My fiance and I planned to elope to a European destination.
COVID got in the way of those plans.
Instead the two of us had to plan our wedding and honeymoon stateside. I didn’t want to get married close to home. That means everyone would feel they would need to travel for my wedding. I wanted it far enough away to discourage people and for it to feel like a real elopement. I hunted through all different states but I liked California the best. California is just prepared for tourism. There is so much to do there. You can do wine tours, go shopping, stay on the beach and get pampered in fancy hotels. I wasn’t too worried about the cost of the trip since you only get married once. I looked along the coast of California because I wanted my pictures on a beach. Santa Cruz seemed to be surfer and tourism like. I chose Santa Barbara since the area seemed more luxurious and that it catered to wealthier clients. I found a ton of beautiful hotels complete with spa services. I settled on one place that was right on the beach and would work with me for my wedding. Afterwards, my new husband and I will spend a few days in Santa Barbara before moving onto other cities in California. I think 2-3 days in the area should be sufficient. I want to do some shopping, eat at good restaurants and I also want to visit a cannabis dispensary. Our state only allows for medical cannabis. It will be neat to see a recreational cannabis dispensary.