A Local Big Sur Photographer's Planning Guide to Eloping in Big Sur
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 local Big Sur elopement photographer who has helped plan and photograph over 200 elopements here, I'm here to help you craft an epic day that feels genuine to your love story. Check out this guide for how to elope in Big Sur, including location recommendations, best months to elope, day-of timelines, and planning tips!
Table of Contents
This Big Sur Elopement Guide covers:
1. Getting Legally Married in California 2. Elopement Locations (Planning a Big Sur Elopement vs. Intimate Wedding, Eloping at a State Park, Eloping at a Venue, Where to Stay, Dog-Friendly Big Sur Locations, Family-Friendly Big Sur Locations) 3. Elopement Budget (Budget Breakdown) 4. Weather and Time of Year (Best Months) 5. Day-Of Timeline (Elopement Timeline, Intimate Wedding Timeline) 6. Planning Tips 7. Things to Do
Already feeling a bit overwhelmed? Don't worry, I promise you that every couple starts off the planning process feeling the same way. This guide is just a way to help you get an idea of what's possible, but I'm here to help guide you every step along the way. As a local expert, my Big Sur elopement packages all include:
Or planning an elopement in under 30 days and don't want to worry about all of this? I also offer an all-inclusive Big Sur elopement package that includes an officiant and coastal ceremony permit. Getting Legally Married in California
Before diving into specifics about getting married in Big Sur, it's important to know about how to get legally married in California. You'll need to obtain a California marriage license, which can be obtained at any California county clerk office within 90 days of your wedding day. You don't have to live in California, or even get a marriage license from the county you're getting married in. The closest county clerk office to Big Sur is the Monterey County Clerk Office near Monterey Regional Airport, but you could also go to the Santa Clara County Clerk Office near San Jose International Airport, or even San Francisco City Hall near San Francisco International Airport if you want to see the stunning courthouse building while you're in California. Because county clerk offices are open during regular business hours, be sure to plan your travel dates accordingly so that you have at least one weekday before your elopement to pick up your license. Each office has its own policies on whether they take walk-ins or appointments.
California issues two types of licenses: public marriage licenses, and confidential marriage licenses. Most couples get a public marriage license, which requires an officiant and at least one witness. Don't worry about needing a stranger to sign your marriage license though - typically your photographer will sign as your witness! And if you don't have an officiant in mind, some photographers offer officiant services as well (in the cases of couples that I work with, my husband often officiates!) Some couples will opt for the confidential marriage license, which requires the couple to be 18+ and living together as spouses. The confidential license still requires an officiant, but no witness. If you prefer to get legally married at home but celebrate your wedding day in Big Sur, you can do that as well. You would then obtain your marriage license back home and have your legal ceremony there - this can be a courthouse ceremony. Note that your marriage license would have the date and location of your legal ceremony rather than of your elopement day in California. But who's to say you can't celebrate the date that's meaningful to you, or even both? On the elopement day, you can then choose to do a non-legal ceremony (everything except the signing of the marriage license), or have a private vow reading without an officiant. 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 elopement galleries for ideas!
Planning a Big Sur Elopement vs. Intimate Wedding
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.
Why does guest count matter so much when getting married in Big Sur?
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. Beyond the north end of Big Sur, there are some landmarks but there are few and far in between. Due to Highway 1 closures which are common and can last for months (even into the summer and fall), I highly recommend staying within the north side of Big Sur - you'll thank yourself later! As of March 2024, the full Highway 1 route is slated to reopen in late spring 2024, more than a year since the closure. So if you're planning on driving the full San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip, be sure to plan for detours!
