Presenting the best of San Diego’s elopement experiences. Wedy has curated an experiential guide for your San Diego elopement, complete with a cost breakdown, ceremony locations, and permit tips.
San Diego is an idyllic destination for couples ready to say “I do” in 2025. Known for i’s amazing weather, stunning coastal views, and easy access to iconic landmarks, it’s no wonder couples choose San Diego time and time again. From the serene gardens of Balboa Park to the intimate charm of The Wedding Bowl, San Diego is home to a variety of stunning locations perfect for your elopement.
Table of Contents
- Best Places to Elope in San Diego
- What to Do After Your San Diego Elopement
- Best Time of Year to Elope in San Diego
- San Diego Elopement Cost Breakdown
- How to Get a Special-Use Permit
- Featured Ceremony Location: The Wedding Bowl
- All-Inclusive San Diego Elopement Packages
- Terms to Know
Best Places to Elope in San Diego
San Diego’s diverse landscape makes it a dream destination for eloping couples. From rugged cliffs to serene gardens, here are Wedy’s top picks for the best places to elope in San Diego for 2025:
Coronado Beach – 1000 Ocean Blvd, Coronado, CA 92118
- Why we love it: Soft sands and the iconic Hotel del Coronado will be your backdrop, perfect for an oceanfront ceremony.
- Availability: Open year-round; however, it can be busier during peak seasons like summer and holidays. A special-use permit may be required for a wedding ceremony, depending on the size of your group.
- Cost: The cost for a special-use permit ranges from $300 to $1,500, depending on the size of the event and additional services required. Rates can vary, so it’s best to check with the City of Coronado for the most up-to-date pricing.
Balboa Park – 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
- Why we love it: Lush gardens, historical architecture, and romantic pathways offering the perfect SoCal vibe
- Availability: Open year-round; reservations are required for larger groups, but smaller ceremonies can often be hosted on a first-come, first-serve basis with a special-use permit.
- Cost: The cost for a special-use permit typically ranges from $300 to $1,000, depending on the location within the park and the size of your ceremony. Rates may vary, so it’s a good idea to contact the City of San Diego Parks & Recreation Department for specifics.
La Jolla Cove – 1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Why we love it: A quiet, intimate beach surrounded by natural beauty, ideal for a sunrise or sunset elopement.
- Availability: Open year-round; it can get crowded during peak tourist season, so early morning or late evening ceremonies are ideal for privacy. A special-use permit is generally required.
- Cost: The cost for a special-use permit is typically around $200 to $1,000, depending on the size of the group and the exact location of the ceremony. Always check with the City of San Diego for the latest pricing and availability.
The Wedding Bowl – 590 Coast Blvd S, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Why we love it: A secluded cliffside gem with panoramic ocean views, popular for a coastal, intimate ceremony.
- Availability: Open year-round. It’s a highly sought-after spot, so make sure to book well in advance. You’ll need a special-use permit for all elopements and weddings.
- Cost: Special-use permits typically range from $200 to $500, depending on the size of your ceremony and the time of year.
Waterfront Park – 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
- Why we love it: A vibrant urban park with stunning harbor views, great for couples who want a blend of city and sea.
- Availability: Open year-round. It’s a public park, but you’ll need a special-use permit for elopements. Be sure to check availability, especially during peak seasons.
- Cost: Permit fees range from $200 to $700, depending on the time of day and the size of your ceremony.
Carlsbad Cliffs – Carlsbad, CA 92008
- Why we love it: Unobstructed ocean views with a serene atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful elopement away from the crowds.
- Availability: Open year-round. It’s a relatively quiet spot compared to more popular beaches. A special-use permit is required for ceremonies with larger groups.
- Cost: Special-use permits typically range from $100 to $500 depending on the size of the ceremony and location.
Black’s Beach at Torrey Pines – 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr, San Diego, CA 92037
- Why we love it: A stunning, secluded beach with a bit of a hike to reach, for adventurous couples looking for privacy.
- Availability: Open year-round. It is a more remote location, so it’s perfect for couples seeking seclusion. Be prepared for a hike down to the beach. No special-use permit is required for small ceremonies.
- Cost: No permit required for small elopements, but parking fees may apply. Larger groups or specific setups may require a permit, which can cost $100 to $500.
Mission Trails Regional Park – 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119
- Why we love it: A nature-lover’s paradise with scenic trails and breathtaking views for an outdoor ceremony.
- Availability: Open year-round. Reservations for specific venues within the park are required, but there are plenty of spots for intimate ceremonies without formal reservations.
- Cost: Permit fees for ceremony locations typically range from $100 to $600 depending on the specific site within the park and the number of guests.
Glamis Sand Dunes – Glamis, CA 92227
- Why we love it: For couples seeking a unique, desert-style elopement with sweeping landscapes and an adventurous backdrop for your vows.
- Availability: Open year-round. It’s a remote desert location, so it’s perfect for couples who want a quiet, unique setting for their elopement.
- Cost: Entry and permit fees are typically around $100 to $300 depending on your specific needs and event size.
Anza–Borrego State Park – 200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
- Why we love it: The largest state park in California, offering expansive desert views and ultimate privacy for your ceremony.
- Availability: Open year-round. It’s a bit of a drive from San Diego, but the privacy and breathtaking desert landscape make it worth the journey. A special-use permit is required.
- Cost: Special-use permits typically range from $200 to $1,000 depending on the location within the park and the size of your group.
Japanese Garden – 2215 Pan American Rd E, San Diego, CA 92101
- Why we love it: A peaceful, intimate space with traditional Japanese architecture, ideal for a serene and memorable exchange of vows.
