Ready to have the most intentional elopement day surrounded by beautiful landscapes? Northern California is bursting with unique adventure elopement opportunities that will make your special day absolutely incredible! Whether you’re planning a jam-packed full-day or multi-day celebration, here are some ideas to inspire your elopement planning!

Adventure Elopement Ideas in Mendocino

Skunk Train

If you’re eloping in Mendocino, don’t miss the opportunity to ride the historic Skunk Train through the heart of the redwoods. Sip a cocktail in the forest as you take in the magical scenery.

Sea Kayaking

Paddle along Mendocino’s rugged coastline and explore sea caves and hidden coves.

Hiking

Mendocino is a paradise for hikers, offering a variety of trails that traverse through lush forests and along rugged coastlines. There’s so many beautiful spots, trails, Natural Reserves and State Parks. One of the places I recommend exploring is the Russian Gulch State Park and its stunning waterfall.

Foodie Wine Tour

Go on a wine and food tour! Here you can enjoy THE BEST oysters. They are often accompanied by locally produced wines and other gourmet offerings. The region is known for its excellent wine, particularly Chardonnay and sparkling wines, which pair beautifully with oysters.

Picnic Boxes

Pick up a gourmet picnic box from Trillium Cafe and enjoy a meal with a view.

Go Whale Watching

If you’re eloping between November and April, consider a whale-watching tour along the Northern California coast. Spots like Point Reyes (close to San Francisco) and the Mendocino Coast offer incredible opportunities to see these magnificent creatures up close.

Adventure Elopement Ideas in Lake Tahoe

Summer AND Winter Wonderland

Lake Tahoe is perfect for all seasons, offering skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in winter at resorts like Everline Resort and Spa, Northstar and Heavenly. You can also take the gondola up and ice skate the Olympic rink on top of the mountain!! And there’s PLENTY to do in summer as well, so definitely keep scrolling for the next suggestions!

Hiking

Two of my fave hikes are the Eagle Falls or the loop around Emerald Bay. Check out this guide for more ideas!

Hot Air Balloon Vows

Say your vows on a hot air balloon that takes off from a boat! Check out the Lake Tahoe Balloons!

Bike The Scenic Trails

Water Activities

• Paddleboard or take a clear kayak out on the crystal-clear waters around Sand Harbor.

• Rent a boat and explore the lake, stopping at Sunnyside Cafe for a meal. Or better yet… charter a yacht or pontoon boat and have someone else drive you all around! Some even come with a water slide!

• Enjoy a champagne cruise at sunset.

Adventure Elopement Ideas in Big Sur

Private Yoga or Sound Bath Session

Find your zen with a private yoga session, sound bath, or spa experience at Post Ranch Inn or Ventana Big Sur.

Drive the Big Sur Coastline

In Big Sur, renting a classic car and driving the iconic Pacific Coast Highway is an absolute must. Stop at all the best viewpoints and hidden gems along the way, and make the road trip part of your elopement experience.

Hiking

• Hike to secluded coves like Partington Cove, explore trails along the bluffs, and visit McWay Falls and the redwood forest at Pfeiffer State Park.

• Check out the purple sand and famous keyhole at Julia Pfeiffer Beach.

Visit the Big Sur River Inn

Dip your feet and enjoy a drink at Big Sur River Inn.

For more ideas and information on eloping in Big Sur, check out my Ultimate Big Sur Elopement Guide here.

Adventure Elopement Ideas in Napa Valley

Try Out All Things Wine

• Enjoy a delicious lunch, romantic dinner, or even a murder mystery on the Wine Train.
• Rent a limo and taste all the fine wines.
• Explore in luxury and style on a private wine tour by helicopter.
• Spend a day exploring the beautiful vineyards, and enjoy a private wine-tasting tour and picnic among the vines.

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

Explore the vineyards from above on a sunrise hot air balloon ride.

Adventure Elopement Ideas in San Francisco

Seaplane Adventures

For a truly unique experience, consider a seaplane or helicopter ride over San Francisco. Customize your flight to include breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Northern California coast. You can even fly into your intimate wedding ceremony on a secluded beach at sunset. Check out this blog for more inspiration.

Kayak For a Giants Game

Charter a boat or kayak for a sunset sail, complete with cocktails and sneaking a peek at a Giants baseball game.

