8 EPIC Places to Elope in Northern California

An epic “Yes” requires and epic spot to say “I do” which is why I’ve compiled 8 Places to for you to Elope in Northern California.

Northern California is one of those spots that has me in awe every time I go. It’s filled with beaches and epic forests and is dotted with national parks and forests that are flirting with the Oregon border.

This list is short, BUT! I have added my best recommendations for places to stay, things to do, extra hikes to check out and more! I’ve also included the closest airports to these destinations so you can see what your travel might be like if you don’t plan on driving.

I can’t wait to adventure with you and capture you and your partner at one of these 8 elopement locations in Northern California!

1. Sierra Buttes

1. Located not too far from Reno and nestled in the Tahoe National Forest, the Sierra Buttes Outlook trail is packed full with amazing hiking and epic views. This is a 4.8 mile out and back trail with views of the Sacramento Valley at various stops. This would be an EPIC spot to hike, get married, and end the day with a beer and some food at The Brewing Lair in Blairsden, CA. But before you end the day, what about starting out at the nearby Sierra Hot Springs for some cozy time with your partner? Sounds like an epic location for your elopement in Northern California 😉
   1. You could choose to stay at The River Pines Resort OR
   2. Camp at Camp Dream Catcher (which also has various lodging options, including RVs!)
   3. Closest airports: Reno, Sacramento

2. Point Reyes National Seashore

1. This one is just north of San Francisco, right on the Gulf. This is an epic spot indeed with shoreline and trees galore. This is for the campers at heart, as this park has plenty of private camping spots. It should be noted that reservations must be made either 3 months or 14 days in advance. This is also part of the National Park System, so acquire the appropriate permits is essential. Another great thing about this spot, is that it remains fairly moderate year round so you can elope there as long as you get your camp site reserved in advance 🙂
   1. If you’d rather just enjoy the epic views but stay somewhere else, the Danehill Manor is close by, AND they have horses. I mean c’mon, riding a horse in your wedding attire!?
   2. You could also drink some deliciously sweet at the Heidrun Meadery.
   3. Closest Airports: Sonoma County Airport, San Francisco

3. Humboldt Redwoods State Park

1. Can I just say this spot is a GREAT places to elope in northern california with that full redwoods feel without having to jump through all of the hoops of some locations of the National redwood locations?
   1. The nearby High Rock River Trail would also be a great hike to add on to your day
   2. Rosina’s Vineyard in Redcrest is a hop, skip and jump away!
   3. The Hidden Springs Campground would be a cozy spot to end your elopement with a bonfire and your favorite dessert.
   4. An alternative to camping would be Miranda Gardens Resort. They have options to stay at a resort or in cabins and they come with a lot of resources on ways to continue your adventure after your elopement.
   5. Closest Airport: Humboldt/ Eureka Airport, Sacremento

4. Schooner Gulch State Beach

1. This hidden gem is located near Mendocino- but it’s also a two for one because you also get Bowling Ball Beach right next door! The rocks… literally look like bowling balls.. How fun would it be to say your vows on top of natural bowling balls? No??? Too much? But in all seriousness, you can get those epic coastline views either from one of the overlooks or right down on the beach.
2. Just up the way in Point Arena, you’ll find the Coast Guard House Historic Inn & Cottages, which are simply adorable cottages with great ocean views. I hear they have great recommendations on where to eat crab if you’re into that!
3. An alternative would be staying at Oz Farm which has yurts, cabins and DOMES to stay in! You could also elect to actually get married there as well.
4. The Pelican Bluff trail is also a nearby easy trail that could be tacked on if you want to add some hiking to your day.

5. Burney Falls

1. Ok picture this… you getting married…. With a waterfall in the background. Woah. This location is part of the Shasta Trinity National Forest (which is also full of epic elopement locations). This location is easily accessible on a one mile loop trail, making it (yes, you guessed it) a great place to elope in northern california!
2. The Fall River hotel offers you a quiet place to stay nestled in between the many mountains of the area
3. Plenty of mountains to check out:
4. Closest airport: Medford, Reno

6. Fern Canyon

1. “Prepare to get your feet wet and be ready to see some elk” says the website. There is an option to hike a one mile loop OR trip to hike 11 miles from Fern Canyon to the Prairie Creek Visitor Center. How magical would it be to get married and be enveloped by ferns at the same time?
2. It is important to note that this park is now using timed entrances for their permits so of course, one would have to plan accordingly.
3. The “Big Tree” is also close by and could make for a great ceremony spot as well.
4. The Gold Bluffs Beach and campsite are just down the way.
5. The View Crest Lodge would be a perfect place to get ready or stay after your big day.
6. Closest Airport: Eureka, Medford

7. Trinidad Head Lighthouse

1. Located in the CUTEST most amazing town of trinidad, CA… the possibilities are endless. Wake up and get coffee at The Beachcomber, walk along Trinidad State Beach and make your way to the top of Trinidad Head Lighthouse for a ceremony with a view of Trinidad Bay. You can end the night exploring one of the beach fronts with a “mashed potato dinner cone” from The Lighthouse Grill.
2. Closest Airport: Eureka,

8. Castle Lake

1. You have a couple of options, my friends… You can choose to park right next to the park and do your festivities in the park OR you can choose to hike the 10.2  out and back trail from Mount Bradley to the Lake. 
2. Castle Lake Campground
3. The Railroad Park Resort would be an EPIC place to get ready or stay the night.
4. Closest Airport: Medford, Reno

BONUS: The Mystery of the Trees in Klamath, CA

1. Ok this HAS to be a bonus because while it may not traditionally come to mind for an elopement location since it’s a park of sorts you can literally WALK UP IN THE TREES. Or… you can take a “Skytrail” gondola through the trees pre, during, or post wedding ceremony.
2. Stay in The Motel in the Trees “A Place With Paul Bunyan-Sized Hospitality and Style in Nature’s Splendor!”
3. Closest Airport: Eureka, Medford

And there you have it! There is certainly NO shortage of EPIC places to elope in northern california!! I know I’m not even from California, but I think that gives me a unique outside perspective- a fresh one if you will 😉

If any of these spots caught your eye and you want to use one for your wedding or epic elopement, please CONTACT ME HERE!

Contact Me!

** please note that all pictures with couples are mine but are not in the exact locations listed above, but my have a similar feel. All other photographs are from All Trails- they are awesome!