Planning a Southern California Elopement: Here's Why It’s Worth It
Let’s be honest: big weddings aren’t for everyone. If the thought of seating charts, second cousins, and napkin-fold debates makes you want to run for the hills (or better yet, the coast), you’re not alone. Elopements are having a major moment — and not just because they’re easier. When done right, they’re personal, beautiful, and honestly? A whole vibe.
Recently, I planned and styled an elopement in Southern California that proves just that. Think: wild florals, cinematic light, and zero stress. Here’s why eloping here makes sense — and how we made it magic.
Here’s why SoCal is serving main character energy for elopements:
Why Eloping in Southern California Actually Makes Sense
1. The Scenery Is Giving
Mountains, beaches, vineyards, Spanish villas, boho deserts — all within a drive. You can literally pick your aesthetic like it’s a wedding mood board come to life. And don’t get me started on that golden hour light.
2. The Weather Isn’t Moody (Unless You Want It to Be)
No surprise thunderstorms, no snow boots under your gown. With sunshine basically year-round, SoCal is the most low-maintenance wedding guest you’ll ever have.
3. Less Guests = More Yes
Fewer people means you can actually talk to your partner (shocking, I know). And you get to spend your budget on things you actually care about: a killer dress, a private chef, or that editorial photographer you stalked on Instagram for six months.
4. Permits & Logistics Are (Mostly) Chill
With the right planner (hi), you can elope on a beach or in a vineyard without needing to battle city hall.
5. Vendors Love Elopements Too
Florists, photographers, planners (hi 👋) — we get giddy over elopements. They allow more creativity, less chaos, and so much room for style. With fewer moving parts, you can actually focus on designing a day that looks and feels like you, not your Pinterest board from 2016.
Behind the Scenes: An Elopement Styled to Feel Like Cinema For this one, we went with a soft desert palette, layered textures, and a ceremony timed right as the sun kissed the horizon. No guests, no chaos — just two people, one table, and the kind of silence that feels sacred.
The couple wanted it to feel intimate but styled, effortless but intentional. We had a tablescape set in the sand, champagne on ice, and a photographer who knew how to catch that glow that only lasts ten minutes. (You know the one.)
Our vendor team scouted the location, coordinated minimal rentals, styled the florals and made sure everything looked like a Vogue spread but felt like a soft exhale. The result? Magic.
Tips if You’re Thinking About Eloping in SoCal
Pick your backdrop: beach, desert, vineyard, city skyline — the options are endless
Golden hour is your best friend. Plan around it.
Don’t skip on details: florals, outfits, flatlays — it’s your day, make it count
Hire a planner who can execute the look and the logistics
Bonus tip: bring champagne. Always.
Let’s Wrap It Up: Thinking of saying “just us” instead of “just married” in front of a crowd?If you’ve been waiting for a sign to skip the seating chart and run toward something more personal, more beautiful, and way less stressful — this is it. Eloping in Southern California doesn’t mean missing out. It means leaning in.
And if you want someone to make it look like an editorial shoot but feel like your favorite day ever? You know where to find me.
