Frequently Asked Questions
With so many elopement services to chose from, why Runaway to San Diego? The service of Elope to San Diego™ is designed for the couple (and a few friends) as an alternative to going to the courthouse or to Las Vegas. Simple, romantic and none of the headaches, pressures and stress associated with a bigger elopement or small wedding. There is nothing to plan other than transportation, lodging if needed and obtaining your license. Really, it’s that easy. Remember, an elopement is running away with your beloved to make it easy and you can make it and it should be, stress-free.
Beware of wedding or elopement services making unsubstantiated claims. ANYONE can say they’ve been performing weddings in San Diego for generations. Some create their own emblems proclaiming they are the BEST, the BIGGEST, the OLDEST or MOST TRUSTED. Those claims don’t mean a thing without an objective, 3rd party accreditation or governance to back them up or actually issued these honors to them! Do your homework; check reviews on Wedding Wire, Yelp and others before you decide who to trust with your most important day!
Do you offer a Military Discount? Not for our Runaway to San Diego services as our special is already lower than our Military rate with Elope to San Diego.
Can we have chairs and an altar? Sorry but no. Remember, it’s just the three of us…
Do I have to get my license in California? Yes! Do not bring a license from another State, it is not valid in California. You may obtain a Marriage License from any County in the State and bring it with you. Your license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
May I have my family and friends at the elopement? You are limited to a MAXIMUM of 17 witnesses with our Runaway to San Diego Special.
Do I get to choose the location? Of course but is based on availability. Services are offered on Coronado Island at the Coronado Dunes and Oceanside at the Cassidy Street beach access point.
Do we meet prior? This is an elopement, there are no meetings, interviews, ceremony reviews, etc. We’re the simplicity of a courthouse wedding but with a much prettier view!
Are you available for a rehearsal? This is an elopement and there is no rehearsal as there is nothing to rehearse.
Can we review or write our own ceremony? No, and this would not be an elopement. Remember, the concept of Runaway to San Diego is to make your elopement simple, special and romantic at a beautiful location rather than the courthouse. We do offer our couples the opportunity to speak openly to each other during the vows part of the ceremony if desired, and also include one of the two acts of celebration listed and offered, there is no written ceremony to review or edit.
Do you work with coordinators? As this is an elopement there would be no need to hire or work with a coordinator. If so, you would just be having a small wedding. If you have one already, that’s okay however, they would not be needed at the ceremony site for any reason and would be better served for your plans before or after. We do not work with coordinators nor do we book third party for elopements simply because there is nothing to coordinate with the ceremony!
In addition… We only work with couples directly and do not allow wedding services to have an additional fee added to ours and do not participate in any “package” deals or offers with coordinators. Remember, we are here to serve and save you money!
Do I have to use your photographer? Yes! This is a ceremony and photography package that is being offered. Rest Assured, each Elope to San Diego photographer has been associated with us for over 10+ years. All are PROFESSIONAL wedding photographers. After a few THOUSAND elopements we’ve seen more couples get ripped off by newbie or overpriced photographers. The best news is; not one complaint from any couple has been received… If you already have a photographer you wish to work with you may wish to search other elopement services in the area.
What if I have to cancel the date and time? The retainer is non-refundable and non-transferable to another date, time or location. You will have to agree to this numerous times during the booking process so there is never a misunderstanding of the terms; non-refundable and non-transferable.
What if it rains? The ceremony must go on! We provide a large three person umbrella in case of showers or rain. Remember, it’s good luck if it rains on your special day! If you secure another location in the same area, simply let us know and we will try and do our best to accommodate your new request of arrangements. Most couples ask us to join them at their hotel or at the restaurant they will be going to as most of very excited to allow this to happen when there is an emergency. Just call them ans ask….
Do you get the permits for us if we need one? A permit is still not required for a small gathering (like our elopements) at our designated Coronado Island location and Oceanside location.
Can we include our children? Yes, of course and it brings such a wonderful element to your ceremony.
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