Your Ultimate Guide to a California Hot Springs Elopement

Written By Susan Kelleher

Soak, say “I do,” and let nature do the rest

Imagine steam rising off crystal-clear water, snow-dusted peaks in the distance, and you, hand in hand with your love, exchanging vows in the wild. No crowds, no stress, just hot springs, heartbeats, and the beautiful California sky. Hot springs elopements are becoming one of the most magical ways to commit your lives to each other in the Golden State, and for good reason. They're romantic, adventurous, intimate, and unapologetically you. At Range of Light Wed, we specialize in helping couples craft meaningful, off-the-beaten-path elopements. If you dream of combining your wedding day with a soul-soothing soak and dramatic natural backdrops, this guide is your new best friend.

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. Let’s dive in…

Why Choose a California Hot Springs Elopement?

Let's be honest: California knows how to do scenery. With natural hot springs scattered from the high Sierra to the desert floor, it's the perfect place to blend rugged adventure with relaxed luxury.

Here's why we love hot springs elopements:

  • Total privacy – no noise, no strangers, just you, nature, and your vows.

  • Breathtaking views – from alpine peaks to redwood canyons to desert oases.

  • Adventure meets romance – hike in your gown, kiss in the steam, celebrate under the stars.

  • Budget-friendly & low-impact – many springs are free or permit-based with natural surroundings that need no extra décor.

Best California Hot Springs for an Elopement

Here are a few of our favorite Hot Springs elopement locations. Each is as unique as your love story.

Travertine Hot Springs – Bridgeport, CA

  • The Vibe: Easy access, unreal mountain views

  • Why We Love It: Natural tubs with the Sierra Nevada as your ceremony witness

  • Best For: Sunrise or sunset vows + epic portraits

  • Land Management: Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

  • Permit Requirement: While day-use soaking doesn't require a permit, organized events like elopements may require a special permit.

  • Things To Note: Camping near the hot springs is prohibited.

Wild Willy's Hot Springs – Mammoth Lakes

  • The Vibe: Remote, wild, and wide open

  • Why We Love It: Sweeping valley views, moody morning mists, and open skies

  • Best For: Couples craving a barefoot-in-nature moment

  • Land Management: Inyo National Forest

  • Permit Requirement: Contact the Inyo National Forest office for necessary ceremony permits.

  • Things To Note: Wild Willy’s features a heart shaped pool (above) how amazing is that for your elopement day?

The Rock Tub Hot Springs

The Vibe: Intimate soak with panoramic Sierra vistas
Why We Love It: A cozy natural tub offering front-row seats to the Sierra Nevada's grandeur
Best For: Romantic sunrise or sunset dips and elopement ceremonies
Land Management: Inyo National Forest
Permit Requirement: While casual soaking doesn't require a permit, for organized events like elopements you might need a special use permit.
Additional Notes: Camping is prohibited at the springs themselves, but dispersed camping is allowed on

Hilltop Hot Springs (Pulkey's Pool)

The Vibe: Expansive meadow setting with 360° mountain views
Why We Love It: A spacious natural pool perfect for group soaks and stargazing
Best For: Group gatherings, elopements, and astrophotography enthusiasts
Land Management: Inyo National Forest
Permit Requirement: Similar to The Rock Tub, day-use soaking doesn't require a permit, but organized events may require a special use permit.
Additional Notes: Dispersed camping is permitted in designated areas near the parking lot, but camping

Sykes Hot Springs – Big Sur

  • The Vibe: Hike-in only, redwood-forest romance

  • Why We Love It: For the adventurous couple who wants to earn their elopement with an unforgettable 10-mile trek

  • Best For: Multi-day elopements or backpacking ceremonies

  • Land Management: Los Padres National Forest, Ventana Wilderness

  • Permit Requirement: A free campfire permit is required for stove or campfire use. While wilderness permits are unnecessary for hiking, organized events like elopements may require a special event permit, especially if they involve groups or specific setups.

Deep Creek Hot Springs – San Bernardino

  • The Vibe: Desert meets forest

  • Why We Love It: Unique setting with soak-worthy pools and colorful canyon backdrops

  • Best For: Boho couples with desert hearts

  • Land Management: San Bernardino National Forest

  • Permit Requirement: While soaking doesn't require a permit, organized events such as elopements may require a special use permit. It's recommended that the San Bernardino National Forest office be contacted to confirm current regulations.

