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How to Plan a Big Sur Elopement
Top 10 Big Sur Wedding Venues
How to Plan a Big Sur Proposal

How to Elope in Big Sur (2025): Locations, Planning & Permits

5/14/2025

17 Comments

 

How to Plan a Big Sur Elopement: The Ultimate Guide for 2025​

Couple eloping at Big Sur coastline
Couple on the Cliffs for their Big Sur Elopement
Intimate elopement in Big Sur redwoods
Big Sur is one of the top places people come to elope, and for good reason! With its epic coastal views and redwood forests, this gem on the California coast is a place full of wonder and natural beauty. But it can also be a daunting and overwhelming process trying to figure out how to get married here. Common questions that pop up:
  • Can I get married at a state park?
  • What are the best places to elope?
  • How much does it cost to elope in Big Sur?
  • What's the best time of year to elope?
As a local photographer specializing in Big Sur elopements, I've had the privilege of capturing over 200 weddings and elopements, from spontaneous cliffside ceremonies to intimate redwood settings, and even luxury elopements at the area’s high-end resorts. But many of the couples I work with have never visited Big Sur or planned an elopement before. If you're in that same boat, this guide is the perfect starting point to determine if eloping in Big Sur is right for you and what steps to take next. I'll show you what's possible here, but don't worry about finalizing all the details on your own - I'm here to fill in the gaps with customized insights, recommendations, and tips based on your unique story to ensure your Big Sur elopement reflects exactly what you envision. Ready to begin planning your perfect day? Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

This guide covers:
  1. Why Elope in Big Sur?
  2. Getting Legally Married in California
  3. Where to Elope in Big Sur
    1. State Parks vs. Venues
    2. Big Sur Elopement Packages
    3. Where to Stay in Big Sur
    4. Dog-Friendly Locations
    5. Family-Friendly Locations
  4. How Much Does a Big Sur Elopement Cost?
  5. Best Time of Year to Elope in Big Sur
  6. How to Create a Day of Timeline
  7. Planning Tips
  8. Big Sur Travel Guide and Things to Do
​

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for quick answers? Here are the most frequently asked questions about planning an elopement in Big Sur.
Where can I elope in Big Sur?
There are two types of locations that you can elope at: state parks and venues. State parks typically require obtaining a permit to hold a ceremony there. Venues offer various packages to elope there, ranging from no fees if booking a hotel stay, to hourly site fees, to all-inclusive elopement packages.
Do I need a permit to elope in Big Sur?
There are two types of permits you might need: wedding permit and photography permit. 
  • Wedding Permit: If you're having your ceremony at a state park, you'll likely need to obtain a wedding permit, sometimes also called a special event permit. There are a few exceptions to this (Pfeiffer Beach and Limekiln State Park do not require permits). If you're getting married at a venue, you won't need to worry about this.​
  • Photography Permit: If you're taking photos at a state park, your photographer will need to obtain a photography permit. If you're taking photos at multiple state parks, your photographer will need a separate permit for each park. If your photographer holds an annual permit for that specific state park, you won't need to worry about this.
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. Here are some helpful factors to consider:
  1. ​Ceremony/Venue Options: For elopements with 0-10 people, you'll often find more ceremony and venue options. You might even choose to get married at a state park! If planning for 10-25 people, you'll be more limited by ceremony and venue options. Some state parks only offer elopement permits for up to 10 people (vendors included), and hotels/venues often have different packages for intimate weddings. Consider the experience as well: Will you have a standing or sitting ceremony? Will your guests need an accessible ceremony location? Are there kids or older guests? Will you be hosting a dinner reception?
  2. Timeline: While there's no rulebook to how you want to spend your wedding day, couples planning an elopement with 0-10 people tend to focus more time on adventuring from the redwoods to the coast with just the two of them, oftentimes picnicking on the beach and returning for dinner at a restaurant after sunset. Couples planning an intimate wedding with 10-30 people may not want to spend 2-4 hours away from their guests, or may want to host a more formal dinner reception at a venue to celebrate. 
  3. Budget: While it's usually already assumed that more guests = higher costs, these costs can increase significantly when planning for Big Sur. With no guests, couples tend to spend between $0-600 on a ceremony site fee or permit. Ceremony sites, venues, and permits that accommodate larger guest counts range between $600-7000.
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 vendors do I need for my Big Sur elopement?
At a minimum, most couples hire a photographer, officiant, and ceremony site (whether it's a state park or venue). Some photographers can also serve as a planner. Other vendors can include hair/makeup artist, florist, picnic, videographer, musician, private chef.
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. For more ideas, check out the blog post on 30 Unique Ways to Personalize Your Elopement.
How do I plan a Big Sur elopement?
Here's the process when working with me:
  1. We chat about your story, what inspires you to elope in Big Sur, and what's most important to you. I'm here to answer any of your questions, to help you feel at ease in knowing that you don't have to figure this all out on your own. I walk you through what your day could look like and what package fits your needs the best. 
  2. We look at dates together. I go over the important things to consider before finalizing the date, depending on what kind of weather you're looking for and if there are any restrictions on state parks or venues to be aware of. 
  3. If you're ready to book, I'll send over next steps! You don't need to have anything else decided on at this point - I'll walk you through all the best ceremony locations, portrait locations, timeline, and vendors as we plan together.
  4. Once we're officially booked, I'll send over a Big Sur Elopement Planning Checklist, my comprehensive guide for everything you need to know to plan your day. This checklist includes PDFs from venues, video walkthroughs, a custom map of portrait locations, trail information, vendor recommendations, and my personal travel guide recommendations. I'll also include personalized recommendations based on our conversations, whether it's a customized timeline, dog-friendly locations, or best venues for your guest count or needs.
  5. We'll keep in touch throughout the planning process. You don't have to visit any locations beforehand. I'll provide all the details you need to know to help you choose the best locations, hire vendors who specialize in elopements, and create a day that you're absolutely stoked about.
  6. The day is here! I'll be your guide throughout the day as we adventure from one location to the next. Don't worry if you're not comfortable in front of the camera - my job is to create atmosphere and space where you can just be your authentic selves.
  7. After your wedding day is over, we'll say our goodbyes. I'll go home and immediately start working on your sneak peeks so that you get to share in the excitement as soon as the day after! You'll then receive a fully edited gallery within a few weeks.
Sound like a dream? Let's chat about planning your Big Sur elopement!
Couple eloping in Big Sur redwoods
Couple taking wedding photos against crashing waves

