Seasonal Guide to Northern California Elopements

After spending years exploring every corner of Northern California with eloping couples, we’ve learned that there is no “perfect” season to elope here. Each season brings its own kind of adventure. Honestly, that’s one of the things that makes Northern California elopements so special! 

As a husband and wife photographer and videographer duo local to Northern California, we have photographed couples summiting peaks in the summer and others sharing their first kiss as a married couple under snowfall in Tahoe. It’s all amazing! I’m breaking down everything we’ve learned about seasons when it comes to Northern California elopements, so you can find the season that feels most like you.

Spring (March to May)

Spring in Northern California is seriously one of our favorite times to explore with couples. The trails start opening up, wildflowers pop up everywhere, and the best part? We get those locations nearly to ourselves. The weather is usually perfect for hiking around without melting, though we always tell our couples to embrace the chance of rain. But don’t worry! Misty spring mornings create some of our most incredible photos.

Recently, we had a couple brave a light drizzle at Armstrong Redwoods, and watching the fog weave through the trees during their ceremony was so neat. There’s something about spring light filtering through the mist that just can’t be recreated any other time of year.

If you’re down for a spring adventure, here are some spots that never disappoint:

• Sand Harbor in Tahoe – the water’s chilly but that crystal-clear blue is unreal, and we’ll pretty much have the place to ourselves
• Hope Valley in Tahoe – meadows burst with wildflowers while snow still caps the distant peaks
• Sierra Buttes – awesome towering rock formations and lots of hiking trail options
• Northern Redwood Coast – Redwood National Park and Jedediah Smith Redwoods are a couple great options
• Armstrong Redwoods – perfect for those moody ceremonies when the fog weaves through the trees
• Burney Falls & Mount Shasta – both have epic backdrops for photos

Pro tip: Plan for a sunset ceremony! Spring gives us these incredibly long, golden evenings that are perfect for photos. 

Summer (June to August)

Next to consider is summer! It’s peak adventure season in Northern California. It gets toasty, but that’s why we know all the best sunrise spots and shaded hideaways. 

Emerald Bay is basically our second home in summer, and here’s a pro tip: sunrise is where it’s at. No crowds, no wind, just pure Tahoe beauty. We’ve even helped couples plan Lake Tahoe boat ceremonies, too. Nothing beats saying your vows while floating in the crystal-clear blue water!

Now, Yosemite in summer is a whole different option. It’s likely to be busy, but we know exactly when and where to go to dodge the crowds. 

Some of our couples’ summer favorites:

• Emerald Bay in Tahoe– sunrise is worth the early wake-up call for that glassy water
• Sierra Buttes – love the rocky and symmetrical mountain peaks and the views have super easy access
• Cathedral Beach in Yosemite – where Half Dome makes for the perfect backdrop
• Secret meadows around Truckee – we know some spots that won’t be crowded at all
• Hidden Tahoe beaches – we’ve got a whole list of secluded coves perfect for ceremonies
• Alabama HIlls – a hidden gem!
• Lassen National Park – volcanic landscapes meet alpine meadows

Quick tip from experience: Summer means being flexible and embracing the early mornings and evenings. It’s worth it, we promise!

Fall (September to November)

Fall is lowkey the most underrated time for Northern California elopements. The summer crowds head home, the temps cool down, and Mother Nature goes all out with the color palette. Around Tahoe, the aspens turn this incredible golden color. And, you can actually plan a mid-afternoon ceremony without worrying about sweating. 

One of our favorite fall adventures is combining a morning ceremony in Yosemite at somewhere like Glacier Point Amphitheater or Sentinel Beach Picnic Area with an afternoon photo session at Taft Point. The permit process is super straightforward, and you get an incredible mix of shots. Considering a Yosemite elopement? Read our full guide to eloping in Yosemite National Park!

Some other spots that shine in fall:

• Mammoth Lakes – the whole Eastern Sierra lights up with aspens, and the hot springs are perfect for post-ceremony soaks
• Big Sur’s hidden beaches – where the fog rolls in and out all day creating the most dramatic ceremony backdrop (and way fewer tourists than summer!)
• Secret Tahoe coves – we know spots where you can have a whole beach to yourselves, especially gorgeous when the first snow dusts the peaks above
• Mono Lake, CA, – Desert mountain landscape that’s truly unique

Pro tip: Fall weather can be a bit unpredictable up here, but that’s part of the adventure. Pack layers, and trust us when we say that moody skies make for cool photos!

Winter (December to February)

Winter Northern California elopements are some of our absolute favorites. Once that snow falls, it’s like getting a completely different location. The crowds disappear, the beaches empty out, and suddenly those spots that are packed in July? They’re all yours.

Our favorite winter ceremony spots:

• Zephyr Cove – the contrast of dark water against snowy beaches is unreal at this Lake Tahoe favorite
• Skylandia Park – this hidden gem in Lake Tahoe offers killer views without the crowds
• Sand Harbor in Tahoe – the famous granite boulders look even more stunning dusted in snow
• Joshua Tree National Park – winter brings perfect temps for desert adventures
• Death Valley – winter brings comfortable temps and the most incredible pastel sunsets
• Redwoods National Park – the red giants look stunning against fresh snow
• Big Sur – dramatic cliffside views make for an epic backdrop

Pro tip: Layer up! We’re talking base layers and an outer layer you can take off and on between shots. That way you can stay warm and comfortable while still looking amazing in your photos.

Choosing the Perfect Season for Northern California Elopements

The truth is that every season in Northern California offers something different! Whether you’re drawn to spring’s beauty, summer’s golden light, fall’s rich colors, or winter’s snow, you won’t be wrong in whatever you choose.

We’ve captured Northern California elopements in every season and can tell you that there’s no wrong choice. The perfect elopement isn’t about the season or even the location (though we’re spoiled for choice here in Northern California). It’s about the two of you!

Your Northern California Elopement

As a husband and wife photo and video team, we’re passionate about documenting elopement adventures throughout Northern California. Once you book with us, we’ll share all our local expertise. We know the secret sunset spots, permit requirements, and hidden gems from years of shooting in these incredible locations.

Want to learn more about our photography and videography packages? Get in touch today!