Name: Catalina Island Elopement
Brand: Wedy

Question 1

Do I need a permit to elope on Catalina Island?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most ceremony locations on Catalina Island require a permit. If you book through Descanso Beach Club, they handle the permit process directly. For public beach ceremonies in Avalon, you'll need a permit from the City of Avalon — contact cityofavalon.gov for current fees. Backcountry and island interior spots require a permit from the Catalina Island Conservancy (catalinaconservancy.org), which manages 88% of the island. Your Wedy planning team can help coordinate the right permits for your specific ceremony spot.

Question 2

How many guests can I have at my Catalina Island elopement?

Accepted Answer

For an intimate elopement without booking a dedicated venue, up to 10–14 guests works well within the most common permit limits. Descanso Beach Club can accommodate larger groups — the oceanfront lawn seats up to 450 and the full venue up to 1,200. If you want just the two of you or a tiny group, the island's backcountry trail spots (like Garden to Sky Trail) are designed for micro-elopements of 2–4 people. Vendors such as your photographer and officiant typically count toward the guest limit at permitted locations.

Question 3

When is the best time to elope on Catalina Island?

Accepted Answer

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the best times to elope on Catalina Island. Spring brings wildflowers blooming across the hills, mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation rates than summer. Fall offers warm, clear days and the island settling into a quieter rhythm after tourist season. Summer (June–August) is peak season — the island gets crowded, accommodation fills 3–6 months out, and prices are highest. Winter is mild (55–68°F) but ferry crossings can be choppy in storms. Weekday elopements are strongly recommended year-round for more privacy on the island.

Question 4

How do I get a marriage license for a Catalina Island wedding?

Accepted Answer

There is no county clerk office on Catalina Island, so you must obtain your California marriage license on the mainland before traveling to the island. Visit the LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk — the Long Beach branch is closest to the Catalina Express ferry terminal. Both partners must appear in person with valid government-issued photo IDs. As of October 2025, the license costs $176 (public) or $220 (confidential) in Los Angeles County, has no waiting period, and is valid for 90 days from issuance. Book your appointment at lavote.gov.

Question 5

How much does a Catalina Island elopement cost?

Accepted Answer

A Catalina Island elopement typically costs $5,000–$15,000 total, depending on your vendor choices and how long you stay. All-inclusive elopement packages (photography, officiant, florals, planning coordination) typically range from $3,600–$5,500. Beyond that, budget for ferry tickets ($94 per person roundtrip from Long Beach — check catalinaexpress.com for current fares), permits, accommodations ($150–$500+/night), and meals. Summer weekends cost significantly more than spring or fall weekdays. Check this listing for current Wedy all-inclusive package pricing and what each tier includes.

Question 6

What's included in a Wedy Catalina Island elopement package?

Accepted Answer

Wedy's all-inclusive Catalina Island elopement packages typically include professional photography, a licensed officiant, planning coordination, and florals. Specific inclusions vary by package tier — some tiers include videography, hair and makeup, or additional hours. Your Wedy planning team also handles permit coordination and timeline logistics, including working around ferry schedules. Check the package details on this listing for current inclusions and pricing tiers.

Question 7

What should I wear to my Catalina Island elopement?

Accepted Answer

For a beach ceremony at Descanso Beach Club or Avalon, resort casual to semi-formal works well — flats or wedge heels are appropriate since the venue is on flat, maintained ground. For backcountry or trail ceremonies like Garden to Sky, wear hiking-appropriate shoes and lightweight layers; skip heels entirely on uneven terrain. Year-round, bring a light wrap or layer — ocean breezes off the channel can be 10–15°F cooler than LA. Avoid long cathedral trains for any outdoor island setting, as they'll catch in wind and drag on paths.

Question 8

What time should I schedule my Catalina Island ceremony for the best light?

Accepted Answer

Mid-morning to early afternoon works best for day-trip ceremonies — this keeps you clear of the morning ferry rush and leaves buffer before last ferries depart (typically 4:30–5:30 PM). For the best photography light, target the golden hour just after arrival. In spring, sunset falls around 7:30–8:00 PM and sunrise around 6:15–6:30 AM; in summer, sunset is 7:55–8:10 PM and sunrise 5:50–6:00 AM; in fall, sunset is 6:00–7:00 PM. Overnight stays are highly recommended if you want an evening ceremony or sunrise session — you won't be racing the last ferry.

Question 9

How do I get to Catalina Island for my elopement?