Why elope in Big Sur?

Big Sur is one of the few places in the world where you can drive 30 minutes and see coast, beach, mountains, and redwoods all in one day. And the photos honestly speak for themselves! Not only is Big Sur a popular destination for its scenic landscape and romantic drive, but it also provides easy access to Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley, Pebble Beach, and Pacific Grove. These cities provide activities for every kind of visitor - whether you want to wander the fairytale cottages of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, play golf on the famous Pebble Beach courses, taste wines surrounded by the hills of Carmel Valley, visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, or look for otters and other incredible sea-life on the coastal trails of Pacific Grove.

Some common myths about eloping in Big Sur:
  • You have to hike to get to the best spots. Not at all! Most of the best spots are no more than a 15 minute walk away from the parking location. The more adventurous locations might involve climbing up and down the cliffs, but you can always choose locations that fit what you're comfortable with.
  • Big Sur is extremely crowded - you'll never get away from the crowds. Here's the secret - you can absolutely get away from the crowds, if you know where to go. So many couples ask me after their elopement, "How in the world did you find this spot?" The truth is, I spent years scouting every location I could possibly find up and down Highway 1. With that said, I always recommend choosing a Monday through Thursday date for a more private, intimate elopement day.
  • Big Sur is an expensive destination. You don't have to spend a ton of money on your elopement. Some couples book campsites or Airbnbs instead of hotels and resorts. Some couples do their own hair/makeup or skip having a bouquet. If you're planning an elopement under a budget, I provide recommendations for the most budget-friendly options and tips to maximize your budget while still having the dream elopement you've always wanted.
  • You can't have guests for your elopement. There are ceremony sites that fit weddings of all different sizes, whether you're thinking of eloping with just the two of you, 10 of your closest loved ones, or even 25 of your friends and family.

​If you're still not sure, check out these elopement galleries for ideas!

Redwoods Rollerskating Elopement
Intimate Wedding on the Cliffs
Fairytale Redwoods and Coast Elopement
Bird-Watching Coastal Elopement
Intimate Redwoods Wedding
Vintage Car Elopement
Intimate Ceremony and Dinner Reception
Beach Cave and Rocks Elopement
Romantic Resort Elopement
Coastal Wedding and Airbnb Reception

Getting Legally Married in California

Before planning your Big Sur elopement, 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. That means you don't have to live in California or 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 located in Salinas, but you could also go to any office near the airport you land in. Be sure to plan your travel so you have at least one weekday to pick up your license, as clerk offices are open during regular business hours. Some offices may require an appointment.

If you prefer, you can legally marry at home and celebrate in Big Sur. In this case, your marriage license will reflect the date and location of the legal ceremony, but you can still celebrate your elopement date. On your Big Sur elopement day, you can choose to have a non-legal ceremony (everything except signing the license) or have a private vow reading without an officiant.

