Santa Cruz Wedding Guide

Elopement guidesplanning guides
Written By Bayli Johnson
 

Overwhelmed planning? I got you.

 

I’ve grown up as an adventurer and photographer. These two passions go hand in hand as I avidly explore central California’s coast one impromptu road trip after the next. And even better, these amazing spots also dual as the best adventure elopement locations. Santa Cruz is one of my favorite Central Coast elopement destinations that I always recommend to my clients. Over the years, I’ve captured Santa Cruz’s best; I’ll be revealing my trade secrets as you go -- keep scrolling!

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Congrats!

You’ve finally discovered Santa Cruz is your elopement destination.

I’ll be walking through all the elopement goodies to ease the pain of planning your special day. If you’re still trying to nail down your location, I’ll be sharing the ins and outs of Santa Cruz so you can have a better idea of how it could be your ideal elopement destination.

Prep Work- Timing And Permits

Timing is crucial when it comes to planning your California elopement. Depending on what day and time you pick, you can be tackling mass amounts of tourists instead of focusing on just you and your significant other. The off-season in Santa Cruz is from late October to mid-March. For more information, I have an extensive guide on When to Elope In Northern California for any and all of your questions.


Believe it or not, many destinations around the Central Coast will require a permit for photography or weddings. You’ll need to have at least four days for the California Film Commission (CFC) to review your wedding permit. You can contact the CFC at (323) 817-4105 for application concerns. The permit fees for Santa Cruz beach weddings run anywhere from $345 to $4,485. To get more information on beach wedding photography in Santa Cruz, visit Guidelines For Park Permits. If you’re looking to have a forest wedding in Santa Cruz please call (831) 335-6324 or email mtnspecevent@parks.ca.gov to get more information on special event permits.

Where To Stay

Hipcamp

  • Oceanview Couples Corner offers a truly unique camping experience; we’re talking teepee living! This special stay has been voted the best “hipcamp” in California. The teepee is facing a beautiful lookout towards the coast and provides amazing privacy within the property owner’s horse sanctuary. Keep in mind, that this incredible place is still camping so you’ll need to bring some of your own gear to stay comfortable. 

  • Another beautiful place to stay in the horse sanctuary is No Place Like Dome. This sensational geo-dome has an amazing ocean view. This dome offers the perfect balance of camping and a functioning place to stay. While the dome doesn’t have electricity, it still holds a comfortable bed and linens; there’s also access to a warm shower house.  

  • Located in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Treehouse & Breakfast offers a romantic stay amongst the trees. Not only are you sleeping in a private treehouse, but you also get a full farm breakfast hoisted up to you during your stay. The treehouse in the trees will be a memorable experience during your Santa Cruz elopement.

Where To Eat

  • Looking for a fancy meal while still having the taste of comfort food? Oswald is the perfect spot offering high-quality familiar menu items such as macaroni and cheese and fried chicken. Delicious cocktails and a full wine menu are also up for grabs at this delectable Santa Cruz dinner spot.  

  • Soif is another Santa Cruz classic for fine dining American cuisine. A romantic ambiance blends perfectly with their crafted cocktails and seasonal plates. If you’re a wine connoisseur, Soif has an extensive wine list and if you’re looking for a to-go option, they also have a wine shop in the restaurant.

  • A popular casual dining experience in Santa Cruz is Discretion Brewery. The restaurant is one of my favorites, their caesar salad is the best in the world according to me. It’s a great casual post-nuptial meal.

  • Marianne’s ice cream is a great local ice cream stop; their vanilla is made with a real vanilla bean which is my absolute favorite.

  • Sante Adairius is one of my favorite breweries for beer; they make some great sours.

 

Where To Say “I Do”

Davenport is a beautiful area nine miles north of Santa Cruz. As an adventure wedding photographer, I love to explore new beaches so I can suggest the perfect “secret spots” for my client’s ideal California elopement. Davenport's coastline is sprinkled with intimate beaches perfect for a Santa Cruz elopement. Below is a list of my favorite Davenport spots. 

  • Shark Fin Cove is known for its massive fin-shaped rock protruding from the ocean. At sunset, the light catches the rock perfectly making it an ideal backdrop for your California elopement.

  • If you’re looking for beautiful beach coves for your elopement pictures, Panther beach is your Santa Cruz elopement destination. Panther beach becomes particularly unique during low tide as it exposes an opening in the rock formation on the south end of the beach that leads to a secluded beach called Hole-In-The-Wall. Not only is the beach beautiful, but it offers extra privacy for your Santa Cruz elopement photography. 

  • Santa Cruz offers the best of both worlds, beach, and forest. If you and your partner decided a forest backdrop is essential, Henry Cowell State Park would be a perfect elopement location. Some of the most massive redwood trees are located there, making it an ethereal place to elope.

 

What Vendors To Use

If you’re wanting to make your California elopement special, the Devil really is in the details. While the thought of getting every aspect of your elopement right can be overwhelming, I can tell you picking the right team will alleviate most of that stress. I spend countless hours researching and building relationships with the best vendors in the industry so my clients (hopefully you!) can simply enjoy the day they’ve been dreaming of. Not only will you enjoy what your vendors bring to the table on your special day, but I’ll be able to capture all of the beautiful moments and elements of your elopement so you can look back on them with friends and family for a lifetime. I’ve curated an amazing list below of the best vendors for your Santa Cruz elopement.

 

Is Santa Cruz your perfect adventure elopement destination? 

 
 

Hi!

I’m Flora your elopement photographer and guide. I love to travel and help couples plan their elopements. I grew up in California and want to share my favorite places with adventurous lovers!



Bayli Johnson
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Elopement Dress Guide; The best dresses to elope in