Elope to Monterey
Elope with Lyssabeth's Monterey Wedding Officiants
Both Las Vegas and Hawaii are popular elopement locations, but they are not right for everyone. The glitz and glamour (or should we say, clamor?) of Vegas does not always mesh with a couple's idea of romance and the cost of flying to Hawaii's shores is becoming increasingly prohibitive.
A recent industry survey from The Wedding Report indicates that "destination weddings have gotten closer to home." It's no wonder, with air fares (and everything else) skyrocketing. Why not elope to the sunny shores of the Pacific for a breathtaking sunset beach wedding?
Or perhaps you already live in the Monterey area and just want a quiet wedding nearby. Why noit? If you need a reason or two (or a hundred) to forego getting married at the courthouse, click here.
While many of California's Pacific Coast popular wedding sites require you to obtain a permit regardless of the size of your wedding, rest assured that we can point you in the direction of some equally beautiful (but lesser known) spots that are absolutely free! Many of these spots are known only to us locals and you won't find them on the map.
A recent industry survey from The Wedding Report indicates that "destination weddings have gotten closer to home." It's no wonder, with air fares (and everything else) skyrocketing. Why not elope to the sunny shores of the Pacific for a breathtaking sunset beach wedding?
Or perhaps you already live in the Monterey area and just want a quiet wedding nearby. Why noit? If you need a reason or two (or a hundred) to forego getting married at the courthouse, click here.
While many of California's Pacific Coast popular wedding sites require you to obtain a permit regardless of the size of your wedding, rest assured that we can point you in the direction of some equally beautiful (but lesser known) spots that are absolutely free! Many of these spots are known only to us locals and you won't find them on the map.
Lyssabeth's Monterey Wedding Officiants can perform a simply beautiful secular (civil) or nondenominational religious elopement ceremony at many locations within Monterey County. (Note: if you're considering a Santa Cruz Elopement, then please visit our Elope to Santa Cruz website). You may choose to celebrate with just the two of you or perhaps you'd like to share your ceremony with a few friends and family members. Either way, you'll be guaranteed an intimate and memorable experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Here are a few of our favorites. Click on the names or thumbnails for more information and photos.
Here are a few of our favorites. Click on the names or thumbnails for more information and photos.
*If you have been married before, you will need to know your date and place of divorce or widowhood.
*There is no waiting period; the county clerk will give you the license right away.
*The license is good for 90 days.
*Your Lyssabeth's officiant will file the license for you after the wedding.
For the Public Marriage License:
One Witness is required (note that the witness can be your photographer if you plan to have one and no other guests)
License is good in any county in the state. You do not need to get the license in the county in which you plan to be married.
For the Confidential Marriage License:
No witness is needed.
License is only good in the county in which it is issued.
Marriage record is only available to the named parties on the document.
Parties to the marriage must be living together prior to marriage.
The Monterey County Courthouse is located in Salinas.
Monterey County Recorder168 West Alisal Street, 1st Floor
Salinas, CA 93901831-647-7906
Do I need to be a resident of the state of California to be married there?
You do not need be a resident of the state of California or even of the United States, to be legally married here. You must present valid photo identification.
Are the above locations the only places available for my elopement ceremony? Will you help me find a different location?
You are free to select a different location than the ones above; they are simply suggestions of sites where we've performed a number of elopements. Elopement ceremonies are offered within 15 miles of the closest officiant's home office, so there is a good chance we can accommodate you at most locations within the Monterey Bay Area.
Our primary function is to perform an eloquent intimate wedding ceremony for you. We're happy to answer a question or two about the sites with which we're familiar, but please bear in mind that in order to keep the elopement price affordable, we need to be fairly expeditious in the pre-booking process. We're unable to research additional sites for you or to reserve a site on your behalf.
Are there any permit fees for the above locations?
Some of the above sites do require permit fees, even for a small elopement ceremony. Bear in mind that the Monterey Bay Area is a tremendously popular site for elopements and destination weddings. Many sites do require a permit and fee. When we are aware of the need for a permit, we have noted it. Please be advised that regulations for permits can change and it is the couple's responsibility to obtain the proper permits when required.
Hint: if you are watching your budget, consider being married at a free elopement site and then head over to a more popular site for your photos. Permits are not required for photos--just the ceremonies themselves.
In many public parks, the permit only guarantees that there will be no other weddings scheduled at the site on your day and time. It does not preclude members of the public from being nearby during your ceremony. We have found, however, that most folks are quite courteous and respectful when there is a wedding going on.
