Eloping
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Steve Haslet
San Diego Wedding Officiant
4000+ happy couples since 1987
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If you’re planning a romantic elopement or small wedding in our beautiful sunny San Diego, including children can add meaning, warmth, and a sense of family unity. Here's little guide to help you craft a memorable, intimate ceremony that welcomes little ones into your celebration.
Whether they are your own or extended family and friends. Just because you are planning a last minute wedding in San Diego... doesn't mean you can't have something really special that reflects your values and include those you love the most.
Why including children in your elopement ceremony can be such a great idea: Choosing to have your children part of the ceremony can create a powerful statement of your unity and new beginnings with a blended growing family. We personally, had 8 children fully participate in our wedding ceremony back in 1987. Three of our own children, and the "cousins". Here in San Diego’s family-friendly venues, beaches, and parks provide idyllic backdrops for not only intimate vows, but some levity and creativity when kids are involved. You underscore the idea that your relationship is a family story, not just a couple’s milestone.
Logistics for eloping with kids in San Diego
Permits and timing: If you’re exchanging vows on Cornonado beach or Balboa park, those locations are free if you keep your group size under 20. But it is good to check city or park district rules. Some locations require permits or have time limits, especially during peak wedding season.
Officiant and vows: Always to a great idea to coordinate with your officiant to craft kid-friendly vows. You might want to include the children by sharing a short moment where children can share a simple blessing or reading. Another more common option is to have your officiant welcome each of the children by name at the beginning of the wedding ceremony. Or at the end, when it may be said ~ We are joining ...then listing the children by name along with bride and groom as a family.
Best San Diego venues for eloping with children
Safety and accessibility:Choose a venue with easy access, shade, seating, and a backup plan for weather—rain or intense sun are common in San Diego depending upon the time of the year.
A place like Sunset Cliffs, while breathtakingly beautiful can be dangerous for children, and stressful for the adults who have to be on constant guard. It's a consideration that should be made prior to choosing your venue. When looking at all of your option, it's good to imagine children running around not paying attention and what the hazards might be.
Of course, the age of the children is a major factor to consider, we've listed some options below.
Beaches with controlled access: La Jolla Cove, Coronado Beach, Mission Beach and Coronado Ferry Landing, Bay Park offer stunning backdrops and gentle sands for a family-friendly wedding ceremony.
San Diego has gardens and parks:
For example, Balboa Park’s green spaces and the gardens provide absolutely gorgeous settings for wedding vows with kids in attendance. 1200 acres of gorgeous grounds! And if you choose an "off" time, you'll avoid the crowds. During the week, in the morning, in the winter and fall. Getting married at the last minute in San Diego doesn't mean you have to give up a heartfelt experience. Presidio Park in Old Town offer dramatic backdrops that are still comfortable for children to explore before or after the ceremony.
Harbor and skyline views:
Seaport Village or Point Loma’s Cabrillo National Monument, along the bay on the Coronado side have gorgeous water views.
Hotels often offer a more secluded elopement with kids, either in your room, or outdoor garden space, or a banquet room setting
San Diego Parks Department also has a web page dedicated to the "Best Wedding Sites" here. And as a San Diego Wedding Officiant, Steve Haslet is happy to travel to these locations to help you have the wedding of your dreams. You can call or text him at 619 674.4332 or use our contact page here.
A few more tips and ideas for a kid-friendly elopement in San Diego
Involve children in the planning ahead of time: Let children help choose a small ceremony reading, ring bearer duties, flower girl or a special moment like releasing bubbles after vows. Or something fun like tossing rose petals during the kiss. Makes for wonderful keepsake photographs.
Consider too, keeping the ceremony "short and sweet" as another option. Aim for ceremony to match children’s attention spans! A brief ceremony can help to keep everyone relaxed and present.
Being prepared is key for comfort : Bring water, sunscreen, hats, and a small seating area, very basic first aid.. bandaids, bee sting ointment and the like. Try your best to schedule photos your wedding ceremony to accommodate to avoid those nap and cranky times. Choose a time when children are typically the happiest.
You'll be able to catch those special moments: candid moments of kids watching the vows or helping with flowers to the unexpected moments that show a family bond and connection.
Vendors with experience for your San Diego elopement with kids
Be sure to let your officiant know ahead of time about your plans. Wedding photographers who are specialize in elopements and family dynamics can capture natural, candid moments of the entire family.
Consider having one of your friends or family members who are familiar with your family--to help with logistics like managing timing, or any unforeseen challenges that might arise. This can free you up to enjoy your day reduce stress.
Final thoughts: a San Diego elopement that honors your family and celebrates a new beginning
Eloping in San Diego with your children by your side... can be a powerful, uplifting experience. By planning ahead a bit ~ around permits and kid-friendly venues, nap times and asking for an extra set of hands, you can create an occasion that blends romance with family unity—resulting in a day you'll look back and cherish forever.
By choosing experienced and patient professionals they will not only reduce your stress, but guide you to having the perfect little wedding on your own terms.
CONTACT STEVE
Steve Haslet • San Diego wedding officiant •
619.674.4332
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