Best Beaches & Outdoor Locations to Elope in San Diego (That Aren’t Sunset Cliffs)
This helpful San Diego Elopement Blog helps couples with: San Diego elopement, San Diego elopement photographer, beach elopement San Diego, elope in San Diego, dog-friendly elopement San Diego
Why San Diego Is a Dreamy Elopement Destination
San Diego is sunshine, salty breeze, and golden hour magic year-round. Whether you’re dreaming of a barefoot beach ceremony or a romantic stroll through a historic garden, this city has no shortage of stunning spots for couples wanting an intentional, laid-back elopement. And while Sunset Cliffs is a classic favorite, it’s not your only option.
As a San Diego elopement photographer, I’ve helped couples find hidden gems all across the coast—locations that are just as jaw-dropping but offer more variety, privacy, or accessibility. So if you’re looking to elope somewhere a little different, here are the best beach and outdoor elopement locations in San Diego (that aren’t Sunset Cliffs).
What to Know Before Eloping in San Diego
Before we dive into the locations, here are a few helpful tips:
- Permits are often required for public spaces, including beaches and parks. I help all my couples navigate this!
- Sunrise or sunset is the best time for dreamy light and fewer crowds.
- Consider tide charts if you’re eloping on the sand or near tidepools.
- Pets are welcome at select locations—just check leash rules and beach restrictions!
1. Windansea Beach: Iconic Surf & Stunning Rocks
Vibe: Romantic, rugged, local favorite
Permit: Usually required for formal ceremonies
Best for: Just-you-two elopements or micro-weddings with less than 10 guests
Tucked in La Jolla, Windansea Beach is known for its dramatic rock formations, clear water, and iconic thatched surf shack. At low tide, the rocks create mini coves that feel intimate and private. This beach is less touristy than others, offering that secluded, wild vibe couples love.
📸 As your elopement photographer, I’ll guide you to the best nooks depending on light and tides—some spots are completely tucked away and feel like your own little island.
Pro Tip: Windansea is ideal for post-ceremony golden hour portraits. The waves crashing on the rocks? Literal magic.
2. Coronado Beach: Classic, Clean, and Family-Friendly
Vibe: Elegant, iconic, golden sand
Permit: Not always needed for small groups, but recommended
Best for: Elopements with family or pets
If you want a postcard-worthy beach elopement, Coronado Beach offers wide open sand, gentle waves, and views of the Hotel Del in the background. It’s easily accessible, flat, and perfect for couples traveling with family or pups.
🐾 Dog parents: Coronado has a dog beach at the north end where your pup can join in off-leash joyfully. Bring a floral collar or leash for cute ceremony shots!
Bonus: You can stroll down Orange Ave for celebratory cocktails, ice cream, or dinner afterward—it’s a built-in date night.
3. Torrey Pines State Beach & Reserve: Coastal Cliffs + Moody Magic
Vibe: Adventurous, windswept, dramatic cliffs
Permit: Yes, permit required for ceremonies
Best for: Adventure elopements, sunrise or sunset photos
Want to feel like you’re on top of the world? Torrey Pines offers both beach and bluff-top options for your San Diego elopement. You can have your ceremony down on the sand or hike up the short trail to the cliffs overlooking the ocean for vows with a view.
There are several trails (most under 1 mile) that lead to panoramic cliff edges or tucked-away overlooks.
🥾 No need for a long hike—many stunning spots are just a short walk from the parking area. I’ll help you plan a route that fits your vibe and comfort level.
Pro Tip: The reserve area doesn’t allow dogs, but the beach below is dog-friendly before 9am and after 6pm, making it a great early morning or sunset option.
4. Balboa Park: Spanish Architecture & Secret Gardens
Vibe: Lush gardens, historic elegance, non-beachy but beautiful
Permit: Yes, and location-dependent
Best for: Couples who want charm without sand in their shoes
While not a beach, Balboa Park is one of the most romantic and versatile elopement locations in all of San Diego. Picture this: vows in a rose garden, portraits by a lily pond, and a celebratory walk past Spanish architecture.
It’s perfect for couples who want a touch of formality without a traditional venue. From hidden cactus gardens to ivy-covered archways, the photo ops are endless.
💡This is an especially great location if you’re planning a weekday elopement or want to include your family (it’s stroller/wheelchair friendly too!).
Pro Tip: Want both greenery + ocean? Pair Balboa Park with a golden hour beach session at nearby Coronado or Windansea.
Bonus: Dog-Friendly Beach Elopement Options
If your furry best friend is coming along (and they should!), here are dog-friendly beaches perfect for your San Diego elopement:
- Ocean Beach Dog Beach – Off-leash freedom, open sand, vibrant and fun
- Fiesta Island – Quiet bayside setting with room to roam, ideal for more intimate dog-friendly elopements
- Coronado Dog Beach – Iconic and photogenic, with wide stretches of sand
🐶 I always help my couples include their pups in a stress-free way—think florals for the collar, a mini first look with your dog, and even cake for the canines!
