These Sunset Cliffs elopement photos are too good not to share. Johanna and Matt traveled all the way from Las Vegas to shoot at this beautiful San Diego elopement spot!! You already know how much I love California for weddings & elopements, but this shoot was just something else. I can’t wait for you to see these photos!

Johanna & Matt’s Sunset Cliffs elopement photos

The location was totally the highlight of this San Diego elopement! I talk a little bit about Sunset Cliffs in my How to Plan a California Beach Elopement blog, which I highly recommend checking out. The Cliffs is definitely one of the best sights in California, with the rugged coastline and amazing views of the Pacific Ocean!! As you might have guessed by the name, the sunsets here are actually out of this world. If you’re looking for a beautiful, secluded spot to tie the knot with your love, you should definitely consider this one!

Their adorable backstory!

Oh my gosh, I couldn’t NOT include the story of how Johanna and met got together! You’re going to love this. They met almost an entire decade ago at a party, but they were both dating other people. They exchanged information as friends and followed each other on Instagram to keep up! They never really talked to each other… until 4 years later. Johanna replied to one of Matt’s Instagram stories, and then just a week later he was hauling from Utah to Las Vegas to take her on a date!! How freaking cute!

The second she saw Matt again, their connection was instantaneous. The immediately hit it off and had the most incredible, romantic weekend together. They said their “I love you’s” just three weeks later (Matt being the one to say it first!) and before they knew it, they were engaged! He proposed to her three months later on American Idol, and Johanna was over the moon. Of course she said “Yes!!!!” They moved to Huntington Beach for three incredible years, and now they call Las Vegas home with their pup Callie.

Do you need a permit to elope at Sunset Cliffs? 

Yes, you do need a permit to elope at Sunset Cliffs! The permit costs $187 and should be factored into your elopement budget. You can find the application here! There is a 7-guest limit for this location. 

Is Sunset Cliffs a private venue?

No, Sunset Cliffs is a natural park! It’s completely open to the public, so we can’t guarantee you’ll be completely alone during your elopement. The best way to avoid crowds is by eloping on a weekday, at sunrise, or at sunset! Summer is generally going to be the busiest season, so try aiming for a spring or fall date. 

What I loved about this Sunset Cliffs elopement:

Where do I even begin! Johanna and Matt were an absolute dream couple and so much fun to work with!! They were totally down for anything to get the most beautiful photos. I love when my couples trust me 100% and let me guide them into different poses and prompts! They were all about being in the moment and soaking up the magic that we were experiencing at Sunset Cliffs. Completely in love, surrounded by the ocean, marrying the person of their dreams! 

Another thing I loved about this elopement was the florals – Blue Bell Florals did an AMAZING job putting together all of the arrangements! Johannah and Matt didn’t need a huge budget to have the best elopement day; all they needed was themselves, a great photographer, and some beautiful flowers. Oh, and I can’t forget their celebratory cake! If that aligns with your elopement day vision, I think we would get along great! 

Ready to plan your California beach elopement?

I cannot wait to meet you! If you want to inquire with me about photographing your day, you can fill out my contact form and I’ll get back to you ASAP. In the meantime, don’t forget to check out my How to Plan a California Beach Elopement Guide for tons of tips and tricks!

Sunset Cliffs elopement photos
Sunset Cliffs elopement photos
Sunset Cliffs elopement photos
Sunset Cliffs elopement photos

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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.