Both Las Vegas and Hawaii are popular elopement locations, but they are not right for everyone. The glitz and glamour (or should we say, clamor?) of Vegas does not always mesh with a couple's idea of romance and the cost of flying to Hawaii's shores is becoming increasingly prohibitive.
A recent industry survey from The Wedding Report indicates that "destination weddings have gotten closer to home." It's no wonder, with air fares (and everything else) skyrocketing. Why not elope to the sunny shores of the Pacific for a breathtaking sunset beach wedding?
Lyssabeth's Bay Area Wedding Officiants can perform a simply beautiful secular (civil) or nondenominational religious elopement ceremony at many locations within the Bay Area. You may choose to celebrate with just the two of you ($199) or perhaps you'd like to share your intimate ceremony with a few friends and family members ($219). Either way, you'll be guaranteed an intimate and memorable experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Here are a few of our favorite locations. Click on the names or thumbnails for more information and photos.
Note: Some of these sites require permits to host an event. Whenever available, we've provided contact information for each location. Please contact the site administrators listed for details on fees and permits, if any.
Our photos and descriptions of our magnificent coastal California resources will likely convince you that an elopement on the sunny shores of our picturesque Pacific Coast will be the most stress-free, poignant, romantic and breathtakingly beautiful way to celebrate the start of your married life together.
We'll even make the process of booking your elopement ceremony as easy as...well..eloping. Simply contact us here or call us at 408-786-5740 or 415-922-7651. We'll answer your questions, take some basic information along with your credit card payment, send you a contract and get you on our calendar. It's that simple!
Or, if you prefer, fill out the form below to get started on your California elopement. We'll get back to you within 24 hours.
What are the requirements to obtain a marriage license in California?
*The license can be obtained at ANY County Clerk's Office in the state. (Click here for a list of Bay Area County Clerk's) It does not have to be obtained in the county in which you are to be married; any county is fine.
*The cost for a marriage license varies by county.
*You must go together and bring photo ID (Note to out-of-staters: Marriage licenses can only be obtained Monday through Friday during regular business hours, so keep this in mind if you're planning a weekend elopement.)
*If you have been married before, you will need to know your date and place of divorce or widowhood.
*There is no waiting period; the county clerk will give you the license right away.
*The license is good for 90 days.
*Your Lyssabeth's officiant will file the license for you after the wedding.
Do I need to be a resident of the state of California to be married there?
You do not need be a resident of the state of California or even of the United States, to be legally married here. You must present valid photo identification.
Are the above locations the only places available for my elopement ceremony? Will you help me find a different location?
You are free to select a different location than the ones above; they are simply suggestions of sites where we've performed a number of elopements. Elopement ceremonies are offered within 15 miles of the closest officiant's home office, so there is a good chance we can accommodate you at most locations within the Bay Area.
Our primary function is to perform an eloquent intimate wedding ceremony for you. We're happy to answer a question or two about the sites with which we're familiar, but please bear in mind that in order to keep the elopement price affordable, we need to be fairly expeditious in the pre-booking process. We're unable to research additional sites for you or to reserve a site on your behalf.
Are there any permit fees for the above locations?
Some of the above sites do require permit fees, even for a small elopement ceremony. Bear in mind that the San Francisco Bay Area is a tremendously popular site for elopements and destination weddings. Most of the major sites (such as that fabulous view of the Golden Gate Bridge which everyone wants in their wedding photos, or the more popular Golden Gate Park locations!) do require a permit and fee. When we are aware of the need for a permit, we have noted it on the site's web page. Please be advised that regulations for permits can change and it is the couple's responsibility to obtain the proper permits when required.
Hint: if you are watching your budget, consider being married at a free elopement site and then head over to a more popular site for your photos. Permits are not required for photos--just the ceremonies themselves.
In many public parks, the permit only guarantees that there will be no other weddings scheduled at the site on your day and time. It does not preclude members of the public from being nearby during your ceremony. We have found, however, that most folks are quite courteous and respectful when there is a wedding going on.
Are there any additional fees involved?
In public parks, there is often a daily entrance fee. We ask that you pay this fee for our officaint.
How far in advance do I need to schedule my elopement ceremony?
We have no advance notice requirement. Oftentimes elopements can be scheduled with very little notice, depending upon officiant availability. This is easier on a weekday than it is on a weekend, or course. The sooner the better, especially if you have your heart set on a particular location, day and time.
We cannot hold your date without payment in full, but once payment is received, your elopement ceremony is guaranteed.
How much does the Elopement Ceremony Cost?
For the couple and up to two witnesses, the cost is $199. If you have more than two guests, the fee is $219. A $100 deposit is requirted to book our services.
Can I choose my officiant?
For the Elopement Ceremony, we will assign the closest available officiant.
How long is the Elopement Ceremony? Can I modify it or add any extras?
The Elopement Ceremony is a poignant pre-written service that is approximately 10-12 minutes long. You have your choice of either a secular or a nondenominational religious version. We'll send you a copy before the ceremony and ask that you make no changes to the script.
Do I need a witness? Will you provide one?
One witness is required. Oftentimes, the officiant will have a friend or family member willing to accompany them and they will be your witness for a token fee ($30, paid to the witness directly). Bear in mind that the witness can be your photographer, if you choose to have one.
We'd like a few photos of the ceremony. Do you offer any photography services?
Lyssabeth's Wedding Officiants are ceremony experts, so that's what we stick to. However, our officiants have friends and family members who are considered talented amateur photographers and are often willing to accompany the officiant and take photos of the ceremony as well as some posed shots afterwards (with their camera or yours) for around $100.
If you'd like this service, tell us when you book and we'll see what we can arrange. Please note that these are not professional photographers and Lyssabeth's does not warrantee their results. However, if you want some decent-quality digital photos for a little bit of money, this would be an excellent option.
If you would like to add professional Photography Services to your Elopement Ceremony, we have partnered with Mark Rogers Photography to offer professional-quality, affordable photos. Mark offers a splendid and affordable elopement photo package. See website for details.
Everything went beautifully. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day for our marriage. Ken and Mark (Mark Rogers Photography) both did a wonderful job. Thank you for you services and the very reasonable cost of your service.
We wanted something simple yet beautiful, that's exactly what we did and what we got.
Randy & Colleen
November 30, 2009
408-786-5740 (South Bay)
415-992-7651
(San Francisco/North Bay)
or email us
