Table of Contents:
Top 10 Places to Elope in Northern California

• Redwood National and State Parks
• Timber Cove Resort
• Dawn Ranch
• Desolation Hotel Hope Valley
• Point Lobos
• AutoCamp Russian River
• Truckee
• Point Reyes
• Mendocino Grove
• Davenport

Your Northern California Elopement Photographer

More Resources to Elope in Northern California

Planning an elopement in Northern California gives you the chance to create a day that’s truly your own, surrounded by some of the most stunning landscapes on the West Coast. From quiet groves of redwoods to dramatic cliffs along the Pacific, Northern California offers endless possibilities for couples seeking something off the beaten path.

In this blog, you’ll find ten incredible places to elope in Northern California, each hand-selected for its beauty and character. Whether you’re drawn to the mountains, the coast, or somewhere in between, this guide will help you discover the perfect spot for your vows and inspire you to create a day you’ll always remember.

The Best Places to Elope in Northern California

Redwood National and State Park

In the northernmost corner of California, stretched along the coastline, lies Redwood National Park, which also includes three California State Parks. Towering redwoods, quiet forest trails, and dramatic coastal views make up this beautiful landscape. If you’re looking for a peaceful location with some of the best redwoods on the West Coast for your elopement this is the perfect spot.

• Region: Northernmost Coast of California 
• Permits / Fees: $100 to Apply for the Special Use Permit 
• Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to enter Redwood National and State Parks
• Best time of year to Elope in Redwood National Park: Spring!
• Maximum Guest Count: 20
• Closest airport: San Francisco (SFO) and Portland (PDX) 6 hour drives
• Dog-Friendly? Pet’s are not allowed on trails within the park.
  

Dreaming of a Redwoods Elopement, you’ll want to check out this blog that features a full elopement day in Redwood National Park!

Timber Cove Resort

Perched on a bluff overlooking the rugged Northern California coast, Timber Cove Resort blends modern design with a rustic, laid-back vibe. This all-in-one property features stunning ocean views, peaceful trails, and a fine dining restaurant serving locally inspired meals. Whether you’re staying a long weekend or just for the night, it’s the perfect spot for a secluded coastal elopement.

• Region: Sonoma Coast
• Permits / Fees: No permits are needed to elope on the property if you want to keep it casual with just a ceremony and portraits. But you will need to be a guest of the resort.
• Best time of year to Elope at Timber Cove: Fall! (August – Late October)
• Maximum Guest Count: You can host a micro wedding at Timber Cove of up to 70 guests. A comfortable elopement size would be about 10-12 guests or less.
• Closest airport: San Francisco International Airport (2.5 hours)
• Dog-Friendly? Yes! Timber Cove is proudly dog friendly throughout the entire property with a $150 fee per stay for your dog.

Did you fall in love with Timber Cove? It’s one of my favorites too! Be sure to check out these blogs that feature Timber Cove Resort
Private Sunset Elopement on the Sonoma Coast
Full Guide to planning an Elopement at Timber Cove Resort

Dawn Ranch

Dawn Ranch is a charming cottage-style hotel nestled on the banks of the Russian River. With its cozy accommodations and peaceful setting, it’s a perfect base camp for your elopement. Whether you dream of saying your vows among the redwoods or along the coast, Dawn Ranch offers easy access to both.

• Region: Guerneville – Russian River 
• Permits / Fees: If you decided to use Dawn Ranch as a basecamp for your Elopement day, there may be other permits or fees to be paid for additional locations you pick.
• Entry Fee: Dawn Ranch is a hotel so you would need to be a guest of the hotel to utilize the property for your Elopement
• Best time of year to Elope at Dawn Ranch: Spring and Summer seasons, have an abundance of outdoor activities from kayaking and biking. In the fall and winter, you can cozy up and enjoy the serenity of the property, or grab a jacket and adventure on a local trail. 
• Maximum Guest Count: 30
• Closest airport: Oakland International Airport (1.5 hours)
• Dog-Friendly? Dawn Ranch welcomes pups under 45 pounds, with a $150 / stay fee.

Desolation Hotel Hope Valley

Tucked away in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Desolation Hotel in Hope Valley is a beautiful property that’s perfect for your elopement. Whether you choose to buy out the property for a larger celebration or use it as a base camp for a smaller adventure, there’s something for everyone. With a variety of cabins, yurts, glamping, and camping options, it’s an ideal choice for couples seeking a peaceful alpine retreat.

• Region: Sierra Nevada Mountains / Tahoe
• Permits / Fees: Must be a guest, staying on the property.
• Best time of year to Elope at Wylder Hotel: June – September
• Maximum Guest Count
• Closest airport: Sacramento International Airport (2.5 hours)
• Dog Friendly: Yes, Desolation Hotel is dog-friendly across the property. $55 nightly fee for all cabins + yurts and $25 nightly fee for RV + Campsites.

Point Lobos

Picture a smaller, more intimate version of Big Sur, with California’s iconic rocky coastline and deep blue waters. Point Lobos Natural Reserve is one of the best California State Parks, known for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. If you’re dreaming of a laid-back day, eloping at Point Lobos offers the perfect mix of serene ceremony spots and time to explore the park for portraits.

