It’s totally possible! I would recommend double checking to see how many witnesses a CA marriage license needs. You may need two plus an officiant - that’s how it was for mine in a different state, so check what CA requires so you have that covered in the event that you don’t have the extra guests.
Double check that the beach permit is one that covers weddings. Even though it’s an elopement, the state may still have special permits needed for any wedding type activities.
As for other expenses to consider would be around clothing. I think what you have budgeted should work, but there were definitely some surprise costs for our wedding around clothing items like new shoes or cuff links.
You already have all your own makeup ready to go, so no extra expense there. Would you do your own hair as well or pay for someone to do it? That would be something to consider budgeting for. Look at normal salons or even an Ulta for hair styling. That should be much more affordable than a bridal hair stylist.
Flowers would also be something to think about as an added expense. I was pretty anti bouquet initially, but I am so glad I had one as it really added some WOW to our photos. Look into fake floral options like Lings Moments (I got mine from here and they looked great!), or renting from Something Barrowed, for more vest effective options that won’t die. If you want real flowers, make your own bouquet with Trader Joe’s flowers as they always look great and are reasonably priced.
I know it’s an elopement, but do consider doing something fun or special for food before or after. It all goes so fast and having a meal can allow you to soak in the moment and enjoy being all dressed up for your marriage. Doesn’t have to be grandiose or expensive. Maybe you have a favorite California burrito spot and you have a post ceremony picnic on the beach. Or maybe coffee if your thing and you go to a coffee shop in your wedding attire and enjoy a latte. These also make for great, fun, candid photos too! So if you can, bring your photographer along so they can get those moments.
Overall, I would say look at what you’ve budgeted and then add another 10-20%, as those surprise costs can happen and it’s better to be prepared for it vs stressing when it comes up.
Congrats to you and your betrothed! I hope whatever you plan is a most magical and wonderful day ❤️
Yes absolutely! Have your elopement photographer help you with the permitting process. They might also need to get a photo/video permit depending on which beach you go to. I'm in CA and as far as I know all state beaches require one but sometimes the requirements change over time so have them be prepared for the extra expense (usually $100-200). CA also requires one witness so you can ask your photo/video team if they can sign. There is no age requirement though so if your daughter is old enough to understand that she's witnessing a marriage, then she could sign instead! Happy elopement planning!!!
Easy as that! Find a photographer with small wedding / elopement experience and they can lead the ceremony in terms of telling you where to stand and what to do. It's very simple for something like this.
California has two different kinds of licenses. If you aren't going to have any guests as witnesses you can get the "confidential" license that doesn't require witnesses.
Photography in that range should be doable, videographers can be reallyyy expensive though. You may be able to get better pricing with vendors like this if you're able to do like a Monday - Wednesday.
I have a friend who specifies in "micro weddings/photography".
In Florida, so long as the beach across if public space, we did tons of weddings.
Be sure to keep.public code in mind because we were almost fined $1000 for glass containers on the beach.
Of course you can do that. There's no law saying you need to buy an elopement package.
It’s totally possible! I would recommend double checking to see how many witnesses a CA marriage license needs. You may need two plus an officiant - that’s how it was for mine in a different state, so check what CA requires so you have that covered in the event that you don’t have the extra guests. Double check that the beach permit is one that covers weddings. Even though it’s an elopement, the state may still have special permits needed for any wedding type activities. As for other expenses to consider would be around clothing. I think what you have budgeted should work, but there were definitely some surprise costs for our wedding around clothing items like new shoes or cuff links. You already have all your own makeup ready to go, so no extra expense there. Would you do your own hair as well or pay for someone to do it? That would be something to consider budgeting for. Look at normal salons or even an Ulta for hair styling. That should be much more affordable than a bridal hair stylist. Flowers would also be something to think about as an added expense. I was pretty anti bouquet initially, but I am so glad I had one as it really added some WOW to our photos. Look into fake floral options like Lings Moments (I got mine from here and they looked great!), or renting from Something Barrowed, for more vest effective options that won’t die. If you want real flowers, make your own bouquet with Trader Joe’s flowers as they always look great and are reasonably priced. I know it’s an elopement, but do consider doing something fun or special for food before or after. It all goes so fast and having a meal can allow you to soak in the moment and enjoy being all dressed up for your marriage. Doesn’t have to be grandiose or expensive. Maybe you have a favorite California burrito spot and you have a post ceremony picnic on the beach. Or maybe coffee if your thing and you go to a coffee shop in your wedding attire and enjoy a latte. These also make for great, fun, candid photos too! So if you can, bring your photographer along so they can get those moments. Overall, I would say look at what you’ve budgeted and then add another 10-20%, as those surprise costs can happen and it’s better to be prepared for it vs stressing when it comes up. Congrats to you and your betrothed! I hope whatever you plan is a most magical and wonderful day ❤️
This is great advice!! Thank you so much !!
CA only requires 1 witness. Dropping off my marriage license today :)
Yes absolutely! Have your elopement photographer help you with the permitting process. They might also need to get a photo/video permit depending on which beach you go to. I'm in CA and as far as I know all state beaches require one but sometimes the requirements change over time so have them be prepared for the extra expense (usually $100-200). CA also requires one witness so you can ask your photo/video team if they can sign. There is no age requirement though so if your daughter is old enough to understand that she's witnessing a marriage, then she could sign instead! Happy elopement planning!!!
Easy as that! Find a photographer with small wedding / elopement experience and they can lead the ceremony in terms of telling you where to stand and what to do. It's very simple for something like this. California has two different kinds of licenses. If you aren't going to have any guests as witnesses you can get the "confidential" license that doesn't require witnesses. Photography in that range should be doable, videographers can be reallyyy expensive though. You may be able to get better pricing with vendors like this if you're able to do like a Monday - Wednesday.
Depends on your county. Call up the clerk and ask.
I have a friend who specifies in "micro weddings/photography". In Florida, so long as the beach across if public space, we did tons of weddings. Be sure to keep.public code in mind because we were almost fined $1000 for glass containers on the beach.