Eloping at a State Park
COAST: Garrapata State Park Garrapata State Park is one of the easiest to access and most beautiful spots for cliffside coastal views. This area is just 15 minutes south of Carmel & Monterey, which offers more options for accommodations and restaurants for an intimate dinner reception. It has countless turnouts from Highway 1, each one leading out to the coast where you can spend hours adventuring there. One thing to note about Garrapata State Park is that the best spots often are found by location scouting beforehand, as many of the trails are hard to distinguish from another until you spend time exploring them. Because of the constantly changing landscape, I highly recommend hiring a photographer who is familiar with the area and able to work with you to find back-up locations. To get married here, you'll need a wedding permit which costs $400 for up to 25 people or $550 for up to 50 people, with a $75 rush fee for permits requested less than 60 days prior to the event date. Permits are not issued on holiday weekend dates. For elopements or intimate weddings with under 10 people, you can work with a planner that already has a permit and insurance for the area (like me!) and have your ceremony there for a lower fee. This means you don't have to fill out any paperwork, and you can get the micropermit anytime before your date - even if it's a last minute elopement! Trust me, I've helped couples plan elopements even with less than a month lead time. If you're not having your ceremony but still want to take photos here, your photographer will need to apply for a photography permit (for couples eloping with me, I already pay for an annual photography permit so you're covered!) Your photographer will need to know where in the park they will be taking photos, so make sure you have someone who knows the trails. REDWOODS: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park | Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park | Limekiln State Park (closed) 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. But this can be a great option if you're looking for a redwood location to take portraits! For Pfeiffer Big Sur and Julia Pfeiffer Burns, the elopement permit costs $425 for up to 10 people (children and vendors included), with a $75 rush fee for permits requested less than 45 days prior to the event date. This permit can only be obtained on weekdays unless you are having a campsite elopement or not having a photographer. If you're not having your ceremony but still want to take photos here, your photographer will need to apply for a one day photography permit (for couples eloping with me, I already pay for an annual photography permit so you're covered!) Your photographer will need to know where in the park they will be taking photos, so make sure you have someone who knows the trails! This permit is also limited to Monday-Thursday dates. 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 a few challenges to be aware of:
Eloping at a Venue
Many Big Sur hotels and venues allow elopements onsite, oftentimes with a 2-hour ceremony site rental. This is usually the simplest and least expensive option, where sometimes chairs may be provided but otherwise the rest is up to you! Some offer all-inclusive Big Sur elopement packages that include accommodations, ceremony/reception sites, coordination, and catering. Check out these Big Sur elopement venues:
If you're not sure about which venue fits for what you're looking for, I'm here to help as your elopement guide and photographer and can provide you with more info on the ins-and-outs of each venue! In addition to these venues, I also have access to private and unlisted venues.
GLEN OAKS BIG SUR
See photos from R + M's Glen Oaks Big Sur Elopement and D + A's Glen Oaks Intimate Wedding. For a romantic escape to a cabin in the woods, Glen Oaks Big Sur is the way to go. 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. Elopements with no guests are allowed for no additional site fee as long as you are staying there, making it one of the best spots for elopements. For intimate weddings, the Fairy Circle can be booked for a ceremony for up to 20 people with the booking of the Bridge House property, a beautiful 2-bedroom house with a full kitchen, living room, and dining room. For weddings larger than 20 people, a lawn ceremony site is available. If you're looking to also host your reception onsite, the Big Sur Roadhouse is available for private receptions and allows outside catering. For more detailed information, check out the Glen Oaks Elopement and Wedding Guide.
BIG SUR GRANGE
See photos from R + M's Big Sur Grange Wedding and B + B's Big Sur Grange Wedding Situated right next to Glen Oaks Big Sur, this community hall offers a ceremony and reception site perfect for intimate weddings with guests. There are various options for ceremony sites, ranging from a small redwood grove to a maple grove along the river. Big Sur Grange can be rented for a minimum of 2 hours for up to 15 people, or a minimum of 4 hours for up to 50 people. One downside is that Grange shares a parking lot with Glen Oaks, so if there is a wedding at Glen Oaks, it can feel like your ceremony is in a parking lot. Choose an off-peak date (Monday through Thursday) and/or off-peak season to avoid this.
BIG SUR LODGE
See photos from J + M's Big Sur Lodge Intimate Wedding. Nestled right in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Big Sur Lodge brings you right into the redwoods. With both elopement packages for 2-10 guests and wedding packages for larger events, it's a beautiful redwoods ceremony site with the option to host an intimate dinner reception on the patio. Popular trails at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park are just within walking distance of the ceremony site, but just be sure to obtain a photography permit for the park as well which must be on a Monday through Thursday date. One thing to note about Big Sur Lodge is that it can be somewhat public with hikers walking within viewing distance of the ceremony site, so keep that in mind when planning!
HENRY MILLER LIBRARY
See photos from S + D's Henry Miller Library Wedding. An eclectic place of art, music, and literature, Henry Miller Library offers a unique wedding ceremony/reception site for intimate weddings, with the choice of either the lawn or redwoods canyon for a minimum of 2 hours for up to 30 people. You might even run into the friendly cat roaming the grounds! The redwoods canyon is perfect for those who don't mind a little adventuring - it'll bring you right to an intimate space where you can say your vows under the giant trees. Henry Miller Library can only take a certain number of elopements per year, however, so you may find that they are booked up if planning less than a year in advance.
