The Ultimate Guide For Eloping in the Bay Area by Elopement Photographer, Talya Herring

One of the greatest parts about living in California as an elopement photographer is living near such diverse locations! If you are thinking about eloping in the Bay Area - you're in the right place. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate ceremony in the redwoods, exchanging vows with the San Francisco skyline behind you, or hiking up a mountain for a golden hour "I do," this place has it all. The Bay Area is packed with epic landscapes, moody coastlines, and plenty of hidden gems to make your elopement feel like the perfect romantic adventure.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to elope in the Bay Area — from legal details to the best locations, how to include your family if you want to, and some activities to reflect your personality, values and love story to add to your day.

The Legal Stuff: What You Need to Know about Getting Married in the Bay Area

Before you get lost in the dreamy details, let’s talk about the paperwork.

Marriage License – You’ll need a California marriage license, which you can get from any county clerk’s office in the state. The closest options depend on where you’re eloping—San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo counties are popular choices. Both of you need to show up in person with a valid photo ID.
Officiant – You can have a professional officiant, a friend or family member who gets ordained online, or even self-solemnize in some cases.
Witness – You need at least one witness to sign your marriage license, but if it’s just the two of you, your photographer can sign (I do this all the time and I always feel so honored to witness your love and to be your witness!).
Permit – Some locations require a permit for ceremonies or photography, especially in state parks and certain parts of San Francisco. I can help you figure this out when we plan your day.

Where to Elope in the Bay Area

The Bay Area is home to some of the most jaw-dropping elopement spots. Whether you're into mountains, forests, beaches, or urban backdrops, there's something here for you. I am so obsessed with how aethetic the historic San Fransisco architecture is, how dramatic the coastline looks and the mix of getting it all in.

Mount Tamalpais

If you want rolling golden hills, sweeping ocean views, and a sense of total freedom, Mount Tamalpais (or "Mt. Tam" as locals call it) is a dream. You can hike up for a sunrise or sunset ceremony, or pick an easy-access overlook for something simple. The light up here? Absolutely unreal.

Portola Redwoods State Park

Want to say your vows under towering redwoods without the crowds of Muir Woods? Portola Redwoods is a hidden gem. The giant redwoods make you feel so small, and there are plenty of quiet spots for a peaceful, private ceremony, campsites and it’s close enough to the rest of the Bay Area for easy accommodations.

Sausalito

This coastal town is perfect if you want a mix of nature and charming waterfront vibes. You can elope on a dock overlooking the bay, rent a sailboat, or find a secluded beach with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. Bonus: incredible food spots for a post-ceremony meal and who doesn’t appreciate a cute town with views reminiscent of the Almafi Coast?

San Francisco Proper

If you love city energy, eloping in San Francisco might be perfect. Some of my favorite options include:

Golden Gate Park – Endless gorgeous nooks for a ceremony, plus a mix of gardens, lakes, and towering trees.
Land’s End – Dramatic cliffs, ocean views, and rugged coastline vibes.
Palace of Fine Arts – A classic, elegant option if you want some old-world romance.
City Hall – SF City Hall is an architectural dream, and you can have a quick, stunning ceremony here before heading out for an adventure around the city.

When to Elope in the Bay Area

Timing is everything. The Bay Area has microclimates, which means weather can be completely different depending on where in the region you are located. One second can be cloudy and then next sunny, then stormy and then back to chilly sunshine.

Spring (March-May): Green hills, wildflowers, and mild temperatures. A great choice for Mount Tam and sunny days.
Summer (June-August): Warmer inland but can be foggy on the coast. If you love moody, misty vibes, this is the time for you. I know, it’s ironic for the summer to be the cold season.
Fall (September-November): The best weather—clear skies, warm days, and golden colors.
Winter (December-February): Cooler and rainier but still beautiful, especially in the redwoods.

Including Family in Your Elopement

Eloping doesn’t mean you have to leave your family behind. Here are some ways to include them:

Have a small ceremony with a few close loved ones – Many Bay Area spots work well for intimate gatherings.
Host a post-elopement dinner – Celebrate at a cozy restaurant or rent an Airbnb for a relaxed, private meal.
Read letters from loved ones – If your family isn’t there in person, ask them to write letters for you to read during your ceremony.

Activities to Add to Your Elopement Day

Your elopement doesn’t have to be just a ceremony and some photos. Here are some ways to make your day feel like an adventure:

Hike to your ceremony spot – If you love the outdoors, make the journey part of the experience.
Rent a vintage car and explore – Drive down Highway 1, stop at scenic overlooks, and make it a road trip.
Go sailing in the Bay – Perfect for a romantic, unique experience.
Picnic with champagne and cake – Pack a picnic and celebrate in a stunning location.
Sunset bonfire on the beach – Great for cozy, post-ceremony vibes.

Sample Bay Area Elopements

Full Day San Fransciso Elopement

6am - Getting ready photos at your accommodations

8am - Portraits at SF City Hall

9am - Ceremony

11am - Celebratory Brunch with Family and Friends

2pm - Family and Friend Portraits

Full Day Mount Tam Elopement

9am - Start at your San Francisco accomidations for some cozy photos as you enjoy coffee

10am - Getting ready photos and around the city street

11am - Drive to the Golden Gate Bridge Observation Deck for portraits

12:30 pm - Sausalito for lunch

3pm - Head to Mount Tam for golden hour vows

5pm - Join your friends and family at the Mountain Home Inn for a reception dinner

Full Day Camping at the Redwoods Elopement

9am - Getting ready photos at your accommodations

11am - Drive to Portola Redwoods

12pm - Set up camp and explore the area

2pm - Go for a hike to vows

4:30 - Family and Friend Portraits

5pm - Dinner and campfire with friends

How to Hire Your Bay Area Elopement Photographer

The most important aspects when picking your photographer are - do you vibe with their personality, do you trust them and do you like how they photograph and edit. There are photographers with so many different technical skill levels when it comes to shooting with the right gear and posing. It's so important to feel comfortable in their energy and feel comfortable to communicate with them. My specialty is not only planning the most authentic elopement experience for you - but also cultivating the space to support you throughout the process. To learn more about my style read about it here. If you would like to dig into the package options then check out my pricing and packages here.

Let’s Plan Your Bay Area Elopement

If this all sounds like your vibe, let’s make it happen! I help couples craft intentional, stress-free elopements that feel true to them. Whether you want a wild adventure, a chill city elopement, or something in between, I’ll guide you through the process and document every incredible moment.

Ready to start planning? Book a free consultation call here, and let’s dream up your perfect Bay Area elopement. If you would like to read about past Bay Area Elopements, check out this blog post.