Tips for Planning a Beach Elopement in San Diego
Here’s what I always recommend when planning a beach or outdoor elopement here:
- Sunrise or sunset gives the best lighting—and fewer crowds.
- Pack smart: Bring a towel, flip-flops, layers, and water.
- Go with the flow: Embrace sea spray, a little wind, or fog for that extra coastal romance.
- Skip the heels: Go barefoot or wear sandals with grip—especially if you’ll be climbing rocks or stairs.
But What If You Still Want Sunset Cliffs?
We get it—Sunset Cliffs is iconic for a reason. The golden light, crashing waves, and dramatic cliffs feel straight out of a movie. If you’re still drawn to eloping at Sunset Cliffs, here are a few tips to make it just as magical and stress-free:
✨ Top Tips for Eloping at Sunset Cliffs:
- Choose sunrise or weekday golden hour to avoid crowds (sunset is busy on weekends!)
- Permit required for ceremonies with any setup—chairs, arches, florals, etc.
- Osprey Point is a popular spot with flat ground and epic views—it’s where I take most of my couples.
- Bring layers—the ocean breeze can be chilly, even in summer!
- Pair it with another location like Balboa Park or Torrey Pines for a full-day elopement experience.
💡 Bonus Tip: Want that Sunset Cliffs glow without the stress? Consider doing your vow exchange at a quieter beach, then heading to Sunset Cliffs just for portraits at golden hour!
Example Timeline: Full-Day San Diego Elopement (Not at Sunset Cliffs)
Morning:
- Getting ready at your Airbnb
- First look in Balboa Park’s Rose Garden
- Vows at Alcazar Garden or under the Moreton Bay Fig tree
Afternoon:
- Coffee + picnic lunch
- Dog-friendly beach time at Fiesta Island
- Head to Windansea for golden hour portraits
Evening:
- Sunset cliffside portraits at Torrey Pines
- Champagne pop + lantern photos
- Dinner at a romantic restaurant or a luxury picnic on the beach
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Sunset Cliffs for a Magical Elopement
Sunset Cliffs is amazing—but it’s not the only place to elope in San Diego. Whether you’re drawn to the charm of Balboa Park, the surfy romance of Windansea, or the golden sands of Coronado, there are endless ways to craft a day that feels uniquely you.
As a San Diego elopement photographer, I help you find the perfect location, secure the right permits, and create a relaxed, meaningful experience that reflects your love story.
Let’s Make Your San Diego Elopement Unforgettable
💌 Ready to skip the stress and create your dream elopement day?
I’ll help you find the perfect ceremony spot, craft a personalized timeline, and capture every emotional, wind-swept, golden-hour-filled moment.
👉🏽 [Contact Me Here] to start planning your San Diego beach elopement
📸 Or Check Out K&S’s Sunset Cliff Elopement for more Inspiration
FAQ: San Diego Elopement Tips
Can I legally elope on a beach in San Diego?
Yes, you can legally elope on many public beaches in San Diego, but most locations—especially popular spots like Sunset Cliffs, Coronado Beach, and Torrey Pines—require a permit for any formal ceremony. I help all my couples with permit guidance so you can focus on the fun parts of planning!
Do I need a permit to elope in San Diego?
For most public beaches, parks, and scenic spots in San Diego, yes—a permit is required if you’re having a ceremony, bringing decor, or including guests. Some low-key elopements may not need a permit, but it’s always best to double-check. I’ll walk you through the permit process based on your chosen location.
What’s the best time of day to elope in San Diego?
Sunrise and sunset are the best times for a San Diego elopement. These golden-hour windows offer the most beautiful lighting and fewer crowds—perfect for a private, romantic ceremony and dreamy photos.
Where can I elope in San Diego besides Sunset Cliffs?
Some of the best alternate elopement spots in San Diego include Windansea Beach, Coronado Beach, Balboa Park, and Torrey Pines State Beach. Each offers its own unique charm—from cliffs and gardens to wide open sands and dog-friendly zones.
Can I bring my dog to my elopement in San Diego?
Yes! San Diego is very dog-friendly, and many elopement locations like Ocean Beach Dog Beach, Fiesta Island, and Coronado Dog Beach welcome pets. I can help you plan a dog-friendly elopement day that includes your furry family member.
Can we elope at Balboa Park instead of the beach?
Absolutely. Balboa Park is one of the most romantic places to elope in San Diego with lush gardens, Spanish architecture, and beautiful walking paths. It’s perfect for couples who want a more elegant or greenery-filled backdrop.
How far in advance should we plan our San Diego elopement?
For the best experience (and to secure your permits, vendors, and ideal locations), I recommend planning at least 2–4 months in advance. That said, I’ve also helped couples pull off stunning elopements in just a few weeks!
