Frequently Asked Questions
Can you give any advice that will help? My best peice of advice is this; This is an elopement! Throw away any of the formalities of a wedding. There is nothing to plan other than transportation, lodging if needed and obtaining your license. Really, it’s that easy. You’re running away with your beloved to make it easy and you can make it and it should be, stress-free.
Do I have to get my license in California? If you are not a resident of the State of California, yes! If you reside in the State of California, you may obtain your “Public” license from your County Clerks office and bring it with you as it’s valid anywhere in the State of California. A “Confidential” license MUST be obtained here in San Diego County. Keep in mind that some counties charge more than San Diego. Currently the fee in San Diego is $50. Your license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
May I have my family and friends at the elopement? By California law, you may be married on any public land without a permit as long as there are no more than 10. Coronado allows up to 25. More than 10, using an alter, chairs, etc. would require a permit for your location and at this point, it is no longer an elopement and has become a small wedding. I am available for ceremony services for these small weddings as well however because of the planning and such, the Elope to San Diego fees no longer apply.
Do I get to choose the location? I offer services at the most popular locations in Del Mar, La Jolla, Sunset Cliffs and Coronado to choose from and I’m always up for an adventure. If there is additional driving and time required, there will be additional fees. Please read below for areas I do not serve.
Are there areas of San Diego you do not perform elopements? Yes and simply because an elopement is suppose to be easy. Traffic and parking is a major issue in parts of San Diego. I have the most popular sites listed on the site but if you have another preference, please check with me first before booking. In most cases, something can be arranged. Areas I DO NOT SERVE are: La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Shores, The Silver Strand on Coronado, Point Loma (Cabrillo National Monument), Torrey Pines State Preserve, Any Dog Beach in San Diego, The Embarcadero or Seaport Village. There are also additional areas, please check first before booking or changing locations after booking.
Are you available for a rehearsal? This is an elopement and there is no rehearsal as there is nothing to rehearse.
Can we write my own ceremony? This would not be an elopement. Remember the concept of Elope to San Diego is to make your elopement special at a beautiful location rather than the courthouse. I do offer my couples the opportunity to write and speak their own vows, the type of service and one of two acts of celebration. The other elements of the ceremony are not up to change.
Do you work with coordinators? As this is an elopement there would be no need to hire or work with a coordinator. If so, you would just be having a small wedding. If you have one already, that’s okay however, if this is a small wedding I suggest you work with me through www.myweddingofficiant.com as I do not work with coordinators for elopements simply because there is nothing to coordinate with the ceremony! I work with my couples directly and I do not allow my services to have an additional fee added to it and do not participate in any “package” deals or offers with coordinators or will ever leave the impression that I am part of a group. Remember, I am here to serve and sace you money!
Do I have to use your vendors for photography, etc? Not at all however, I do recommend you at least look at the services they offer if you are in need. They have all agreed to offer their services at a major discount to Elope to San Diego couples. Also, there are some tips that your photographer will need to read and understand before the elopement.
What if I have to cancel the date and time? The deposit is non-refundable.
What if it rains? The ceremony must go on! I provide a large three person umbrella in case of showers or rain. Remember, it’s good luck if it rains on your special day! If you secure another location in the same area, simply let me know and we can make arrangements.
Do you get the permits for us if we need one? I do not obtain permits for elopements and there is no need for permits for on elopement on public land in San Diego. If you need a permit, it’s a small wedding and no longer is an elopement.
Can we include our children? Yes, of course and it brings such a wonderful element to your ceremony.
