California Adventure Elopement Guide

Written By Susan Kelleher

You’re thinking of having an adventure elopement, but suddenly, planning it feels like such a daunting task. That’s completely understandable, and we totally get it. We’re here to help! If you love hiking or backpacking, you might find it challenging to picture getting married more traditionally. Or maybe you just discovered your love of the outdoors and the idea of saying “I do” on a mountaintop sounds like the perfect romantic and intentional adventure elopement. Intimate wilderness weddings are some of our absolute favorite things to shoot. Keep reading for our California adventure elopement guide to help plan the most magical elopement in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Range Of Light Wed

We're Range Of Light Wed, your elopement planning dream team. We are a group of seasoned local wedding professionals who want to support your elopement or small wedding journey. Our biggest goal is to give you a meaningful experience that feels just how you want it to.

We delight in sharing our home, the Sierra Nevadas, with couples ready to start their lives with big adventures or quiet moments. For us, it's not just about your elopement itself. Instead, it's about the experience of connecting with nature and each other in a deeply personal way. 

Let the California adventure elopement planning begin…

Choosing to have an adventure elopement over a large wedding is a big deal; it’s a brave choice, and we’re here to make sure you have a beautiful experience. But where do you even begin with California elopement planning? Let’s dive in…

California Adventure Elopement Planning Process

First of all, Congratulations on your engagement and your decision to elope, we’re here to help plan your dream adventure elopement.

1. Get Inspired & Dream Big 

Let’s get you inspired for your adventure elopement! This is that fun daydreamy part where you get to imagine the best day of your life. Grab some snacks and drinks, and have a fun date with your partner, dreaming up your amazing California elopement. This should be fun and not stressful. You don’t need to lock in your location and dates right now, but this is a great way to get inspired and excited about what’s ahead! 

Here are a few questions to help in the brainstorming process for your California elopement:

  • What makes you feel alive?

  • What location excites you both?

  • What is something you’ve always wanted to do together?

  • What does your dream elopement look like?

  • What destination have you always wanted to travel to together?

  • Do you want to hike on your adventure elopement day?

  • Do you want to camp on your adventure elopement day?

  • Do you picture your best friends and family at your side? Or just the 2 of you? You could bring your dogs. (If you do, make sure to check out our Ultimate Dog Friendly Elopement Guide). 

If you’re into vision boards check out our Instagram and Pinterest for extra inspiration. 

2. Figure Out Your Budget

We understand that this is one of the least fun parts about planning your elopement, but it’s an important step. If you're wondering how to elope in California, you're probably also wondering how much it will cost to elope in California. Of course, many factors go into the budget and cost of a California adventure elopement, but we want you to have a realistic budget. 

Adventure elopements can cost anywhere from  $10-15,000. Keep in mind that while this may sound like a big number when you see it, the average cost of a wedding in the United States is around $28,000. 

Here's an example of a Yosemite Adventure Elopement cost: 

The cost of a Yosemite Elopement? This depends on you! What might be a priority cost-wise for you might not even make the radar for another couple. Are you looking for a general ballpark of what you can expect your elopement to cost in Yosemite? 

Here's the general consensus: 

  • Yosemite Elopement Photographer - Around $6,000

  • Yosemite Wedding Permit - $150 – Yosemite requires a wedding permit to get married in the park. $35 for park entry and $2 for vehicle reservation. 

  • Marriage License - $60 – Mariposa County will be the closest place to obtain a marriage license for your Yosemite elopement.

  • Yosemite Officiant - $400+ Yosemite officiants are like no other. You can expect a fantastic ceremony with many fun facts with these guys. 

  • Hair and Makeup -  $600 – $1000-Yosemite hair and makeup artists may require a travel fee because of the distance from where they live. 

  • Yosemite Lodging - $500 – $3,000 

  • Chef or Catering for two - $200 – $400 – Private chefs are the rage right now, making for a stress-free dinner option. 

  • Elopement Florals - $275 – $1500

If that feels overwhelming, it’s ok we’re here to help, and our elopement packages take care of everything for you!

3. Choose Your Location + Date 

This is one of our FAVORITE parts of the elopement planning process. It's so fun to brainstorm ideas for locations, and it sets up the base for everything else you want to do or include in your day. 

When considering where to elope in California, ask yourself these questions: 

  • What potential elopement destination makes you feel the most excited to visit? 

  • Do you want to go somewhere new? 

  • Or maybe a place that has special meaning for you and your partner? 

Range Of Light Wed Tip: We recommend choosing your elopement destination before your date. Why? There may only be certain seasons when your dream location is accessible or has the perfect weather for your "I do's."

If you're drawing a blank when choosing a California adventure elopement destination, ask yourselves…

  • Do you want to go somewhere you've been before or somewhere new?

  • Are there any California destinations that are special to the two of you?

  • Do you want a secluded or popular area?

