When To Elope In California

When to Elope in California: A Season-by-Season Guide

By JaxLens Elopement Photography — serving California, Oregon, Wisconsin, and beyond.

California is one of those rare places where you can choose literally any month of the year and find dreamy weather somewhere. From Yosemite’s golden glow to Big Sur’s misty cliffs, desert sunrises in Joshua Tree, or Redwood cathedrals up north, each season brings its own magic.

Here’s your easy guide to deciding when to elope in California, based on seasons, locations, temperatures, pros, cons, and little tips to help you feel prepared and fully present on your day. I may be a little biased because I am born and raised in California but my favorite season is Spring! I’ll share why below!

🌸 SPRING (March–May)

Temps: 50–75°F depending on region (cooler in mountains, warmer in desert)
Vibes: wildflowers, waterfalls, soft light, everything feels fresh and alive

Best California Spring Elopement Locations

• Yosemite during waterfall season

• Southern California beaches (Laguna, Malibu, San Diego)

• Anza-Borrego for wildflower blooms

• Big Sur before summer fog sets in

• Sequoia National Park

Pros

• Wildflowers everywhere, it gives “God’s paintbrush.”

• Waterfalls are roaring.

• Mild temps for hiking elopements.

• Less crowded than summer.

Cons

• Mountain regions can still have snow or road closures.
  Positive twist: Snow + wildflowers = unexpectedly gorgeous photos.

• Weather can be unpredictable.
  But hey misty coastal mornings = moody magic.

What to Wear / Pack

• Layers (especially Big Sur + Yosemite mornings)

• Waterproof boots if we’re adventuring near waterfalls

• A cozy jacket or shawl that still photographs pretty

☀️ SUMMER (June–August)

Temps: 60–100°F+ depending on region (cooler coast, warm inland, very hot desert)
Vibes: sunshine, long adventure days, alpine lakes finally thawed, coastal breezes

Best California Summer Elopement Locations

• Lake Tahoe + Mammoth Lakes

• Northern California Redwoods

• Big Sur (but plan early morning or golden hour)

• Yosemite high country (Tuolumne Meadows!)

• Shasta / Lassen NP

• San Diego if you want consistent beach weather

Pros

• High-country access! Snow is gone and trails are open.

• Long, golden evenings.

• Warm nights for picnics + stargazing.

• Easy travel: no winter road closures.

Cons

• Popular parks are BUSY.
  Silver lining: Sunrise vows mean you get the whole world to yourselves.

• Desert areas (Joshua Tree, Palm Springs) are way too hot.
  The benefit: We can always plan a fall or winter desert elopement instead.*

What to Wear / Pack

• Lightweight outfits

• Anti-frizz hair products (coastal breeze is real)

• Plenty of water + sunscreen for high elevation adventures

🍁 FALL (September–November)

Temps: 40–80°F depending on region
Vibes: warm light, cozy colors, calm crowds, perfect adventure weather

Best California Fall Elopement Locations

• Yosemite (peak golden tones!)

• Eastern Sierra (insane fall color + alpine lakes)

• Big Sur (some of the clearest fog-free days)

• Joshua Tree (prime desert season begins)

• Redwoods

Pros

• The best mix of warm days + cool evenings.

• Fewer crowds after Labor Day.

• The Eastern Sierra looks straight out of a painting.

• Desert temps become dreamy.

Cons

• Wildfire season can affect air quality.
  Bright side: I always help couples choose “backup locations” that photograph beautifully.*

• Shorter days.
  But golden hour lasts forever! The softest, dreamiest light.

What to Wear / Pack

• Layers for early mornings + higher elevations

• Dresses with movement (the fall breeze is unmatched!)

• A cozy jacket for sunset ceremonies

❄️ WINTER (December–February)

Temps: 30–70°F depending on region (cold mountains, mild coast, perfect desert)
Vibes: quiet, romantic, peaceful. Pick between snowy peaks or warm sunshine

Best California Winter Elopement Locations

• Joshua Tree National Park

• Death Valley (seriously underrated!)

• Malibu, Laguna, + San Diego beaches

• Big Sur on a clear winter day

• Lake Tahoe for snow elopements

• Yosemite’s iconic winter scenes

Pros

• Empty parks + beautiful soft winter light.

• Desert locations are absolutely perfect.

• Coastal beaches are calm and peaceful.

• Snowy elopements feel magical and intimate.

Cons

• Mountain areas may have road closures.
  But snow + cozy layers makes your photos feel like Narnia.

• Storms can roll in quickly.
  Positive twist: Dramatic skies = cinematic photos.

What to Wear / Pack

• Warm boots + wool layers for mountains

• Clear umbrellas (pretty AND practical)

• Hand warmers if we’re shooting in the snow

So… When Should You Elope in California?

Honestly? It depends on your dream setting.

Here’s the quick guide:

• Beaches: Year-round, but winter + spring are the prettiest

• Deserts: Fall–Spring

• Mountains: Late June–October

• Redwoods: Truly year-round

• Yosemite: Spring for waterfalls, fall for color, winter for cozy snow

California really is a choose-your-own-adventure state and that’s why I love helping couples dream up days that feel peaceful, intentional, faith-centered, and full of meaning. Spring was my go to pick for really the flexibility to go to most desired locations. I love cool temps for hiking (less sweating for makeup) and I admit I love a good moody misty coastal morning! Plus “Springing into a new season of life” (* your marriage*) just sounds fun and life-giving to me! lol 😊

If you want help narrowing down a season or choosing a location that fits your relationship, I’m your go-to girl. We’ll build something beautiful.