Pro tip: Each location has its own vibe, rules, and ideal seasons! We're here to help you choose the perfect fit and handle all the nitty-gritty so you can focus on each other.

For any elopement on public lands, you'll want to consult with the land management agency well in advance. Permit requirements vary depending on group size, location specifics, and regulations. The permits allow us to respect the natural environment and guarantee a smooth and memorable elopement day! Trust us, we want it to go smoothly!

Best Time of Year for a California Hot Springs Elopement

There's no wrong time to elope at a California hot spring, each season offers a different flavor of magic. California's diverse climates give you everything from snowy backdrops to desert sunsets. Here's what to expect in each season:

Spring (March–May)

The Vibe: Fresh, vibrant, and full of life

Why A Spring Elopement Is Magical:

  • Wildflowers bloom across the Sierra and desert regions, adding pops of color to your ceremony backdrop

  • Water levels are high from snowmelt, making streams and nearby waterfalls especially stunning

  • Pleasant daytime temps, especially in higher-elevation or desert locations

Hot Spring Highlights:

  • Wild Willy's and Travertine are both stunning in spring, with easy access and sweeping views

  • Deep Creek offers beautiful hikes with blooming wildflowers

Watch for:

  • Some alpine springs (like Sykes) may still be snowy or inaccessible until late spring

  • Weather can shift quickly so layers are your friend!

Summer (June–August)

The Vibe: Golden, warm, and adventure-packed

Why Summer Elopements Are Magical:

  • Longer days = more time for hiking, soaking, and celebrating under the stars

  • Perfect for higher-elevation springs that are only accessible this time of year

  • Wild camping and backpacking elopements are most doable now

Hot Spring Highlights:

  • Sykes Hot Springs is fully accessible and ideal for a multi-day wilderness elopement

  • Wild Willy's at sunrise or sunset to beat the crowds and soak in that alpenglow

Watch For:

  • Lower elevation springs (like Deep Creek) can be hot around midday, so let’s opt for early morning or late evening ceremonies

  • Summer can bring more crowds, so weekday elopements are best

Fall (September–November)

The Vibe: Cozy, colorful, and peaceful

Why A Fall Elopement Is Magical:

  • Crisp air, golden light, and fewer people make for ultra-romantic vibes

  • Fall foliage in the Sierra and forested areas adds a warm, earthy palette to your photos

  • Soaking in warm water feels extra dreamy when there's a chill in the air

Hot Spring Highlights:

  • Travertine Hot Springs is stunning against the golden hues of fall

  • Deep Creek cools off, making it more comfortable and serene

  • Big Sur is still lush, with dreamy coastal views + cooler hiking temps

Watch For:

  • Shorter days mean that sunset ceremonies need to be timed carefully

  • Early snow in October/November can close roads in higher elevations

Winter (December–February)

The Vibe: Steamy, intimate, and snow-kissed

Why A Winter Elopement Is Magical:

  • Hot water + snow-covered landscapes = actual fairytale

  • Total privacy and quiet if you're willing to bundle up

  • Crisp, clear skies perfect for stargazing or snowy sunrise vows

Hot Spring Highlights:

  • Travertine is easily accessible in winter and often surrounded by snow

  • Wild Willy's in the winter mist is an absolute vibe

  • Deep Creek is less crowded and still reachable in most winters

Watch For:

  • Some springs (especially Sykes) become inaccessible due to snow or trail closures

  • Travel and access can be trickier, so we’ll plan and be flexible

No matter the season, the best time of day to elope at California’s hot springs is sunrise or golden hour. We love softer light, as an added bonus there will be fewer people, and you’ll get a more intimate experience.

What To Do On Your Hot Springs Elopement Day

We wholeheartedly believe your elopement isn't just a ceremony, it's a whole experience. Trust us, soaking in a natural hot spring will be one (very magical) part of it. Whether you're hiking into the wilderness or enjoying an easily accessible soak, here are ways to make your day unforgettable:

Start the Day with a Sunrise Soak

Begin your morning with a quiet moment together in the springs. Watch as the sky turns gold, breathe in the crisp air, and share coffee or tea as the mist rises. It's grounding and intimate, and it's the perfect pre-vow ritual.