Are there any additional fees involved?
In public parks, there is often a daily entrance fee. We ask that you pay this fee for our officiant.
How far in advance do I need to schedule my elopement ceremony?
We have no advance notice requirement. Oftentimes elopements can be scheduled with very little notice, depending upon officiant availability. This is easier on a weekday than it is on a weekend, or course. The sooner the better, especially if you have your heart set on a particular location, day and time.
We cannot hold your date without payment in full, but once payment is received, your elopement ceremony is guaranteed.
How much does the Elopement Ceremony Cost?
Prices for the Elopement Ceremony start at $199.
Can I choose my officiant?
For the Elopement Ceremony, assigning the closest available officiant will result in the lowest cost. If you prefer an officiant who has to travel further to access your site, then that mileage and time will be reflected in your price quote.
How long is the Elopement Ceremony? Can I modify it or add any extras?
The Elopement Ceremony is a beautiful pre-written service that is approximately 10-12 minutes long. You have your choice of either a civil or a nondenominational religious version. You can listen to the words of it here. The base prices assumes that the ceremony will be performed as-is. If you would like to modify the words, please let us know and we'll give you a firm price.
Do I need a witness? Will you provide one?
See answer for marriage license requirements above. One witness is required if you have a California Public Marriage License. We can provide a witness if you need one ($30 in cash, payable directly to the witness on the day of your wedding). Your photographer can also serve as your witness, if necessary.
We'd like a few photos of the ceremony. Do you offer any photography services?
Lyssabeth's Wedding Officiants are ceremony experts, so that's what we stick to. However, our officiants have friends and family members who are considered talented amateur photographers and are often willing to accompany the officiant and take photos of the ceremony as well as some posed shots afterwards (with your camera) for around $50.
If you'd like this service, tell us when you book and we'll see what we can arrange. Please note that these are not professional photographers and Lyssabeth's does not warrantee their results. However, if you want some decent-quality digital photos for a little bit of money, this would be an excellent option.
If you would like to add professional Photography Services to your Elopement Ceremony, we have partnered with Photography by Richard Leggett to offer professional-quality, affordable photos of your elopement ceremony. Rich offers a splendid and affordable elopement photo package. See his website for details.
Ready to Elope?
Our photos and descriptions of our magnificent coastal California resources will likely convince you that an elopement on the sunny shores of our picturesque Pacific Coast will be the most stress-free, poignant, romantic and breathtakingly beautiful way to celebrate the start of your married life together.
We'll even make the process of booking your elopement ceremony as easy as pie. Simply contact us here or call us at 831-250-6445. We'll answer your questions, take some basic information, email a contract and get you on an officiant's calendar. It's that simple!
Or, if you prefer, fill out the form below to get started on your California elopement. We'll get back to you within one business day. If you'd like a faster response, call us at 831-250-6445.
Note: Fields with an * are required
*There is no waiting period; the county clerk will give you the license right away.
*The license is good for 90 days.
*Your Lyssabeth's officiant will file the license for you after the wedding.
For the Public Marriage License:
One Witness is required (note that the witness can be your photographer if you plan to have one and no other guests)
License is good in any county in the state. You do not need to get the license in the county in which you plan to be married.
For the Confidential Marriage License:
No witness is needed.
License is only good in the county in which it is issued.
Marriage record is only available to the named parties on the document.
Parties to the marriage must be living together prior to marriage.
The Monterey County Courthouse is located in Salinas.
Monterey County Recorder168 West Alisal Street, 1st Floor
Salinas, CA 93901831-647-7906
Do I need to be a resident of the state of California to be married there?
You do not need be a resident of the state of California or even of the United States, to be legally married here. You must present valid photo identification.
Are the above locations the only places available for my elopement ceremony? Will you help me find a different location?
You are free to select a different location than the ones above; they are simply suggestions of sites where we've performed a number of elopements. Elopement ceremonies are offered within 15 miles of the closest officiant's home office, so there is a good chance we can accommodate you at most locations within the Monterey Bay Area.
Our primary function is to perform an eloquent intimate wedding ceremony for you. We're happy to answer a question or two about the sites with which we're familiar, but please bear in mind that in order to keep the elopement price affordable, we need to be fairly expeditious in the pre-booking process. We're unable to research additional sites for you or to reserve a site on your behalf.
Are there any permit fees for the above locations?
Some of the above sites do require permit fees, even for a small elopement ceremony. Bear in mind that the Monterey Bay Area is a tremendously popular site for elopements and destination weddings. Many sites do require a permit and fee. When we are aware of the need for a permit, we have noted it. Please be advised that regulations for permits can change and it is the couple's responsibility to obtain the proper permits when required.