Accepted Answer

Catalina Island is accessible by ferry only — no personal vehicles are allowed on the island. The Catalina Express departs from Long Beach (most frequent, ~1 hour crossing, ~$94 roundtrip — verify current fares at catalinaexpress.com), San Pedro, and Dana Point. The Catalina Flyer departs once daily from Newport Beach (~75 min). From Los Angeles, the Long Beach terminal is the most convenient, especially if you're picking up your marriage license at the nearby Long Beach county clerk branch. Book ferry tickets in advance during summer — boats can sell out on peak weekends.

Question 10

Where should I stay near Catalina Island for my elopement?

Accepted Answer

If you plan anything more than a same-day ceremony, staying overnight in Avalon is strongly recommended — the last ferry back to the mainland typically leaves at 4:30–5:30 PM. Accommodation options in Avalon include Hotel Atwater ($$, centrally located), Pavilion Hotel ($$$), and Mt. Ada B&B ($$$$, a historic hilltop mansion with panoramic views). Two Harbors on the island's western side offers Banning House Lodge, glamping, and campgrounds for more adventurous couples. Book 3–6 months in advance for summer; spring and fall have more availability.

Question 11

Do I need to bring my own officiant to my Catalina Island elopement?

Accepted Answer

California requires a licensed officiant to perform and sign your ceremony — the state does not allow self-solemnizing marriage. Online ordinations through Universal Life Church (ULC) and American Marriage Ministries (AMM) are widely accepted throughout California, including Catalina Island. A close friend or family member can get ordained online and legally officiate your ceremony. Wedy's all-inclusive packages include a licensed officiant, so if you book through Wedy, this is handled for you.

Question 12

Do I need witnesses for my Catalina Island elopement?

Accepted Answer

California requires at least one witness to sign the marriage license for a public marriage license. For a confidential marriage license, no witnesses are required. Your photographer, a friend, or any adult present at the ceremony can serve as the required witness. If you're eloping with just the two of you and want a confidential license, you can skip the witness requirement entirely — just obtain the confidential license ($220 as of October 2025) from the LA County Clerk before traveling to the island.

Question 13

What decorations are allowed at Catalina Island ceremony spots?

Accepted Answer

Decorations depend heavily on your specific venue. Descanso Beach Club is the most flexible for decor — full outdoor event setup is possible, including florals, chairs, and arch setups. For public beaches in Avalon, check permit terms — generally, drones are prohibited, disturbing local wildlife (island fox, bald eagles) is strictly forbidden, and any decorations must be fully removed after the ceremony. The Catalina Island Conservancy prohibits leaving any materials on backcountry trails. Glass containers and anything that could harm the island's fragile ecosystem are not permitted at any outdoor location.

Question 14

What if the Catalina Island ferry gets cancelled on my elopement day?

Accepted Answer

Catalina Express can cancel crossings during winter storms when seas become too rough — this is most likely December through February. If weather is your concern, book your elopement in spring or fall when cancellations are rare. Always purchase travel insurance for a Catalina Island elopement to cover non-refundable accommodation and vendor costs if a weather event forces a cancellation. Your Wedy planning team can also help you identify a mainland backup location for your date in case of an unexpected ferry cancellation.

Catalina Island Elopement

Explore Pre-Designed Packages

Catalina Island Elopement — Essential

Catalina Island Micro Wedding — Classic

Catalina Island Elopement — Premium

Catalina Island Elopement — Essential

Catalina Island Micro Wedding — Classic

Catalina Island Elopement — Premium

Ceremony & Reception Locations

Catalina Island - Descanso Beach Club

Catalina Island - Garden to Sky Trail / Hermit Gulch

El Matador State Beach (Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach)

Point Dume State Beach & Natural Preserve

Catalina Island - Descanso Beach Club

Catalina Island - Garden to Sky Trail / Hermit Gulch

El Matador State Beach (Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach)

Point Dume State Beach & Natural Preserve

Catalina Island - Descanso Beach Club

Curated VendorsPer Service

Photographer

Hair & Makeup

Videographer

Florist

Officiant

Caterer

Bands & DJs

Bar Services

Rentals

Bring your own vendor

Seaside Ceremony

Wedding + Reception

Luxe Elopement

How It Works

Pick Your Package

Seaside Ceremony

Wedding + Reception

Luxe Elopement

Meet Your Planner

Choose Your Vendors

Show Up & Celebrate

How ItWorks

Pick Your Package

Meet Your Planner

Choose Your Vendors

Show Up & Celebrate

Traditional Planningvs Wedy

Enhance YourExperience

Hair & Makeup

Videography

Luxe Picnic

FAQs

Curated Vendors
Per Service

How It
Works

Traditional Planning
vs Wedy

Enhance Your
Experience