From the city and harbor to tucked away mountains, I’ve got you covered with my favorite places to elope in and near San Diego, CA.

As a passionate San Diego elopement and wedding photographer, I understand that finding the perfect backdrop for your big day is essential. With its breathtaking coastal landscapes, urban charm, and so many hidden gems, San Diego offers an incredible variety of dreamy elopement spots. Keep reading to see my favorite 10 spots for your elopement adventure in San Diego, California! 

1. Iron Mountain: Secluded Hike & Views 

For the adventurous souls, Iron Mountain offers a trail that leads to panoramic views of the city and beyond. Say your vows atop this peak, surrounded by so much natural beauty. Or if you don’t feel up to the hike initially, there are mountain views at the base for a ceremony! It’s also dog friendly, so your pups can be included in every part of your day. 

2. WindanseaBeach: Seaside Serenity

Experience the magic of Windansea intimate beach cove and rocky cliffs. The turquoise waters and rocky shoreline are unlike anywhere else in San Diego, and it even has a little hut (known as the Surf Shack) for some shade. It’s also a pretty secluded beach that can offer privacy. Plus, it’s located in Bird Rock, a quaint and walkable neighborhood that’s super cute to stroll through for a full elopement day of activities. 

3. Mt. Helix: Panoramic Elopement

For a vantage point that feels like you’re on top of the world, Mt. Helix is a special gem right outside of San Diego (in La Mesa, CA). With sweeping views of the city, mountains, and coastline, this spot combines both grandeur and intimacy. The circular amphitheater atop the hill is a unique location for your elopement ceremony. Mt. Helix has plenty of seating if you want to include close friends and family in your elopement or intimate wedding!

4. Speckled Rock Vineyard: Winery Getaway

Just 30 Miles from San Diego, Speckled Rock Vineyards is a serene escape close to the city. This winery offers captivating mountain and vineyard views exception wines, and it’s dog friendly (I mean, they LOVE dogs here). Ideal for intimate weddings and elopements, this venue provides versatile rental options to suit your guest count and also offers getting ready spaces. I also love how the winery is on a large property with plenty of different scenes for photos celebrating your day!  

5. Downtown Courthouse: Simple Ceremony with Harbor Views

If you and your love are fans of harbor views and timeless vintage photography, the downtown courthouse is an amazing elopement or intimate wedding location in San Diego! It’s also such a simple marriage process – you can start paperwork and be officiated all within an hour. Right outside of the courthouse, you have access to the waterfront park, Little Italy, and the harbor. It’s a great location to make a day of urban exploration or even take it to sea on a harbor cruise! 

6. Mission Trails Regional Park: Central Mountain Escape 

Just 5 miles away from San Diego’s city center, Mission Trails Regional Park is central yet feels like a world of its own. Its expansive landscapes, rustic trails, and lakes offer an idyllic setting for couples who want both tranquility and wilderness on their elopement day. Mission Trails also offers many different levels of hikes, so it’s really a choose your own adventure kind of place. Plus, they even have a ceremony area with sweeping mountain views!

7. Cabrillo National Monument: Coastal & Historical Beauty

Cabrillo National Monument offers both historical significance and awe-inspiring coastal views. Exchange your vows against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, the Point Loma Lighthouse, and the rugged cliffs – a beautiful combo. Cabrillo National Monument also offers reservations for a special area of the park, The Event Bluff Overlook, for your ceremony.

8. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: Clifftop Enchantment

Conclude our list with the ethereal beauty of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The clifftop trails, golden sands, and sweeping ocean vistas provide an enchanting canvas for your elopement photography. You can either hike or drive to the top of the park, and there are many tucked away spots at the top of the cliffs. Feeling very adventurous? Jump right into the ocean to celebrate just getting married!

And any San Diego list wouldn’t be complete without the last two… 

9. Balboa Park: Iconic San Diego Elopement

For couples seeking a blend of classic San Diego, Spanish architecture, and curated nature, Balboa Park delivers! Its historic architecture and lush gardens offer countless spots for your elopement ceremony and for the photography. Neighboring many great San Diego neighborhoods – Hillcrest, South Park, North Park, and Bankers Hill – Balboa Park is a fantastic gateway to extend your elopement with urban adventure.

10. Sunset Cliffs: Classic Coastal & Cliff Beauty

Sunset Cliffs, with its dramatic coastal views and – yes – beautiful sunsets, tops the list. What many people may not know is that Sunset Cliffs is also stunning – and less crowded in the morning! Not only is it beautiful any time of the day with the dramatic ocean views and backdrop of crashing waves, it’s also super close to the airport and center of the city. With quick access and open views, this is a great choice for both simplicity and breathtaking.  

Which place would you pick for your big day?! Every option provides something special for each couple. I’d love to hear more about your vision for your intimate wedding or elopement in San Diego (or anywhere in the world!). See more photos from San Diego elopements on my website’s gallery here.

If you’re looking to elope in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, I would be honored to help you plan it and authentically document your love! Get in touch with me here so we can start planning your dreamy wedding day. 🤍