Courthouse
Elopements.
You, your love, maybe your dog, and maybe some guests. The courthouse, a cliffside, a rooftop — wherever means the most to you.
What is an elopement, anyway?
Short answer: whatever you want it to be.
An elopement is a choice to get married in a way that's personal and doesn't feel like a production. Some couples elope at the courthouse and spend the afternoon wandering Little Italy. Others stand on a cliffside at Big Sur. Others get married on a rooftop at golden hour or in a desert canyon at sunrise. The location is part of the story, not just a backdrop.
Up to 15 people or just the two of you. Urban or adventurous. Or both. You define it — I'm here to plan and document it.
Every booking, no exceptions
The support that makes the day feel effortless.
The planning support is what's behind the photos. Here's what comes with every single elopement booking.
I build the day from scratch - when to arrive, how long each part takes, how to buffer for the things that always run late. You don't have to figure out how an elopement day flows. That's my job.
During planning, in the months before, and every moment through your day. I'm here for you both and mean that! Including the vent about fam, if that's the vibe.
Officiants, florists, hair and makeup — queer-friendly, curated, people I've actually worked with. Not a generic list. Real recommendations with honest notes about fit.
If your location requires a permit, I handle the research and application process. No surprise fees, no day-of complications. I handle the boring part!
I know the spots and the timing - the sunrise and sunset, which direction the shadows fall, how busy it gets and when. Whether you have a location in mind or no idea, I'll give you real options with real context.
What to wear, what to bring, what to leave behind - tailored to your elopement location. Down to the shoes, the backup layers, and the little details.
And on the day itself: a calm person who has thought of the thing you didn't know to think of, who can handle whatever could shift and make the best of it all, and who will make you forget there's a camera. That part's included too.
"Beth went above and beyond with our civil ceremony. Not only was she amazing the day-of — she even volunteered to be our witness. She made a Tuesday at the courthouse feel exactly as important as it was."
Karla S. · San Diego Courthouse Elopement · Google Review
Two ways to elope
Pick your vibe.
Both include full planning support and are available across the West Coast.
Courthouse & Civil Ceremony
Starting at $1,000 · from 1.5 hrs
Courthouse weddings are efficient for the legal part, meaningful, and deeply underrated. Spend your day celebrating after the ceremony. I handle the timeline, location ideas after, and all the moments in between - including signing paperwork, which is probably the cutest life admin moment ever.
What this looks like
- Courthouse ceremony
- Pre and post-ceremony portraits
- Lunch, dinner, or golden hour celebrating
- I can be your witness if you need one
- Available as part of a hybrid wedding plan
Adventure & Destination
Starting at $1,700 · from 2 hrs
Adventure doesn't have to mean hiking. It means going somewhere intentional - a rooftop, a cliffside where you had your first date, a desert canyon at sunrise. If it means something to you, it's the right location. I handle permits, timing, logistics, and the backup plan you didn't know you'd need.
What this looks like
- Location scouting & permit research
- Sunrise or golden hour timing
- A day that's entirely yours
- Big Sur, Joshua Tree, Mt. Rainier, Anza-Borrego, and beyond
Where couples elope
San Diego and beyond.
Courthouse, coastal cliffs, desert vista points, city rooftops, Pacific Northwest forests. The right location is the one that feels like you — it's totally fine if it's not on your Pinterest board.
San Diego Courthouse
Paperwork done in about an hour, and then the whole city (and day) is yours - waterfront, Little Italy, the harbor, wherever you want to go next.
Sunset Cliffs
Dramatic coast with sweeping views, crashing waves, and iconically San Diego. Also beautiful at sunrise when the crowds haven't arrived yet!
Balboa Park
Urban and beautiful - popular for good reason! It's a gateway to Hillcrest, South Park, and North Park. Great for couples who want city energy with greenery and Spanish architecture.
Big Sur / Carmel
Dramatic cliffs, coastal fog, and tucked away spots that feel like they're just yours. Worth every mile of the drive up Highway 1.
Joshua Tree / Anza-Borrego
Beautiful desert locations. I had my own ceremony in Anza Borrego, so I'm partial. Unique landscapes with plenty to explore.
You tell me.
The bookstore, the rooftop, the coffee shop you go to every weekend. Bring the dog. Wherever is meaningful to you I'll coordinate to make it happen.
"We were intentionally looking for queer friendly vendors — Beth was the best find. She made the whole day feel completely ours."
Fiona L. · Google Review
Questions people
always ask.
Do I have to hike or do something adventurous?
No. Adventure is whatever it means to you and whatever is accessible. A rooftop, a courthouse, your favorite restaurant — all as valid as a mountain with a hike. I'll work with whatever location feels right for you both.
Can family or friends come?
Yes. If having your closest people there feels best, they're invited. Or it can be just you two. Entirely your call. Eloping can sound like running away in secret, but really it just means you two plan a day however you want — without external expectations.
What's a courthouse elopement actually like?
You start the paperwork and have a brief ceremony — about an hour from start to finish — and then we explore and celebrate right after you're officially married. It's an opportunity to build a day soaking in that just-married feeling while doing activities you love. I've had couples celebrate with couples massages, a walk around downtown, or dinner with their parents.
Can our dogs come?
Absolutely! Whether it's a courthouse wedding or an elopement, I'll help you navigate dog-friendly locations. If you need help including them in part but not all of the day, I coordinate dog watching as an add-on.
Can you be our witness?
Yes — I've done this many times and it's one of my favorite things to be asked. Just let me know when you reach out.
How far in advance should we book?
This totally depends on the type of elopement. Courthouse weddings can't be booked until about 3 months before, so reach out when you have the date. For other elopements, most couples book anywhere from 6 months to a year and a half away. That said, I've made it work the same week. Reach out regardless of your timeline and we'll figure it out together.
Simple from the start
How this works.
Reach out.
Tell me what you're thinking - even if it's half-formed or all you know is that you want to get married. "I'm thinking about eloping and don't know where to start" is a perfect first message. I respond within 48 hours, usually sooner.
We connect on a call (voice or video).
A 15–20 minute call with plenty of space for us to chat things through and answer questions. This is our opportunity to get to know each other, whether the timing works, and whether we're a good fit for each other.
You get a custom quote.
If we're both ready to do this thing, I send over a personalized package proposal - coverage hours, everything included, final pricing. This is also your link to your custom portal with the contract, questionnaire, and space for you to ask questions and share links.
No commitment in the first message
Tell me what you're thinking.
Not sure what to say? Start with where you are in the planning process. I'll take it from there.
Message received.
Thank you for reaching out. I'll be in touch within 48 hours — usually sooner. Check your inbox (and spam, just in case).