• Region: Carmel / Big Sur
• Permits / Fees: There is a special use permit, to apply you will need to reach out to the Special Events Coordinator for Point Lobos 831-624-3407
• Entry Fee: Day use $10/vehicle 
• Best time of year to Elope at Point Lobos: Spring or Fall. Point Lobos State park is for day use only, with daily hours of 8 am-7 pm, making the evening hours/sunset in the spring or fall ideal for lighting and crowds. Keep in mind, a weekday will have fewer crowds.
• Maximum Guest Count : will need to ask the Park 
• Closest airport: San Jose Mineta International Airport (1.5 hours)
• Dog Friendly: No

AutoCamp Russian River

Nestled in the redwoods and just 15 minutes from the coast, AutoCamp Russian River is an ideal basecamp for your Northern California elopement. Say your vows in a private ceremony overlooking the ocean, or gather with guests in the nearby redwoods before returning to camp for a cozy, private dinner. With endless possibilities, this spot makes creating a memorable day effortless.

• Region: Russian River / Sonoma Coast
• Permits / Fees: Local spots in Russian River and along the coast may require a permit for your elopement.
• Entry Fee: Must be a guest of AutoCamp
• Best time of year to Elope at AutoCamp Russian River: Late Summer – Fall
• Maximum Guest Count: 80
• Closest airport: Oakland International Airport (1.5 hours)
• Dog-Friendly: Yes! There is a pet fee of $75 and not all sleeping accommodations on the property are pet friendly. If you want to bring your pup, ask Autocamp what are the best options before booking. 

Truckee

Truckee is one of California’s best mountain towns, known for its historic downtown and endless outdoor adventures. Renting a cabin on Airbnb makes a perfect basecamp for your elopement. From exploring the surrounding national forest to exchanging vows on the peaceful shores of Donner Lake, Truckee offers a mix of charm and natural beauty for your special day.

• Region: Tahoe
• Permits / Fees: You will need permits for National Forest and State Parks
• Best time of year to Elope in Truckee: Summer and Fall
• Closest airport: Reno-Tahoe International Airport (45 mins)
• Dog Friendly? You can find lots of locations in the Truckee area that are dog friendly, so you can be sure to have your four legged friends as part of your elopement.

Point Reyes

Point Reyes National Seashore offers a stunning blend of rolling hills, windswept beaches, and rugged cliffs, making it one of Northern California’s most picturesque coastal spots. Whether you want to elope on a quiet beach or take in sweeping ocean views from the cliffs, this location is perfect for couples seeking a peaceful and scenic elopement day.

• Region: Marin County
• Permits / Fees: To get married in Point Reyes National Seashore you will need to obtain a Special Use Permit. The Application fee is $50
• Entry Fee: There is no entrance fee into Point Reyes NS.
• Best time of year to Elope in Point Reyes: April – Early June
• Maximum Guest Count: Point Reyes is fairly remote, even with it’s close proximity to San Francisco. Eloping in Point Reyes with 10 or less people would be ideal.
• Best locations within Point Reyes: Chimney Rock Trail and South Beach Overlook
• Closest airport: San Francisco International or Oakland International (2 hours)
• Dog Friendly? For the most part, dogs are not allowed throughout Point Reyes National Seashore. They are allowed on the Kehoe Beach Trail and Kehoe Beach.

Mendocino Grove

Mendocino Grove combines the comfort of home with the charm of camping. This down-to-earth glamping spot on the coast is perfect for couples looking to elope in Mendocino or host a small gathering of their closest friends and family.

• Region: Mendocino
• Permits / Fees: Local spots in Mendocino area may require a permit for your elopement.
• Entry Fee: Must be a guest of Mendocino Grove
• Best time of year to Elope at Mendocino Grove: May – October
• Maximum Guest Count: Mendocino Grove has their tents in neighborhoods of 8-10 tents. How fun would it be to have an entire loop on the property to your guests for communal hang outs!
• Best locations within Mendocino: Mendocino Headlands State Park, Mendocino Woodlands State Park
• Closest airport: Charles M Schultz – Sonoma County Airport (2 hours)
• Dog Friendly? Yes, $35 nightly fee per pet

Davenport

Davenport is one of the most breathtaking spots on the California coast, offering dramatic views and rugged beauty. With several scenic stops along the Pacific Coast Highway, it’s an ideal location for your elopement and coastal adventures.

• Region: Santa Cruz
• Permits / Fees: Special Use Permit will be needed for certain areas, along with paying a fee.
• Best time of year to Elope in Davenport: Weekdays (Monday – Thursday) from August – November
• Closest airport: San José Mineta International Airport (1.5 hours)
• Dog Friendly? Some beaches are Dog Friendly.

Your Northern California Elopement Photographer

I’m so glad you’re here! I’m Jess, a Northern California native, and these landscapes are not just my home—they’re my inspiration. I specialize in helping couples like you plan meaningful elopements in the most landscapes that Northern California offers. From sharing insider tips about these locations to capturing your day as it unfolds, I’m here to make sure your day feels connected, intentional, and uniquely yours. The spots I’ve shared in this blog are some of my absolute favorites, and I can’t wait to help you bring your dream day to life.

More Resources for planning your Northern California Elopement

Ready to dive deeper into planning your Northern California elopement? Check out my Northern California Micro Wedding Guide for more intimate venue ideas, or explore How to Choose Between a Big Wedding and Small Elopement for tips on making the best choice for your day. Looking for inspiration? Don’t miss my 25 Unique Elopement Ideas or the Complete Guide to Northern California Coast Wedding Venues for even more stunning locations.