Big Sur Elopement Guide

When it comes to elopement locations in the US, Big Sur is one of the top places people come to get married. With its vast coastal views and redwood forests, it's a place full of wonder and natural beauty. As a Big Sur elopement photographer and a local who spends countless weekends exploring the endless trails in the area, I'm here to help you craft an epic day that feels genuine to your love story. Check out this guide for location recommendations, best months to elope, day-of timelines, and planning tips! (Updated October 2020)

Table of Contents

This Big Sur Elopement Guide covers:
1. Elopement Locations (Eloping at a State Park, Eloping at a Venue, Unique Places to Stay)
2. Sample Budget (Lower vs. Higher Budget)
3. Weather and Time of Year (Best Months)
4. Day-Of Timeline (Elopement Timeline, Intimate Wedding Timeline)
5. Planning Tips
6. Things to Do
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Big Sur Elopement Locations

Where to start when planning your Big Sur elopement? There are so many locations to elope in Big Sur - the first decision is choosing where you want to have your elopement ceremony. Remember that unlike a traditional wedding, you don't have to stay in one place! Do you imagine saying your vows under the giant redwoods? Or overlooking the coast with the ocean waves behind you? Think about what inspires you and makes you two feel the most like "This is so us." If you're still not sure, check out these elopements for ideas!

​Once you narrow down what you envision your ceremony to look like, the next step is deciding whether you want to elope at a state park or a venue. While both state parks and venues offer redwood and coast views, logistics-wise it is typically easier to plan for a coastal ceremony at a state park, or a redwood ceremony at a venue. One of the best ways to get the best of both worlds is to elope at a redwoods venue and then continue on to the coast for portraits.
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Eloping at a State Park

• Best for coastal or beach views
• Ideal for 0-10 guests
• ​Less expensive
• Less privacy
• Close to more budget-friendly lodging and amenities in Monterey/Carmel

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Eloping at a Venue​

• Best for redwoods
• Ideal for 0-20 guests
• ​More expensive
• More privacy
• May be all-inclusive with lodging and dinner options at inn or hotel​

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Overview of the Big Sur Landscape
If you haven't ever been to Big Sur, you may not realize that it is actually quite a large area and can take up to 1 hour to drive from the north end to the south end. Many of the coastal areas are in the north end whereas the redwood areas are in the middle and south end. As you drive down Highway 1 from Carmel, you'll start to see the stunning coast of Big Sur the moment you leave town, starting with Garrapata State Park. Known for its coastal trails, this is the perfect place to start your adventure. Continuing down Highway 1, you'll cross the iconic Bixby Bridge. Once over the bridge, you won't find many coastal access spots, but you'll start to see the giant redwoods in Pfeiffer Big Sur and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Parks. ​​From there, you'll find Big Sur venues, hotels, and restaurants. If you're planning for both the redwoods and coast, plan for 30-45 minutes of travel between the two.

Eloping at a State Park
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COAST: Garrapata State Park | Andrew Molera State Park | Point Lobos State Park
Garrapata State Park is one of the easiest to access and most beautiful spots for cliffside coastal views. To elope here, you'll need the elopement permit which costs $400 for 1 hour for up to 25 people, with a $75 rush fee for permits requested less than 60 days prior to the event date. This area is just 15 minutes south of Carmel & Monterey, which offers more options for accommodations and restaurants such as Il Tegamino or Mission Ranch Hotel and Restaurant for an intimate dinner reception.

REDWOODS: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park | ​Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park | Limekiln State Park
Eloping at one of the redwood state parks can be trickier, as you do have to pre-select specific locations within the park and are limited to very narrow trails. If you aren't ready to hike and check out the area beforehand, it may not be the best option for you - check out the redwood venues instead. For Pfeiffer Big Sur and Julia Pfeiffer Burns, the elopement permit costs $300 for 4 hours for up to 10 people (children and vendors included), with a $75 rush fee for permits requested less than 30 days prior to the event date. If you're not having your ceremony but still want to take photos here, you'll need to apply for a photography permit and are limited to Mondays-Thursdays. *Due to COVID-19, the Big Sur state parks have implemented stricter requirements and guest limits for elopement permits. Check the park website for details.
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BEACH: Pfeiffer Beach (*not state park) | Garrapata State Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is famous for its hole-in-the-rock formation, and rightfully one of the must-see spots in Big Sur. Good news - permits are not required to elope here! However, there's 2 challenges:

1. If the parking area is full, you won't be allowed to enter until other cars have left.
2. During rainy season, the road may be flooded over.

