We break down the true costs of a San Diego Elopement and answer frequently asked questions on top-destinations, permit information and more.
Planning a San Diego elopement in 2025? San Diego is an iconic destination for couples seeking a romantic and stress-free elopement experience. From La Jolla Cove to Torrey Pines, San Diego features stunning coastal landscapes, year-round mild climate, and diverse wedding venues, making it one of the leading wedding destinations in Southern California. Whether you dream of a sunset ceremony on the beach, a botanical garden celebration, or a chic downtown soirée, San Diego is versatile and ensures your elopement will be as unique and authentic as your love.
As destination wedding experts, Wedy has created a tell-all guide where we break down the cost of a San Diego elopement, share ceremony locations, and answer frequently asked questions about eloping in San Diego.
Table of Contents
Where to Elope in San Diego
What do do after your San Diego Elopement
When’s the best time to elope in San Diego?
San Diego Elopement Cost Breakdown
How to get a Special-Use Permit for your San Diego Elopement
San Diego Ceremony Location Feature: The Wedding Bowl
All-inclusive San Diego Elopement Packages
Where to Elope in San Diego?
San Diego boasts diverse elopement destinations, from serene hidden gardens to lively coastal beaches perfect for adventure-loving couples, there’s something for everyone.Our local San Diego creatives have curated a list of the best San Diego ceremony locations for your 2025 destination elopement!
Best San Diego Ceremony locations
- La Jolla Cove
- The Wedding Bowl
- Balboa Park
- Carlsbad Cliffs
- Sunset Cliffs
- Mission Trails Regional Par
- Cornado Beach
- Waterfront Park
- Black’s Beach at Torrey Pines
- Glamis Sand Dunes
- Anza Borrego State Park
- Japanese Garden
Browse San Diego elopement packages on the Wedy App!
What to do after your San Diego Elopement?
Just read your vows? Celebrate your love by exploring San Diego’s epic food scene, or heading down to the beach for water sports and seaside activities. There’s no shortage of adventurous, memorable activities! Here are some exciting ways to spend your first moments as newlyweds:
- Hit the Beach: Try surfing, kayaking, or paddle boarding in La Jolla or Coronado, where rentals and guided tours are readily available. We highly recommend La Jolla if you’re a fan of surfing. If you’re more into tide-pools and lazy rivers, we recommend Sunset Cliffs!
- Share an intimate picnic: Enjoy charcuterie and toast champagne while overlooking crashing waves or tranquil gardens. Wedy’s Luxe Elopement packages include an intimate boho-style picnic for two with charcuterie and non-alcoholic beverages. You’re welcome to add-on a mini wedding cake and champagne to toast!
- Go on a Hike: Explore the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Reserve and Mount Laguna for a challenging trek.
- Visit Museums: Dive into art and culture at the San Diego Museum of Art or the Museum of Photographic Arts, or for the couple that loves science — check out the space exhibits at the Air & Space Museum in Balboa.
- Explore local cuisine: Treat yourselves to a romantic dinner at one of San Diego’s local restaurants, or head to Liberty Public Market or Little Italy to explore the eclectic food scene!
When’s the best time to elope in San Diego?
The best times to elope in San Diego are Fall and Spring. The weather is at it’s best in Spring and Summer, however many of the ceremony locations are public sites and may be overcrowded as Summer is the most popular time to visit San Diego. If you opt to elope in the Spring, be prepared for the occasional winds and potential allergies from the influx of pollen from blooming wildflowers and lush greenery. The best months to elope are October, November, March and April. During the Fall, the city hosts several festivals, such as the Coronado Art Walk, the La Jolla Art and Wine Festival, the Carlsbad Village Fall Fest and more!
San Diego Elopement Cost Breakdown
At Wedy, we’re all about demystifying the costs of weddings and working together to create experiences that feel authentically YOU. That’s why we’ve created a cost breakdown for a 2025 elopement in San Diego with essential services like photography, an officiant, ceremony florals, and more!
The total cost for an elopement with 10 guests in San Diego is $4,350. Here is a full cost breakdown!
Your wedding photography will cost $1,200 for 2 hours.
For your bouquet and boutonnière, you can expect to spend around $450, without delivery or specialty florals.
Your special-use Permit will cost $198 for a ceremony at the Wedding Bowl.
A San Diego wedding officiant will cost $500, without your marriage license or travel fees.
Full service planning assistance through Wedy will cost $1,500, and is included with your tailored San Diego wedding package.
Lastly, your hair and makeup services will cost $500, without travel fees.
For any additional services such as videography, an intimate picnic for two, or luxe cake table services, you can browse customizable elopement packages or local San Diego wedding creatives for accurate pricing on the Wedy App!
How to get a Special-Use Permit for your San Diego Elopement
To get a special-use permit in San Diego, you’ll need to apply through the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. Permit pricing depends on your ceremony location and is subject to change based on the size of your event.
You will need to submit a detailed application outlining your guest count, wedding date, requested location, and any planned activities you’d like to host, such as an intimate picnic. Wedy’s all-inclusive packages include permit assistance, so we can help you secure your special-use permit and handle all of the paperwork details. Wedy’s all-inclusive packages include permit assistance, from navigating the application process to handling all the paperwork, so you can focus on your celebration!
To learn more about our packages, click here. For more information on special-use permits for elopements, visit the City of San Diego’s official website here.
San Diego Ceremony Location Feature: The Wedding Bowl
Wedy couple, Kiana and Calvyn booked an all-inclusive San Diego wedding package on the Wedy App. After sharing a few stunning ceremony locations, Kiana and Calvyn chose the Wedding Bowl, a breathtaking cliffside venue that offers panoramic ocean views, ideal for micro weddings in San Diego. They eloped with 8 guests, and added-on videography, ceremony chairs and a floral wedding arch to their San Diego elopement package!
Wondering if San Diego is the right choice for you? Download the Wedy App to connect with our expert concierge and start designing your dream San Diego Elopement Package!
All-inclusive San Diego Elopement Packages
For a San Diego elopement experience like no other, download the Wedy App and browse our tailored SoCal wedding packages, that feature photography, florals, and full-service planning assistance for a seamless wedding experience in San Diego.
Our San Diego elopement packages include documentary-style photography, intricate florals, expert hair and makeup artists, elegant wedding rentals, private-chef catering, and more of your favorite creatives, showcasing the best of the West Coast!
