We're Eloping...and looking for the location! (San Francisco, Santa Barbara: city hall, rentals)

[Vertigo]

My boyfriend and I have decided to elope; we don't want the stress, expense or attention of a traditional wedding. We've decided that we would probably like to get married in northern California, but would be open to southern as well, since we live in L.A and the key word is simplicity! We'll have the traditional wedding attire, but it will just be us and possibly his brother and a friend who will take the photos. I've already looked around for ideas in Monterey and Mendocino. San Francisco's City Hall is gorgeous, but somewhat more expensive then we planned for. Some of the inns along the coast offer elopement packages, but it's hard to get the full idea of what we'd get for quality vs. cost. Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Vertigo]

I forgot to mention that we're not absolutely sure of the time of year. It could be this winter, or possibly even next spring/ early summer.

[rkb0305]

Lake Tahoe

[Charles]

Topanga

[coyoteskye]

Originally Posted by Vertigo

My boyfriend and I have decided to elope; we don't want the stress, expense or attention of a traditional wedding. We've decided that we would probably like to get married in northern California, but would be open to southern as well, since we live in L.A and the key word is simplicity! We'll have the traditional wedding attire, but it will just be us and possibly his brother and a friend who will take the photos. I've already looked around for ideas in Monterey and Mendocino. San Francisco's City Hall is gorgeous, but somewhat more expensive then we planned for. Some of the inns along the coast offer elopement packages, but it's hard to get the full idea of what we'd get for quality vs. cost. Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

If i were getting married, i'd do it in Big Sur.
I don't if you know Big Sur, but here's a link that may inspire you.
I don't know if you want funky or more traditional but you may find something here that is of interest.
Big Sur Lodging Guide, Hotels, Resorts, Cabins, Vacation Rentals Big Sur California

[Charles]

Originally Posted by coyoteskye

If i were getting married, i'd do it in Big Sur.
I don't if you know Big Sur, but here's a link that may inspire you.
I don't know if you want funky or more traditional but you may find something here that is of interest.
Big Sur Lodging Guide, Hotels, Resorts, Cabins, Vacation Rentals Big Sur California

This is a great idea now that you mention it. My buddy got married in the redwoods there....very cool.

[FresnoFacts]

I'll second rkb0305 on Tahoe. I know several people who have done small weddings there either outdoors near the lake or in a chapel and loved it.

Also take a look around Yosemite. If you do an internet search you can find info about doing small outdoor weddings at locations inside and outside the park. Inside Yosemite requires a permit for a $150 fee,
Yosemite National Park - Weddings in Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
but there are also some beautiful locations just outside the park that are nice without the permit.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Vertigo

My boyfriend and I have decided to elope; we don't want the stress, expense or attention of a traditional wedding. We've decided that we would probably like to get married in northern California, but would be open to southern as well, since we live in L.A and the key word is simplicity! We'll have the traditional wedding attire, but it will just be us and possibly his brother and a friend who will take the photos. I've already looked around for ideas in Monterey and Mendocino. San Francisco's City Hall is gorgeous, but somewhat more expensive then we planned for. Some of the inns along the coast offer elopement packages, but it's hard to get the full idea of what we'd get for quality vs. cost. Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Both Monterey and Mendacino would be good choices, but what about Santa Barbara? It is a popular, romantic place for a wedding and closer to your home base?

Didn't think about Tahoe, but that is another choice.
Nita

[Adriatica]

Napa Valley (Napa, St. Helena, Calistoga, etc.)

[DMenscha]

Try the chapel in Yosemite Valley, gorgeous views of the falls and it's one of the few original buildings left in the valley. Huell Howser liked it too!