Add a Scenic Hike

Many of California's hot springs are tucked within jaw-dropping landscapes, think granite peaks, alpine meadows, redwoods, or desert canyons. Consider adding a sunrise hike or a post-ceremony trail adventure to your elopement day. 

Nearby Trail Ideas:

Picnic With A View

Pack a luxe picnic (looking at you, Robin) with your favorite foods, local wine or bubbly, and cozy blankets. Post-vows, find a quiet spot overlooking the springs or surrounding mountains, bonus points for bringing a mini speaker and your first-dance playlist.

Private Soak & Champagne Toast

After your ceremony, change into swimsuits (or don't totally up to you 😉) and slip into the water for a celebratory soak. A sip of champagne, a waterproof camera, and a just-married kiss? Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?

Stay for Sunset or Stargazing

End your day wrapped in blankets, soaking under the stars. Some of California's hot springs are in dark-sky areas, so bring a thermos of cocoa, light a lantern, and let the cosmos witness your love story.

Book A Romantic Airbnb Or Glamping Spot Nearby

Many springs are near charming mountain towns or desert getaways. Whether it's a modern A-frame in Mammoth Lakes, a cozy cabin in Big Sur, or a glamping tent near Bridgeport, you can end your day with s'mores, a fire pit, and a comfy bed steps away from nature.

🏔️ Mammoth Lakes & Bridgeport Glamping & Airbnb Gems

Glamping Near Mammoth Lakes:

  • Hipcamp Glamping Options: Discover a variety of glamping sites, from canvas tents to cozy cabins, nestled amidst the Sierra Nevada's beauty.

Bridgeport Glamping:

Cozy Stays in Mammoth Lakes:

Cozy Stays in Bridgeport:

Elopement Tip from Range of Light Wed:

Create a flexible timeline. Hot springs have a whole vibe, but they're also weather and crowd-dependent. We'll help you plan a flow that lets you soak in the moments (literally) without feeling rushed.

Planning Tips for a Hot Springs Elopement

A hot springs elopement is beautiful, but it's still wild! Here's how to plan smart:

  • Check for permits & seasonal access – Some springs are on public lands with specific rules. Others may be snowed in during winter.

  • Pick the right time of day – Morning light = peaceful vibes and fewer people. Golden hour = photographer's dream.

  • Keep it intimate – Many locations are best suited for 2–10 people max.

  • Respect nature – Stick to Leave No Trace principles. We'll guide you through it all.

What to Pack for Your Soak-and-Say-“I Do” Elopement

Let's talk practical magic and what to pack for your hot springs elopement:

  • Elopement attire you can move in – flowy, durable, maybe a little windswept

  • Quick-dry shoes – for hopping from vows to soak

  • Towels & layers – it gets chilly when the sun dips

  • Biodegradable essentials – bubbles are cute; pollution isn't

  • Snacks + a celebration kit – think bubbly, sweet treats, and your fave local picnic foods

Capturing the Magic: Hot Springs Elopement Photography

Steamy backdrops. Windswept hair. Starry night soaks. Need we say more?

At Range of Light Wed, we're all about documenting your real moments, whether that means misty morning hikes, tearful vows by the water, or barefoot giggles in the tub. Our resident photographer, Joleen scouts for the perfect light, helps you feel totally at ease, and captures every last dreamy second.

Range Of Light Wed Eastern Sierras Elopement Package

Eastern Sierras Elopement Package includes: 

  • On-site hair and makeup

  • Personal florals for 2 people

  • Officiant and concierge marriage license service

  • Complimentary Champagne 

  • Elegant Picnic Lunch

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

  • A table for 2 where local laws allow

  • A ceremony arch or ground florals

  • 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

California Hot Springs Elopement Not Your Thing?

Check out our other Eastern Sierra elopement resources: 

Not Sure If An Elopement Is Right For You?

Let's Plan Your California Hot Springs Elopement

When you're ready to elope with intention and a whole lot of adventure, we're here to guide the way. Range of Light Wed has your back (and your bouquet) from location scouting to timelines, and storytelling photography.

Let's make magic in the mountains, the desert, or wherever your wild hearts want to roam.

Send an inquiry, and let's start planning your dream elopement today.

Susan Kelleher
Previous

5 Surprising Challenges of Planning a National Park Elopement
Next

How to Plan a Dreamy California Desert Elopement: Best Locations, Tips & Inspiration