Have you ever dreamed of being married in a gorgeous vineyard? How about the hills of San Francisco? Eloping in Northern California provides a multitude of perfect locations and does not require residency or a waiting period for your marriage license.
Napa Valley: Known for the sprawling vineyards and fine wine of California, Napa Valley is what comes to mind when you hear Northern California. If you are interested in some of the top quality food and wine in the country and a variety of venues then Napa Valley is the location for your elopement. The Cottages of Napa Valley allows any guests who might be with you to stay in their own cottage. Ceremonies are held in a gazebo in a private garden.
You also have the option of eloping at a winery! You must be careful when choosing a winery because weddings are prohibited at wineries in the Napa Valley. No worries though, there are a handful of older wineries with “grandfather” clauses allowing them to be wedding venues. For example, Hans Fahden Vineyards in Calistoga still perform ceremonies. Nearby Sonoma County does not have restrictions on winery weddings and to some is the best place to elope in Napa Valley.
Golden Gate Park Recreational Area: The recreational area of Golden Gate Park is full of settings idyllic for a couple planning to elope. There will be a $400.00 permit required to hold your services. One of many locations included within the park is Eagle’s Point which offers a view of coastal bluffs from China Beach eastward to the Golden Gate Bridge.
Lake Tahoe: A superb location to elope and a treasure of Northern California is Lake Tahoe. With its gorgeous scenery and Lakefront Wedding Chapel Specials it is hard to beat this location’s wedding packages for 6 people or less. You and your future husband or wife may also exchange vows at Emerald Bay, a rather secluded location on a cliff edge located only 30 minutes from the nearest hotel.
San Francisco City Hall: San Francisco, “The City by the Bay” is notorious for the Golden Gate Bridge, the city’s cable cars and Chinatown. But where is the ideal place to elope? Why, none other than City Hall! Although it does not sound romantic, San Francisco City hall is a stunning structure that has a wide staircase which is ideal for a bride’s entrance. You may rent City Hall on the weekends and have the rotunda (where the magnificent staircase is located) for you and your spouse-to-be along with 200 guests OR simply apply for a marriage license any day of the week. There are also a number of hotels in San Francisco with special wedding packages, including the Sir Francis Drake, Grand Hyatt, Hotel Nikko and Hotel Majestic making San Francisco one of the best places to elope.
