Best Places to Elope in San Diego
You've decided to elope and now you're looking for the perfect locations for it! Well you've come to the right place! I've broken down some epic locations for eloping and all the details you need to know for each location! Here are some of favorite spots!
1: The Wedding Bowl In La Jolla (aka Cuvier Park)
I've photographed a lot of elopements at the wedding bowl, and it never disappoints! The Wedding Bowl, aka Cuvier Park is located in La Jolla, right on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. There is a nice flat grassy area that makes it convenient for setting up any chairs/flowers/etc... and is right by the road, so easy access for guests.
Another thing that I love is all the options for photos after your ceremony! You are right on the cliffs, so you can walk around the area to take photos on the beach or surround cliff areas.
The Wedding Bowl is also right next to downtown La Jolla, so a lot of times people will go to a nearby restaurant for their reception afterwards. Here are a few great spots near by for dinner after your ceremony!
The Wedding Bowl/Cuvier Park requires a wedding permit, and permits go quickly for this location. Permit fees vary but are around $200 for about 40 people. Contact San Diego Parks Department at (619) 235-1169 to acquire one.
Keep in mind that there are no restroom at this location and only street parking available.
If you would like to see a gallery from a wedding shot at the Wedding Bowl you can check it out HERE!
2: Sunset Cliffs, Point Loma
Sunset Cliffs is probably one of the most popular places to elope in San Diego, and there is a good reason for it. Sunset Cliffs is absolutely stunning, with big beach cliffs that have views all the way down the coast. There are so so many nooks and crannies that you can go for photos as well.
If you plan to have your elopement on the top of the cliffs, it is nice and flat for chair/flowers/etc... But if you have a smaller group and feel a little adventurous, you can walk down the cliffs a little bit to be away from the crowds and have a very intimate setting.
The main places to elope on Sunset Cliffs is at Ladera, Osprey Point and Luscombs's Point.
The nice thing about Sunset Cliffs is that there are also some really great restaurants near by that you can have your reception at. Ocean Beach and Point Loma options are close, but you also have Downtown San Diego very close as well which expands your options.
Sunset Cliffs also requires a wedding permit, and permits go quickly for this location. Permit fees vary but are around $200. Contact San Diego Parks Department at (619) 235-1169 to acquire one. I will also note, that I have photographed elopements where they did not acquire a permit and no one bothered us. These were elopements that didn't have anything to set up though, if you're looking to have chairs and a whole set up, then I would definitely get a permit so that you can claim that spot.
Note that there are no restroom at this location. There is a small parking lot is near by and street parking is also available.
If you would like to see a gallery from a wedding shot at Sunset Cliffs you can check it out HERE!
3: Carlsbad Cliffs
Carlsbad Cliffs is sort of a secret spot that not many people know about because the access isn't the most easy, but once you're down there, it is so dreamy!
If you want to get married at the top of the cliffs, there is a small area that is flat that you could use for the ceremony. Note - the area is mostly covered with iceplant, and there are only narrow walking paths, so it would be mostly for very small groups unless they don't mind standing on iceplant.
You can also walk down to the beach, there is one location that has stairs that go down to the beach, but there are usually a lot of people, but if you walk down a ways, or if you follow a trail down part of the cliffs, it is quite private.
This would be for the couple who wants to elope with maybe the minimum to take with them. For example, very few guests, no chairs, just a bouquet in hand.
Carlsbad also requires a wedding permit, and permit fees vary but are around $200. You can find permits for the city here.
The only bathroom close by are down the road at the Carlsbad campsites. Also, parking is on the street nearby.
4: Mission Trails Regional Park
If your in San Diego but you don't want the beach, and want more of meadow and fall feel, then the Mission Trails Regional Park is perfect for you! This spot definitely give you the more hilly and greenery look.
As far as where to do you elopement within the park, there are SO many places to choose from! There are so many trails, and they each give a different feel. Some trails have more tree, some more meadows, and some even have huge boulders that you can explore.
They also have an actual venue if that's something your interested at the Mission Trails Visitor Center.
Note - Most trails have parking and restrooms at the trail heads.
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