Let's Elope!: Destination: Big Bear, California

I have to confess, you guys. I am still daydreaming over the snowy elopement ideas. AND my handy little stat meter tells me some of you are looking for Big Bear elopement information so this post is for you.

image courtesy Sara Lucero

What's to love: Perfect for the nature lovers - winter, spring, summer, or fall. Big Bear has so many options to choose from if you want to get married outside: in the forest, in a meadow, by Big Bear Lake... Big Bear has it all. There are a ton of romantical cabins you can rent for just the two of you. Many of them are pet friendly, just in case you want to bring Fido as your witness to your elopement. Some of them even have private outdoor jacuzzi's - so perfect in the winter time!

What you'll need and what you need to know:

There are two types of marriage licenses in the state of California - public and confidental.

For a public license: $88, open to the public, may be used anywhere in the State of California, one witness required (besides person performing ceremony).
For a confidential license: $90, not open to the public, photocopies issued to couple only, ceremony must take place in San Bernardino County, no witnesses required, applicants must be living together as husband and wife. Note: Confidential marriage licenses are also offered by certain authorized notaries. For a list of San Bernardino County authorized notaries by location, please click here. TIP: Some officiants can provide a private license for you.

Applicants must be an unmarried man and an unmarried woman and at least 18 years of age with a valid photo ID.
If either of you have been divorced or had an annulment within the last year, you will need to bring a certified copy of the Judgment of Annulment or Final Decree of Dissolution before issuing a license.
At this time, California does not support same sex marriages.
Unusual need: All persons who are members of a religious society or denomination not having clergy for the purpose of solemnizing marriages, must let the clerk know they need a VS 115 form (Family Code, Section 425).
You two lovebirds will have to go to the San Bernadino County Clerk's office together. First call 909-387-8334 to schedule an appointment from Monday-Friday 8:00a-3:30p except holidays.
When you're there, you'll be directed toward a kiosk to fill out a questionnaire. TIP: Go here to read the questions and have your answers ready to save time.