20 Best Coastal Elopement Locations in California

If you’re thinking about eloping on the California coast, you’re in the right place. Whether you want cliffs over the ocean, hidden beaches, or redwood groves near the shore, this list has it all. As an elopement photographer, I’ve explored tons of spots along the coast. This guide covers the best coastal elopement locations in California that’ll give you privacy, epic scenery, and an unforgettable experience.

1. Sunset Cliffs in San Diego

If you want golden light and ocean views, Sunset Cliffs is a great choice. The cliffs overlook the Pacific and are best at—you guessed it—sunset.

Best Spots at Sunset Cliffs:

• Luscomb’s Point – A popular overlook with waves crashing below.
• Sunset Cliffs Natural Park – Trails along the bluffs with panoramic views.

2. Torrey Pines State Reserve

For a mix of ocean views and hiking trails, Torrey Pines in San Diego is a solid pick. The cliffs overlook the water, and you can hike right down to the beach.

Best Spots at Torrey Pines:

• Broken Hill Overlook – A quiet bluff with sweeping views.
• Torrey Pines Beach – A wide, sandy stretch below the cliffs.
• Guy Fleming Trail – A short hike with wildflowers and ocean views.

3. Laguna Beach

If you want a mix of cliffs, tide pools, and hidden coves, Laguna Beach is a great spot. It’s close to LA but has a more laid-back vibe.

Best Spots in Laguna Beach:

• Crescent Bay Beach – A small, secluded cove with dramatic cliffs.
• Victoria Beach – Famous for its “Pirate Tower” and rocky shoreline.
• Crystal Cove State Park – A mix of hiking trails and ocean views.

4. Catalina Island

For a mix of ocean views and island vibes, Catalina is a great option. You can get there by ferry from LA.

Best Spots on Catalina Island:

• Two Harbors – Quiet and less crowded than Avalon.
• Lover’s Cove – A rocky shoreline with clear blue water.

5. Rancho Palos Verdes

Rancho Palos Verdes has some of the best coastal cliffs in Southern California. It’s quiet, scenic, and perfect for an intimate elopement.

Best Spots in Rancho Palos Verdes:

• Wayfarers Chapel – A glass chapel surrounded by trees with ocean views.
• Abalone Cove – A hidden beach with tide pools and rock formations.
• Portuguese Bend Reserve – A scenic bluff with hiking trails.

6. Malibu

If you want ocean views close to LA, Malibu has some of the best coastal spots. There are beaches, rocky cliffs, and hidden trails.

Best Spots in Malibu:

• El Matador Beach – Iconic rock formations on the shore.
• Leo Carrillo State Park – Caves, tide pools, and trails with ocean views.
• Point Dume – A bluff with panoramic views of the coastline.

Permits: Some Malibu beaches require a wedding permit from LA County. Check Malibu City for details.

7. Pismo Beach & Shell Beach

If you want cliffs, caves, and sandy beaches all in one place, this stretch of the Central Coast is perfect.

Best Spots in Pismo & Shell Beach:

• Dinosaur Caves Park – Overlooks the ocean with walking trails.
• Eldwayen Ocean Park – A small, quiet bluff with tide pools.
• Pirates Cove – A hidden beach with sea caves.

8. Morro Bay

If you want a coastal elopement with a small-town vibe, Morro Bay is a great choice. The iconic Morro Rock is the highlight, but there’s plenty more to explore.

Best Spots in Morro Bay:

• Morro Rock Beach – A wide, sandy beach with views of the massive rock.
• Montaña de Oro State Park – Cliffs, dunes, and hidden coves.

9. Channel Islands National Park

For an off-the-grid elopement, the Channel Islands are perfect. You’ll need to take a boat, but the remote beaches and sea caves are worth it.

Best Spots on the Channel Islands:

• Anacapa Island – Cliffs and wildflowers in the spring.
• Santa Cruz Island – Secluded beaches and hiking trails.
• Smugglers Cove – A quiet spot with crystal-clear water.

Boat reservations are required. Check Island Packers for ferry schedules.

10. San Simeon

San Simeon is a small town well-deserving of a spot as one of the best coastal elopement locations in California. It sits along the Central Coast between Big Sur and Morro Bay. It’s known for Hearst Castle, but its beaches, cliffs, and wildlife make it a great elopement spot.

Best Spots in San Simeon:

• Piedras Blancas Light Station – A historic lighthouse on a quiet stretch of coast.
• San Simeon Cove – A calm, hidden beach with crystal-clear water.
• Elephant Seal Vista Point – If you want a unique backdrop, this beach has hundreds of elephant seals lounging on the sand.
• Ragged Point – Just south of Big Sur, this lookout has panoramic ocean views.

11. Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest stretches along the coast with redwood groves, rugged mountains, and hidden beaches.

Best Spots in Los Padres:

• Sand Dollar Beach – One of the longest sandy beaches in Big Sur.
• Salmon Creek Falls – A waterfall near the coast that’s an easy hike.

12. Big Sur

Big Sur is one of the best coastal elopement locations in California (and a favorite of mine). It’s a mix of cliffs, beaches, and forests, all within a short drive.

Best Spots in Big Sur:

• Garrapata State Park – A less crowded area with trails leading to ocean views.
• Pfeiffer Beach – Known for its purple sand and rock formations.
• Calla Lily Valley – A seasonal spot where lilies bloom near the beach in spring.

Pro Tip: Most areas in Big Sur require permits. Check California State Parks for updated info. I also include detailed information in my Big Sur elopement guide.

13. Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel is a charming coastal town with white sand beaches and cypress trees. It’s quieter than Big Sur but just as beautiful.

Best Spots in Carmel:

• Carmel Beach – A long, soft-sand beach with sunset views.
• Point Lobos State Reserve – Trails, hidden coves, and turquoise water.
• China Cove – A secluded cove with bright blue water and sea lions.

14. Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a great mix of coastal views and redwood forests. You can start your day in the mountains and end it by the ocean.

Best Spots in Santa Cruz:

• Shark Fin Cove – A unique rock formation shaped like a shark’s fin.
• Panther Beach – A hidden cove with sea caves.
• Natural Bridges State Beach – A rock arch over the water.

15. Sonoma Coast

Sonoma’s coastline is underrated. It’s got cliffs, wildflowers, and wide-open beaches with way fewer crowds than other spots.

Best Spots in Sonoma:

• Bodega Head – A rocky overlook with ocean views.
• Goat Rock Beach – Known for sea stacks and a river meeting the ocean.
• Shell Beach – A quiet cove with tide pools.

16. Point Reyes National Seashore

Just north of San Francisco, Point Reyes has dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and hidden beaches. It’s windy but beautiful, especially at sunset.

Best Spots in Point Reyes:

• Chimney Rock – A bluff with wildflowers in spring.
• Drakes Beach – A long, quiet beach with sandstone cliffs.
• Cypress Tree Tunnel – A dreamy tree-lined road that makes for great photos.

17. Mendocino Coast

Mendocino is perfect if you want a quiet coastal elopement away from the crowds. The area has rocky cliffs, redwood forests, and small beach coves.

Best Spots in Mendocino:

• Russian Gulch State Park – A mix of ocean views and redwoods.
• Jug Handle State Natural Reserve – A hidden gem with unique geology.

18. Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

For a redwoods-and-ocean combo, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is a hidden gem. It’s less crowded than Redwood National Park but just as beautiful.

Best Spots in Del Norte Coast Redwoods:

• Damnation Creek Trail – A hike through redwoods that leads to the ocean.
• Wilson Beach – A quiet spot with rocky cliffs and driftwood.
• Enderts Beach – A secluded cove just off the main road.

19. Redwood National Park

You can get married under the redwoods and still be close to the ocean. The redwoods near Crescent City are right along the coast.

Best Spots in Redwood National Park:

• Enderts Beach – A secluded beach near the forest.
• Fern Canyon – A lush canyon with ferns covering the walls.
• Gold Bluffs Beach – A beach backed by cliffs and dunes.

Considering an elopement here? Check out my Redwood National Park elopement guide.

20. Lost Coast

Last, but certainly not least on this list of best coastal elopement locations in California. For a truly wild elopement, the Lost Coast is as remote as it gets. No roads, no crowds—just rugged coastline and untouched nature.

Best Spots on the Lost Coast:

• Black Sands Beach – A unique black sand beach with dramatic cliffs.
• Shelter Cove – A tiny coastal village with great views.
• King Range Wilderness – Miles of untouched coastline for backpacking elopements.

Tips for Planning a Coastal Elopement

• Check for Permits
  • Some locations require permits for elopements. Always check with the local park office before finalizing plans.

• Best Time to Elope on the Coast
  • Spring and fall have the best weather and fewer crowds.
  • Mornings can be foggy, but sunsets are usually clear.

• Dress for the Coast
  • The coast can be windy and chilly, even in summer. Bring layers and check the forecast.

• Respect the Environment
  • Leave no trace—pack out trash, stay on trails, and be mindful of wildlife.

Ready to Elope on the California Coast?

If you want a stress-free elopement with an incredible setting, I can help. I’ll guide you to the best spots, handle logistics, and capture every moment. Let’s plan your elopement! Contact me here.