LOMA VISTA GARDENS
See photos from S + B's Loma Vista Gardens Wedding and W + B's Loma Vista Gardens Wedding A little different from the redwoods and coastal venues - Loma Vista Gardens is a magical garden venue with a few different ceremony sites. It's perfect for a whimsical wedding, with a yurt onsite for getting dressed and countless paths throughout the multi-level garden. For elopements and intimate weddings, Loma Vista offers 2-hour elopement packages for up to 12 guests, 5-hour mini-microwedding packages for up to 20 guests, and 8-hour microwedding packages for up to 25 guests.
WIND & SEA
See photos from K + J's Wind and Sea Wedding. For an intimate wedding overlooking 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. Highway 1 road closures are also more likely to affect Wind & Sea due to how remote it is, so plan accordingly.
HYATT CARMEL HIGHLANDS
See photos from E + J's Hyatt Carmel Highlands Wedding. With an oceanview gazebo, Hyatt Carmel Highlands offers some of the best sunsets over the coast. It's a short 15-minute drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea, making it an easy choice for those wanting an intimate ceremony site that also has accommodations for guests to stay at. And just a short 5-minute drive down Highway 1 is Garrapata State Park, one of the best places for coastal views. Hyatt Carmel Highlands does offer 90 minute ceremony rentals that include a getting ready room, ceremony on the gazebo, and cocktail hour, but this can only be booked closer to the date.
THE SUR GROVE
See photos from D + C's Sur Grove Elopement. Tucked away on a windy road off Highway 1 is the Sur Grove, a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom redwoods cabin. This 1930's cabin has an enclosed front yard where you can have a ceremony for up to 10 guests. While it doesn't have redwoods trails of its own due to being in a residential area, it's the perfect getaway for those looking for a cabin in the redwoods experience, has a stocked kitchen for those wanting a space to cook, and includes living spaces perfect for entertaining a few guests. This cabin is just 15 minutes from the coastal state parks and 30 minutes from the redwoods state parks.
VENTANA BIG SUR
See photos from H + E's Ventana Big Sur Elopement and B + D's Ventana Big Sur Intimate Wedding. One of the most iconic and romantic resorts in the United States, Ventana Big Sur offers elopement and intimate wedding packages for those looking for an all-inclusive package. Though more expensive than most other Big Sur venues, it has a variety of activities within the resort, from dining at the Glass House where you can watch the sunset, to getting up close with falcons, to walking around its own private redwoods trails. With two main ceremony options - one that's a vista point overlooking the ocean, and another that's in the redwoods, it is the perfect place to go for a luxury experience. For those wanting to bring their pup(s) to their elopement, it's also one of the most dog-friendly hotels in Big Sur!
THE VILLAGE BIG SUR
See photos from A + D's The Village Big Sur Wedding. Newly opened in 2024, The Village is the place to go - whether it's getting coffee and pastries in the morning, grabbing brunch on a Sunday, sitting down for a 4-course dinner, or even taking a yoga class. Better yet, The Village also serves as a private event venue, offering both ceremony and reception options with menus curated with care that highlight local farms and seasonal produce. This beautifully designed space is centered around its hearth, a focal point that reflects its heart for community gatherings, but walk around and you'll also be charmed by its rustic wood panel walls, industrial garage doors, and romantic string lights that light the patio at night.
AIRBNBS + VRBOS
See photos from W + B's Intimate Wedding, B + A's Intimate Wedding, and K + J's Intimate Wedding. If you've ever imagined a wedding weekend, Airbnbs and Vrbos might be the option for you! Instead of just focusing on celebrating one day, you can spend a weekend or week together with your loved ones, exploring the Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur area together (see the list of Things to Do on the bottom of this blog post!) There can be something so special about getting your loved ones together in the same place and having spaces for everyone to spend time together. Whether that's having an intimate dinner in the backyard under the stars, or playing board games in the living room, or cooking together in the kitchen, there are so many beautiful memories you can make together. If you are planning on having your wedding at an Airbnb or Vrbo though, always check with the owner beforehand. Keep in mind that there are more risks involved, such as last-minute cancellation from the owner and liability issues, site fees may apply, and you'll need to account for some extra drive time if you're getting ready in the Monterey Peninsula instead of Big Sur.
