Why do people choose to elope?
There are many reasons why people choose to elope. For starters, it is a lot less expensive than throwing a traditional wedding. People also elope to avoid family drama and save money on paying for a wedding. Additionally, some couples may want to combine their wedding day with a trip they are taking anyway. Lastly, some couples may choose to elope for religious reasons or because they want a quick and simple ceremony without all the fuss of planning a big event.
No matter what the reason, people who elopement generally have a great time on their special day. Since there are only close friends and family in attendance, the focus is squarely on the couple getting married. This can be really refreshing after months (or even years) of planning a traditional wedding! Plus, since you're not dealing with hordes of guests, you have more time to plan out every little detail of your perfect day
But first, what is an elopement?
An elopement is a wedding in which the bride and groom choose to marry without telling most of their friends or family. It's an intimate affair, usually taking place away from home in a beautiful location. Elopements have been on the rise in recent years, as couples look for more unique and intimate ways to get married.
If you're thinking of eloping in Northern California, you'll have lots of options for stunning locations. The Bay Area is full of natural beauty, and there are plenty of gorgeous spots to say "I do." You could travel along the coast, stopping at landmarks like Big Sur or Monterey Bay. Or head into the wine country and get married among the vineyards of Napa Valley. No matter where you decide to go, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Marriage laws in California
When it comes to getting married in California, there are a few things you should know before you take the plunge. For starters, marriage licenses in California can be obtained by couples who reside in any state--not just California residents. This is great news for couples who have ties to other states but want to get married in sunny California.
Additionally, same-sex marriages are recognized and valid in the state of California. So if you're part of a same-sex couple and looking to tie the knot, then look no further than the Golden State!
There is also no waiting period required before getting married in California. In most states, there is usually at least a three day waiting period between when you apply for your marriage license and when the wedding can actually take place. But not so in Cali! You can get hitched as soon as the County Clerk's office has all of your paperwork squared away.
The process of obtaining a marriage license is relatively straightforward: both parties need to appear together at any County Clerk's office location within the state and provide some basic information (name, date of birth, etc.). There is no need for blood tests or witnesses--just yourselves and your ID cards/driver's licenses will do nicely.
One thing to note: if either party decides to change their name after getting married, both parties will need to agree on the new name before heading into the County Clerk's office. The same goes for any middle names you may want to change--again, both parties will need to be in agreement.
Last but not least, California offers a few different options when it comes to your last name after marriage. You can keep your last name, take your spouse's last name, or hyphenate the two together. The choice is yours!
Information and documents needed to elope in California
If you're thinking of eloping in California, you'll need to gather some information and documents beforehand. Full name, address, place of birth, date of birth and ID are all needed for the application process. If you've been divorced previously and the divorce was finalized less than six months ago, you'll also need a copy of your recent divorce decree.
The exact amount for the application fee varies by each county so be sure to check with your local court before heading out on the road! Once you have all the required information gathered, it's time to start planning your elopement ceremony.
California is a beautiful state with plenty of stunning locations that are perfect for an elopement ceremony. You'll find helpful guides and ideas for your wedding day here on our website. Napa Valley, California has plenty of stunning locations that are perfect for an elopement ceremony--be sure to check them out!
How much do Napa weddings cost?
When you're planning a wedding, one of the most important things to figure out is how much it's going to cost. And when it comes to Napa weddings, that answer can vary quite a bit.
Napa County has different regulations than other counties in California when it comes to elopement packages and small weddings with limited guest lists. So if you're thinking about getting married in Wine Country, be sure to check with your local government before making any decisions.
A Napa wedding typically costs $36,000 to $45,000. But depending on what kind of event you want, it could cost up to $75,000 for a lavish event with more than 500 guests and the use of many in-house amenities like golf carts and bubbling hot tubs.
Is it cheaper to elope?
When it comes to getting married, there are a lot of things to think about. One question that often comes up is whether or not it's cheaper to elope. The answer is...it depends!
There are some definite benefits to eloping. For one, you can save money on the venue and catering costs. You also won't have to worry about hiring a band or renting any special equipment. And, if you're looking for an intimate wedding with just your closest friends and family, eloping is definitely the way to go!
Of course, there are also some downsides. Eloping can be more expensive than having a traditional wedding if you hire a planner or photographer. Plus, you'll miss out on all the fun pre-wedding festivities like dress shopping and cake tasting!
In the end, it's up to each couple to decide what's best for them. If you're on a tight budget, eloping may be your best option - but make sure you weigh all the pros and cons before making a decision!
How to elope in California
How do I get married in Napa Valley?
