San Juan Capistrano
Elopement
An Oaks Ceremony, Mission Portraits, and Optional Beach Sunset
A Day That Actually Flows
This isn’t just a ceremony in one spot. The day moves naturally through a few of the most beautiful locations in South Orange County.
We start beneath the oak trees at Reatta Park — quiet, shaded, and simple. From there, we head into the historic district for portraits at Mission San Juan Capistrano, where the architecture and light completely change the feel.
If you want to extend the experience, we can finish at the coast for sunset. Everything is close together, so nothing feels rushed and you actually get to enjoy the day.
Ceremony Beneath the Oaks
Reatta Park offers a calm, private setting surrounded by mature oak and sycamore trees. It’s ideal for couples who want something simple and personal without the pressure of a traditional venue.
The natural shade and quiet atmosphere make it easy to stay present and focused on what actually matters.
Portraits at Mission San Juan Capistrano
If you want more, we can take the day to the coast.
San Clemente and Dana Point are just a short drive away, and sunset at the beach brings a completely different energy — slower, softer, and a perfect way to close out the experience.
Extending the Experience to the Coast
Extending the Experience to the Coast
If you want more, we can take the day to the coast.
San Clemente and Dana Point are just a short drive away, and sunset at the beach brings a completely different energy — slower, softer, and a perfect way to close out the experience.
The San Juan Capistrano Elopement Experience
This is more than showing up and taking photos — it’s a fully guided elopement experience built around how the day actually unfolds.
Most couples invest between $3,800 – $7,500, depending on how much of the experience they want to build out — from a simple ceremony and portraits to a full multi-location day that ends at the coast.
If you’re not sure what you need yet, that’s completely normal — we’ll figure it out together.
Additional Options
Every San Juan Capistrano elopement experience can be kept simple or customized with a few optional touches.
Couples sometimes choose to add:
• Sunset beach portraits in San Clemente or Dana Point
• Private ground transportation between locations (highly recommended) so you can relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about driving or finding parking downtown
• Live ceremony music, such as a violinist, harpist, or acoustic guitarist
• Upgraded florals beyond the included bouquet and boutonniere
• Extended photography coverage for more time at the Mission or the beach
Each experience can be adjusted depending on how you’d like the day to unfold.
Celebrate After Your Elopement
One of the nice things about eloping in San Juan Capistrano is that once the ceremony and Mission portraits are finished, you’re already right in the middle of the historic downtown area.
The streets surrounding the Mission — especially along Verdugo Street — are full of great restaurants, wine bars, and small cafes, all within easy walking distance. Many couples like to wander through downtown after their portraits and grab dinner or a drink while soaking in the relaxed atmosphere of the town.
And if the timing works out, I sometimes like to make one last stop with couples at the legendary Swallows Inn for a quick celebratory drink — and of course a few photos inside to remember it.
It’s a simple and fun way to finish the experience before heading off to dinner, sunset at the beach, or wherever the evening takes you.
Whats couples ask about the San Juan Capistrano Experience
Do you need a permit to elope in San Juan Capistrano?
Yes — both locations require permits, and we take care of that for you.
We handle the reservation at Reatta Park for your ceremony and secure access to Mission San Juan Capistrano for portraits. Everything is set up ahead of time so the day runs smoothly without you having to coordinate it.
How many guests can we bring?
Reatta Park allows for small gatherings of up to around 20 guests, making it a great fit for a relaxed ceremony with your closest people.
The Mission is more limited — typically up to 5 people, plus your photographer and coordinator. If you’d like to include more family for portraits, we can arrange extended access so everyone can be part of that portion of the day.
Why use both the park and the Mission?
They give you two completely different looks without complicating the day.
Reatta Park is shaded and quiet, with mature trees that make it comfortable any time of day. The Mission brings in texture, architecture, and reflective walls that photograph beautifully — even in the middle of the day.
Because they’re close together, the transition is easy and the day never feels rushed.
What time of day is best for this experience?
One of the advantages of San Juan Capistrano is flexibility.
The ceremony at Reatta Park can be done at almost any time thanks to the natural shade from the trees. The Mission also works well earlier in the day, with light reflecting off the walls in a way that keeps everything soft and even.
Keep in mind the Mission typically closes around 5pm and is closed on Mondays, so we plan your timeline around that to make the most of the space.