BIG SUR ELOPEMENT PACKAGES
Some luxury resorts in Big Sur offer elopement packages that already have select vendors included. This can include the ceremony site, photographer, officiant, and/or bouquet/boutonniere. Additional hours of photography, hair/makeup, dinner, or other vendors typically cost extra, and most packages have a minimum stay requirement at the hotel as well. Big Sur elopement packages from resorts like Ventana Big Sur and Post Ranch Inn range from $5,100-$7,800 for a 1-hour elopement with no guests and $6,500-$10,000 for a 1-4 hour intimate wedding with guests. If you don't need an all-inclusive package though, I highly recommend booking your own vendors! This will allow you to better personalize your day and allocate your budget for the vendors that matter the most to you. For couples planning an elopement in a time crunch however, I do offer an all-inclusive Big Sur elopement package specifically on the coast that includes an officiant and ceremony permit to make things easy!
Where to Stay in Big Sur
For places to stay, most of the venues above provide accommodations, so you may want to choose a hotel based on where you want to get married. For a cabin-in-the-woods experience, check out Glen Oaks Big Sur for modern cabins, Deetjen's for rustic cabins (and friendly cats!), or maybe even glamping at Ventana Big Sur. For a more luxury resort stay, Ventana Big Sur and Post Ranch Inn can't be beat. If you're wanting to be right by the coast, check out Hyatt Carmel Highlands and Tickle Pink Inn. For more budget-friendly stays in Big Sur, check out Big Sur Lodge, Big Sur River Inn, or Big Sur Campgrounds. Alternatively, you can also find plenty of accommodations outside of Big Sur including Airbnbs and Vrbos, and just make Big Sur a day trip! Just keep in mind that if you'll need to account for some extra drive time if you're getting ready in the Monterey Peninsula instead of Big Sur.
Dog-Friendly Big Sur Locations
Big Sur is not known for being especially dog-friendly, but that definitely doesn't mean you can't bring your dog to your elopement! It's just a 30-45 minute drive to Carmel, one of the most dog-friendly cities and perfect as a home base if you're wanting to be closer to restaurants, activities, and shopping. There are so many different ways to include your dog in your day - whether that's booking a dog-friendly hotel and getting ready with them, choosing a dog-friendly ceremony site, or spending some time at the beach running around with your pup. I believe pets are a part of the family (we named ours Bixby after the bridge!) so don't worry, I got you. As part of the planning services included, I provide a list of dog-friendly hotels, ceremony sites, and restaurants, as well as ideas on how to incorporate your dog into your day.
Family-Friendly Big Sur Locations
There's something so special about getting to join two families together - whether that's a private elopement with just the parents and kids, or an intimate wedding with family to witness the celebration. While not all locations and hotels in Big Sur are family-friendly (Ventana Big Sur and Post Ranch Inn have 18+ requirements), there are a handful of spots that are perfect for bringing your family with you on your elopement day. And the best part about getting married in Big Sur is that you're rarely staying in one place - so you can always get ready at one hotel, have your ceremony nearby, and take portraits at a different location to get the best of both worlds. 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 - because you won't have to budget for a traditional wedding, or do you prefer to keep it low key? Remember, you don't have to do anything! Many couples do their own hair/makeup, skip the bouquet, or do burritos on the beach instead of a fancy dinner.
Alright, but give me some numbers, right?! Most couples spend between $9,000-$13,000 for their Big Sur elopement. Here's a sample breakdown of how couples typically budget for their elopement with no guests:
For an intimate wedding with guests, budgets can range widely depending on how many guests you have, what day of the week and season your wedding is, and what you envision your day to look like. Do you envision having a house for your guests to spend the day at, maybe having a floral arch for your ceremony and a private chef with beautiful table settings? Or do you envision a day more focused on exploring the Big Sur landscapes, maybe renting a 2-hour ceremony site and a private room at a restaurant? Most couples spend between $13,000-$25,000 on a Big Sur intimate wedding with guests. Here's a sample breakdown of how couples typically budget for their intimate wedding:
Big Sur Elopement Weather and Time of Year
Located in the northern part of California, Big Sur is absolutely beautiful year round - I've photographed some of my all-time favorite elopements even in the winter! This area is also known for its microclimates. That means that the 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 it is in the redwoods especially due to the wind, hence why many couples prefer to start their day in the redwoods and end on the coast. So if there's one thing to know about Big Sur weather, it's that it can be sunny on one moment and cloudy the next in any time of year.
