! 
  • Windandsea Beach: With a surf shack and picturesque locations, this is everything you could want for your San Diego wedding! 
Details of an engaged couple holding hands

How to Get a License

Getting your license is fairly simple. You will need an appointment through the San Diego County Clerk’s office through the website even when eloping. You can pay the $70 fee online, or you can pay it in person during your appointment. You will then choose what kind of license you want: a confidential or a non-confidential. The application for your license can be completed online, and then you’ll bring it with you to your appointment. Both parties must be present with a valid ID/ 

How Much Does It Cost?

The best thing about eloping in San Diego is that you can make it whatever you want! Some people choose to splurge on a designer gown, while others keep it retro with something thrifted. You can get big bouquets, or you can make your own with Trader Joe’s flowers. Whether you want to work with a planner or stay a DIYer, you’ll have options! 

Here are some things to consider: 

  • License: $70
  • Potential site permits: $0-$300. 
  • Photographer: $2000-$10,000
Happy engaged couple lean in for a kiss on a beach at sunset in white before eloping in san diego

Hiring a San Diego Elopement Photographer

Lastly, let’s talk about your photographer. Trust me, this is the one thing you will want to keep in your budget! This is such a meaningful moment, and you won’t want to forget a single minute! If you are looking for someone who knows how to capture all the splendor of San Diego while still keeping you the star of the show, we might just be a match made in heaven! I specialize in laid-back pictures that capture all the meaningful moments you will want to carry forever. 

You Will Absolutely Cherish Every Moment Of Eloping In San Diego

Hopefully, this guide helps as you start to plan when eloping in San Diego. If you do want to chat more about my wedding services, I would love to chat! Send me a message today so we can get the conversation started!

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