A Sunset Cliffs Elopement in San Diego

Elopement

May 27

Haley and Bailey’s Sunset Cliffs elopement was everything they dreamed, and more. They wanted a day spent together, celebrating their love, and sharing their intimate vows as the sun began to go down over the ocean.

HALEY & BAILEY’S ELOPEMENT STORY

H + B spent the morning taking it easy at their tiny home airbnb. After lunch and yoga, they started helping each other get ready. They listened to their favorite music, helped each other with their hair and makeup, and sat on the grassy lawn outside and shared champagne. They wanted to share a first look so H stepped outside so B could get ready. Once B was ready, we led her outside and had H hide so she couldn’t see. H then went inside and got ready while B played video games outside.

H + B stood back to back, giddy with anticipation, and then turned to see each other in their dresses for the first time. They both admired each other in their dresses and spent a little time hugging and kissing and twirling for the other to see their dress.

We all loaded up in the car to head down the windy roads towards Sunset Cliffs. Their airbnb was only 5 minutes away which meant they spent less time traveling and more time enjoying the cliffs. B helped H out of the car and we headed down to the spot they chose for their elopement ceremony. When we arrived, we found an outdoor rave going on so we pivoted to their second spot! You really never know what you’ll get when you plan your wedding, so it’s important to have a plan B, C, and D.

H and B’s Sunset Cliffs wedding began as the sun began to creep toward the ocean. During their ceremony, they mixed sand together to signify their union together. They exchanged their vows, rings, and then sealed it all with a kiss! The birds were flying overhead, the ravers were dancing on a cliff nearby, and the waves crashed below – it was such a unique and special moment.

After signing their marriage license, they danced and toasted champagne as the sun went down over the ocean.

HOW TO ELOPE AT SUNSET CLIFFS IN SAN DIEGO

You’ll need a few things to get married at Sunset Cliffs. First, you’ll need a marriage certificate. Second, you’ll need a permit. Third, choose your ceremony location based on permit guidelines. Fourth, find an officiant who you vibe with to make it legal. Finally, do the damn thing!

San Diego has pretty good weather year round, but May-June is known as June Gloom and June-August is tourist season. H & B got married in November and the weather was perfect. And because it was after daylight savings time they were able to have their ceremony around 4pm and once it got dark they headed off on their own for dinner and drinks to celebrate.

Sunset Cliffs is a very popular spot, so don’t expect it to be completely private and definitely have a couple location ideas beforehand as you never know what’s going to be happening (ie. there could be a rave lol). Weekdays are always the best option to try to get a little more privacy.

Ready to start planning your Sunset Cliffs elopement? Click here to get started!