Everything you need to know about California elopement permits, locations, & more!

Malibu beaches are know for their stunning film-worthy landscapes and glowing sunsets. It’s no wonder visitors and locals alike chose to elope her for an experience like no other. If you want fewer frills and all the thrills, I have two customizable Malibu Beach California elopement packages for you. Both options keep things simple and focus on the connections and experience above all else. (Contact me if you want more Malibu venue recommendations for intimate/micro weddings.)

What Is An Elopement? | The Modern Definition

Elopements today are different than twenty years ago when couples would sneak away to get hitched–often to the surprise of their families. But now, elopements are a way for couples to simply strip away all the extra details and tie the knot in a way that’s meaningful to them. Many elopements often involve adventurous locations and beautiful backdrops.

Typically, elopements omit all the bells and whistles, like ceremony arches, florals, design elements, and even the rows of chairs for guests. Instead, it might just be the two of you, a handful of close family members, or a small group of your best friends.

For your Malibu elopement, we can still use typical beach paraphernalia, such as beach chairs, towels, umbrellas, etc., but it won’t involve extravagant props, arbors, or formal chairs that you would rent.

After exchanging “I dos”, we can stroll around or visit another location for family portraits and a newlywed sunset portrait session. Then, you’re free to celebrate as you wish!

This intimate setting is the perfect way to connect on a deeper level and emphasize the love and commitment above all else. Elopements aren’t for everyone, but if you’d rather skip the limelight and savor the experience–with dash of adventure thrown in–it might be for you!

**Note: All location availability & permit information is subject to change seasonally and is for overview purposes only. Please follow the permit application process for the most accurate fee and permit information. I will list all contacts and links available to make planning easier.

General Information for Malibu Beach & Park Elopements

The State of California and LA County split the operation of Malibu parks and beaches. Each entity has its own rules, guidelines, and process for obtaining event permits. We will cover California State Parks Malibu Sector first.

Malibu State Parks & Beaches require a permit for the following: 

-Any organized event involving more than 25 persons within a park unit.

OR

-You are hiring or paying a vendor to provide a service for you on state property. This includes smaller weddings with less than 25 people with a paid officiant and/or photographer, or if you would like a caterer to deliver food to the park for your picnic.

*We do not need a separate photography permit if you have an approved event permit.

Do I need a monitor for my Malibu beach or park elopement?

State Park monitors are present at events to ensure policies, answer questions, provide emergency and/or crisis response, assist with parking and fire regulations, enact resource protection measures, and ensure the park remains accessible to the public. Monitors are required for events of more than 50 people, when alcohol is being served, if you are bringing outside vendors onto the property, if there are any safety risks (ex., water play above the ankle), and/or if there will be any set up beyond typical beach or park equipment (umbrellas, tents, blankets, beach chairs, etc.).

Monitor fees:

Seasonal staff: $39.00/hour
Full-time administrative or maintenance staff: $59.00/hour 
Park Ranger or State Lifeguard staff: $79.00/hour

Events that require a monitor have a 4-hour minimum. Monitors must be present from the time set up begins for the duration of the event until all vendors leave. The monitor fee rate is subject to the monitors’ availability and the event’s complexity. Permittees cannot choose which type of staff monitors their event.

Vendor Fees for Malibu Beach & Park Elopements

For events without a ticket or entrance fee, you are required to pay 16% of the vendor costs. Vendors include, but are not limited to, party rentals, catering, shuttle services, and photographer. Your vendor contracts are due no later than 30 days prior to your event.

When should we secure the permit for our California elopement?

First, coordinate with me (Hanna) to ensure your date is available. I would hate for you to pay the non-refundable permit fee only to find out I am booked that day. Once we narrow down your date (it may be best to have a backup date in the busy season), apply for your permit as soon as possible. 

Reservations begin January 1st and only permit events for the same calendar year. For events in January, please contact Malibu.SpecialEvents@parks.ca.gov in November or December. They will hold your requested date for up to 10 business days. They will release the date to the next interested party if they do not receive your completed, signed permit and permit payment.

Malibu Parks requires at least 45 days for events under 100 people. Your permit does not grant exclusive use of the property, and they do not issue park closures for special events. They highly suggest you arrive early for beach events to secure your location.

Are any Malibu beaches off limits for elopements?

