Point Reyes National Seashore — just an hour north of San Francisco — offers fog-kissed beaches, rugged cliffs, windswept trees, and expansive shoreline views. Perfect for couples who want a coastal elopement with wild, cinematic scenery.

📝 1. Special Use Permits for Weddings

Point Reyes requires a Special Use Permit for weddings or any ceremony. Even small elopements (especially with vendors or guests over ~25 people) should reach out early — 30 days minimum processing time is typical.

👉 Where to get info/apply:

• NPS Point Reyes Permits & Reservations: https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm
• Contact the park’s Special Park Uses office by email for the correct forms and guidance.

💡 Weddings are considered “special events” under park rules, so planning and approval are essential.

📍 2. Best Ceremony Spots in the Park

Point Reyes doesn’t have a rigid “wedding location list,” but these kinds of settings are popular among eloping couples:

• Drakes Beach — wide sandy shore with cliffs
• Point Reyes Lighthouse overlook — dramatic ocean horizon
• Cypress Tree Tunnel — iconic, moody photo backdrop
  (Note: exact spots may require permit review — always check before you plan your ceremony at a specific site.)

💍 3. Marriage License Info

Like Yosemite, you’ll need a California marriage license for a legally binding ceremony. The closest major office is at the Marin County Clerk’s Office (San Rafael):

• https://www.marincounty.org/depts/bs/clerk/records/marriage-licenses (search “Marin County Clerk Marriage License”)

📅 Planning Tips

• Consider off-season sunrise sessions for dramatic light and fewer visitors.
• Park rules prohibit drones without prior approval.
• Pets must follow leash rules if you include furry friends.

Summary: Point Reyes combines epic coastal landscapes with relatively simple permitting — ideal for couples seeking a seaside ceremony with big skies and big waves.