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Tips and Ideas
Wedding Vs. Elopement:
Is
there a difference? You Bet! The thing to
remember is; an elopement is the two of you and your
witnesses standing before the minister, not to say that a few more
people can't be part of the magic, but anything over 10 people stops
being an elopement and becomes a wedding! The general rule of thumb
is: If you plan on being escorted to an altar, putting a program
together, have to reserve a location because of additional people,
having to hire a florist or you have to rent chairs and an altar...
you're having a wedding! Not to say that we don't offer full
ceremony services but there is a difference. Full ceremony services
can be found
HERE.
Locations:
The general rule of thumb is: you can have your ceremony on
any public land without a permit. (There are a few exceptions to
this rule such as city and county parks) You may have your ceremony
on private property with permission of the owner (Hotels, resorts,
etc.) Some have a charge, others are very cool if it’s just us and
your witnesses) Sometimes a quick phone call will gain you access to
county parks without a fee (just remember to write down with whom
you spoke and the date).
Time:
Most couples are looking for a sunset wedding and why not?
That’s what Del Mar is famous for! But remember there are certain
times of the year that they (the sunsets) won’t be here! For
example, May and June in Del Mar are known as May Grey and June
Gloom respectively and the coastal clouds are here until Noon and
reappear at 3pm on most days but then there are the times that it’s
sunshine from sunrise to sunset. It’s an unknown. Winter months also
hold the same unknowns. Be sure to click on the “Sunset Times” icon
on the left to check the sunset time on your date.
Weather:
Del Mar is known for its gentle weather year round. Averaging 70’s and
80’s along the coast during the spring and summer months and in the
60’s in the winter. However rainfall is always a possibility during
the winter months (It’s been very rare and we have been waiting for
a very long time) so there may be a need to find an alternate site
for your ceremony.
License:
This is the most important part! The San Diego County Clerk
offices are open M-F with only one office open on Saturday and with
shorter hours. If you are planning to elope to Del Mar on the
weekend, you may want to make it a three day weekend. If you are
planning to be here on Monday, you can still have you ceremony on
the weekend and for a small additional fee we can meet with you on
Monday to take care of the license part. If you are coming from
California you may obtain your general license in your county and
bring it with you (Note: Do not apply for a confidential license as
they are only valid in the County in which it is issued)
<<click here
for more
information>>
Lodging:
We recommend working with the Hotels that have partnered
with Elope to Del Mar however your best bet would be with Expedia
and Priceline. Depending on the location you have chosen, just ask
us what part of town would be best for both the ceremony and for
obtaining your license.
Food:
Everything….and we mean everything can be found in Del Mar! Just let us know what type of cuisine you’re looking for and
we’ll help you locate the best.
Local
Attractions:
There is always something to do in Del Mar! The world
famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park are a must see. There is
Seaworld, Mission Bay and Balboa Park. Plus Del Mar is just about 90
minutes away from Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm and 30 minutes
from the border of Mexico for a day trip to Tijuana. Click on the
“Attractions” icon to view some websites. Also, because of the great
weather found here, there are always street festivals and concerts
in the local communities. There are whale watching tours and day
cruises and so much more. For the Sports fans, we are home of the
Padre’s and Charger’s, surfing and volleyball tournaments. There is
always something happening on any given weekend! |