Riverside Elopement Packages

Due to the way I’ve designed my elopement packages, we generally do not need a permit to use any city or regional park or hiking area in the City of Riverside for my elopements. That means places like Fairmount Park, Sycamore Highlands Park, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, and Mount Rubidoux are all options.

Please note:

• The Rose Garden at Fairmount Park requires a permit for elopements.
• Citrus State Park is NOT a local or regional park, but a California State Park which does require a permit to use their space. 

First, most elopement permits typically allow a range from six people total (including you two, me, and the photographer) to roughly 15 people (including you, me, and the photographer). Having 10 guests puts us at around 14-15 people total to remain in compliance with the most common permit limits or to avoid needing a permit altogether.

Secondly, remember when you said you wanted something simple? Well, an event with more than a dozen people is no longer simple. It’s like herding cats to get that many people to move even 50 yards. Plus, the more people you invite, the more expectations are heaped onto your elopement. Suddenly your Mom is asking why you don’t have seating for Grandma? Who is walking you down the aisle? What do you mean there’s no aisle and no music??

Every couple this has happened to thinks they’ll be the exception, but it happened to them too!

That’s why there is a hard limit of 10 guests, no exceptions to ensure I can provide you the wonderful Riverside elopement experience I promised.

Of course! I can also refer you to some awesome photographers if you need some references.

I mean that elopements with me do not have any of the following: an aisle, music or sound amplification, arch or arbor, strewn petals, candles, chairs (except for the elderly or disabled), etc.

There are two reasons I don’t allow any setup (no exceptions):

1. A set-up means you’re having a wedding, not an elopement. And you’ll definitely need a permit with a set-up.
2. It’s stressful and unnecessary.

While I know that arch you saw on Instagram or Pinterest looked amazing, but I can guarantee it did not add to the experience even though it made a great photo. Why can I say that with such confidence? Well, someone had to haul that thing from the parking lot and set it up. And that’s either going to be you in your wedding gear (now setting up instead of enjoying the experience) or you’re going to be paying a vendor a good chunk of change to tie us to a specific spot we can’t leave until the set-up is broken down and removed, even if that spot proves problematic for photos. It’s just not worth it! 

The bottom line:

Ultimately, I’m a hiker and my elopements are designed with the “pack in, pack out” mentality, meaning we carry in and carry out whatever we bring, leaving nothing but footprints and taking nothing but photos. Because we literally go into places as beautifully dressed hikers. It is deeply important to me that we respect the land while making your elopement experience stress-free and awesome. That’s why I’ve designed my Riverside elopement packages this way – so they are fun, joyful, and relaxed because you don’t have to worry about anything!

The short answer is you can’t.

The long answer is that I am often speaking with 6-30 prospective couples at any given time, so it’s simply impossible for me to save the date while you decide. I also require a consultation before I invite you to book with me, so keep an eye out for that email with the link to schedule that!

For the Marriage License Signing service, full payment is required at the time of booking.

For both the Short & Sweet and the Run Away with Me services:

• I require 50% of the total price to reserve the day.
• The remaining balance is due 2 weeks before the elopement.

My system is fully online, so you can make your payments online anytime once you’ve booked with me.