Eloping in Riverside, California: A Romantic Downtown Destination with Flowers, Photos & History
Destination Elopements in Southern California
Photo opportunities are endless for your destination wedding elopement in Riverside California.
Navigating life together, beginning in beautiful, sunny Southern California!
Eloping in Southern California: A Beautiful, Affordable Option with Florals & Photography Included
If you’re dreaming of a meaningful, beautiful wedding without the overwhelming price tag, consider a romantic elopement in Riverside, California. This charming and historic city in Southern California offers everything you need for an unforgettable celebration: a stunning courthouse, iconic hotel, walkable downtown, and access to high-end floral and photography packages—all at a fraction of the cost of a traditional wedding.
Whether you're planning an intimate elopement, micro wedding, or a courthouse ceremony, Riverside is a hidden gem that blends affordability with old-world elegance. And if you're feeling unsure about a big wedding during these unpredictable economic times, we invite you to do what many modern couples are doing: elope now, and plan a larger celebration later.
Why Choose Riverside for Your Wedding or Elopement?
1. A Historic Courthouse Ceremony
The Riverside County Historic Courthouse, built in 1903, is one of California’s most iconic and architecturally stunning public buildings. With grand marble staircases, arched hallways, and European-style columns, it offers a regal yet accessible backdrop for your vows. Elopements at the courthouse are efficient, affordable, and elegant—no venue rental needed.
Couples can book a quick ceremony or bring along a few guests for a micro wedding in one of the public ceremony spaces. It’s a great option for those looking to keep costs low while still enjoying a visually impressive setting.
2. Stay the Night at the Historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Just steps from the courthouse is the legendary Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, a national historic landmark and one of the most unique hotels in the country. With its Spanish Mission–style architecture, hidden staircases, bell towers, and lush courtyards, the Mission Inn feels like a destination wedding spot—without ever leaving Southern California.
It’s the perfect place for newlyweds to:
Celebrate their first night as a married couple
Enjoy fine dining at award-winning restaurants onsite
Explore photo-worthy nooks and crannies with your photographer
Book a couples massage or spa day
3. Beautiful Elopement Flowers & Photography Included
The Nature of Things Fine Flowers has partnered with Mariela Campbell Photography to offer exclusive Riverside elopement packages that include:
Custom bridal bouquet & boutonnière in your style and colors
Seasonal premium flowers designed in a natural, romantic aesthetic
Creative, artistic photography that captures real moments and timeless portraits
Add-ons like ceremony florals, small reception centerpieces, or styled flat-lay details
This collaboration brings together years of experience in weddings, design, and storytelling—making it easy for couples to show up, get married, and walk away with beautiful memories and images to last a lifetime.
A Smart Choice in Uncertain Times
Many couples are feeling the pressure of rising costs, inflation, and economic instability. A Riverside elopement is not just romantic—it’s also a smart, budget-conscious alternative to a full-scale wedding.
Here’s why more couples are eloping:
No venue rental fees
No catering minimums or guest list stress
No compromise on quality or beauty
The option to host a bigger celebration later when finances are more stable
Eloping now lets you mark your moment with intention and beauty, while keeping your future open for that big party, if and when it feels right.
Make the Most of Your Riverside Elopement Experience
Downtown Riverside offers a walkable, scenic environment filled with:
Historic architecture
Boutique shops and galleries
Local cafés, bakeries, and wine bars
Perfect photo locations just steps from your ceremony
After your elopement, enjoy a celebratory dinner at one of the local favorites like Le Chat Noir, The Salted Pig, or a courtyard dinner at the Mission Inn’s Las Campanas.
Your Love Story, Beautifully Told
At The Nature of Things, we believe your wedding day should be filled with beauty, love, and ease—no matter how big or small it is. With custom floral designs and fine art photography, our Riverside elopement packages provide a stress-free, elevated experience that honors your unique connection.
Ready to Elope in Riverside?
Contact us today to learn more about:
Courthouse elopement packages
Florals and photography in historic Riverside
Planning your day with local insight and personalized service
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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