Special events are prohibited in the following areas: all campgrounds, County Line State Beach, Staircase Beach, El Matador State Beach, El Pescador State Beach, La Piedra State Beach, Thornhill Broome State Beach, and Point Dume Natural Preserve and Beach.

Hanna’s Top State Beaches for Malibu California Elopements

*Unfortunately, events (including elopements and wedding ceremonies) are prohibited at El Matador or Point Dume. However, those locations are available for couples and family portrait sessions if your hearts are set on one of those locations. The sea stacks, arches, rocky cliffs, and unique features make these two of the most photogenic beaches in Malibu. Please let me know so we can schedule accordingly.

Malibu “Surfrider” Beach 

Landscape highlights: As part of Malibu Lagoon State Beach, Surfrider is the first World Surfing Reserve (dedicated in 2010) and the location of the world-famous Malibu Pier. The beach showcases Malibu’s surfing culture, iconic pier, and beautiful marshy wetlands. Malibu Lagoon State Beach also boasts the Adamson House featuring a beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival home with ceramic by Malibu Potteries.

Address: 23050 & 23200 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

For special events & weddings: (818)-880-0398

Malibu.SpecialEvents@parks.ca.gov

Fee-based parking lots: $3 per car for 1 hr; $6 per car for 2 hrs; $9 per car for 3 hrs; $12 per car for all day (or see event parking options below).

Event Parking – Parking is $18.00 per space, paid in advance. They will mail the parking passes or give them to you on the day of.

Pets allowed? No

Permit & fee info: For an event of 0-49 people, there is a non-refundable, non-transferable permit fee of $125, with at least 45 days’ notice and permit application.

You may also book your elopement through the Adamson House, which may have different event options (plus access to the grounds, home, and museum for additional portraits).

Malibu Creek State Park

Landscape highlights: This landscape is beyond beautiful. In fact, they filmed M*A*S*H*, the original Planet of the Apes, Dr. Dolittle, Helter Skelter, and other classic films here. This park is rich in Chumash Native American history. Malibu Creek flows down from the Santa Monica Mountains into the Malibu Lagoon. Dreamlike oaks, sycamores, and other trees line the creek. Shrubby chaparral slopes give way to the Conejo volcanic gorges and hidden water features. You can also catch stunning views over the Las Virgenes Valley and Malibu Canyon. If you want a wide array of scenery and breathtaking landscapes, Malibu Creek won’t disappoint. It’s usually easy to find a secluded elopement space here.

Address: 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302

For special events & weddings: (818)-880-0398

Malibu.SpecialEvents@parks.ca.gov

Parking: Fee-based parking lots: $3 per car for 1 hr; $6 per car for 2 hrs; $9 per car for 3 hrs; $12 per car for all day (or see event parking options below).

Event Parking – Parking is $18.00 per space, paid in advance. They will mail the parking passes or give them to you on the day of.

Event Parking – Parking is $18.00 per space, paid in advance. They will mail the parking passes or give them to you on the day of.

Pets allowed? Yes, Dogs are permitted only in the campground, day-use picnic areas, parking lots, and paved park roads. They do not permit dogs on park dirt roads or hiking trails.

Permit & fee info: For an event of 0-49 people, there is a non-refundable, non-transferable permit fee of $125, with at least 45 days’ notice and permit application.

Sycamore Cove Beach 

Landscape features: Nestled within Point Mugu State Park, The Sycamore Cove Day Use Area is located at the southern end of Sycamore Cove State Beach. This park and beach are unique in that—true to its name—sycamores and other foliage cover the valleys and shorelines. Here, you have FIVE MILES of shoreline to work with, and it has a little of everything: sandy beaches, bluffs, dunes, sloping hills, river canyons, forests, valleys, hiking trails, and views of the Boney Mountains State Wilderness Area—simply stunning! If you’re a traveler, this location has RV space.

Sycamore Cove, Mugu Beach, and La Jolla Canyon are all in this area and have their own parking lots. Specifically, Sycamore Cove is a sandy cove perfect for true barefoot beachy California elopements. Or, we can hike a bit for more rugged scenery. From soft, sandy beaches to breathtaking overlooks, you can find it all.

Address: 9000 West Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

For special events & weddings: 818.880.0398

Malibu.SpecialEvents@parks.ca.gov

Fee-based parking lots: $3 per car for 1 hr; $6 per car for 2 hrs; $9 per car for 3 hrs; $12 per car for all day (or see event parking options below).