But it is one of the rare free options to elope in Big Sur, which is a huge plus!

​Eloping at a Venue
Many Big Sur venues offer all-inclusive packages that include accommodations, ceremony/reception sites, planning, and catering, which is perfect for intimate weddings of 10-25 guests. But they can also work for elopements with no guests as well! Check out these Big Sur elopement venues:

​Cabin in the Redwoods: Glen Oaks Big Sur | Big Sur Grange | Big Sur Lodge
Luxury Coastal Stays: Post Ranch Inn | Ventana Big Sur | Wind & Sea | Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Redwood and Garden Venues: Loma Vista Gardens + Big Sur Bakery | Henry Miller Library

Glen Oaks Big Sur
For a romantic escape to a cabin in the woods, Glen Oaks Big Sur is the way to go. Elopements with no guests are allowed for no additional site fee as long as you are staying there. For intimate weddings, the Bridge House can be booked for a ceremony for up to 20 people.* The property is separated into two areas - the upper area with the Adobe Motor Lodge and Oak Tree Cottages, and the lower area with the Redwood Grove and Bridge House. A trail connects the two, and continues onto Dorwood Camp which is the perfect place for an intimate elopement in the redwoods. Check out photos from H + K's Glen Oaks Big Sur Elopement! *Due to COVID-19, Glen Oaks is currently only allowing elopements with no guests and will be reconsidering intimate weddings starting May 2021. Check out the nearby Big Sur Grange for 2021 intimate weddings.
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Loma Vista Gardens
For mountain or garden views, Loma Vista Gardens offers two different elopement sites for a private 2-hour ceremony for up to 25 guests. It is one of the rare places where you can get above the cloudline for a ceremony overlooking the valley. If you're looking for a venue to host your ceremony and dinner all in one place, Loma Vista also offers intimate wedding packages on weekdays and select Sundays. Check out photos from G + P's Loma Vista Gardens Wedding!

Wind & Sea
​For an intimate wedding by the ocean, Wind & Sea Estate offers a luxury getaway and an elopement special for up to 12 guests. Because most Big Sur hotels discourage group bookings and gatherings onsite in order to preserve the peace and quiet of the surroundings, this is the place to go if you've always imagined having your loved ones staying together in one house for the weekend! One thing to note is that Wind & Sea is farther south - be sure to account for a 30-60 minute drive to iconic Big Sur views.
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Unique Places to Stay
If you're planning to elope in a state park or a venue without accommodations, the perfect way to start your day is by getting ready in a romantic cabin or glamping. Alternatively, you could have your elopement at an Airbnb, but always check with the owner beforehand as most Airbnb's in the Big Sur area do not allow events. Keep in mind that there are more risks involved, such as last-minute cancellation from the owner and liability issues. Check out these unique places to stay: ​

For more luxury stays, check out Treebones Resort with yurts overlooking the ocean and one-of-a-kind tree nest or Ventana Big Sur Glamping for glamping in the redwoods.

Alternatives to Big Sur
​While the Big Sur coastline can't be beat, if you love the redwoods but are looking for more budget-friendly lodging, dinner options, and accessibility to an airport + major city, Santa Cruz (just north of Big Sur) is a great alternative! This coastal town has redwoods everywhere you look, more cabin options, beaches for days, and a cute downtown area to boot. For eloping in a state park, Henry Cowell State Park - famous for its 40-acre grove of old-growth redwood trees - offers a redwood ring for weddings up to 20 guests and a picnic lot for weddings with up to 150 guests. Check out the Santa Cruz Elopement Guide or How to Plan an Elopement in the California Redwoods Guide for more info!
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Big Sur Elopement Budget

Elopement budgets can range widely depending on what you want for your day. As you envision your wedding day, think about what's most important to you. Do you envision a luxury getaway or an outdoors adventure? Do you want to elope with just the two of you, or have a few closest loved ones to celebrate with you? Is this your chance to splurge on the details that matter to you - like a dream photographer, or a dream dress, or a floral installation - because you won't have to budget for a traditional wedding, or do you prefer to keep it low key?

