Eloping in Southern California: A Beautiful, Affordable Option with Florals & Photography Included
Destination Elopements in Southern California
Eloping in Southern California: A Beautiful, Affordable Option with Florals & Photography Included
If you're dreaming of a romantic wedding but want to keep it simple, personal, and budget-friendly, a Southern California elopement might be the perfect solution. At The Nature of Things, we specialize in destination wedding elopements that combine high-end floral design with creative, artistic photography—all set in some of the most stunning natural and historic locations in California.
Whether you're looking to elope by the ocean, in the mountains, or in a charming small town, Southern California offers a wide variety of scenic backdrops for your intimate celebration—and we’ll help you capture it beautifully.
Why Choose a Southern California Elopement?
1. Breathtaking Locations for Wedding Photos
One of the biggest perks of eloping in Southern California is access to incredible natural landscapes and historical venues—no travel passport required. We’ve scouted locations that offer picture-perfect beauty and privacy, including:
The golden cliffs and quiet beaches of Cambria
Rolling vineyards and oak groves of Santa Ynez
Historic missions and coastal charm in San Juan Capistrano
The serene desert landscapes of Joshua Tree
Hidden gardens and architectural gems in Pasadena and Santa Barbara
Each location we suggest is chosen for its natural light, photographic potential, and romantic ambiance.
2. All-in-One: Flowers + Photography
At The Nature of Things, we offer elopement packages that make planning your special day easy and stress-free. Our packages typically include:
Fine art photography with creative, documentary-style coverage
Custom floral design: a bridal bouquet, boutonnière, and ceremony flowers
Optional hair, makeup, video, and drone coverage
Recommendations for intimate celebration restaurants nearby
We believe in making every couple feel celebrated and seen—whether your wedding has 2 guests or 20.
3. Stylish, Natural Floral Designs
Our floral designs lean into a natural, garden-inspired aesthetic that elevates your ceremony without feeling overproduced. We design with the season in mind, using premium blooms and lush textures. Your bridal bouquet will feel personal, romantic, and true to your surroundings—whether you’re saying "I do" under eucalyptus trees or beside crashing waves.
Affordable, Meaningful Weddings During Challenging Economic Times
Many couples are navigating rising wedding costs, inflation, and uncertainty in today’s world. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the beauty or emotion of your wedding day.
An elopement with The Nature of Things is:
More affordable than a traditional wedding
Still deeply meaningful and beautiful
Ideal for couples who value intimacy, artistry, and nature
We understand how important it is to celebrate your love in a way that feels right for you—and we’re here to help you make it unforgettable without the overwhelm.
Where to Celebrate After Your Elopement: Charming Restaurants for Small Receptions
After your ceremony and photo session, you might want to toast with your closest loved ones at a nearby restaurant. We can recommend intimate, locally loved spots near your elopement location. Some favorites include:
Robin’s Restaurant (Cambria) – rustic, romantic, and seasonal menus
Bell’s (Los Alamos) – elevated French-Californian fare in wine country
The Raymond 1886 (Pasadena) – historic and charming with cozy vibes
Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch (Santa Barbara) – luxury meets garden romance
La Copine (Yucca Valley) – desert-chic and delicious
Each of these spots offers a memorable setting for your post-ceremony celebration without needing to book an entire venue.
Is a Southern California Elopement Right for You?
You might be the perfect couple for a Nature of Things elopement if you:
Love natural beauty and want stunning, cinematic wedding photos
Prefer intimate moments over large productions
Want your flowers and photography handled by seasoned professionals
Are planning a wedding on a thoughtful, realistic budget
Crave a unique, meaningful experience that reflects your values
Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together
Your love story deserves to be celebrated—no matter the size or budget of your wedding. Our team at The Nature of Things is passionate about creating visually stunning, heartfelt elopements that let you focus on what truly matters: your connection, your vows, and the joy of beginning your life together.
Browse our elopement packages, view recent wedding galleries, or contact us to start planning your dream elopement in Southern California.
Book Your Southern California Elopement Today
Let’s make your wedding day beautifully simple and utterly unforgettable.
ABOUT THE OWNERS:
A Harmonious Partnership: Dawn and Mandy are the dynamic mother-daughter team behind The Nature of Things Fine Flowers. Dawn, the founder and creative director, brings over 25 years of floral design expertise, while Mandy manages logistics, staff, quality control, budgeting, and contributes to design. Together, they co-own the business, blending creativity with business acumen to deliver high-quality, one-of-a-kind floral designs. Since its founding in August 2011, The Nature of Things has thrived under their leadership, providing exceptional floral arrangements for weddings, events, and local deliveries, all while maintaining a personal, family-driven approach.
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