How to Elope in Laguna Beach

A simple guide to planning an unforgettable Orange County beach elopement

Laguna Beach is one of the most magical places in California to elope. My own parents got engaged in Laguna Beach! With dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, tide pools, and golden sunsets over the Pacific, it’s the perfect place for couples who want something intimate, beautiful, and meaningful.

Instead of a long guest list and months of planning, a Laguna Beach elopement lets you focus on what really matters — the two of you starting your life together.

And the best part? It can be incredibly simple.

Here’s exactly how to elope in Laguna Beach — and how I can help you turn it into an unforgettable adventure.

Step 1: Choose Your Laguna Beach Elopement Location

Laguna Beach is filled with incredible locations for elopements. Whether you want dramatic cliffs, a quiet beach, or sweeping ocean views, there’s a perfect spot for you.

Some of my favorite locations include:

Treasure Island
Treasure Island Beach, located adjacent to the Montage Laguna Beach Resort, is one of Southern California’s most picturesque spots. With a romantic beach backdrop, stunning sunset cliffs, and easy beach access, couples can enjoy a serene, romantic setting that feels private. It also boasts great snorkeling too!

Victoria Beach (Pirate Tower)
An iconic Laguna Beach landmark that feels straight out of a fairytale. The historic tower and wide shoreline make it one of the most romantic backdrops in Orange County.

Crescent Bay Point Park
A beautiful clifftop park overlooking the ocean — perfect for a simple ceremony with an incredible view. You can also find me snorkeling Crescent Bay with my kiddos!

Heisler Park
Right in the heart of Laguna Beach, this park offers palm trees, coastal pathways, and breathtaking sunset views.

Thousand Steps Beach
For couples who want a little adventure. The long staircase leads to a secluded beach with dramatic rock formations and caves.

When couples work with me, I help choose the perfect location based on tides, lighting, privacy, and sunset timing so your ceremony and photos feel effortless and beautiful.

Step 2: Consider a Simple Civil Ceremony

Some couples prefer to take care of the legal ceremony first and then celebrate with photos along the coast.

Downtown Laguna Beach City Hall

Many couples choose to have a quick ceremony at Laguna Beach City Hall and then head to the beach for sunset photos.

City Hall is located right in downtown Laguna, making it easy to celebrate afterward with a walk along the cliffs or dinner at one of the many oceanfront restaurants nearby.

Laguna Hills Civic Center Courthouse

Another easy option is the Laguna Hills Civic Center, where the Orange County Clerk performs civil marriage ceremonies.

Many couples choose to:

  1. Have their legal ceremony at the courthouse

  2. Drive about 15 minutes to Laguna Beach

  3. Celebrate with sunset portraits along the coast

This approach keeps the day simple and stress-free.

Step 3: Get Your Marriage License

To legally elope in Laguna Beach, you’ll need a California marriage license from the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department.

Most couples visit either the Santa Ana office or Laguna Hills location.

You can choose between:

Public Marriage License

  • Requires one witness

  • Becomes public record

Confidential Marriage License

  • No witness required

  • Not public record

  • Very popular for eloping couples

Your license is valid for 90 days.

Step 4: Keep It Simple

The beauty of an elopement is how simple it can be.

Most Laguna Beach elopements include:

• the couple
• an officiant (I’m happy to help with this!)
• a photographer (That’s where I come in!)
• maybe a bouquet and champagne (I’m happy to help with this too!)

That’s it.

No complicated timeline.
No stress.
Just an incredible moment together.

Step 5: Turn Your Elopement Into an Adventure

This is where things get really fun.

Instead of just a short ceremony and photos in one spot, many couples turn their elopement into a Laguna Beach adventure session.

We might explore:

• sea caves
• tide pools
• cliffside overlooks
• hidden beaches
• sunset along the coast

Laguna Beach is one of the most photogenic places in California, and exploring it together creates images that feel natural, romantic, and uniquely yours.

Why Couples Choose Me as Their Laguna Beach Elopement Photographer

I’ve photographed hundreds of weddings and elopements in Orange County, and Laguna Beach is one of my absolute favorite places to tell a couple’s story.

When couples book me for their elopement, I help with:

• choosing the best ceremony location
• planning the perfect sunset timeline
• navigating tides and beach access
• suggesting hidden photo spots
• creating a relaxed, fun experience

Think of me as your photographer, location guide, and adventure planner all in one.

Want to see the details of my official elopement package? CLICK HERE
Collections begin at $2000

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Photographing Jenn and Mark's wedding at Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort and reception at Carlsbad Seapointe Resort, was an honor and a joy! I have known Jenn since my college days in Gamma Alpha Lambda in Kansas City. When Jenn contacted me and asked me about photographing her wedding in Carlsbad, I was thrilled!

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Special thanks to Erin Kaiulani for being an amazing assistant and 2nd shooter!

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Check out some samples of these types of portraits below and book a session HERE.

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Special thanks to Honor Coffee in Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach!

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I love the Strehlow family!!! As in (if I could) I would move them from Michigan and plant them in my backyard and we would be neighbors. Life would be good!
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Strehlows, please move to California...