How to Plan an Elopement On The Beach In Laguna Beach, CA
Micah and Jake’s intimate Laguna Beach elopement was the kind of morning that proves you don’t need a full-blown production to have a meaningful wedding day! If you’ve been trying to figure out how to plan an elopement that feels relaxed and personal (instead of overwhelming and expensive), this is your sign to have an elopement on the beach! It can be everything you want without all the chaos!
Laguna showed up with quiet sand, soft morning light, and that peaceful “no one else is awake yet” energy that you really can’t recreate anywhere else.
A Laguna Beach Morning That Felt Like Their Own Little World
They started their Laguna Beach elopement with just the two of them, no audience, no rushing, no one asking what comes next, just walking barefoot through the sand and taking in the fact that, “oh yeah, we’re getting married today.”
If you’re wondering how to plan an elopement that doesn’t feel stressful or performative, this is a perfect example: start slow, stay together, and let the morning unfold instead of forcing it.
While they enjoyed their quiet time, family arrived one by one at the ceremony spot, already emotional before anything even started, no big cues, no staging, just the natural build-up of the moment.
Why Orange County Is Perfect for an Intimate Elopement on The Beach
Orange County makes planning an elopement on the beach incredibly easy because everything is in one place! Laguna Beach, especially because you can say your vows without random strangers cheering in the background (even though I love that sometimes!) Laguna Beach has:
Private-feeling coves
Views you’ll return to for anniversaries
Soft morning light (basically nature’s filter)
Cliffs, sand, tide pools, and grass are all within a two-minute walk
If you’re searching for how to plan an elopement without jumping through a million logistical hoops, a Laguna Beach elopement is honestly one of the simplest options.
Some other amazing locations:
Shaw’s Cove (another one of my favourite spots! Check out my blog, How Outdoor Engagement Photos Can Feel Natural, Fun, and Totally You, to see the location!)
For Micah and Jake, choosing Laguna Beach for their intimate wedding instantly set the tone. It gave them this cosy, slow morning where they could actually take in the moment without distractions. Honestly, I wish more couples did this! Plus, each spot gives a different look without needing long travel or permits at sunrise.
How to Choose a Ceremony Spot for Your Elopement
One of the biggest parts of how to plan an elopement that actually feels intimate is choosing the right location, especially for an elopement on the beach.
Here’s what helps:
Find a spot that feels like you: If you hate crowds, go for a smaller tucked-away spot, or maybe go at sunrise or early morning before it gets busy!
Choose a place you can visit again: Anniversary tradition unlocked, plus if you’re a local, every time you go to your favourite place, it will always be a special reminder!
Check the lighting: mornings = clean, soft tones, evenings = warmth and glow
Look for accessibility: Make sure everyone can get there safely; wet rocks are no joke.
Little Decisions like this go such a long way!
A Sample Timeline for a Laguna Beach Elopement
Here’s an easy, realistic flow if you’re deciding how to plan an elopement in Laguna:
7:00: arrive for private couple time
7:15: wander, breathe, take photos, ease into the morning
7:45: family arrives slowly
8:00: ceremony
8:20: a few just-married portraits
8:40: brunch, coffee date, or breakfast picnic
9:30: family photos
10:00: celebrate however you want
No rushing. No performance. Just a day that feels like you!
Tips to Make Your Elopement Actually Feel Intimate
Whether you’re planning a full destination or an elopement on the beach, here’s what actually works:
Choose a less busy location: Privacy matters more than decor.
Keep the setup simple: People > props, always
Start with just the two of you: It’s a game-changer for nerves and connection.
Give yourselves buffer time: Even a two-hour Laguna Beach elopement needs space to breathe.
Wear something you can move in: You’ll thank yourself when the sand and rocks show up.
These are the parts of how to plan an elopement that no one tells you, but they truly change the whole experience.
Permits & Rules for a Laguna Beach Elopement
This is the part most people skip, but it matters, especially when searching for how to plan an elopement on the beach. Here’s what you need to know:
Permits
For most beaches in Laguna, a permit is required for ceremonies, even small ones.
Apply through the City of Laguna Beach Recreation Division.
Guest Count
Elopements typically allow under 20 people without extra requirements.
Larger guest counts may require additional approval.
Chairs, arches & decor
Most beaches do NOT allow:
arches
chairs
structures
amplified sound
Florals must be natural + cleaned up afterwards.
Tide + weather
Always check tide charts; some coves disappear at high tide.
Avoid winter king tides (trust me).
Pro tip:
Weekdays = fewer people, easier parking, and lower permit competition.
Best Time of Year for a Laguna Beach Elopement
If you’re figuring out how to plan an elopement around seasons, here’s what you should know:
Spring
Mild temps
Softer crowds
Possible marine layer (fog)
Summer
Bright tones + clear skies
Busiest season
Parking fills FAST
Fall
Best balance of weather + crowds
Warm water
Insane sunsets
Winter
Quietest season
Dramatic skies
Cooler temps
Limited daylight
Time of day
Sunrise = privacy + soft tones
Sunset = golden, but busier
For an elopement on the beach, sunrise wins almost every time
Cost Expectations for a Laguna Beach Elopement
Not a pricing list, just realistic planning info:
Permits
Typically $100–$450 depending on location + date
Weekday vs weekend
Weekdays are easier + cheaper
Weekends book out fast and draw more crowds
Vendors you actually need
For an elopement on the beach, most couples choose:
Photographer
Officiant
Florals
Hair & Makeup
No rentals, no catering team, no production required.
Travel & parking
Account for paid meters
Rideshare helps avoid circling for 20 minutes
Parking Tips (Nobody Tells You This)
For real-life planning (and fewer headaches):
Heisler & Crescent Bay: closest parking, but fills by 8 am in summer
Victoria Beach: staircase access only, no ramp
Shaw’s Cove: limited street parking, go early
Bring quarters or download the Laguna Beach parking app
Always check street sweeping signs (tickets = not a cute wedding memory)
This is the kind of detail that separates “Pinterest idea” from an actual smooth elopement day.
Why Micah & Jake’s Day Worked So Well
Nothing about their day felt forced or staged; it wasn’t about creating moments, it was about letting them happen. Their families arrived quietly, hugged them as if it was the only thing that mattered, and the morning unfolded naturally (it honestly makes me tear up just thinking about that day all over again!)
It was the kind of elopement on the beach that you look back on and think, “I’m really glad we did it this way.” And that’s exactly how your day should feel, too!
Ready to Book Your Laguna Beach Elopement?
If you’re dreaming of a day that feels relaxed, emotional, and completely true to who you are, whether it’s just the two of you or a handful of your favourite people, I’d love to be there!
You can reach out here to start planning or take a peek at my Pinterest boards for all the inspiration! If you want more elopement inspiration, you can check out my other blogs: