Why Couples Elope in Malibu
I’ve been officiating elopements in Malibu for 29 years, and I can tell you without hesitation — there’s nowhere else like it. The coastline is breathtaking. The privacy is real. And the memories you create here last a lifetime.
When couples ask me about eloping in Malibu, they’re usually thinking about one of two things: either a completely spontaneous, just-the-two-of-us moment on a hidden beach, or a small intimate celebration with their closest people at a venue that takes their breath away. Both are possible here. Both are magical.
My Favorite Malibu Elopement Story
I had a couple reach out to me about three weeks before their wedding. They’d planned a big ceremony — 150 guests, the whole production — and three weeks out, they realized it wasn’t them. The stress, the expectations, the guest list that had somehow doubled — none of it felt right.
So they did something brave. They called me and asked if I could help them elope instead. I said, “Of course!”
We planned a ceremony at Point Dume for just the two of them and their parents. The morning of their elopement, we gathered on the bluff overlooking the Pacific, the sun coming up over the water, and I married them in a 25-minute ceremony. No rehearsal, no stress — just two people in love, their parents witnessing, and the most beautiful Malibu morning you can imagine.
After we finished, the bride turned to me and said, “We made the right decision.” Her mother was crying. Her father was beaming. And I thought to myself — this is exactly why I do what I do. To be there for a couple when they need me the most.
That’s what eloping in Malibu can be.
The Best Locations to Elope in Malibu
El Matador State Beach
El Matador is one of the most photographed beaches in Malibu, and for good reason. You’ve got sea caves, rock formations, golden sand, and a sense of complete seclusion even though you’re technically on public property. I’ve officiated elopements here where couples felt like they’d stepped into another world.
Here’s what you need to know before you commit: getting to El Matador requires descending a steep wooden staircase carved into the bluff — and it’s not for the faint of heart. The stairs are narrow, weathered, and can be slippery, especially on foggy mornings or after rain. It’s a challenging trek down, and honestly, coming back up is even tougher. I’ve done it dozens of times and I still feel it in my legs. If anyone in your elopement party has mobility issues or physical limitations, this might not be the right choice.
That said — it’s absolutely worth it. The reward at the bottom is one of the most stunning beaches in all of Southern California. If the hike doesn’t quite fit your tastes, Point Dume might be the perfect spot for you.
The trick with El Matador is timing. Go early — 8 or 9 AM — and you’ll have the beach almost entirely to yourself. By lunchtime, tourists start arriving. Plan your elopement for the morning, and you’ll have the place to yourself.
El Pescador State Beach
If El Matador feels crowded, El Pescador is your backup. It’s just as beautiful, slightly less famous, and easier to navigate. I love this beach for smaller, more intimate elopements. Bring a photographer, bring your closest people, and you’ve got a private paradise.
However — El Pescador has the same challenging staircase descent as El Matador. The trek down is steep, narrow, and can be treacherous. It’s worth it for the setting, but know what you’re signing up for.
If the hike doesn’t quite fit your tastes, Point Dume might be the perfect spot for you — equally stunning views without the physical demands of descending a steep bluff.
Point Dume
Point Dume is a headland — not a beach — but it’s one of the most dramatic settings in Malibu. The best part? There’s a parking lot right at the trailhead, and the ceremony locations are just steps away from your car. No steep staircases. No treacherous hikes. Just easy access to stunning views.
You have two options for your ceremony: get married on the beach itself, or take one of the paths that lead up to the bluffs above, where the views are absolutely panoramic. Both are equally beautiful — it just depends on whether you want sand beneath your feet or solid ground with endless ocean views.
I had one elopement here where the couple stood on the bluff overlooking the coast and could see for miles. When I said “I now pronounce you husband and wife,” a pod of dolphins could be seen going on their morning stroll. I’m not making that up. That actually happened.
The wind can be a factor at Point Dume (bring extra hair pins if you’ve got long hair), but the photos are absolutely stunning and the accessibility makes it perfect for couples of any fitness level.
Calamigos Ranch
I call Calamigos Ranch the Disneyland of wedding venues — and I mean that as the highest compliment. Nestled in the Malibu hills on 400 acres of stunning Santa Monica Mountains property, this place has been hosting celebrations since 1937. What makes it truly unique is that it’s not just one venue — it’s five completely distinct wedding spaces on a single property, accommodating anywhere from 25 to 250 guests.
The Redwood Room is where history lives. Century-old oaks, lush vines, and rustic charm that no amount of decorating can manufacture — it’s just built into the place.
The Oak Room is where I’ve seen some of the most dramatic ceremony entrances of my career. Couples walk across a bridge toward a natural stone waterfall backdrop as the sun sets behind them. It’s cinematic.
The Pavilion is grand — a full canopy of iconic California oak trees overhead, a multi-level waterfall nearby, and enough space to host a serious celebration without losing that intimate connection to nature.
The Birchwood Room is my pick for couples who want something more private and peaceful. A natural waterfall, stunning redwood trees, up to 135 guests — it feels like the rest of the world just disappears.
The Vineyards is perfect for couples who want open sky, panoramic views, and that al fresco wine country feel that Malibu does better than almost anywhere.
Five venues. One spectacular property. And I’ve had the privilege of officiating at all of them.
The Lodge at Malibou Lake
For couples who want refinement and elegance, The Lodge at Malibou Lake is the answer. This is a private club on an actual lake in the Malibu hills — completely removed from the coast, completely peaceful, and completely yours for the day.
I officiated a wedding here once where the bride wore her mother’s dress, the groom wore his grandfather’s watch, and we exchanged vows overlooking the water as the sun set. It was one of those ceremonies that reminds you what weddings are actually about — two people in love, surrounded by the memories and the people who matter most.
The Practical Side of Eloping in Malibu
Marriage License
First things first — you need a California marriage license before I can marry you. The process takes about 10 minutes online. Bring your license to your elopement and I’ll handle all the paperwork after the ceremony. I’ll submit it to the county clerk within 24 hours.
Timing
If you’re eloping on a public beach, go early. Sunrise is your friend. Not only do you avoid crowds, but the light is absolutely perfect for photos. Most of my beach elopements start between 8 and 9 AM.
If you’re at a private venue like Calamigos or The Lodge at Malibou Lake, you have more flexibility on timing. That said, golden hour — the hour before sunset — is still magical if you want afternoon light.
Photography
You don’t need a huge production. Hire a professional photographer you can book for a few hours or bring a friend with a good camera. An elopement ceremony lasts 20 -25 minutes — and you want someone capturing it.
Guests
The beauty of eloping in Malibu is you get to decide. Just the two of you? Perfect. Parents and siblings? Beautiful. Your closest 15 friends? Absolutely. There’s no rule. Make it what feels right.
Why I Love Officiating Elopements in Malibu
After 29 years, elopements are my favorite weddings to officiate. There’s no stress. There’s no pretense. It’s just two people who’ve decided to commit to each other, usually in one of the most beautiful places they can imagine.
Malibu elopements especially — there’s something about that coastline, that light, that sense of seclusion — that makes the moment feel sacred. I’ve married hundreds of couples here, and I’ve never had one regret their decision to elope in Malibu.
If you’re thinking about eloping in Malibu, I’d love to help. Feel free to browse my wedding packages. I do answer my phone calls, so feel free to call or text me at (805) 300-4955 or fill out my online form. Let’s make your elopement unforgettable!