Another thing to keep in mind is that Big Sur is quite far from town - the nearest towns of Carmel and Monterey are 30-45 minutes away from the center of Big Sur, which means that options for accommodations, venues, restaurants, and local vendors are limited and tend to be on the higher end as Big Sur is a destination getaway. Most couples spend between $4500-$7000 for their elopement (typical costs include accommodations, photography, wedding attire, hair/makeup artist, officiant, bouquet, and dinner).
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Big Sur Elopement Weather and Time of Year

Located in the Northern part of California, Big Sur can be absolutely beautiful year round - I've photographed some of my all-time favorite sessions even in the off-peaks months of November or January. There are definitely some advantages to eloping in off-season - you get to avoid the crowds, and some of my all-time favorite trails is only accessible in the winter! With that said, when planning for your elopement, considering weather is important because there's typically less flexibility to change plans last minute. One thing to note is that Big Sur can be sunny on one day and cloudy on the next in any time of year - in fact, there have been years where I've seen more sunny days in the winter than in the summer. Also note that wind can be a factor - coast and beach areas tend to be windier than redwood areas.

SPRING (April, May): 60-70°F, 15% rainy days in a month
SUMMER (June, July, August): 70-80°F, 5% rainy days in a month
FALL (September, October): 60-70°F, 10% rainy days in a month
​WINTER (November, December, January, February, March): 50-60°F, 30% rainy days in a month

What about time of day? Sunsets in Big Sur are absolutely stunning, whether you get the pink and yellow hues on a sunny day, or the foggy mist setting over the coast. Redwoods are best in the late afternoon, as it can get dark a few hours before sunset, whereas coastal views are best around sunset (anywhere from 5-8 PM depending on time of year). If you're planning to do both, start with the redwoods and end at the coast!

Big Sur Elopement Day Of Timeline

I absolutely believe that your wedding day should be treasured and documented with the same care and importance of a traditional wedding. Whether it's just the two of you saying your vows to each other on the coast or just spending quality time with an intimate group of your closest loved ones, your elopement can be a full day of adventure and celebration. The options are endless - from cooking dinner in a cabin with your favorite love songs playing in the background, to picnicking on the beach and making s'mores over a bonfire with your best friends. Here are sample timelines to get you started:

Elopement Timeline (No Guests)

6 HOUR TIMELINE
2:30 - 3:30 Getting Ready in a Cabin
3:30 - 4:30 First Look in the Redwoods
4:30 - 5:00 Ceremony
5:00 - 5:30 Travel to Coast
5:30 - 7:30 Couple Portraits at the Coast
7:30 - 8:30 Picnic and First Dance on the Beach
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4 HOUR TIMELINE
3:30 - 4:00 First Look
4:00 - 4:30 Ceremony
4:30 - 5:00 Couple Portraits in the Redwoods
5:00 - 5:30 Travel to Coast
5:30 - 7:30 Couple Portraits at the Coast/Beach
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Intimate Wedding Timeline

7 HOUR TIMELINE
2:00 - 3:30 Getting Ready
3:30 - 4:30 First Look + Portraits
4:30 - 5:00 Ceremony Details
5:00 - 5:30 Ceremony
5:30 - 6:00 Family/Group Photos
6:00 - 7:30 Sunset Couple Portraits
7:30 - 7:45 Travel to Reception
7:45 - 8:00 Reception Details
8:00 - 9:00 Toasts + Dances + Guest Candids
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5 HOUR TIMELINE
3:45 - 5:00 First Look + Portraits
5:00 - 5:30 Ceremony Details
5:30 - 6:00 Ceremony
6:00 - 6:30 Family/Group Photos
6:30 - 7:30 Sunset Couple Portraits
7:30 - 7:45 Travel to Reception
7:45 - 8:45 Toasts + Dances + Guest Candids
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For more help on planning, check out the step-by-step guide to planning your elopement!