There are definitely some advantages to eloping in off-season - though it's a bit chillier, you get to avoid the crowds, and some of my all-time favorite trails are only accessible in the winter due to the poison oak overtaking these trails during the warmer seasons. Spring and fall are typically peak season in Big Sur. The spring brings more wildflowers and greenery, though there is a chance of rain. The fall brings warmer weather, though that also means having a few hot days that get up to the 80's and 90's (which might be uncomfortable when hiking in your wedding attire, plus hot weather also brings more gnats especially when there's no wind!) If you are sensitive to heat or cold, choose a time of year that makes sense for you. Wildfire season is one other important factor to be aware of. This is typically during the late summer and fall. Pfeiffer Beach, which is managed by the Los Padres National Forest, often has closures during this time in order to concentrate firefighter efforts in California. During the winter, Pfeiffer Beach also closes for periods of time due to road flooding in the winter and spring. Because of the unpredictable nature of eloping outdoors, it is important to hire someone who is familiar with the Big Sur area in case you need to change plans. As a photographer shooting in Big Sur year round, you can rest assured that I've navigated everything from rescheduling when it comes to all-day rain forecasts, to changing locations when certains spots are closed or inaccessible due to wildfires, road closures, or overgrown with poison oak. The best part about eloping in Big Sur is that there's no scarcity of incredible locations!
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 Big Sur Elopement Day Of Timeline
Your elopement day deserves to be treasured and documented with the same care and importance whether you have 0 guests, 10 guests, or 100 guests. Think of your day as a day to be experienced and a day to make memories - it's not just about the epic landscapes! Your wedding day starts the moment you wake up. And one of the best things about choosing to elope is that your day can be anything and everything you want it to be. Do you love to share slow mornings together, drinking a warm cup of coffee, dancing in the kitchen as you make breakfast? Start your elopement day doing exactly that! Love to play board games? Pack your favorite game and play it in your cabin or at a picnic on the beach. Procrastinated on your vows? Spend a little quiet time together writing your vows. Want to get ready together but also still have a first look? Get ready in a place where you can still talk to each other or get walkie talkies. The options are truly limitless!
Elopement Timeline (No Guests)
6 HOUR TIMELINE
1:00 - 2:30 Getting Ready in a Cabin 2:30 - 2:45 First Look in the Redwoods 2:45 - 3:15 Ceremony 3:15 - 4:15 Adventuring in the Redwoods 4:15 - 5:00 Pack Up and Travel to Coast 5:00 - 6:00 Picnic on the Beach 6:00 - 7:00 Chasing the Sunset on the Coast Intimate Wedding Timeline
8 HOUR TIMELINE
12:00 - 1:30 Getting Ready 1:30 - 2:30 First Look + Portraits in the Redwoods 2:30 - 3:00 Ceremony Details 3:00 - 3:30 Ceremony 3:30 - 4:00 Family/Group Photos 4:00 - 4:30 Travel to Coast 4:30 - 6:30 Chasing the Sunset on the Coast 6:30 - 7:00 Travel to Reception 7:00 - 8:00 Toasts + Dances + Guest Candids
For more help on planning, check out the step-by-step guide to planning your elopement!