- Availability: Open year-round. Reservations are required for ceremonies, as it’s a popular location. Be sure to contact the park for availability.
- Cost: Permit fees for the Japanese Garden typically range from $200 to $600 depending on the size of your ceremony and the time of year.
What to Do After Your San Diego Elopement
Just exchanged vows? Now it’s time to celebrate! San Diego offers endless opportunities for newlyweds to enjoy their first moments as a married couple. Here are some of our top recommendations:
- Hit the Beach – Try surfing, kayaking, or paddle boarding in La Jolla or Coronado.
- Share an Intimate Picnic – Enjoy a charcuterie board with a champagne toast on the beach. (Wedy’s Luxe Elopement Packages include a boho-style picnic for two)
- Go on a Hike: For the adventurous couple, hike scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Reserve or Mount Laguna.
- Visit Museums: Go for a stroll with your new spouse and check out the San Diego Museum of Art, Museum of Photographic Arts, or the Air & Space Museum.
- Explore Local Cuisine: Opt to celebrate with a romantic dinner or explore Liberty Public Market in Little Italy.
Our Expert Planning Concierge will create an itinerary for your wedding day! Chat with a Wedy Planner to get started with building your elopement experience!
Best Time of Year to Elope in San Diego
The best months to elope in San Diego are October, November, March, and April. Fall and Spring offer the most comfortable weather conditions without the heavy crowds of summer. Keep in mind that springtime brings blooming wildflowers (and pollen), while fall offers unique cultural festivals like the Coronado Art Walk, the La Jolla Art and Wine Festival, and the Carlsbad Village Fall Festival!
San Diego Elopement Cost Breakdown
At Wedy, we make eloping simple and stress-free by helping couples prioritize their wedding according to their budget, style and guest count. Here’s a cost breakdown from a real wedding for 30 guests in Summer of 2025:
- Photography (2 hours): $1,200
- Bouquet & Boutonnière: $450
- Special-Use Permit (Wedding Bowl): $200
- Ceremony Chairs for 30 (includes delivery): $600
- Wedding Officiant: $500
- Full-Service Planning: $1,500
- Hair & Makeup: $500
TOTAL COST: $4,450
How to Get a Special-Use Permit for Your San Diego Elopement
To elope at a public location in San Diego, you’ll likely need a special-use permit. Here’s how to secure yours:
- Apply through the City of San Diego’s Parks & Recreation Department – Fees vary by location and event size.
- Submit an application – Include details like your guest count, wedding date, and ceremony plans.
- Wait for approval. San Diego’s ceremony locations are incredibly popular and processing times vary, so plan ahead.
- Let Wedy handle it for you – Our all-inclusive packages include permit assistance!
Wedy’s Expert Planning Concierge can assist with securing your wedding permit. For official permit details, visit the City of San Diego’s website.
Featured Ceremony Location: The Wedding Bowl
Address: 590 Coast Blvd S, La Jolla, CA 92037
Average Permit Cost: $200
Maximum Capacity: 40 people
Other things to note: Street parking is available but limited, so be sure to get there early if you have a larger group. There are no restrooms available on site.
To check the Park’s availability, you can chat with a Wedy Planner who will fast track all of your questions, or call the San Diego Parks Department at (619) 235-1169.
Wedy Couple Savannah and Patrick exchanged vows with an effortlessly chic wedding at The Wedding Bowl, where every detail was thoughtfully curated by yours truly. Their oceanfront ceremony featured a small, intimate guest list, a stunning floral arch, and a couples portrait session with 35mm film photography all along La Jolla Cove.
As destination wedding experts, Wedy knows the ins-and-outs of San Diego and has curated iconic local experiences in Carlsbad, Oceanside, San Clemente, and beyond!
All-Inclusive San Diego Elopement Packages
Whether you’re envisioning a quiet, intimate elopement or a full celebration with loved ones, Wedy makes planning your San Diego wedding effortless. Our all-inclusive, customizable packages bring together the best local vendors, from photographers and florists to officiants and hair & makeup artists. With Wedy, every detail of your San Diego elopement is taken care of, ensuring a flawless and unforgettable experience.
Terms to Know
If you’re planning a wedding for the first time, we’ve compiled a helpful list of definitions below. This glossary will guide you through common wedding terms and make the planning process easier.
Special-Use Permit: A permit required to hold a wedding at public locations in San Diego. This ensures legal approval to use parks, beaches, or other public spaces for your ceremony.
Officiant: A person legally authorized to perform a wedding ceremony. Wedy helps couples connect with experienced officiants who specialize in elopements.
Elopement: A small, intimate wedding typically with just the couple and a few close guests, often held in a stunning natural setting like a beach or garden.
Sunset Ceremony: A wedding ceremony planned to take place around sunset for optimal lighting, providing a romantic atmosphere and beautiful photos during the golden hour.
All-Inclusive Package: A wedding package that includes multiple services, such as photography, florals, officiant, and planning assistance, bundled together for a stress-free experience.
Floral Ceremony Arch: A decorative arch made of flowers used as a focal point during the wedding ceremony, often set against a beautiful backdrop like the ocean or a garden.
Vendors: The professionals who help bring your wedding vision to life, including photographers, florists, officiants, and makeup artists.
Customizable Packages: Wedding packages that can be tailored to your specific needs, allowing you to add or adjust services like photography, florals, or catering.
Peak Season: The busiest time of year for weddings, typically during summer months (June through August), when prices and demand are highest.
Off-Season: The time of year when fewer weddings take place, usually in the fall and winter. This often results in lower costs and fewer crowds.
