Northern California is a land of diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines to towering mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and ancient forests. For couples seeking an intimate and unique elopement, this region offers some of the most stunning and varied natural settings to say “I do.” Whether you envision exchanging vows under the canopy of redwoods, on a mountaintop, or beside a tranquil alpine lake, Northern California has it all.
Below are some of the best Northern California elopement locations in this beautiful region.
Castle Lake
Best For: Alpine lakes and mountain views
Best Months to Get Married Here: June through October (very popular on weekends)
Favorite Activities: Hiking, camping, star gazing
Castle Lake, located near Mount Shasta, offers a serene and peaceful setting for an elopement. The alpine lake provides a reflective surface that mirrors the surrounding mountains, creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere for exchanging vows. It’s especially popular during the summer months, with couples opting for small ceremonies along the shore or atop the nearby ridges. There is even a heart-shaped lake located above Castle Lake!
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Castle Lake offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and stargazing. With a bit of planning, couples can have a picturesque ceremony during sunset, capturing the beauty of the lake and the surrounding mountains as the sun dips behind the peaks.
This is an excellent location for either a sunrise or sunset ceremony!
Mount Shasta
Best For: Mountains, caves, waterfalls, lakes
Best Months to Get Married Here: May through October
Favorite Activities: Hiking, skiing, star gazing, mountaineering, camping, fishing, mountain biking, caving
Mount Shasta is a majestic and iconic destination for adventurous couples. With its snow-capped peak towering over the surrounding landscape, it provides a breathtaking backdrop for your elopement. You can say your vows at Lake Siskiyou, or head to Panther Meadows for an alpine ceremony surrounded by lush meadows and views of the mountain. The area offers so much to explore, from the stunning McCloud Falls to the caves and lakes around the mountain.
Hiking and mountaineering enthusiasts will appreciate the rugged terrain and sweeping vistas, while stargazers will be amazed by the clear skies above Mount Shasta. Wintertime offers opportunities for snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling as well! If you’re into adventure, this is a dream location for your elopement.
Castle Crags State Park
Best For: Rocky mountain peaks, views of Mount Shasta
Best Months to Get Married Here: June through October
Favorite Activities: Hiking, rock climbing, mountaineering
Castle Crags State Park is a hidden gem in Northern California, known for its dramatic granite spires and rugged terrain. The park’s rocky peaks provide a striking backdrop for couples who want a bold, natural setting for their elopement. With stunning views of Mount Shasta and expansive forests, this location is perfect for couples seeking an adventurous yet serene place to tie the knot.
The park offers excellent hiking opportunities and is a great spot for rock climbing enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful ceremony in the forest or a more dramatic elopement with a mountain view, Castle Crags has it all.
Mount Eddy and Deadfall Lakes
Best For: Mountain peaks, alpine lakes, wildflowers
Best Months to Get Married Here: June through October (popular on the weekends)
Favorite Activities: Hiking, backpacking
For those who love the great outdoors, Mount Eddy and Deadfall Lakes offer an incredible elopement location. Located in the Klamath Mountains, this area features crystal-clear alpine lakes surrounded by wildflower meadows and dramatic mountain peaks.
Hiking and backpacking are the primary activities here, and the challenging but rewarding trails lead to some of the most picturesque views in Northern California. If you’re a couple that loves solitude and rugged landscapes, Mount Eddy and Deadfall Lakes provide a spectacular backdrop for your elopement.
Trinity Alps Wilderness
Best For: Granite peaks, alpine lakes
Best Months to Get Married Here: June through October
Favorite Activities: Hiking, backpacking, star gazing
The Trinity Alps Wilderness is a hidden gem for couples seeking a truly wild and rugged elopement experience. Known for its stunning granite peaks, alpine lakes, and quiet solitude, this area is perfect for adventurous couples who want to escape to a pristine wilderness. Whether you choose to exchange vows near one of the wilderness’ serene lakes or at the base of a towering granite peak, the natural beauty here will take your breath away.
Since the area is remote, you won’t have to worry about large crowds, and the absence of light pollution makes it an excellent spot for stargazing. The wilderness requires a wilderness permit for camping, but no special use permit is necessary for elopements, giving couples the freedom to elope in this awe-inspiring location.