Hint: if you are watching your budget, consider being married at a free elopement site and then head over to a more popular site for your photos. Permits are not required for photos--just the ceremonies themselves.
In many public parks, the permit only guarantees that there will be no other weddings scheduled at the site on your day and time. It does not preclude members of the public from being nearby during your ceremony. We have found, however, that most folks are quite courteous and respectful when there is a wedding going on.
Are there any additional fees involved?
In public parks, there is often a daily entrance fee. We ask that you pay this fee for our officiant.
How far in advance do I need to schedule my elopement ceremony?
We have no advance notice requirement. Oftentimes elopements can be scheduled with very little notice, depending upon officiant availability. This is easier on a weekday than it is on a weekend, or course. The sooner the better, especially if you have your heart set on a particular location, day and time.
We cannot hold your date without payment in full, but once payment is received, your elopement ceremony is guaranteed.
How much does the Elopement Ceremony Cost?
Prices for the Elopement Ceremony start at $199.
Can I choose my officiant?
For the Elopement Ceremony, assigning the closest available officiant will result in the lowest cost. If you prefer an officiant who has to travel further to access your site, then that mileage and time will be reflected in your price quote.
How long is the Elopement Ceremony? Can I modify it or add any extras?
The Elopement Ceremony is a beautiful pre-written service that is approximately 10-12 minutes long. You have your choice of either a civil or a nondenominational religious version. You can listen to the words of it here. The base prices assumes that the ceremony will be performed as-is. If you would like to modify the words, please let us know and we'll give you a firm price.
Do I need a witness? Will you provide one?
See answer for marriage license requirements above. One witness is required if you have a California Public Marriage License. We can provide a witness if you need one ($30 in cash, payable directly to the witness on the day of your wedding). Your photographer can also serve as your witness, if necessary.
We'd like a few photos of the ceremony. Do you offer any photography services?
Lyssabeth's Wedding Officiants are ceremony experts, so that's what we stick to. However, our officiants have friends and family members who are considered talented amateur photographers and are often willing to accompany the officiant and take photos of the ceremony as well as some posed shots afterwards (with your camera) for around $50.
If you'd like this service, tell us when you book and we'll see what we can arrange. Please note that these are not professional photographers and Lyssabeth's does not warrantee their results. However, if you want some decent-quality digital photos for a little bit of money, this would be an excellent option.
If you would like to add professional Photography Services to your Elopement Ceremony, we have partnered with Photography by Richard Leggett to offer professional-quality, affordable photos of your elopement ceremony. Rich offers a splendid and affordable elopement photo package. See his website for details.
Ready to Elope?
Our photos and descriptions of our magnificent coastal California resources will likely convince you that an elopement on the sunny shores of our picturesque Pacific Coast will be the most stress-free, poignant, romantic and breathtakingly beautiful way to celebrate the start of your married life together.
We'll even make the process of booking your elopement ceremony as easy as pie. Simply contact us here or call us at 831-250-6445. We'll answer your questions, take some basic information, email a contract and get you on an officiant's calendar. It's that simple!
Or, if you prefer, fill out the form below to get started on your California elopement. We'll get back to you within one business day. If you'd like a faster response, call us at 831-250-6445.
Note: Fields with an * are required
Monterey
Carmel-By-The-Sea
Pacific Grove
Carmel Valley
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©Copyright Lyssabeth's Wedding Officiants 2002-2012
©Copyright Lyssabeth's Wedding Officiants 2002-2012
Elope to Monterey California
What are the requirements to obtain a marriage license in California?
There are two types of marriage licenses available in California--a Public (regular) Marriage License and a Confidential Marriage License.
For BOTH types of licenses:
*The cost for a marriage license varies by county.
*You must go together and bring photo ID (Note to out-of-staters: Marriage licenses can only be obtained Monday through Friday during regular business hours, so keep this in mind if you're planning a weekend elopement.)
There are two types of marriage licenses available in California--a Public (regular) Marriage License and a Confidential Marriage License.
For BOTH types of licenses:
*The cost for a marriage license varies by county.
*You must go together and bring photo ID (Note to out-of-staters: Marriage licenses can only be obtained Monday through Friday during regular business hours, so keep this in mind if you're planning a weekend elopement.)
California Elopement Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in a sunrise or sunset ceremony?
Click here to determine sunrise/sunset times for your preferred date.
Click here to determine sunrise/sunset times for your preferred date.