If you’re thinking about eloping in California during wildfire season, this guide is for you. Late summer and fall bring drier weather, which means fire season in many parts of the state. As a California elopement photographer who’s outside year-round, I’ve learned how to help couples plan around it, stay safe, and still have an awesome time.

What Months Are Considered Wildfire Season in California?

Wildfire season used to be a few months long. Now, it’s longer and more unpredictable. It usually starts around June and can go all the way through November. Some years, wildfires have started as early as May.

Here’s what to expect:

• June to July: Warmer temps, dry conditions start
• August to October: Peak fire activity
• November: Risk slows down, but not always over

How Wildfires Could Affect Your Elopement

Here’s what I’ve seen firsthand when eloping in California during wildfire season:

• Park or trail closures: Fires can cause last-minute closures. Sometimes the fire isn’t even close, but the smoke or road conditions make it unsafe.
• Air quality: Even if you’re miles from a fire, smoke can fill the air. Not great for photos or breathing.
• Evacuations: Occasionally, areas shut down fast, and people have to leave with little warning.
• Visibility: You might show up to a place like Yosemite or Lake Tahoe and not be able to see the views because of smoke.

It’s a lot, but that doesn’t mean you need to cancel your dream of eloping in California. The key is being informed, prepared, and working with someone who knows how to adjust fast.

How to Check Fire Risk Before Your Elopement

You don’t need to be glued to the news 24/7, but it helps to know where to look the week of your elopement and the day before:

• Cal Fire’s Incident Map (updated in real-time): https://fire.ca.gov/incidents/
• AirNow.gov – Check current air quality: https://www.airnow.gov/
• National Park Service alerts for closures and conditions

Locations in California Less Likely to Be Impacted by Wildfires

Some areas are lower risk and still beautiful:

• Coastal spots like Big Sur
• San Diego county beaches and cliffs
• Northern coast areas like Trinidad and Crescent City
• Desert areas in early spring or late fall (Joshua Tree, Death Valley)
• Alpine lakes in early summer before things dry out

Why You Need a Backup Plan (or Two)

I build backup plans into every elopement I shoot during fire season. Here’s what that looks like:

1. Choose a backup location within 2–3 hours of your first choice
2. Stay flexible with your timeline in case of smoke or road closures
3. Book refundable lodging when possible
4. Keep guests in the loop if you’re having any
5. Talk to your vendors about backup plans too

When you book me, I’ll help you build out a main plan, a weather plan, and a fire plan.

What to Pack for Fire Season Elopements

• N95 masks
• Plenty of water
• Layers (Even in smoky areas, temps can shift fast)
• Emergency contact sheet
• Hard copies of directions (GPS isn’t always reliable in remote areas)
• Satellite phone
• Fire blanket and first aid kit

Pro tip: Keep everything in a small day pack so it’s easy to carry if we need to shift locations fast.

Real Talk: What If a Fire Changes Everything?

It happens. You wake up the morning of your elopement, and your dream trail is closed. Or the smoke is thick. It sucks. But there is still hope of making it an amazing day.

In 2025, I was capturing an elopement in Yosemite National Park. The plan was to visit Taft Point for sunset, until the park rangers had to shut down the road due to a fire that broke out. We pivoted to other locations on the valley floor with just an hour’s notice. It was a bit chaotic, but we made it work- and they still had a beautiful ceremony (all without smoke or danger)!

That’s the key: be flexible, trust your team, and don’t let the location define the experience.

Best Times to Elope to Avoid Wildfires

Here are some safer months if you want to avoid the stress of fire season:

• March to May: Spring blooms, cooler temps (my favorite time in California)
• November to early December: Cooler weather, fewer crowds
• January to February: Snowy elopements in places like Yosemite or Sequoia

If you’re dreaming of summer, you can still elope- just know the risks and plan for them.

Eloping in California during wildfire season is totally doable- you just need to prep smart and stay flexible. Fires are part of life here now, but they don’t have to ruin your day.

If you’re planning a California elopement and want someone who knows the area, the fire patterns, and how to work around changes- I’ve got you. I’ll help you plan it all, adjust if we need to, and still make sure your elopement feels meaningful.