This is my backyard! So I have all of the insider information for this unique location 😉
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Best For: Mountain peaks, meadows, alpine lakes, volcanoes, waterfalls
Best Months to Get Married Here: June through October (very popular during the summer, on weekends, and public holidays)
Favorite Activities: Hiking, camping, star gazing
Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a diverse and dramatic landscape, making it a perfect location for couples who want a little bit of everything. From the active geothermal areas, including Bumpass Hell and the colorful Painted Dunes, to tranquil spots like Lake Helen, this park has a variety of stunning locations for an elopement. The park’s volcanic landscape provides a unique, almost otherworldly feel to your ceremony.
Lassen is a popular destination, especially in the summer, so if you want a more private elopement, consider eloping during the off-peak seasons. The area is also ideal for hiking, camping, and stargazing, with some of the clearest night skies in the region.
Tip: Stay at the lovely Mill Creek Resort just 20 minutes from the park! They offer cabin rentals, campsites, and RV hookups.
Burney Falls
Best For: Waterfalls, rivers
Best Months to Get Married Here: April to October (very popular during the summer, on weekends, and public holidays)
Favorite Activities: Hiking, camping, fishing, star gazing, caving
Burney Falls, known as the “eighth wonder of the world” by Theodore Roosevelt, is one of the most beautiful and iconic waterfalls in Northern California. The waterfall’s dramatic 129-foot drop creates a stunning, romantic setting for an elopement, with the surrounding forest providing a peaceful, serene atmosphere.
Couples can exchange vows near the falls or by the nearby river. The area is also home to unique features like Subway Cave Lava Tubes, making it a fascinating destination for adventurous couples. Whether you’re interested in hiking, camping, or simply soaking in the beauty of the falls, Burney Falls offers a truly unforgettable elopement experience.
Trinidad (Sue-Meg State Park)
Best For: Rugged coastal cliffs, hidden beaches
Best Months to Get Married Here: May through October
Favorite Activities: Sea kayaking, hiking
Located along the Northern California coastline, Trinidad and Sue-Meg State Park offer an exceptional setting for a coastal elopement. With its rugged cliffs, sweeping ocean views, and secluded beaches, it’s an idyllic spot for couples who want to say their vows by the sea.
Trinidad is less crowded than other coastal areas, allowing for a more intimate ceremony. Couples can also enjoy hiking and sea kayaking, making the area perfect for those who want a mix of adventure and natural beauty. Trinidad is surrounded by redwoods from the south to the north, providing plenty of opportunities for spectacular wedding photos and activities!
The Redwoods: A Coastal and Forest Experience
Best For: River and redwoods, coastal cliffs, elk sightings, fern canyon
Best Months to Get Married Here: May through October
Favorite Activities: Hiking, camping, stargazing
There’s nothing quite like exchanging vows in the shade of the towering redwoods, surrounded by ancient trees and lush forests. Northern California’s redwood parks offer an awe-inspiring setting for your elopement. Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Jedediah Smith State Park, and Redwood National Park all feature dense forests filled with these magnificent trees, providing a serene and secluded backdrop for an intimate ceremony.
For those who want to combine forest and ocean, consider venturing to the southern Oregon coast for a stunning combination of redwoods and coastal beauty. Many couples opt for a ceremony in the redwoods followed by a sunset on the beach for a truly magical experience.
Find Your Perfect Northern California Elopement Location
Northern California offers an incredible variety of elopement locations, from the rugged peaks of the Trinity Alps to the towering redwoods and stunning coastal cliffs of the Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re seeking adventure, solitude, or breathtaking natural beauty, Northern California has the perfect spot to make your elopement truly unforgettable.
With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find a location that matches your vision for the perfect elopement day.
Your Local Northern California Elopement Location Expert
As someone who was born and raised in Northern California, I have a deep love and connection to this incredible region. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of exploring its most iconic locations and hidden gems, and I’ve gathered countless recommendations for couples looking to elope in the area. From secluded mountain meadows to secret beaches and private forest groves, I know all the best spots—many of which are off the beaten path and not widely known.
Being local gives me an edge when it comes to understanding the unique beauty of Northern California’s diverse landscapes. Whether you’re dreaming of a sunrise ceremony by a crystal-clear lake or exchanging vows among the ancient redwoods, I can help you find the perfect location that matches your vision.
Not only do I know the best places to elope, but I also understand the logistics and the best times to visit these spots to avoid crowds and maximize the experience.
If you’re ready to take the plunge into the stunning natural beauty of Northern California, let me guide you to the perfect place for your elopement!