Event Parking – Parking is $18.00 per space, paid in advance. They will mail the parking passes or give them to you on the day of.

Pets allowed: Yes; Dogs on a leash are allowed in the Park’s day-use areas, campgrounds, and beaches. They do not allow dogs on the backcountry trails or dirt roads within the Boney Mountain SWA (via Old Cabin Trail and Rancho Sierra Vista).

Permit & fee info: 

The permit fee for Sycamore Cove is $725.00. This in-demand location fee is higher than others and is nonrefundable and nontransferable.

This area includes picnic tables, restrooms, grills, fire rings, shade trees, 25 parking spots, and 2 RV spots. Sycamore Cove has a 100-person capacity. The beach is first-come-first-served, so they strongly recommend arriving by 9 AM to secure your table(s) and beach location. 

Large events requiring more than 25 parking spots must make shuttle arrangements and/or have a Cal Trans permit to park on PCH.

Leo Carrillo State Park & Beach

Landscape highlights: A photographer’s dream, this state park shines at sunset when the golden glow creates highlights and silhouettes against the rocky shoreline. The rock features, sea stacks, and caves bring allure to this unique park and beach. If you love to explore and want jaw-dropping portraits to match, this is your place! The waves crashing over the rocks during a sunset kiss—pure perfection!

Address: 35000 West Pacific Coast Highway,Malibu, CA 90265

For special events & weddings: 818.880.0398

Malibu.SpecialEvents@parks.ca.gov

Fee-based parking lots: $3 per car for 1 hr; $6 per car for 2 hrs; $9 per car for 3 hrs; $12 per car for all day (or see event parking options below).

Event Parking – Parking is $18.00 per space, paid in advance. They will mail the parking passes or give them to you on the day of.

Pets allowed: Yes, dogs are permitted in day-use areas, campgrounds, and North Beach (north of Lifeguard Tower 3). They do not allow dogs on backcountry trails or South Beach (south of Lifeguard Tower 3).

Permit & fee info: For an event of 0-49 people, there is a non-refundable, non-transferable permit fee of $125, with at least 45 days’ notice and permit application.

North Beach is located on the northernmost end of Leo Carrillo State Park, north of Lifeguard Tower 3. This area can accommodate events of up to 150 people. 

Hanna’s Favorite LA County California Elopement Locations

And now, onto the LA County-operated beaches. Their process is a bit more streamlined. You simply fill out an online event application with your elopement details, and all invoicing happens through your account. You can view a sample application to help you out. Easy peasy.

Note: You much submit Beach Wedding Permit Applications between 90 days and 3 weeks prior to the event—no more or less)

LA County Beach Wedding Permit Application

Zuma Beach

Landscape highlights: Zuma Beach is the largest beach in Malibu, with plenty of space and parking available. You’ll love the broad white sandy beaches with sweeping views of the distant sloping cliffs. The water is cold here in the winter, so it’s a good spot for California elopements sans beach goers/swimmers/surfers. Zuma Beach is a hot spot during the summer, so it’s ideal for off-season elopements.

Address: 30000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Phone: (424) 526-7880

Parking: 8 fee-based parking lots with 2,000 parking spaces. Some free street parking is available as well. Accessible via Bus 534 at stop Pacific Coast Highway/Morning View.

Pets allowed? No

Permit Info: You must submit your Beach Wedding Permit Application between 90 days and 3 weeks prior to the event—no more or less. The total amount will be calculated upon reservation approval (they will provide an estimate).

Topanga Beach

Landscape highlights: Nestled between the Santa Monica mountain in Topanga Canyon, this small community boasts the first Malibu beach, perfect for your California elopement. Beautiful green hillsides surround the beach and thriving reef beyond. Topanga Beach offers plenty of sandy beach space with some rocks (there are typically more beachcombers than swimmers—plus some brave surfers).

Address: 18700 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Phone: (424) 526-7880

Parking: Fee-based parking lot with 96 parking spaces. Some free street parking is available as well. Accessible via Bus 534 at stop Pacific Coast Highway/Topanga Canyon.

Pets allowed? No

Permit Info: Beach Wedding Permit Application must be submitted between 90 days and 3 weeks prior to the event—no more or less. The total amount will be calculated upon reservation approval (they will provide an estimate).