Wildfires are an unfortunate reality in California, and as my time as a wedding photographer there have been many years, they disrupt plans for couples dreaming of their perfect wedding day. If your LA wedding venue has been compromised by fires this year, I know how overwhelming and heartbreaking that can feel.
I’m a California native, and I’ve grown up aware of the devastation wildfires can cause. This isn’t the first time I’ve worked with couples who have lost their venues to fires, and sadly, it won’t be the last. But I also know this your wedding isn’t ruined—it’s just taking a new path.
Los Angeles has been my playground since childhood—it holds memories of my own kids growing up, of weddings I’ve photographed, and of the countless couples who have traveled here from around the world to say “I do.” I love this state, and I want to use my knowledge to help couples find a new plan that feels just as special.
So, if you’re scrambling for options, take a deep breath. Here’s what you can do next.
Contact Your Venue ASAP
First, check in with your venue to assess the situation:
Is the venue still safe and accessible?
Are they offering rescheduling or refunds?
Do they have backup locations within their network?
What’s their policy on force majeure (acts of nature)?
Some venues will work with you to find a new date, while others may have partner locations that can accommodate last-minute shifts. Also, remember many of your venues and vendors are experiencing a lot of stress and have lost so much a little grace as you work with them will go a long way.
Review Your Wedding Insurance & Vendor Contracts
If you have wedding insurance, check if you’re covered for:
- Venue closures due to natural disasters
- Vendor cancellations
- Additional costs for relocating
Even if you don’t have insurance, review your contracts—many vendors have policies for force majeure situations and may offer rescheduling or alternate arrangements.
Find a Backup Wedding Venue
f your venue is unavailable, you still have options:
Indoor venues with last-minute openings – Some venues hold emergency dates for couples affected by wildfires or other natural disasters.
Private estates & Airbnb weddings – Many estates and luxury rentals in Temecula, Palm Springs, and Joshua Tree allow weddings and can be a quick solution.
Courthouse or intimate elopements – If a big venue isn’t an option, a smaller, more personal ceremony can still be magical.
Move your wedding to a new city – If LA isn’t viable, consider nearby areas like San Diego, Temecula, or Santa Barbara, which offer stunning venues and scenery.
Notify Vendors & Guests
Once you’ve secured a backup plan, notify your key vendors (photographer, florist, caterer) to see if they can accommodate the changes. Most vendors will try their best to work with you!
For guests, update them via:
📧 Your wedding website
📲 Group texts or emails
📢 Social media announcements
If guests are traveling, provide new hotel and travel info ASAP.
Consider Eloping Somewhere New
If rescheduling feels stressful, a elopement in California might be the perfect alternative. Some of my favorite locations include:
Yosemite National Park – Iconic views, waterfalls, and granite cliffs
Big Sur – Dramatic coastlines and misty redwoods
San Diego’s Beaches – Laid-back vibes with golden sunsets
Temecula Wine Country – Rolling vineyards with intimate venues
Eloping doesn’t mean giving up on your dream wedding—it means embracing adventure and creating an intimate, unforgettable experience.
Let’s Find Your New Wedding Plan Together
I know firsthand how devastating these fires can be, but I also know that there’s still a way forward. If you need help relocating your wedding or planning an elopement somewhere breathtaking, I’m here for you.
📩 Reach out here and let’s create a new plan that’s just as beautiful and stress-free as your original vision.
Your wedding isn’t over—it’s just evolving into a new adventure. Let’s make it unforgettable.
Leave a comment