When is the best time to elope in Big Sur?

The best time to elope in Big Sur is May through November, when there's a low chance of rain.

Do I need a permit to elope in Big Sur?

Most state parks do require permits to elope in Big Sur. Some parks, like Pfeiffer Beach and Limekiln State Park, do not require permits.

How do I get a Big Sur elopement permit?

To obtain a permit, go to the state park's website and email the Special Events Coordinator for more info. You can also call the phone number listed on https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=23428.

Are there any locations in Big Sur that don’t require a permit for elopement?

Pfeiffer Beach and Limekiln State Park do not require permits.

What are the best locations to elope in Big Sur?

Garrapata State Park is best for coastal views, Pfeiffer Beach is best for the beach, and Glen Oaks Big Sur is the best venue for redwoods.

What’s the best time of year to elope in Big Sur?

Most couples choose to elope between April-November, since these months have lower chances of rain. The spring is popular for wildflowers, and the fall is popular for warmer weather.

How much does it cost to elope in Big Sur?

Most couples spend between $9,000-$13,000 for their Big Sur elopement, including photographer, accommodations, ceremony site, wedding attire, hair/makeup artist, officiant, florist, and food. For an intimate wedding with guests, most couples spend between $13,000-$25,000.

What’s the weather like for a Big Sur elopement?

Weather can quickly change from one mile to the next even within the same day. You could get warm sun in the redwoods and foggy clouds on the coast. Typically, it can be 5-10 degrees colder on the coast than in the redwoods, especially due to the wind. Be prepared for all different weather conditions.

Can I have guests at my Big Sur elopement?

Absolutely! Whether you're eloping at a state park or a venue, you can include guests on your wedding day. There are important factors to consider when including guests: accessibility, seated vs. standing ceremony, parking, bathrooms, and cost.

What activities can we do after our Big Sur elopement?

Most couples spend their elopement day adventuring from the redwoods to the beach to the coast, taking advantage of all the stunning scenery of the California coast! You can even drive a classic car down the famous Highway 1, stop by the iconic landmark Bixby Bridge, or have a romantic picnic or first dance on the beach.

Are there any photography restrictions for elopements in Big Sur?

All state parks require obtaining a photography permit to take photos in Big Sur. Some permits may restrict use of certain trails or days of the week. To obtain a permit, visit https://film.ca.gov/.

BIG SUR ELOPEMENT & WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

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Let's be real. Trying to plan your wedding or elopement can be overwhelming.

You've gone round and round over where to get married, whether it's just the two of you or your closest loved ones, and of course, budget. Sometimes it feels like the more information you get, the less confident you are that you're making the right decisions. Maybe you've always dreamed of getting married in a jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring place surrounded by nature. You then stumbled across photos of Big Sur, but you've never been there before. Where do you even begin?

But what if you were excited to plan your day, because instead of it being overwhelming, you couldn't wait to sit down together and look at all the amazing places you could explore?
What if you got to check off a bucket list location you've always dreamed of going?
What if you got to be fully present, savor every moment, and just honestly have fun on your wedding day?
What if you had someone walking alongside you who's rooting for you, for your vision, your dreams, and your love story?

Here's the secret - you don't have to do this alone. You don't need to have 12 different tabs up on your computer, you don't need to deep dive into the 3rd page of Google, you don't need to call every state park and venue and wonder why no one can get back to you with the information you need.

Check out the free planning guides to get started

Couple on the cliffs for their Big Sur elopement

How to Elope in Big Sur

Garrapata State Park coastal ceremony in Big Sur, California

Top 10 Big Sur Wedding Venues

Couple playing guitar for their redwoods elopement in Big Sur

30 Unique Ideas to Personalize Your Elopement

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You know that feeling

you get when you’ve met your dream person and know they’re the one you want to marry? Like it was the best decision in the world? Well, I felt the same way when my (now) husband and I met Lynn and Keith. Lynn was so helpful and understanding during a stressful time in our lives. The moment I opened the door and she started talking, it was like the stress just melted away.

On such a nerve wracking day, Lynn was able to help guide us on our day and everything felt so perfect and easy. Brian and I are super awkward with photos, and they turned out more beautiful than I can imagine. Lynn and Keith are both so heartwarming and professional at the same time - you can’t help but to wish they were your friends too! -C+B

Amazingly talented photographer

who has mastered her craft! Dare I say book your wedding around her availability (haha)! Her photos are next level and she is truly an artist. From the start, she is professional and through with communication (phone, text, email…) and has easy to access portals to ensure we were on the same page with timing, locations, vibe, etc. On the big day she was a pleasure to work with! She’s kind, relaxed and makes you feel comfortable in front of the camera. There was a hiccup in plans and she rearranged on the spot, with no hesitation. She never felt intrusive, or invasive or in your face at any moment- which was a topic of conversation for guests at the wedding that I didn’t expect. Just another example of Lynn’s professionalism. The DAY AFTER she sent over a teaser album that is magical :) everyone is in awe when they see the photos because they truly are spectacular! Conclusion: WORK WITH LYNN! You will not regret it. Photos last forever. -D+C

Lynn was my number one choice

photographer for our April elopement, so to say I was thrilled when she had availability for us is an understatement. I could go on for days explaining how wonderful she is! Not only was she super responsive and thoughtful throughout the planning process but her level of professionalism is unlike any other. She has a really kind spirit and was able to make us feel comfortable throughout the whole process. She knew exactly how to keep the flow of the day, and I appreciated her style of letting us be who we are as a couple. Her talent really shines though and creates phenomenal photos! We also had the pleasure of meeting her husband and having him as our officiant. His words were absolutely beautiful! He was so natural and was such a good fit for us personality wise. We couldn't have been more happy with how our ceremony went and wholeheartedly recommend Keith! You won't go wrong with this duo! Thank you a million times!! -J+B

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How does it all work?

1	Tell me all about your story and what your dream wedding or elopement would look like. If you could do anything, what would it be? Let's brainstorm your ultimate date day.

2

You've got a million questions, I got the answers. I've curated a comprehensive Big Sur Elopement & Wedding Planning Checklist - a working checklist that walks you through everything you need to know, from ceremony locations, to video walkthroughs, to hidden gems on the coast, to local vendors, to a customized day-of timeline created just for you. We'll work together to craft a day that's unique to you.

3	Your wedding day is here. We'll adventure on the Big Sur coastline, taking in all the incredible views that only those who've explored the area know about. You'll get to experience a one-of-a-kind day, and look back on authentic photos that bring you back to your favorite memories.

Your advocate to help you craft a day that tells your story.

Hi, I'm Lynn. I've got an honest truth to tell you - as an introvert, I never thought I'd be a wedding or elopement photographer. But what I realized is that being an elopement photographer is not just about taking photos. It's about connecting with couples in a deeply personal way. It's about telling a couple's story in a way that makes them laugh, cry, and everything in between.

Maybe you feel like the wedding industry doesn't reflect who you two are. Maybe you feel awkward in front of the camera. Maybe you have a vision but have no idea how to get there because you're planning from out of state and have never been to Big Sur before. I'm here to tell you, I've got your back.