5 Intimate Fall Wedding Ceremony Ideas for California
This Post May Contain Affiliate LinksFall is my absolutely favorite time of the year. Itās cozy, crisp, and absolutely stunning here in California. I just love the way the leaves change colors, and the way it smells. Is that weird?
If youāve been dreaming about a cozy, relaxed, intimate wedding day, then fall might be exactly what youāre looking for!
If youāre in the middle of planning your fall wedding ceremony or elopement, here are five romantic ideas to help you create a cozy, beautiful day that photographs just as dreamy as it feels.
Whether youāre picturing just the two of you beneath towering redwoods in Big Sur, a small gathering at a Napa vineyard, or sunset vows on a quiet Malibu beach, the fall season is perfect for you!
Why Fall Is the Perfect Season for an Intimate Wedding
I know everyone loves spring and summer weddings, but hear me out.
Fall is Californiaās BEST season.
The weather is perfect for most places. Crisp and cool up in the mountains and deserts, and warm and cozy near the coast.
Hereās why couples keep choosing fall:
The light is perfect: In the fall, the sun is softer, which means that dreamy, golden-hour glow feels like it lasts so much longer, even though the sun sets earlier. Photographers (myself included) live for this light.
The landscapes are stunning: Vineyards turn amber and rust. Mountain trees like aspen and maple show off their beautiful golden and red foliage. Even the beaches are better. The tides are lower, meaning youāll have access to more beaches and have an overall safer wedding experience. Fallās color palette is so rich, your photos will look incredible without even trying.
Youāll actually be comfortable: For the most part, fall months are cooler. Which means you wonāt be sweating through your ceremony, and no worrying about guests melting in the heat. Fall lets you and your guests layer up in cozy fabrics and still be totally comfortable.
Whether youāre eloping with just the two of you or youāre hosting 20 of your favorite people at a private venue, fall gives you the space to celebrate your love among natures most spectacular season.
Intimate Fall Wedding Ceremony Ideas
No matter where you are in California, fall creates the perfect backdrop for small, intentional ceremonies. Here are a few ideas (and my favorite types of places to bring them to life):
1. Dramatic Cliffside Ceremony
Malibu: Leo Carrillo State Beach
In Malibu, Leo Carrillo State Beach is one of the few beaches in Malibu where you can legally have a ceremony, and it just so happens to have a beautiful rocky cliff that looks out over the ocean.
This is personally my favorite beach in Malibu because itās easily accessible and absolutely stunning!
A Cliffside Ceremony is best for elopements with just a handful of people in attendance. And try not to get too close to the edge on high-tide, big wave days! You will get splashed!
āØ Photographerās Tip: It gets super windy at Leo Carrillo around sunset, so either plan a sunrise ceremony, or embrace the wind and wear your hair in a cute updo with a super long veil.
Big Sur: Pfeiffer Beach & Garrapata State Park
If you love the idea of coastal cliffs but crave something moodier, head north to Big Sur. Fall here is breathtaking, mist curling around the cliffs, sunlight filtering through fog, and waves crashing against the rocks below.
Pfeiffer Beach is a favorite for its surreal rock arch and purple-tinted sand, while Garrapata State Park offers dramatic overlooks and easy access for portraits. Both are ideal for couples who want cinematic, emotional images that feel like they belong in a movie.
2. Cozy Vineyard Micro-Wedding
A cozy vineyard ceremony is absolutely stunning in the fall! Especially if you time it right to get the golden, fall colored grape leaves! There are so many gorgeous vineyards around California. From the mountains around Malibu, to the stunning villaās in Napa Valley.
Where to Go:
Malibu
Napa & Sonoma
How to Plan It:
Host a late-afternoon ceremony followed by a candlelit dinner under bistro lights. Keep your guest list small (under 30 people) so you can actually sit, laugh, and connect.
3. Mountain Elopement Among the Aspens
If youāve ever dreamed of saying your vows surrounded by golden trees, this oneās for you. The Eastern Sierra and Mammoth Lakes area explode with fall color from late September through early October.
Where to Go:
Convict Lake ā Reflective water framed by snow-dusted peaks.
June Lake Loop ā Californiaās most scenic drive for vibrant foliage.
How to Plan It:
Hold your ceremony before the sun dips below the mountains. Be sure to save enough time for creative portraits among the stunning fall foliage.
4. Golden Meadow Ceremony at Malibu Creek State Park
For couples who want golden fields and dramatic mountain peaks, Malibu Creek State Park is perfect for you! This is one of my other favorite locations here in Malibu. Itās super easily accessible and absolutely gorgeous!
