Intimate Elopement at La Valencia Hotel La Jolla

Suzette and Axl’s elopement was the perfect example of how a wedding day can feel calm, meaningful, and intentional while still embracing multiple iconic San Diego locations. They began their day with private vows at the historic La Valencia Hotel La Jolla, followed by a short and sweet courthouse ceremony and romantic bridal portraits in Balboa Park. The day flowed naturally and prioritized presence, connection, and celebrating in a way that felt true to them. They were very in the moment but prioritized photography without performing for the camera. That detail alone makes theirs one of my favorite galleries!

La Valencia Hotel La Jolla

La Valencia Hotel is a great location option for weddings, elopements, or as lodging for your wedding weekend. For both locals & out-of-towners who want the ultimate San Diego/La Jolla luxury experience, it’s a favorite of mine. This La Jolla venue is in a perfect oceanfront location that is walking distance to restaurants you have to experience to believe. As a California elopement photographer, it’s favorite of mine because of the endless photo spots both at the hotel & in the area. Who doesn’t want a combo of stunning indoor & beachy bridal portraits?

Important side note: even if you’re not hosting the ceremony on location, be sure to reach out to the marketing team at La Valencia in advance to give the green light for getting ready and bridal portraits.

Private Vows at La Valencia in La Jolla

With its iconically pink exterior, plethora of hidden photo gems, and luxury service, La Valencia was such a fitting place for Suzette and Axl to begin their wedding day. This historic hotel was the location for getting ready, first looks, portraits, and private vows between the two.  Even with the unexpected rainy weather, there’s such a sense of calm when I look back through their photos. The inclement weather could have been a chaotic start to the day for a couple with a different attitude, but it didn’t phase these two.  Instead, the rain added a romantic, moody feeling to their already intimate elopement day and provided background noise to their private vows. We still managed to get the photos they wanted at the hotel by ducking under the awning to keep dry. Even Kona, their beloved Corgi, was able to join them!

A San Diego Marriage Court Elopement

After their time at La Valencia, Suzette and Axl headed to the San Diego Marriage Court to officially tie the knot. By the time we arrived, the rain had cleared right on cue. Surrounded by their immediate family, they exchanged vows in a simple civil ceremony that felt intimate, relaxed, and full of meaning. Courthouse elopements are such an underrated option for couples who want a no-fuss ceremony without sacrificing emotion. The San Diego Marriage Court offers a straightforward, efficient experience while still allowing couples to keep the focus on what truly matters: showing up for one another and celebrating with the people closest to them.

Balboa Park Wedding Photos

Following the ceremony, we wrapped up the day with bridal portraits at Balboa Park, one of San Diego’s most timeless and versatile photo locations. With its Spanish-style architecture, lush greenery, and tucked-away corners, Balboa Park is an ideal spot for couples who want portraits that feel romantic and editorial without venturing far from downtown. The park offered a beautiful contrast to the moody, rain-soaked beginning of the day at La Valencia and tied everything together with a soft, classic finish. It was the perfect final chapter to Suzette and Axl’s elopement before they joined family for dinner to celebrate.

San Diego Wedding Photography

Hi, I’m Lauren, a California wedding photographer serving San Diego, La Jolla, and beyond!  Fifty years from now, if you’re hoping to look back on a gallery that is bold, nostalgic, and truly one-of-a-kind, I’m your photographer. With a combination of film and digital images, my specialty is photographing weddings and elopements in a way that celebrates every inside joke and candid moment. Ready to work together? Please have a closer look at my  investment guide  and let’s make it happen!

California Elopement Vendors

Photography | Lauren Lucile Creative
Floral |  Berry Blooms Floral Co.
Hair | Jay Kay Braids and Bridal
Makeup | Lacie Pence Makeup