Are you dreaming of a romantic and scenic wedding experience? Look no further than the stunning Sunset Cliffs in San Diego!! With its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged cliffs, Sunset Cliffs provides the perfect backdrop for a gorgeous, unforgettable elopement ceremony. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to legally elope at Sunset Cliffs while adding a touch of luxury to your special day!!

How to legally elope at Sunset Cliffs

Before you say “I do” at Sunset Cliffs, make sure to obtain a marriage license from the County Clerk’s office in San Diego County. Both you and your partner must be at least 18 years old and have valid identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. You can complete the marriage license application online or in person, whatever works better for you! For detailed instructions and to make an appointment, you can visit the San Diego County Clerk’s website. Remember, the marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date you get it! That should be PLENTY of time, but still something to keep in mind! 

Sunset Cliffs Elopement Permit Information

As of September 2021, a permit is NOT required to get married or elope at Sunset Cliffs. However, it’s always super important to double-check with the and confirm if any regulations or permit requirements have changed before your elopement date! You can contact the San Diego Parks and Recreation Department or the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park for up-to-date information… this is also something I would be more than happy to help you with!

Getting the “Luxury” Feel for Your Sunset Cliffs Elopement

To add an extra touch of luxury to your Sunset Cliffs elopement, I recommend hiring wedding vendors who have experience in the San Diego area. Our expertise and advice will ensure that your day is truly special and luxurious!! Be on the hunt for established, high-end vendors to ensure the quality of their work matches your desired look and vibe of your Sunset Cliffs elopement. 

To really elevate your elopement, I’d consider hiring a picnic styling company like The Beach Picnic Company or Runaway Indie!! These vendors specialize in creating beautiful and memorable picnic setups for special events (like elopements) in the San Diego area. Additionally, don’t forget to splurge a little on your florals. Florals can get pricey, but if want that luxury look, splurging on this is one of the best ways to take your elopement to the next level! Get in touch with San Diego florists like Native Poppy or Angelical Flowers for some seriously STUNNING arrangements. And while you’re at it, why not indulge in a wedding gown that might seem “over the top” for an elopement? Check out San Diego wedding dress shops like The White Flower or The Dress Theory San Diego for the PERFECT elopement gown!!

Wedding Venues Near Sunset Cliffs

If you’re wanting a more structured wedding ceremony or reception with guests, but you still want to capture breathtaking photos at Sunset Cliffs, don’t worry!! Lucky for you, there are several venues nearby that can accommodate your needs like:

  1. Darlington House: This charming Mediterranean-style venue in La Jolla offers a beautiful setting just a short drive from Sunset Cliffs!
  2. The Pearl Hotel: Spoil yourself (and your guests!) in a tropical boutique hotel with a beachy vibe for an intimate and unique wedding experience!
  3. Scripps Forum: Located on the beach in La Jolla, this gorgeous modern venue is perfect for couples seeking an elegant coastal wedding!

Sunset Cliffs Elopement Locations

Sunset Cliffs has SO many beautiful spots along its coastline that serve as perfect locations for elopements or wedding photos. Some of my favorite locations include Point Loma Nazarene University, Osprey Point, and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. Each spot offers unique vistas and opportunities for photos, so we’ll definitely be coordinating to choose the most perfect spot for your Sunset Cliffs elopement photos!!

Where to Stay for Your Sunset Cliffs Elopement

San Diego offers tons of different hotels and accommodations for you two AND your guests! If you’re wanting to stay near Sunset Cliffs, options like the Ocean Beach Hotel, The Pearl Hotel, Inn at Sunset Cliffs, or Ocean Villa Inn provide super convenient access. Alternatively, you can definitely explore nearby areas like Ocean Beach, Mission Bay, or downtown San Diego for more options!  

When to Get Married at Sunset Cliffs

The best time to get married or elope at Sunset Cliffs totally depends on your specific preferences. While the cliffs offer stunning views at any time of the day, the name itself suggests that sunset is particularly magical!! Consider scheduling your ceremony around sunset for a romantic and scenic experience that I know you’re just gonna love. Check the sunset times in San Diego for your desired elopement date to plan accordingly (I will also totally help you with this!). Of course, we’ll need to keep an eye on the weather conditions as your date approaches and change course if need be!!

Ready to elope at Sunset Cliffs?

Eloping at Sunset Cliffs provides SUCH a dreamy and enchanting vibe for couples looking for a romantic elopement experience. Whether you choose to exchange vows at one of the designated elopement spots or explore nearby venues, Sunset Cliffs is sure to provide a backdrop that will leave you with cherished memories of your special day!! If you’re interested in having me photograph your Sunset Cliffs elopement, you can head to my contact form and inquire! I can’t WAIT to hear from you. 

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Alissa Rose

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Hey there

I am so happy you found me! Here’s a bit about this fun-loving girl behind the lens. I am a born-and-raised beach kid from Carlsbad, CA—a small, coastal town in North County San Diego. These days, I’m based in Long Beach and I travel around this big, beautiful world doing my dream job, which is capturing the moments and memories you want to relive over and over again.