How to Have a Weddings or Elopement in Idyllwild
The Idyllwild-Pine Cone area boasts something special in Southern California, a rich forest environment. So, it’s no wonder that couples choose to get married or elope in this magical area.
Idyllwild specifically is a cute mountain town and popular tourist spot. But unlike other forest towns to the north—like Mammoth Lakes or Santa Cruz—it’s not so popular as to feel crowded. Idyllwild offers quick and easy access to hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and small-town amenities. It’s also a popular offroading spot for adventure-seeking couples.
There are so many reasons you might be attracted to an Idyllwild wedding or elopement—from the super cute stays in cabins to epic views for your wedding photos. But there are also a few things you should know to make sure your wedding day goes as smoothly as possible.
There are basically two ways to get hitched in Idyllwild. You can either have a small, intimate wedding in the great outdoors (like an elopement) or you can get married in a wedding venue, which will have more space for you and your guests. We’ll cover tips for both elopements and weddings below.
Elopement Permits for Idyllwild-Pine Cone
If you’re getting married on public land, you’ll need to get a permit. Depending on the specific spot, you’ll either need to request a special use permit from the Forestry Service or California State Parks. Your elopement photographer should help you navigate this process.
There is usually a permitting fee, but in most cases, it is far cheaper than a traditional wedding venue.
Traditional Weddings Tips for Idyllwild-Pine Cone
If you plan on inviting more than 10 guests to your wedding day, you’ll probably want to book a venue for your big day.
There are a few trade-offs when considering a wedding versus an elopement. For instance, wedding venues are more expensive than a special-use permit. However, having a venue is better for larger groups or guests with accessibility needs. It’s really up to you two which option best fits your vision for your wedding day.
How to Get Legally Married in Idyllwild
In order to get legally married in Idyllwild, you’ll need to get a marriage license from the Riverside County Clerk’s office. This process is fairly simple:
You both need to show up at the county clerk’s office. It’s a good idea to make an appointment ahead of time.
You both need to present a valid ID and pay the fee of $100.
You have two choices here. You can either complete the marriage license then and there, and you’ll be officially and legally married. Or—and this second option is more common—you can take the incomplete marriage certificate to your wedding ceremony for your officiant and witness(es) to sign. If you choose the latter option, either you or your officiant will need to turn in the completed marriage license.
Best Time of Year to Get Married in Idyllwild
Since Idyllwild is a mountainous area, it gets more seasonal variance than other areas of southern California. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your Idyllwild wedding dates:
Spring (March-May): March, April, and May are cool and comfortable. You might still see some snow sticking around at higher elevations, but much of it will have melted off—meaning water in the rivers and lakes. You can typically expect some cloud cover. Despite its nice temps (mid-50s or mid-60s highs), it’s not very busy this time of year.
Summer (June-September): Admittedly, we are getting pretty loose with our months and how they overlap with the seasons here, but it’s important to know that June through September is hot and dry (expect highs in the upper 80s). There tends to be very little cloud cover. August is typically the most humid month. July and August are the most touristy.
Autumn (October-November): Generally, these two months are cool or chilly (highs in the upper 50s and lows in the 30s). You’ll likely experience more cloud cover, but it’s before all the precipitation that comes in winter. The tourist season will have decreased a bit too.
Winter (December-February): This is the wettest, coldest time of the year (highs in the upper 40s and lows in the 20s). If you like snow, this could be your season. If you don’t, you probably want to steer clear. Snow can affect the roads, which is more cumbersome for outdoor elopements than wedding venues.
Keep in mind that climate change is altering traditional weather patterns. Abnormalities are more common, so watch the weather before the big day.
Where to Stay in the Idyllwild-Pine Cone Area
There are lots of inns, hotels, and Airbnbs in Idyllwild. But here are some ideas we thought deserved special call-outs:
Creekstone Inn: Luxurious and stylish, the Creekstone boasts storybook-inspired architecture. Such a lovely atmosphere to unwind after your wedding day.
Strawberry Creek Inn: Your perfect mountain getaway for any season.
Hicksville Pines Bud & Breakfast: A lovely bed and breakfast located near downtown. The themed rooms are colorful and unique—which is super fun.
The Fox & Leopard Treehouse: Located in a peaceful neighborhood, this treehouse is as spectacular as it is homey.
Mount San Jacinto State Park Camping: Do you prefer camping to staying in a hotel? Well, this might be the spot for you. Located downtown, this camping area lets you enjoy the best of both worlds. There are spots for RVs, tents, or camper vans. Showers and restrooms are on site.
Elopement Locations in Idyllwild
Head over heels for outdoor elopements? I get it—I adore how intimate elopements let couples focus on one another, while soaking in the majesty of the natural world.
Below is a list of elopement locations in Idyllwild. If you’re interested in any of these, reach out to me and I’ll help you find out how to get married in these spots:
Mount San Jacinto State Park: A stunning 14,000-acre natural sanctuary boasting scenic vistas, pine forests, and panoramic views. There’s even a Palm Spring Aerial Tramway if you want to treat yourself to a bird’s eye view. You must apply for a special use permit, which costs $25. Familiarize yourself with all the rules and regulations when applying.
Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail: This spot requires a little hiking, but if you (and your guests) are A-OK with seasonal stream crossings, it can be a really lovely area for your elopement ceremony. There is so much plant life along the way, it’s a big win for aspiring botanists. While this area is scenic, it’s probably best for weddings under 10 people—and best for couples eloping, just you two.
Idyllwild Nature Center: Miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and even a 200-square-foot special event space for rent. Depending on the season you visit, you can see all sorts of plants and animals in and around this area.
Lake Hemet: This lovely little camping area hosts weddings and special events. With a lake nearby and plenty of green space, it’s a popular spot for Idyllwild weddings. Inquire with Wildflower Weddings at Lake Hemet for more details.
Secret spots around Idyllwild and Mountain Center. There is so much land in this area if you’re willing to look around. Elope with me and I’ll help you find the perfect location!
Where to Get Married in Idyllwild
Got your hearts set on a wedding venue in Idyllwild? Awesome. Here are a few suggestions to catch your eye as well:
Harvey House: With a breathtaking backdrop of the San Jacinto mountains, this wedding venue offers a lovely stay in Idyllwild near Strawberry Creek. This LGBT-owned venue offers both elopement and wedding packages, which is wonderful for couples and guests counts of any size.
Idyllwild Wedding and Events Venue: Here’s an ideal wedding venue for bigger groups—up to 140 guests! The ceremony area is great for an arch, seating, and decorations. The background overlooks the wonders of nature, including boulders and trees. Vendors are welcome, so you can pick and choose eats, drinks, music, and more.
Hicksville Pines: A self-styled “bud and breakfast,” this 10-room hotel is tucked into the majesty of this mountain town. As you might expect from the moniker, it’s a 420-friendly venue. The boutique hotel has unique rooms with fun designs and a wonderful outdoor area for weddings. Plus, it’s only 5 minutes from downtown! P.S. They have a sister venue in Joshua Tree.
The Faerie House: This wedding venue is also an Airbnb with 8 bedrooms. Best fit for micro-weddings, this house is incredibly beautiful with hardwood floors, walls, and plenty of natural majesty outside.
The Fox & Leopard Treehouse: A lovely chalet and venue for your wedding day. This treehouse is ultra-cute, has three bedrooms, and is suitable for micro-weddings.
Cali's Great Escape: A 128-acre ranch wedding venue in Mountain Center, CA. The lodging here is especially cute; with cabins, fire pits, and a Grand Chalet. This location offers several wedding packages and multi-day stays.
Chalet de Tournesol: A Mountain Center wedding venue combining elegance with natural charm. There’s a nondenominational European-style chapel for wedding services with stained glass windows and hand-painted walls. It’s a great place for couples hosting 50 guests or less.
Woodland Park Manor: An intimate wedding venue in the San Jacinto Mountains hosting up to 32 people, lodging in cabins, and fully catered receptions.
Marion View Lodge and Wedding Venue: A large lodge, nestled into the pine trees, this is a good venue for roughly 50 guests.
Getting to and Getting Around Idyllwild
Idyllwild and Pine Cone are a bit out of the way, which is kind of their charm. But basically, you have two major metropolitan areas from which to come from: Los Angeles and San Diego.
Airports:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): A big airport with lots of air traffic. Honestly, it can be a bit disorienting to arrive at this airport and to drive through LA traffic—but it’s also likely to be the less expensive option. I’d recommend renting a car if you or your guests are going from LAX to Idyllwild.
San Diego International Airport (SAN): San Diego is calmer than LA in both the airport and the traffic. It’s a big airport, but sometimes more expensive than LAX. Rent a car if you are going from SAN to Idyllwild.
Palm Springs International (PSP): A much smaller airport, which generally means higher ticket prices. But it’s only about 1.5 hours away from Idyllwild.
Ontario International (ONT): About 1.5 hours away, but also a smaller and pricey flying experience.
Driving:
Please note that road conditions vary depending on the season. Highways 243 and 74 are mountain roads with plenty of twists and turns, so take it slow, especially in winter when snow and ice are possible. Chains may be required after a storm. In warmer months, the roads are clear but always check for fire-related closures or rockslides. Either way, it’s a beautiful drive if you take it slow and steady.
From Los Angeles: From LA, you’ll take I-10 East toward Banning, then hop onto Highway 243, which winds its way up the mountain to Idyllwild. This route takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
From San Diego: If you're coming from San Diego, you'll take I-15 North to Temecula, then Highway 79 South, which connects to Highway 371. From there, you’ll merge onto Highway 74, also known as the "Palms to Pines" Highway, before turning onto Highway 243 for the final stretch. This drive takes around 2 to 2.5 hours.
Getting around Idyllwild
Getting around Idyllwild is pretty simple, but you'll want a car—especially if you plan on hitting any hiking spots, natural areas, or choose an outdoor elopement.
There’s no public transportation, and rideshare options aren’t reliable enough for me to recommend them. But on the plus side, the downtown area is very walkable—with almost all the restaurants, bars, and shopping easily accessible. You might even run into Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller, the town’s mayor!
Idyllwild Elopement and Wedding Day Activities
Your wedding day isn’t just about the ceremony and reception, it’s also about activities (little and big) that make it all the more memorable. Here are a few Idyllwild elopement or wedding activities to think about:
Enjoy a horseback ride. Saddle up with your special someone and see some mountain views.
Go shopping together. There are so many cute shops in the Idyllwild town center.
Grab a morning coffee. Can’t start your day without a cup of coffee? Take a stroll and get your caffeine at Pure Bean Idy or Alpaca Coffee & Tea.
Cast a line and hook a fish. Fishing is such a relaxing activity. Grab your tackle box and your newly-wed spouse to hit the lakes.
Hit up a local eatery. Chow down at one of Idyllwild’s great restaurants.
Pop some champagne. Spray some bubbles to celebrate your nuptials.
Cut your cake. Got that sweet tooth? Cut your wedding cake together.
Do some dancing. Bump some music and get your feet moving!
Stargaze. Peer up through the trees to see the stars, moon, and planets on a clear night.
Partake in some adult beverages. Cheers!
These are just a few suggestions, of course. You two can do whatever you want. It’s your special day, of course! Bring along your photographer for some super spectacular memories captured on film.
Why Leave No Trace (LNT) Matters
This whole area is dazzling. From the lush forests to the mountain views, the cool streams to thick grasses—it’s a lively ecosystem that we are honored to enjoy. One vital action you can take to keep this natural environment happy and healthy is practicing Leave No Trace (LNT) Principles:
Plan and prepare. This includes checking the weather, bringing the essentials, investigating local restrictions, and more. If you have questions, reach out to your elopement photographer or contact a forest/park ranger.
Stick to durable surfaces when camping, traveling, and choosing a ceremony spot. Not only does this help you keep safe, it also reduces the impact you have on the natural environment.
Properly dispose of trash and waste. A good rule of thumb is, “If you pack it in, pack it out.” This includes recycling, trash, and human waste.
Leave what you find. We’ve all been fascinated by a giant pinecone, colorful leaf, or smooth stone. But you’ve got to leave ‘em where you found ‘em.
Minimize campfire impacts. Is your perfect wedding reception a campfire with some friends? Super cute! Remember to practice safe campfire practices, such as checking local restrictions, never leaving a fire unattended, and dousing a fire completely when you are done. If you can put your bare hand over the coals for a full 20 seconds, it’s probably safe.
Respect plants, animals, and wildlife. You should count yourself lucky if wildlife crosses your path or you see a field of flowers on your wedding day. That’s a pretty special moment. But also remember that wildlife is wild, so give it the respect it deserves.
Be considerate of locals and other visitors. Even though it’s your wedding day, the area you are occupying might still be public. It’s okay to politely ask people to respect the ceremony, but since we don’t own the outdoors, you have to make room for everybody.
Best Advice for Your Idyllwild Elopement
As we wrap up, I wanted to share some advice for getting the most out of your Idyllwild wedding or elopement:
Prepare yourself for higher elevations. If you aren’t used to living at a higher elevation, you might notice shortness of breath or lightheadedness. Coming to the area a few days in advance of your wedding day can help you acclimate. Additionally, be sure to stay hydrated, eat enough, and get plenty of sleep. Let your photographer know if you are your guests need any assistance because they feel off.
Expect curvy roads and steep inclines. Getting into the mountains means winding roads and lots of inclines. Drive carefully and take breaks when you need to.
If you’re going out to dinner, make a reservation. Small towns mean smaller labor pools. You might not notice it during slower seasons, but if the tourist count is high, you’ll likely experience longer wait times. Try calling your chosen eateries to see if they take reservations for you and your guests.
Book Your Idyllwild Elopement Photographer
Want a wedding and elopement photographer who loves to make you look good? Celebrate your commitment to this stunning national park. I’ll capture the whole day through my lens so that you can focus on the fun aspects of your wedding day.
Book Love and Latitudes Outdoor Wedding and Elopement Photography today!
Idyllwild Wedding & Elopement Photography Packages
+ 4-8+ hours of coverage
+ Planning and vendor services
+ Location assistance
+ Online gallery with high-resolution photos
+ Option to download images or purchase prints online
+ Travel fees included, minus permits
+ Optional officiant services.
Meet Your California Photographer
I'm Diana Lustig, a California-born adventurer with a camera for a hand and an inborn love for the outdoors. I'm a professional photographer of 15 years and counting. In my free time, you'll find me traveling with my husband in our van, Clyde.
How did I get into wedding and elopement photography? In 2019, I hired adventure photographers for my wedding and they showed me there’s a different, more personal way to get married. It was such a special day, I want to bring it to so many more couples who believe in getting married their own way. Not to mention, we got married in Joshua Tree!