Eloping in the Heart of Nature: Muir Woods National Monument & Muir Beach Overlook

When you envision your perfect elopement day, what comes to mind? For many couples who come to the Bay Area, it’s the serene beauty of towering redwoods, beautiful ocean waves, the sound of a gentle breeze through the trees, and the feeling of intimate connection with the love of my life, surrounded by nature. If your dream wedding is a romantic getaway far from the crowds, consider eloping in the enchanting Muir Woods National Park. Permits aren’t always available, so my secret workaround is the breathtaking Muir Beach Overlook. These locations offer stunning natural scenery and the kind of peace and privacy you deserve on your special day.

For couples dreaming of an intimate, nature-filled elopement near San Francisco, Muir Beach Overlook is an absolute gem. Just a 30-minute drive from the city, this stunning cliffside location offers unparalleled ocean views, dramatic coastal bluffs, and the serenity of nature—all without the crowds.

Best Time of Year to Elope at Muir Beach Overlook

The best months for an elopement here are spring through early fall (March–October) when the skies are clearer, and the ocean provides a stunning blue contrast against the golden cliffs. Sunrise and sunset ceremonies offer the most breathtaking light, with the sun dipping into the Pacific for a golden-hour glow that makes for the dreamiest photos.

A Hidden, Private Escape

While Muir Beach Overlook is a popular stop for visitors, we have a secret wooded area nestled just beyond the main viewpoint—perfect for couples seeking a private, intimate ceremony away from tourists. This secluded spot provides a peaceful, nature-filled setting where you can exchange vows surrounded by towering cypress trees.

Muir Beach Overlook: A Breathtaking Ocean Backdrop

If you dream of an ocean view to complement the lush forest surroundings, the Muir Beach Overlook is the perfect location for your wedding ceremony. This stunning spot offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Picture yourselves exchanging vows as the sun sets, the golden light reflecting off the water, and the ocean breeze whispering through the air. Whether you have larger group of guests or just the two of you the secluded forest area to get married is an ideal location. Our Marin-area wedding officiant, Diego, creates detailed and heartfelt ceremony; exactly what couples are seeking in their elopement ceremonies. The beauty of the ocean combined with the nearby cliffs makes Muir Beach Overlook one of the most picturesque and private places for an elopement.

One of the most magical elements of an elopement is celebrating the two of you – or with your closest loved ones – in a way that feels personal. After your vows, nothing says celebration like cake and champagne! Our Cake & Bubbly Package adds another layer of memorable to your day. After exchanging vows with the ocean as their backdrop, this couple stepped away to a beautifully styled setup featuring a petite wedding cake, a champagne toast, and elegant details—all provided by their photographer. This allowed them to savor the moment, honoring the tradition of cutting their wedding cake while soaking in the breathtaking views.

The best part? We take care of everything. The photographer sets up and tears down the entire cake and champagne display, so all the couple has to do is enjoy their intimate celebration. This sweet and simple addition brings another layer of romance to your elopement—proof that even a small ceremony can still have those timeless wedding traditions.

The best part? You don’t have to worry about handling the logistics on your own. We can arrange your wedding cake setup, serving, and clean up afterward. You can see for yourself why we loved having two locations on our wedding day. The ocean and the forest were perfect, and our wedding album is so pretty.