Big Sur Elopement Planning Tips

• ​Hire a local photographer who is familiar with Big Sur and knows the trails. I cannot emphasize how much of a difference this makes - most of my favorite spots are unmarked trails that took many trips of exploring to find. As a Big Sur elopement photographer, I spend my weekends stopping at every turnout, scouting out trails and marking down the ones that would be absolutely perfect for an epic Big Sur elopement. These spots are oftentimes so hidden that you would never know they were there. Imagine standing on a cliffside without a single other person in sight and just taking in the vastness of the coastal views with the love of your life - that's the magic of Big Sur I love sharing with my couples, which is why I provide my couples with a detailed map of specific locations to choose from.
• Save maps offline and double check all meeting locations. There is almost no cell service in Big Sur, so it's important to plan meeting locations with your guests and vendors ahead of time. Turnouts can look very similar and difficult to differentiate from one another. To ensure that we can find each other, I recommend my couples to 1. Download the Google map offline. 2. Favorite the meeting location. By doing so, you will be able to route to the location even with no cell service. Another option is meeting in Carmel and then heading down to Big Sur together.
• Be prepared for wind on the coast. Big Sur can be known for being windy, particularly at coastal locations. Many couples prefer to have their ceremony in the redwoods for this reason. If adventuring to the coast, have your hair/makeup artist plan accordingly with extra pins and hairspray. If you have a veil, please be aware that sometimes it can be too windy to keep it on.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You are in nature after all! Many trails can be steep and rocky, but these often lead to the best views. Wear hiking shoes or boots that have good grip for ease of travel. For cute and functional hiking boots, check out Kodiak, Blundstone, or Danner shoes.
• Learn to recognize poison oak. It is common in the area (particularly in the spring/summer, but is present year-round) and grows on many coastal trails and redwood forests. I recommend bringing Tecnu to wash out any poison oak oils. If you suspect you have brushed up against poison oak, immediately wash with soap and cool water. Poison oak can also remain on clothing for months, so wash clothing and shoes as well. 
• Prep everything that needs to be brought in. If bringing a Bluetooth speaker, download songs offline and test it beforehand. If bringing in decor, check with the location to make sure that decor is allowed. Only bring what can be carried by hand and packed up, as trails often require walking up and down stairs. Avoid leaving things like flower petals so we can leave the land as we found it.
• Know your comfort levels. You might see epic photos on the cliffside and immediately fall in love, but it's important to talk between the two of you about how comfortable you feel with heights and adventuring as sometimes one partner may feel less comfortable than the other. If you’re not sure, I would recommend either choosing easier trails, or arriving early and checking out the trails yourself to gauge your comfort level. There’s absolutely no pressure to do anything you don’t want to do - there are plenty of beautiful trails on the main path that are easy to access and still provide beautiful views of the coast.
• Remember that your Big Sur is a place of adventure! It’s an incredible place of beauty and wonder, but it is also not a traditional venue. That often means working with different weather conditions, maneuvering around the crowds, and changing plans if certain turnouts are blocked off. But as an experienced Big Sur elopement photographer, my job is to work with all different conditions and help you create an unforgettable wedding day!

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Big Sur Things to Do

Big Sur is the perfect getaway if you want to create a full weekend of adventure or extend it to a road trip for a week long honeymoon. Besides hiking through the coast and redwoods, here are things to do in Big Sur:

• Browse books at the Henry Miller Library
• Take a late night dip at the seaside Esalen Hot Springs
• Plan a romantic dinner at Nepenthe overlooking the coast
• Start your morning with fresh bread from Big Sur Bakery
• Photograph the iconic Big Sur spots of Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach Keyhole, and McWay Falls

​Make It a Road Trip: Things to Do from Big Sur to San Francisco

• Head to Monterey and watch sea otters play at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Go whale watching with Discovery Whale Watching
• Ride horses on the beach with Monterey Bay Equestrian Center
• Kayak through Elkhorn Slough to see all the otters with Monterey Bay Kayaks
• Head to Watsonville and pick strawberries at Gizdich Ranch
• Head to Santa Cruz and start the morning with a mocha from Verve Coffee
• Grab a pesto chicken sandwich at Zoccoli's Delicatessen for a picnic on the beach
• Try seasonal ice cream flavors topped with roasted marshmallow fluff at The Penny Ice Creamery
• ​Ride rollercoasters and indulge in nostalgia at Santa Cruz Boardwalk
• Head to San Francisco and eat shrimp and grits and beignets at Brenda's French Soul Food
• Settle the coffee or tea debate and try milk tea at Boba Guys and coffee from Ritual Coffee
• Hike Land's End from Sutro Baths or the Presidio for views of the Golden Gate Bridge
• Climb steps for a view of the city at Bernal Heights Park
• Row a boat from Stow Lake Boathouse in Golden Gate Park
• Grab a beer and take a tour of Anchor Brewing Company
• Learn how to make chocolate or try the chocolate flight at Dandelion Chocolate
• Cross the Golden Gate Bridge to the see the coast at the Marin Headlands

Let's make it happen!

Don't worry if you're in the early planning stages and feel a little lost! As a Big Sur elopement photographer, I provide all of my couples with:

• Planning and consultation calls to get to know you and help you craft a day that focuses on what's important to you
• Ceremony, venue, and dinner options with information on permits, costs, and guest limits
• Map with specific redwood, coast, and beach locations and information on hike difficulty
• Sample timeline customized to what you want documented on your wedding day
• Suggestions on how to personalize your day
• Vendor recommendations to make your day a little more magical
• Tips specific to Big Sur to help your day run smoothly

Fully inspired and ready to start crafting a day full of adventure together?

Let's do this!