Elopement weddings are now becoming more popular and are often called "small destination weddings." Eloping used to mean "to run away and secretly get married," but that is not the case anymore. Many couples today plan their elopements with careful thought and detail. If you're considering an elopement wedding, here are a few tips:
Invite a few friends for the ceremony and dinner, instead of inviting everyone to the reception. This will make your wedding feel more intimate and special. Plus, it will be less expensive than having a large reception.
Plan everything well in advance. The sooner you start planning, the better chance you have of securing your preferred date and venue.
Think about what type of ceremony you want. Do you want a religious ceremony? A civil ceremony? Or something completely different?
Best Time to Elope in Napa
When it comes to eloping in Napa, there are a few things to consider. The first thing to think about is when the best time is to hold your ceremony. Many couples choose mid-November because the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists than during peak season. If you're looking for warmer temperatures, early fall is the ideal time.
No matter when you decide to elope in Napa, you'll be surrounded by stunning scenery. From rolling hills blanketed with vineyards to the picturesque downtown district, there's no shortage of beautiful locations for your ceremony and photo shoot. Plus, since Napa is known for its wine country, you can celebrate your nuptials with a glass (or two) of world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.
Fall colors are at their most vibrant in October and November, making this an especially scenic time of year to say "I do." The temperature is also perfect during these months - not too hot and not too cold - so you won't have to worry about being uncomfortable on your big day.
Places to elope in napa valley
Where to Elope in Napa Valley
If you're looking for a beautiful and romantic place to elope, Napa Valley is the perfect spot. With its world-famous wine country setting and peaceful natural surroundings, Napa offers plenty of options for eloping couples. This comes at an affordable rate and with photography that is award-winning quality, champagne, cake and bridal bouquets all included!
Napa
Napa Valley is a beautiful wine country located in California. The region is known for its vineyards, wineries and restaurants. Napa's peak tourist season is from August to October. The best time to go is during March-May, when there are fewer crowds and the harvest season has not yet begun. Napa Valley has a thriving downtown scene with plenty of options for shopping, dining and nightlife. You could also hire a car in Napa or take the wine train for a day trip around wineries, restaurants, and more! Napa Valley is close to both San Francisco and Sonoma, which are also popular places for elopement in wine country. If you're looking for an outdoor wedding ceremony surrounded by nature, look no further than Mountain House Estate – it has been awarded the Knot Best of Weddings award! The mountain house estate is near Mendocino, which offers additional winery and vineyard tour options as well as other activities like hiking and biking trails.
Where can you get married in Napa Valley?
Elopement ceremonies are now much more laid-back and intimate, but still include an officiant. Elopses are becoming more common, with the goal to keep their planning a secret. So if you're looking to elope in Napa Valley, consider one of these locations:
The gazebo at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is a popular spot for elopements. With its rustic charm and beautiful surroundings, it's easy to see why.
If you're looking for a wine country setting, head to Robert Mondavi Winery. The gardens there provide the perfect backdrop for your special day.
Another option is Vintner's Golf Club in Yountville. This location offers stunning views of the valley below and access to some of Napa Valley's best vineyards.
Finally, Silverado Resort and Spa offers several unique venues for your elopement ceremony, including its championship golf course and picturesque gardens
Where can I elope in Napa Valley?
Napa County is one of the most popular places to elope in Wine Country. The application fee will vary from county to county: it ranges from $90-$100. However, Elope in Wine Country offers couples an affordable elopement package that includes a ceremony at a winery, officiant, witnesses and all the necessary paperwork. Elope in Wine Country also offers a beautiful countryside setting for weddings and vow exchanges.
What To Look For in a Napa Elopement Photographer
When you are planning your elopement, finding the right photographer is key. You want someone who will capture the beauty of Napa and your special day perfectly. But with so many photographers to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a Napa elopement photographer:
-Quality experience: Look for a photographer who has years of experience photographing weddings and elopements. This kind of experience ensures that they know how to capture beautiful photos no matter what the location.
-The right style: Not all photographers shoot in the same style. Some prefer natural light and landscapes, while others prefer more editorial or stylized shots. Make sure the photographer's portfolio reflects the type of photos you would like taken on your wedding day.
-Knowledge of the area: A good photographer should know all the best photo spots in Napa Valley and be able to recommend locations depending on what you want captured in your photos. They should also have knowledge of local weather conditions so that they can plan accordingly for your shoot.
-A good reputation: Word-of-mouth is always a valuable source when it comes to finding quality vendors, including photographers. Ask around to see if anyone you know has had a good experience with a particular photographer.