Why you should absolutely have a California Wedding

Why you should have a California Wedding

There are a LOT of variables to consider when it comes to a destination wedding in California, but at the end of the day… it depends on the couple! A location-based wedding might be the right choice for you.. but if it is, let me tell you why California weddings are definitely worth considering.

Here are 10 reasons why you absolutely should have a California wedding. Let me just talk you right into it. ;)

1. The weather.

This is probably obvious, but in case you didn't know... California is known for our amazing and mild weather! It's mostly sunshine and easy breezes for the majority of the state, the majority of the year. Of course, some spots do get some snow and some spots can get kinda hot... but it's SO easy to avoid that kind of weather in California. Any Cali-native (like myself) can guide you to ensure you have perfect weather at your California wedding... that you should absolutely have.

2. You can get married any time of year.

This leads me to my next point... mild weather means that you can get married ANY TIME. I have my own California wedding on October 26th and it was 85 degrees outside. I loved it! California is one of the few places where you can truly have great weather and an outdoor wedding in all twelve months of the year.

3. Beach, forest, or desert... all are available.

One of my favorite facts about California is that it has EVERYTHING. From beautiful beaches, to green and happy forests.. and we can't forget about the amazing deserts that this state offers! There are so many options. We have redwoods. We have coastal cliffs. We have sandy beaches. We have Joshua Trees... The best part? They are all within driving distance!

Once, my college bestie and I drove to the snowy mountains (realized we didn't want to sleep in the snow), rerouted over to Joshua Tree to sleep and see the sunrise.. and then had breakfast on the beach. All within like 14 hours. It was a spontaneous, see-all trip that was easy to pull off because those things were so close to one another! You can have everything at your California wedding... like really.

4. The venue options.

In addition to the natural options that this state's geography offers, the venue options are also available in all types! From resorts, to mansions, to nothing! California allows you to get married anywhere you want (some permits may be required, but easy to attain). National park weddings are a HUGE thing around here because we can! Whatever the true vibe of your vision is... California weddings have it as an option, I'm sure.

5. The amazing photos you will have

Now.... I am completely biased. I won't even try to deny it... but California wedding photos?! Come ON. There is a reason why I've built my entire career around them. Im obsessed with how beautiful this state is... put your cute face in a wedding dress in the mix? DEAD.

I especially love the fact that beautiful photos are able to happen organically here. I despise the wedding industry's tendencies to turn wedding days into photoshoots. It's not about that. It's about the beginning of a MARRIAGE. Having an organically STUNNING setting allows little to no interruptions. I can be a fly on the wall and you'll still walk away with amazing and EPIC photos.

6. Versatility in culture

Another added benefit to California weddings... you can actually have the style and vibes that you want. There is so much culture and diversity here! You can have any kind of food... and any kind of wedding style. We have the most casual... and the most formal and all are welcome here. There are very traditional weddings that embrace family culture, but there are also weddings that kick tradition out the window and do whatever the heck they want.. none are surprising to see here.

7. If you plan on eloping or having an intimate wedding

You can literally get married anywhere. California is ideal for elopements because its legal and easy to do! National and state parks are very welcoming to eloping couples or to smaller weddings so if you are just grabbing your boo and your 5 besties, this is an ideal place to do it.

PLUS, once you finish with the ceremony and you are married.. you can go off to do a ton of super fun activities. You can spend the day wine tasting, or kayaking, or whatever your heart desires. California offers so many cool activities to do.

8. If you already live in California, choosing a location a few hours away is easy to do.

To all my fellow Cali-babies out there... why would you go anywhere else?? My favorite trend recently in California weddings have been when the locals choose a location-based wedding within 2-3 hours (or more) drive from their homes.. and they turn it into a family vacay!

What better excuse to camp on the beach with your best friends and family? It turns the one day into a longer weekend which is way less overwhelming and far more intentional with actually spending quality time with all your favorite people.

9. It’s an accessible place for the entire family to make a trip out of it!

I already kind of mentioned this in the previous point, but even if you aren't a California native.. California is a very accessible place to visit! Most scenic locations have all the airbnbs and all the hotels and campsites... whatever you and your guests need while you are visiting! It is far more accessible than people might think... and who would be mad that they "had to go to California" for a wedding? Why NOT make a trip out of it?

I love that destination weddings naturally extend the quality time that you get with your family. Wedding days are such a blur that longer weekends with everyone allows you to actually enjoy them.

10. …Did I mention the PHOTOS?

Okay, okay... I may have already mentioned this, but as a California wedding photographer... it's important to mention it again. I personally choose to shoot documentary style(the less you see or hear from me on your wedding day, the better). You are supposed to be enjoying each other on your big day! Not my funny jokes.. (though they are pretty great).

California has so many beautiful places... you could walk away from your wedding with AMAZING photos here... without it turning into a big photoshoot. You, laughing with your best friends, wearing that white dress... with a gorgeous scenic scape behind you. Your photos would organically have that WOW factor that I am totally obsessed with capturing.

So do it. Just get married in California. ;)

California weddings are AMAZING. I hope you think so too and choose to have your big day in this beautiful golden state. You will not regret it! If you are considering a California wedding... consider me as your photographer too! I love helping couples plan their big day and I have SO much experience documenting this golden state, from top to bottom... getting gorgeous photos together is a guarantee and my personal obsession.

Check out my website here to learn more.

Send me a message if you want to start the planning conversation together!