How to Plan It:
Say your vows down in the valley, under one of the large, beautiful oak trees, then make your way to the top of Grassland Trail to take creative portraits as the sun sets behind the mountains.
Why It Works:
You get that California-wild, editorial feel without leaving Los Angeles, and your gallery will be filled with golden tones and texture.
5. Towering Redwoods Ceremony
If your dream day includes forest air and fairy-tale quiet, plan your elopement in the redwoods of Big Sur or up in the Redwoods of Humboldt County.
Where to Go:
Glen Oaks Big Sur ā Cabins tucked among towering trees, perfect for an overnight stay.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park ā Peaceful trails and light beams filtering through the canopy.
How to Plan It:
Have a late-afternoon ceremony in the woods, then set a long wooden table beneath the trees for a private candlelit dinner. String lights, linen runners, and warm neutral tones pair perfectly with the forest.
āØ Photographerās Tip: Bring lanterns, not just for ambience, but because they photograph beautifully after dark.
Want more ideas for Fall Elopement Locations in California?
Best Fall Wedding Locations in California for your Elopement
Discover the best Fall Wedding locations for elopements in California. From Malibu to Yosemite and beyond. Perfect for September, October, and November.
Cozy Fall Details to Elevate Your Ceremony
Fall is already gorgeous on its own. But there are ways you can elevate your ceremony even more while still being respectful of the natural environment and be eco-conscious.
DĆ©cor Ideas:
Layer your ceremony space with rugs, lanterns, and fall florals in rust, cream, and gold.
Add taper candles and textured fabrics to your tablescape.
Use natural materials like wood, linen, and dried florals for a timeless, organic feel.
Creative Touches:
Serve mulled wine or apple cider after your ceremony.
Add cozy wraps or blankets for guests.
Display hand-written vows or personal notes on a vintage table.
End the night with a fireside toast or acoustic music under the stars.
āØ Photographerās Tip: You may not legally be able to put up any dĆ©cor if you are having your ceremony at a State Park or State Beach. Their ecosystems are fragile and your dĆ©cor could have invasive species.
What to Wear for a Fall Elopement or Micro-Wedding
Fall weddings give you the freedom to play with fabrics, textures, and layers that look incredible on camera.
For Brides:
Long-sleeve gowns in satin, lace, or crepe.
Lulus has beautiful budget friendly options so you can focus your elopement budget on experiences during your big day.
Statement veils or shawls that catch the light and wind.
Earth-toned accessories: gold jewelry, velvet ribbons, and suede shoes.
For Grooms:
Earthy suit colors (olive, tan, taupe, or charcoal).
Mix materials like wool or tweed for depth.
Donāt be afraid of a turtleneck or vest for a cozy, elevated look.
Timing Your Ceremony for the Best Light
Fall sunsets come earlier, so light planning is everything. A perfectly timed ceremony leaves room for lots of creative portraits before or after your intimate ceremony.
Sample Fall Elopement Timeline (6PM Sunset):
2:00pm ā Getting ready photos
3:00pm ā First look & portraits
3:30pm ā Ceremony
4pm - 6pm ā Creative Portraits
6:15pm ā Private, cozy reception dinner.
āØ Pro tip: If youāre eloping in a location like Yosemite or Mammoth, check local sunset times and terrain. Cliffs or valleys can affect how early light fades.
Creating a Warm Guest Experience
One of my favorite parts of photographing intimate fall weddings is capturing how couples intentionally care for their closest friends and family, no matter how big or small the guest list is.
Ideas to Make Guests Feel Cozy During your Elopement:
Welcome drinks like cider or hot chocolate as guests arrive.
Blankets rolled up with custom tags for evening ceremonies.
Long dinner tables with glowing candles and family-style meals.
Acoustic musicians or jazz trios for soft, ambient sound.
These small touches photograph beautifully, and they create a sense of intimacy that everyone remembers.
Interested in a Fall Elopement?
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About Megan W Photography
Megan is a Fine Art Maternity, Couples, and Family photographer who was born, raised, and is still living in Malibu, CA. She is here to capture you and your loved ones in images that you will want to cherish, and pass down to future generations.
Not only is she a photographer, but she is a mother, wife, daughter, and sister.
Maternity, family, and couples hold a special place in her heart because she knows how quickly time flies by. Megan W Photography wants to help you preserve those sweet little smiles, those tender, affectionate moments, and the love you share with each other.
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Hi! Iām Megan
Iām a boutique, Malibu, CA based photographer who specializes in Maternity, Couples, and families. I serve Los Angeles and Ventura County, as well as all of California. I value tangible, heirloom art pieces versus digital and I focus on quality over quantity.
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