Big Sur Elopement Planning Tips
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:
Planning on making it a road trip? Here's an itinerary for things to do when driving from Big Sur to Monterey to Santa Cruz to San Francisco. Monterey / Carmel / Pacific Grove
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:
Fully inspired and ready to start crafting a day full of adventure together? We cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience working with Lynn as our photographer, and Keith as our officiant!Lynn was amazing to work with from beginning to end. She sent us a ton of inspiration and ideas to really help us dream up how we wanted to spend our special day. Lynn was super open to fun and unique ideas – and because we opted for 8 hours (which we highly recommend… why not! it’s your special day!!) we were able to really have fun and make our day everything we wanted it to be, including multiple dance parties! She was also so amazingly organized and had a helpful list of recommended vendors and Google Map of all the key places that clearly showed the different beautiful locations to make it suuuper easy. We were in Big Sur, it was our first time visiting, and Lynn was clearly an expert in the area. She took us to all the most beautiful places that we would never have been able to find without her and probably aren’t in any guide books! Lynn was like a photographer, Big Sur guide and most importantly, friend all in one. Eloping can feel very surreal but it was really wonderful to have Lynn there with me. Lynn is a wonderful human being and just has a lovely spirit, warm vibe and we instantly felt super comfortable with her. I am a super type A person and did a ton of research and overthought every decision ever. But PLEASE benefit from my experience and make your life easy and reach out to Lynn, you will be SO HAPPY and not regret it!! I would recommend her to anyone. -J+G, Big Sur Elopement Oh my goodness there are so many things to say about Lynn!I'll start off by saying that my fiancé (now husband) and I decided to elope during the pandemic and we had no idea where to even begin. I magically stumbled upon Lynn's website where she offered elopement packages in the redwoods of Big Sur. After scrolling through all of her incredible photos on her blog, and also realizing how OCD detail oriented she is (my kind of woman), I was immediately sold. Lynn was very kind and we decided on the 6 hour elopement package which gave us enough time to travel to all the photography spots I wanted (+time for 1 more!!). She very quickly sent over her very detailed and organized wedding planning checklist that literally has everything you need to do to plan your wedding. If I didn't have that checklist, I would've been totally lost! She was so organized and had thoughtful touches like links to photo examples of each location site, local restaurants that she recommends, make up/hair artists, officiants, tips, venues, and all the possible site venues on her personalized google maps. We chose to elope at Glen Oaks Big Sur in the redwoods, which I HIGHLY recommend!! So beautiful and picturesque! We then got to travel to the beach/coast to take incredible photos. Lynn knows all of the beautiful spots and knows exactly how to capture the light to make a beautiful photo even more stunning. Hanging out with her the whole day was just like hanging out with a friend! We also chose to have her husband, Keith, officiate our wedding and he wrote the sweetest words that truly made our ceremony so special. I couldn't be happier with how our photos turned out and if you have any doubt in hiring a photographer for this area...DO IT!!!! I interviewed a few make up artists and they all agreed that Lynn was THE photographer to have, who can get very booked because literally everyone wants to work with her. So definitely reach out to her ASAP and see what the hype is for yourself. Your only regret will be not getting the date you want because you took too long to book with her! -E+C, Big Sur Elopement Words cannot express our gratitude, respect, and appreciation for Lynn (Artist/Photographer) & Keith (Officiant/Robin-hood).They made us feel like family and very special! It stormed during our wedding day and I was anxious all night afterwards, wondering if I messed up the photos by looking like a disaster; My now husband comforted me all night and morning, he continued to repeat, “Dude, we have Lynn, she’s the best there is, it will be perfect”. Lynn worked tirelessly to get us our preview, it was so fast, unexpected and such a treat to open, we can't stop staring at our photos!Our sincerest thanks goes to their team for making our Big Day so EPIC! Our family and friends are in awe of your photography, they could not wait to share it with others. Lynn, your talents/artistry belong in galleries, magazine covers (Vogue, National Geographic, Conde Nast), and shared internationally. You are a compelling story teller through the lens; a compassionate believer in true love stories; and a visionary through unknown paths and unexpected events. Thank you so much for staying calm and putting up with all my long-detailed emails and endless anxiety. I hope you know that you are worthy and deserve all the beautiful things in this world. Keith, your compassion spoke wonders through your ceremony, you made our love story come to life with your beautiful words. It was like you have known us as a couple since the beginning. Thank you so much for braving the cliffs (and staying balanced) to position my train perfectly, carry my hair brush, drag around my bouquet, and endless other tasks!! Lastly, your handkerchief saved my hands (I feel and face planted into the ground), you are genuine and thoughtful, and Lynn is so fortunate to have you as a life partner! Both together were absolutely dynamic! We are extremely beyond blessed to work with Lynn & Keith Lewis; They were the coolest team to collaborate and experience new adventures together! We even asked if we could be their forever friends, and they accepted! -D+B, Big Sur Elopement The hardest part about planning our elopement day was getting