When it comes to choosing your Sierra Nevada elopement date, here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to seasons.  Northern California weather can vary greatly depending on where you want to elope. You can expect four distinct seasons in the mountains, including cold winters, hot summers, and more pleasant spring and fall temperatures. Golden foliage greets us each fall, and stunning springtime wildflowers bloom in the eastern Sierras. 

Spring In Eastern Sierras Of California

We love spring in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and it's one of our favorite times for elopements. The blooming wildflowers make for a stunning backdrop for your vows, and the temperatures begin to warm up, making this a good time for adventure elopements that include hiking. Keep in mind that in the Sierra Nevada mountains, snow can stick around to mid-summer, but spring is the best time to elope in the desert (looking at those wanting to elope at Death Valley or Joshua Tree).

Summer California Adventure Elopements

For most couples who want to elope in the mountains, summer is the best time for you to tie the knot. Trails are snow-free, sunny, and the weather is the perfect temperature.  You can explore high-elevation spots for stunning photos. However, we don't recommend summer elopements in the desert. 

Keep in mind if you are eloping during the summer that this is wildfire season in California. August and September are usually the worst fire months, but if you elope during the summer, be prepared for a backup elopement destination if smoke or fires make your location inaccessible.

Fall California Adventure Elopements

Fall is one of our favorite times for adventure elopements in the Sierra Nevadas. You can usually hike in the mountains, and the temperatures in the desert cool down. In high-elevation areas, snow can begin accumulating by the end of October, but remember that fall weather is pretty unpredictable. 

Winter In Eastern Sierras Of California

Winters in the Sierra Nevadas are harsh, with cold weather and lots of snow. You will find that roads in Yosemite National Park are closed during this time of year, however the valley is often accessible all year long. However, if you want to ski, snowboard, or enjoy the winter wonderland of the Sierras, winter may be perfect for you! If you decide to elope during the winter months, be prepared with snow chains, many layers, and potential road closures. You can check out our Winter Elopement Guide for more information. 

4. Hire Your Vendors - Hi! Hello! That’s us! 

Hi, we’re Range Of Light Weddings and we want to help take any and all stress out of planning your California adventure elopement. 

All of our elopement packages include: 

  • On-site hair and makeup

  • Personal florals for 2 people

  • Officiant 

  • Complimentary Champagne 

  • Elegant Picnic Lunch

  • A gluten-free, organic, non-gmo cake

  • A table for 2 where allowed

  • A ceremony arch or ground florals (where allowed)

  • Seating for 15 people where permitted

  • Collaborative Timeline Planning

  • Location Suggestions

  • 6 Hours of Photography Coverage (with option to extend)

  • Full Resolution files with printing rights.

  • Online gallery for printing and sharing.

  • NO TRAVEL FEES

Our Elopement Locations Include:

5. Choose Your Adventure - We’re here to help! 

Determining how adventurous your day is helps determine other things in your timeline, such as how many family members and friends to include in your day, what you want to wear, and other activities surrounding your day.

Once we get to know you, we can offer elopement location suggestions with details on how much effort it takes to get there.

Whether you want to hike, soak in some hot springs, or ski - we're here for all of it! 

6. Figure Out Travel + Lodging 

There are many different towns and areas that are spread out in the Eastern Sierras. So, the first step is to identify where you want to elope and stay during your time here. Scattered throughout the Sierra Nevadas, you'll find charming lodges, cabins, inns, and plenty of places to stay!

Lodges & Inns

Some of the coziest places to stay are the historic lodges and inns in the Eastern Sierras. We love Evergreen Lodge, located right outside Yosemite, with cabins tucked into the pines. The Bridgeport Inn is also one of our favorites for its unique, vintage feel. The Convict Lake Resort is another excellent option with 27 charming mountain cabins, and it's the perfect base for exploring the Eastern Sierras. 

Glamping In The Eastern Sierras 

We recommend checking out glamping in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range for a unique place to stay. You'll find everything from yurts to canvas tents to treehouses. You can stay in a Caboose, Tipi, or Airstream near Oakhurst. 

7. Secure Any Permits, Licenses, ETC  

Marriage licenses in California cost somewhere between $90-$100, and prices vary from county to county. The good news? There is no waiting period for a marriage license in California, so you can apply for it and pick it up the same day.

You will need a valid ID, and be aware that some county clerk's offices only take cash. You do not need to apply for your license in the county where you are getting married. Your California marriage license is valid and legal anywhere in the state.

In addition to your marriage license, you'll also need a few more things to elope in California: 

  • An officiant - we've got you covered 

  • One witness - one of us would be happy to be your witness

8. Marry The Love Of Your Life On An Adventure

Range Of Light - Leave No Trace

At Range Of Light Wed we always practice Leave No Trace, and our favorite places are often the most impacted by the presence of humans. If you’re familiar with this area in California, the growing popularity shows in terms of the amount of waste left behind. We love that people are getting outside and enjoying the Eastern Sierras, but it’s more important than ever to follow Leave No Trace (LNT) guidelines and protect these unique places.

You can check out our full Leave No Trace Elopement Guide for more info! 

Are you ready to book your dream elopement? 

Susan Kelleher
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