Vintage VW Bus Tour

Take a Vintage VW bus tour through the city and stop for all the epic moments and shots!

Ride a Cable Car

The three main cable car lines—Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason, and California Street—each offer unique and scenic routes through different parts of the city. The routes offer some of the best views of San Francisco’s famous landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the Transamerica Pyramid. The Powell-Hyde line, for example, provides stunning views of the bay and cityscape.

Plus, cable cars are a practical way to navigate some of the city’s most challenging terrain. They can save you from a strenuous walk up San Francisco’s famous steep hills.

Check Out the Iconic Golden Gate Bridge

Walk across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and take pics with it in the backdrop!

Simply Explore the City

Explore Mt. Tamalpais, Muir Woods, Stinson Beach, Palace of Fine Arts, Sutro Bath House, the charming colorful town of Sausalito and enjoy the many stunning trails around the city.

Adventure Elopement Ideas in Yosemite

Hiking

Enjoy a sunrise hike to Glacier Point and end with a sunset hike at Taft Point. Or explore Tuolumne Meadows. There are many many more trails and spots for you to check out though! And if you choose me as your elopement photographer, I’ll find THE hikes for you!

Water Activities

• If you’re feeling adventurous, try one of the “7 top ways to get wet in Yosemite” – a list of the best swimming holes and water activities in the park.
• Paddleboard on Lake Tenaya, Tioga Lake, or Mirror Lake.
• Raft down Merced River and catch all the best views as you wind through the valley.

Horseback Riding

Go horseback riding through Yosemite’s beautiful trails.

Stargazing

Yosemite is a unique place to see the Milky Way, making it perfect for stargazing.

For more ideas and information on eloping in Yosemite, check out my Yosemite Elopement Guide here!

Adventure Elopement Ideas in Redwood National & State Parks

So Much to Hike and Explore!

• Hike to the lush and scenic Fern Canyon.
• Explore the ancient redwood groves.
• Backpack the Lost Coast Trail for a rugged and beautiful adventure.
• Stroll across bridges suspended in the redwood canopies.

Beach Sunsets

Enjoy the stunning sunsets on the many beautiful beaches along the coast- pack some wine and cheese for a delicious charcuterie.

First Dance Under the Stars

This one is self explanatory, but the starry skies in the Redwoods are absolutely stunning! You can have a first dance anywhere you’d like when you elope though!

For more ideas and information on eloping in Redwood National and State Parks, check out my Redwood Elopement Guide here!

Adventure Elopement Ideas in Santa Cruz

Water Activities

• Hit the waves in Capitola for some surfing or paddleboarding.
• Join the weekly sunset regatta race on a chartered sailboat.
• Spend the day surfing and then cozy up with a bonfire on the beach at night.

Private Picnic at Shark Fin Cove

Cut your cake on a private picnic at Shark Fin Cove! Shark Fin Cove is named for its distinctive shark-fin-shaped rock formation that juts out of the ocean, creating a dramatic and picturesque backdrop for your picnic and elopement photos. It’s rather easy to access and also tends to be one of the less crowded locations! After your picnic, you can explore the surrounding area – there’s beautiful sea caves and tide pools!

Roaring Camp Steam Train

Catch a ride through the stunning forests and town on the Roaring Camp Steam Train.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Let your inner kid come to life at the boardwalk, enjoying the oldest wooden rollercoaster in California and fun carnival games.

California Resources

• The Best California Redwood Locations
• How to Elope in Northern California in 2025
• 10 Best Northern California Elopement Locations

California Galleries

• Northern California Beach Elopement
• Redwood Forest Adventure Elopement
• Taft Point Elopement at Sunrise
• Glacier Point Elopement at Sunrise
• San Francisco Adventure Elopement

Let’s Plan Your Northern California Adventure Elopement Together!

Hi! I’m Christina, your Northern California elopement photographer. Planning, traveling, and finding beautiful locations and experiences are my jam. Helping you create and document the celebration of a lifetime brings me the utmost joy! I want you to make the most amazing memories and have stunning photos that you can share with all of your loved ones. This is a day where you get to look back and say, “Wow, we did that!”

My Northern California elopement packages offer a half-, full–, or multi-day experience! I offer a ton of flexibility in designing our time together and would love to get to know you more to help you plan! To learn more, head over to my pricing page or if you are ready for next steps, fill out my contact form and we can get together on a call! I can’t wait to make your day so special!