Elope to San Diego, California? Yes, please! Being near the ocean embodies a certain romance. Some places, like San Diego, make us fall even more in love.
Southern California has it all, the white sandy beaches, the Pacific Ocean, spring-like weather ALL YEAR LONG. It's never too cold and never too hot.
In this post, I’d like to share with you some of my favorite places for eloping in San Diego or for any romantic getaway. There are so many stunning locations - from beaches to country, forests and dessert.
For an adventurous or nature elopement in San Diego:
San Diego is known for its beautiful nature and beaches. And Sunsets are ideal to elope on the beach as the golden hour is magical. Can you imagine walking hand in hand at sunset on one of San Diego’s iconic beaches?
Below are some of my favorite places for elopements and/or newly wed portraits for a nature-lovers San Diego Elopement:
Elope to San Diego: Coronado Island
Coronado Beach is perfect for eloping and one of San Diego’s most popular beaches. The iconic red-dome Hotel Del Coronado is a most romantic backdrop. Beautiful sunsets and sand dunes.
La Jolla
A quaint town with several places that are picture perfect for elopements. Beautiful hikes and walks along the coast with scenic views of the California Coast.
Sunset Cliffs
Sunset Cliffs offers epic cliffs and sunsets. Miles and miles breathtaking views. And a perfect location for your elopement.
Elope in San Diego: Balboa Park
A hidden gem in San Diego county full of Spanish Architecture, art and culture. Inside this park there are various options for your elopement especially if you love architectural backdrops.
Elope to San Diego: Botanical Gardens
Another favorite location with picturesque landscapes. This garden has rare bamboo groves, desert gardens and also Meditterean landscapes. If you love flowers, a forest like environment, this is your place. There are various options to hold a ceremony.
Below are some ideas to elope to San Diego and have at an all-exclusive resort where you can stay and also have your ceremony, dinner all inclusive:
Fairmont
The Fairmont at Del Mar., is a hidden gem in San Diego with impeccable service.
The Fairmont oozes romance and elegance. The European-inspired estate has drop-dead gorgeous backdrops and facilities to accommodate your romantic elopement. Think lush lawns, four pools, endless hiking paths, horseback riding trails, tennis courts, yoga, and fabulous dining at the Addison – a five star diamond restaurant.
Rancho Valencia
Rancho Valencia is an exquisite venue for a romantic getaway in Southern California. Tucked away in the hills of Rancho Santa Fe, this premier wedding venue has over 45-acres with gardens, olive groves, and fountains. With the beautiful rose-burnt sienna frescoed colored walls, bright bougainvillea orchards and courtyards like the Valencia lawn gives this site a chic European feel. Perfect either for an intimate or large wedding.
The Del at Coronado:
Among my favorite San Diego venues for a a romantic elopement, is the iconic Hotel del Coronado, also known as the Del” which is on the enchanted Island of Coronado just across the bay from San Diego. With its beautiful architecture and large red cupola roofs, it’s a Californian landmark that dates back to 1888. Many movies were filmed here including the 1959, Some like it Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe.
A perfect place for an elopement, with pristine white sandy beaches along the Pacific Ocean, And again,San Diego’s perfect climate guarantees 365 days a year of sunshine.
La Valencia, La Jolla
This venue in La Jolla, has beautiful views, luxurious service and accommodations with a stunning rose frescoed exterior (that makes a stunning backdrop).
And here are a few more pro-tips on how to Elope to San Diego, California:
- Try to have your San Diego Elopement on a weekday, as there will be less people, especially in the summer months. It will be more private.
- For the best time of day, plan your ceremony 2-3 hours before sunset so that we have time for your newly wed portraits at Golden hour.
- Sunsets in San Diego are the best!