Do you need a permit to get married in Laguna Beach?
Yes, you need a wedding permit to get married if you want your wedding on a beach or a park in Laguna Beach. Between Labor Day Weekend and Memorial Day Weekend (September to May), weddings are permitted at most City parks and beaches. During peak summer months (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend), beach weddings are only permitted on the four beaches below the bluffs at Heisler Park (North Main Beach, Rockpile Beach, Picnic Beach and Divers Cove Beach).
The City of Laguna Beach does not permit weddings at Treasure Island Beach or Park, Goff Cove, and Christmas Cove.
Do you need a permit to get married on the beach in California?
A permit is required to get married on the beach in Laguna Beach. However, the City of Laguna Beach does not permit weddings at Treasure Island Beach or Park, Goff Cove, and Christmas Cove.
You do not need a permit to get married at all California beaches. Check with the city and beach you are inquiring about at the official city website before planning your beach wedding.
Do you need a permit to take pictures at Laguna Beach?
Yes, you need to get a professional still photo permit if you plan on hiring a photographer to take photos on the beach in Laguna.
This permit is intended for limited use, single-camera shoots such as engagement photos, wedding photos, family portraits, holiday cards, etc. The fee is $100 for 2 hours plus $50 for each additional hour. However, if you have a wedding permit for Heisler Park you do not need to get an additional permit for photos.
During the summer season from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, Professional Still Photo Permits are issued only from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. or between 6:00 p.m. and sunset. All other dates can be permitted anytime from 7:30 a.m. to sunset. No permits will be issued after sunset.
Applications are accepted during business hours Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. except holidays, and applications must be received a minimum of 2 business days before the photo shoot date for consideration and processing.
Can you get married at Heisler Park?
Yes, you can get married at Heisler Park in Laguna Beach. You must apply for a wedding permit.
Ceremonies are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis upon receipt of the application and non-refundable fee. Changes to your permit, such as date or time, must be in writing, and require a $10 processing fee. There are no refunds for cancellation or inclement weather.
Wedding permits are issued for a two-hour period. Please allow sufficient time for decorating, the ceremony, photographs, and clean-up within your allotted time. If you would like a beach wedding, please schedule your ceremony for low tide.
How can I elope in Laguna Beach?
The best way to elope in Laguna Beach is to put together a simple plan.
Start by choosing a location, make sure the beach or park you decide on allows weddings. Go to the city website to acquire a wedding permit.
Obtain an Orange County Marriage License
Once you have a date and location, hire your wedding vendors.
Photographer
Officiant
Invite close family and friends. Keep it intimate.
Celebrate your elopement with a dinner at a nearby restaurant. Be sure to make reservations.
Other alternatives for an elopement in Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach City Hall
Laguna Hills Civic Center
Both of these locations conduct civil marriage ceremonies. For more information about these locations find out how to get married at the LB City Hall and LHCC.
How much does it cost to elope in Laguna Beach?
The cost of an elopement in Laguna Beach depends on the location you decide on. Here is a breakdown
Beach or Park wedding permit- $416 includes photography permit. Need to provide an officiant
Laguna Beach City Hall wedding- $100 Don't need to provide officiant
Photography permit- $100
Can you elope on the beach in Laguna Beach?
Yes, you can elope on certain beaches in Laguna Beach. However, a wedding permit is required.
The maximum number of people, including the wedding party, officiant, photographer, etc., and the fees are listed below:
LOCATION MAXIMUM PEOPLE ALLOWED PERMIT FEE
Crescent Bay Park 50 $517
Gazebo in Heisler Park 50 $416
Monument Point in Heisler Park 50 $416
Other Beaches and Parks 95 $416
Note: you cannot elope on the following beaches in Laguna Beach:
Treasure Island Beach or Park, Goff Cove, and Christmas Cove.
Do you need a witness to get married in Laguna Beach?
In most cases, you must provide at least one witness to get married in California including Laguna Beach. There is no age restriction for the witness.
If you have an Orange County confidential marriage license you do not need a witness to get married.
How much does a courthouse wedding cost in Laguna Beach?
There are 2 locations for a courthouse wedding in Laguna Beach. One is at the Laguna Beach City Hall, this is not a courthouse. However, in California City Clerks are authorized to perform civil marriage ceremonies throughout the State of California. In Laguna Beach, you must make an appointment in advance to be married by the City Clerk and must have a marriage license through a California County Clerk-Recorder's Office; here is the link to the Orange County Clerk Recorders Office.
Civil ceremonies take place outside in front of City Hall during City Hall hours: Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., every other Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. City Hall is closed every other Friday, holidays, and weekends.
Please bring your original marriage license with you on the day of your ceremony. Both parties must present photo identification (i.e. driver’s license or passport). Effective July 1, 2022, the fee for a civil marriage ceremony at Laguna Beach City Hall is $100.
Please complete the City Hall Civil Marriage Ceremony Registration Form to submit your request.
In Laguna Hills, just a few miles from Laguna Beach you can have a civil ceremony at the Laguna Hills Civic Center. You can also get your marriage license here at the same time. Appointments are recommended but not required.
Can I get a Laguna Beach Marriage License Online?
A marriage license for Laguna Beach is an Orange County Marriage License. You cannot get a marriage license online you must go in person to complete the application. Marriage licenses are available for both walk-in service and by appointment; however, customers must complete an online marriage application before visiting any of the 3 Orange County offices. Your marriage license is valid for 90 days. There are no exceptions even if you have a change of plans.