Where to Elope in Big Sur

If you've never 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. Before diving into where to elope, you'll want to check out this map of Big Sur. 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 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, 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 - you'll thank yourself later! As of April 2025, the full Highway 1 route will remain closed through summer 2025. So if you're planning on driving the full San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip, be sure to plan for detours!


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State Parks vs. Venues

​Now that you have a general idea of the Big Sur landscape, there are two types of locations that you can elope at: state parks and venues.​ While both state parks and venues offer redwood and coast views, in my experience, it is easier to plan for a coastal ceremony at a state park, or a redwood ceremony at a venue. If you're wanting to see both the redwoods and coast, I recommend eloping at a redwoods venue and then continuing on to the coast for portraits for the best of both worlds. This saves you travel time and gives you the best light for both landscapes.
 
Eloping at a State Park
Eloping at a Venue
VIEWS
Best for coastal and beach
Best for redwoods
NUMBER OF GUESTS
Ideal for 0-10 guests
Ideal for 0-25 guests
PRIVACY
Less privacy, recommend weekdays for less crowds
More privacy, recommend weekdays for more options
ACCESSIBILITY
May require hiking and standing on uneven ground
Typically easily accessible from parking lot
AMENITIES
Need to book separate hotel and restaurant within driving distance
Hotels and restaurants may be available within walking distance
ELOPING AT A STATE PARK
  • Best for coastal and beach views
  • Ideal for 0-10 guests
  • Less privacy, recommend weekdays for less crowds
  • May require hiking and standing on uneven ground
  • Need to book separate hotel and restaurant within driving distance
​
ELOPING AT A VENUE
  • Best for redwoods reviews
  • Ideal for 0-25 guests
  • More privacy, recommend weekdays for more options
  • Typically easily accessible from parking lot
  • Hotels and restaurants may be available within walking distance
​
how S+B decided to elope at a venue instead of a state park
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"On the day of, Lynn went above and beyond - helping with everything from minor dress malfunctions, corralling guests to the right spots, and navigating to the most picturesque spots in Big Sur." -S+B
S + B valued their guests' experience, but weren't sure how to balance the ruggedness of the Big Sur coast that they loved so much while still making sure their elderly guests felt comfortable. As the guestlist grew from 7 to 13 people, I recommended they consider other options besides the state park. We reviewed all the different venue options, and they fell in love with Loma Vista Gardens, a garden venue where they could have a seated ceremony without worry of guests having to stand for long periods of time on uneven ground. They still wanted their guests to be able to experience Big Sur with them, so we talked about having an open invite for guests to join them at Garrapata State Beach after their ceremony, with no pressure to join if they didn't feel up to the hike. Everyone ended up joining for a short time and had a blast - it was the perfect way to bring everything they wanted together!
Garrapata cliffside elopement in Big Sur

Eloping at a State Park

 
VIEWS
LOCATION
PERMIT REQUIRED
Garrapata State Park
Coast, Beach
15 minutes south of Carmel
Yes
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Redwoods
45 minutes south of Carmel
Yes
Pfeiffer Beach
Beach
45 minutes south of Carmel
No
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Redwoods, Coast
1 hour south of Carmel
Yes
Limekiln State Park
Redwoods, Beach
*2.75 hours south of Carmel due to Highway 1 closure
No
COASTAL STATE PARKS: Garrapata State Park
Garrapata State Park is one of the easiest to access and most beautiful spots for cliffside coastal views. From personal experience exploring all the different parts of Big Sur, if there's one place I recommend for coastal ceremonies, it's here. There's no venue, no private land, no other location that can truly rival its 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. This is one of the greatest advantages of this location - I've personally found that crowds are almost never an issue for weekday elopements. But it also means that the best spots are found by location scouting beforehand, as many of the trails are hard to distinguish from another until you spend time exploring them. Each of these trails are also different in terms of accessibility. While you'll rarely have to walk more than 15 minutes to get to a beautiful viewpoint, there's only a few locations that are accessible enough to hold a ceremony. 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 and event insurance. 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.
How E+C pivoted their ceremony location at Garrapata State Park
Coastal Elopement in Big Sur
"I knew Lynn's work would be good but WOW.​
Photos usually never do a moment in time justice but Lynn captured the breathtaking views and our personalities perfect. She is creative, friendly and her genuine happiness for us was palpable. Truly a wizard behind a lens, I would recommend her to everyone! Thank you Lynn for photos I’ll treasure a lifetime." - E+C
When I first met up with E+C on their elopement day, they looked anxious and apprehensive. We had arrived to find that their coastal ceremony spot we had chosen was completely fogged over. I couldn’t change the weather, but I could change the backdrop. Garrapata State Park has so many different trails, so I recommended we drive back up the coast only half a mile away to an unmarked trail that I typically didn't use for ceremonies due to the narrow trail and steep drop-offs. I asked if they trusted me and if they had packed good shoes. With just four of us in tow, I knew we could navigate the trail and still have a beautiful ceremony with the views they had dreamed about. They were so glad they didn't give up on their coastal ceremony just because of the fog, and I even took them down to see the Big Sur redwoods afterwards where the sun came back out!
REDWOODS STATE PARKS: 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. Speaking from experience exploring all the trails here, I don't find the redwoods state parks to be the best ceremony locations. Some couples that I have worked with have told me that they have felt underwhelmed when they visited. Redwood venues, on the other hand, typically have far more areas to explore where you can truly get the dreamy fairytale forest vibe. But state parks can be a great option if you're looking for a redwood location to take portraits! Since portraits don't require the amount of space needed for a ceremony, I find it much easier to find beautiful spots in the trees for 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. Note that Julia Pfeiffer Burns does not issue photography permits for McWay Falls.
​
BEACHES: 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. Good news - permits are not required to elope here! However, there's a few challenges to be aware of:
  • If the parking area is full, you won't be allowed to enter until other cars have left.
  • It can be extremely windy, which may be uncomfortable for having a ceremony.
  • During rainy season, the road may be flooded over.
  • During wildfire season, it may be closed for periods of time.
As someone who has personally experienced those windy days where we had to leave early or timelines where we've had to skip it due to closures, I rarely recommend this location for ceremonies if you're looking for a smooth and easy-going day. It can be stressful trying to bring your guests down the windy road it takes to get here, let alone having to stress about parking and weather. But if you're more of the spontaneous type, don't mind changing plans on-the-fly, and have buffer time in your schedule, it's certainly not impossible! I've also experienced beautiful ceremonies where all the conditions lined up perfectly. The key is always having a backup plan. 
​
Fairytale redwoods elopement couple
Couple wedding portraits on the coast at sunset
Wedding couple holding lanterns on the coast

