Marin Headlands--for breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge
Marin Headlands requires a permit and a minimum $485 fee for all weddings--elopements included. It is governed by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), one of the largest urban national parks in the world. Established in 1972, as part of a trend to make national park resources more accessible to urban populations and bring "parks to the people", Golden Gate encompasses 59 miles of bay and ocean shoreline.
Our favorite location on Marin Headlands is Hawk Hill. A short walk up a paved (but steep!) path leads you to two options for Hawk Hill. Stand atop the cement platform to the right and be wed in front of a breathtkaing view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the City of San Francisco...
Views from the top of Hawk Hill. Golden Gate Bridge (above) and the Pacific Ocean (left).
The path to Hawk Hill (below)
...or head left at the top of the path for a equally majestic view of the Pacific Ocean. While this spot doesn't have a view of the Golden Gate Bridge, the backdrop is nonetheless spectacular and this side is much less frequented by tourists.