the process started.Once I found Lynn's profile and reached out to her, rest was so easy! Not only is her work beautiful but she is responsive, professional and made us feel so comfortable during our ceremony and the photoshoot. Her husband, Keith, made our ceremony feel so special and personal and we felt as if we'd known them for many years! If you are thinking about eloping, I recommend Lynn and Keith 100%. If we had to do it all over again, we would choose them again and again! Trust me, you won't regret it. -P+T, Big Sur Elopement Lynn is a fantastic elopement and wedding photographer and was such a joy to work with.Lynn is a fantastic elopement and wedding photographer and was such a joy to work with. I found her elopement guides through Pinterest, fell in love with her photography style, and the rest is history! She is an AMAZING resource for someone planning their own destination elopement like I did. She was so helpful and responsive through the planning process. Because my husband and I eloped just us two, Lynn and her husband Keith (who was our officiant) were a big part of our elopement. They helped us stay calm and focus on enjoying our day, while ensuring it went exactly as planned (like when almost forgot my veil in the hotel!) She turned our photo previews around in 1 day (amazing!!), and I was shocked at how beautiful they turned out. She is a true artist. If it was socially acceptable, I would decorate my entire house floor to ceiling in our wedding photos! When you hire Lynn, you get SO much more than a photographer. We are so so grateful! - E+N, Big Sur Elopement We chose Lynn to photograph our elopement-style wedding because of her style of photography and knowledge of the area we wanted to get married (Big Sur).She went beyond our expectations!! She captured every moment and emotion throughout the day beautifully. We are not used to being photographed and were concerned we may look awkward but she helped "pose" us (more so set up moments for us) without it looking or feeling stiff. Although our ceremony start time was 45 minutes later than anticipated (my fault), she kept us on track with our photoshoot so we could get to our desired locations and have enough time without feeling rushed. Thank you Lynn for sharing and documenting this day with us! - C+D, Big Sur Elopement
16 Comments
5/27/2020 09:43:59 am
Such a great informative post! Anyone wanting to elope in this area should check this out! Also, your photos are absolutely so beautiful!
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5/27/2020 10:35:02 am
This is such an amazing resource! So much detail has been packed into this!
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Chelsi
5/27/2020 10:44:45 am
This is amazing and so informative! Big Sur is on my list of places to visit and now I'm even more excited!
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Julia
5/27/2020 05:56:44 pm
Wow, this article is packed with information! This made me so excited about visiting Big Sur!
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5/28/2020 08:55:32 am
Wow, this is such a helpful post! Big Sur is such a beautiful place to elope!!
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Heather
5/28/2020 09:38:29 am
This is a wonderful guide on Big Sur!! Your photos are so stunning too!!! <3
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Michael Lambert
8/1/2020 04:18:30 pm
This is an amazingly comprehensive article. Thank you so much for the effort put in!
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2/17/2021 12:49:51 am
"Browse our Designe <a
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Alli Timberlake
6/26/2021 04:11:00 pm
Thank you so much for this detailed post! It’s so helpful. I do have one question that maybe you could answer. A few other blogs have said that elopements/weddings aren’t permitted on Pfieffer Beach during certain months of the year (including October, when me and my fiancé are looking to elope there!) Just trying to find the right info! Haha. It’s our number one spot so I hope that’s not true!
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Lynn Lewis
7/6/2021 03:51:29 pm
I always recommend calling the office and asking, as policies can change. But from my last communication with the office that manages Pfeiffer Beach, elopements are allowed but weddings are not. Make sure to take into consideration weather conditions and parking though! The wind is no joke, and I've found parking to be difficult even on weekdays.
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11/3/2021 05:29:44 pm
I like how you mentioned that the next step is to choose the location of your elopement after you envision what your ceremony would look like. A close friend of mine mentioned to me last night that he and his fiance are planning to have an elopement and asked if I have any idea what is the best option to do. Thanks to this informative article and I'll be sure to tell him that they can consult a well-known wedding ceremonies services as they can answer all their questions.
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Nicole Fedora
10/19/2022 10:03:10 pm
Wow what amazing info - this REALLY HELPS organize ones thoughts! Thank you! I've been telling my fiancé - I just want to get married under a tree with great photography - Done - ..... little did I know it was so complicated even to do that. I had no idea permits were even a thing! Thank you for breaking everything down.
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11/8/2022 11:40:59 pm
Thank you for mentioning that choosing the location of your elopement ceremony is the first choice. My sister stated that she desired a lovely location for her wedding. I'll assist her in selecting an elopement venue for her wedding.
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11/17/2022 09:46:04 pm
It helped when you mentioned that adventure elopement won't make you stay in one place. My friend wants to have an adventure for his wedding. I think it's best to have an adventure elopement photographer to capture every moment.
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