Glamis Sand Dunes provides the MOST BREATHTAKING backdrop for your elopement day. The golden sand dunes sit about 2 1/2 hours away from downtown San Diego, and they sneak up on you as you cross deserted towns into an Arabian sandy type of bliss. Because the dunes are out in the desert, the best time to plan your elopement would be early morning or during Southern California’s winter months in order to avoid extreme heat. The winter months become Dune Bug season, so while it’s easier to sleep in, get ready, and make an evening of your elopement, having your elopement at sunrise would be the PERFECT option to avoid bigger crowds and really provide that intimate setting you are looking for.

While it was VERY tempting to want to set up a drool-worthy floral backdrop, nothing can be physically set up on the dunes without permission and payment to the park. When we first pulled up to the parking lot, there were 2-hr parking spots set up. From there, you are able to walk around in the dunes, but we did not go too far out because 1. Quick movin’ dune buggies 2. sand is hard as heck to walk around in hahah

On this particular day that we visited, the wind was blowing pretty hard on the top of the dunes, but down in the lower areas, it was quiet, calm, and it felt like we were the only people in the world. It was romantic, intimate, and once the sun started to set, we had a ball laughing and dancing, barefoot and wild.

If you’re thinking of eloping at this beautiful destination, keep these things in mind and you won’t regret spending a morning or evening at this incredible spot that makes you think you ran off to a far off magical land.

BIGGEST of thanks to this talented team for create the best evening ever..

Photographer: @Laurs_turner

Hosts: @laurs_turner + @velazquezphotography

Model: @Christinaheavenn

Hair: @s.b.whimsicalhair

Makeup: @Uniqueandflawless

Calligraphy: @sillylittleletters

Florals: @Reed_ and_rye

Dress: @marymebridal

Suit: @friartux