Your California Elopement Starts Here

A complete guide for international and out-of-state couples

You've decided California is where you want to say your vows. Maybe it's the coastline you've dreamed about since you were a kid. Maybe it's Joshua Tree at golden hour, or the ancient redwoods, or Big Sur with the Pacific crashing below. Whatever called you here — I want you to know that getting married in California as an international couple is not just possible. It's genuinely one of the most beautiful, stress-free things you can do.

I'm Mariela, and I've been photographing elopements and micro weddings in California for over a decade. I've helped couples arrive from the UK, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and across Europe and the US — and I've guided every single one of them through the process from inquiry to "I do." This is everything you need to know.

Can International Couples Get Married in California?

Yes — completely. California has no residency requirement, no citizenship requirement, and no waiting period for a marriage license. If you can travel here, you can get married here. Your license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, and the ceremony can happen anywhere — a national park, a beach, a vineyard, a courthouse, a cabin in the mountains.

What you'll need:

Valid government-issued photo ID (passport works perfectly)
Your partner present at the county clerk's office
The marriage license fee (varies by county, typically $35–$100 - always check for current pricing)
A licensed officiant to perform the ceremony - (I will recommend and assist you with much needed vendors)

That's it. No blood tests. No waiting period. No US residency required.

Will your California marriage be recognized in your home country? In most cases, yes. Most countries recognize marriages legally performed abroad. I always recommend confirming with a local authority in your home country, but for UK, Australian, Canadian, and European couples, California marriages are routinely recognized.

When to Come

California is genuinely beautiful year-round, but here's how the seasons break down for elopements:

Spring (March–May): Wildflowers in the desert, green coastal hills, mild temperatures. This is peak season for Joshua Tree and the Eastern Sierra.

Summer (June–August): Long golden evenings on the coast, Big Sur at its most dramatic. The interior can be hot — plan for early morning or evening timing.

Fall (September–November): The sweet spot. Warm days, cool evenings, fewer crowds. Perfect for wine country, the coast, or mountain locations.

Winter (December–February): Quieter, more intimate, and often stunning. Snow in the mountains, moody coastal light, and no competition for permits.

Where to Elope in California

A few of my personal favorites for destination and international couples:

Joshua Tree National Park — otherworldly desert landscapes, iconic boulders, and the most extraordinary golden hour light you've ever seen. About 2.5 hours from LA.

Big Sur — dramatic coastline, cathedral-like redwoods, and a feeling that nowhere else on earth quite matches. This is the one couples from Europe and Australia ask for most.

Lake Tahoe — crystal-clear alpine lake surrounded by mountains. Accessible year-round, with a quieter, more intimate feel than you'd expect.

Eastern Sierra (Lone Pine / Alabama Hills) — if you've ever seen a classic California landscape photograph, it was probably shot here. Ancient, cinematic, and completely breathtaking.

Sequoia + Yosemite National Parks — the giants. Standing among ancient trees or against the backdrop of El Capitan, your ceremony will feel genuinely epic.

The California Coast (Malibu, Cambria, Mendocino) — for couples who want the Pacific in the frame and easy logistics close to an airport.

Elopement + Medium Format - Lake Tahoe CA

Planning Your California Elopement From Abroad

Here's how I make this easy for couples planning from a distance:

1. We start with a video call. I want to hear your vision, understand your travel window, and talk through locations that match your vibe.

2. I handle the scouting and logistics. You don't need to know California to elope here beautifully. I know the light, the permits, the timing, and the backup plans.

3. I connect you with local vendors if needed. Officiant, florist, hair and makeup — I have a trusted network of people I genuinely like working with.

4. You arrive and enjoy. Your only job is to show up and be present. Everything else is handled.

hybrid film and digital wedding photography, California

Investment + Packages

Packages for destination and international couples start at $1,500 for a simple courthouse experience and scale to the Two-Day Experience from $10,500 — 14 hours across two days, with all U.S. travel fees included.

Every package includes film photography woven throughout, your online gallery, timeline planning, and my full attention from inquiry to delivery.

→ See the full pricing guide → The Two-Day Experience — from $10,500

Curious what I do with a camera when I'm just living my life? →Take a look at my personal work

Mariela Campbell is a Southern California-based film and digital wedding photographer specializing in elopements, courthouse weddings, and intimate celebrations. Serving couples from Joshua Tree to Big Sur, San Diego to San Francisco, and destinations across the US.

Ready to Start Planning?

Fill out my inquiry form and tell me where you're dreaming of and when you're thinking of coming. I'll respond within 24 hours with availability, location ideas, and next steps. Planning from abroad is easier than you think — and I'll be with you every step of the way.