Eloping at a Venue

Many 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 elopement packages that include accommodations, ceremony/reception sites, coordination, and catering. Check out these Big Sur elopement venues:
​
Redwood Venues:
  • Glen Oaks Big Sur
  • Big Sur Grange
  • Henry Miller Library
  • Big Sur Lodge
  • The Sur Grove
  • Ventana Big Sur
  • Post Ranch Inn
​
Other Venues:​
  • The Village
  • Loma Vista Gardens
  • ​Airbnbs/Vrbos
​
Coast Venues:
  • Hyatt Carmel Highlands
  • Wind & Sea
  • Ventana Big Sur
  • Post Ranch Inn
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.
Couple having their wedding at Glen Oaks Big Sur
Couple taking wedding photos at Glen Oaks Big Sur

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. Of all the locations in Big Sur, this is the one I've personally photographed at the most and recommend the most for elopements with no guests. When I mentioned earlier that state park redwood ceremonies can sometimes be underwhelming, Glen Oaks Big Sur is exactly the opposite. I've had so many couples tell me over and over again that they absolutely loved the experience here, from exploring the forest trails surrounding their cabin to sitting on the Adirondack chairs by the river. 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, Glen Oaks can also be a great option but can be on the expensive side. 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.


Wedding ceremony at Big Sur Grange

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 10 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. From personal experience here, I have found that it can be a bit alarming if this does happen, so be sure to call Glen Oaks to double check beforehand. I also recommend choosing an off-peak date (Monday through Thursday) and/or off-peak season to avoid this.

Wedding Ceremony at Big Sur Lodge

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! While I don't personally find it too noticeable, it may be something you want to consider if you prefer more privacy.
​
Wedding Ceremony at Henry Miller Library
Wedding Ceremony at Henry Miller Library

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, including hiking down stairs and crossing a creek - it'll bring you right to an intimate space where you can say your vows under the giant trees. I always recommend this location for couples wanting a more organic and wild landscape - you'll see that it has various elevations and flora and fauna compared to the flat trails at other venues. 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.
​
Bride at Loma Vista Gardens
Wedding ceremony at Loma Vista Gardens
Wedding at Loma Vista Gardens

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. If you're wanting to host your ceremony and reception in one place, this is definitely one of the best venues to consider for a more traditional wedding feel.
​
Wind and Sea wedding
Wind and Sea Big Sur Elopement
Wind and Sea Big Sur Elopement

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! I've seen so many guests walk around in awe of this venue, as there's few wedding venues where you can be surrounded by the cliffs and ocean on almost all sides.

One very important thing to note is that Wind & Sea is farther south than the other venues - be sure to account for a 30-60 minute drive to iconic Big Sur views and additional costs to bring vendors in. I've worked with many couples who love the coastal portraits at Garrapata State Park but want to have their wedding ceremony and reception at Wind and Sea. This is definitely possible, but you'll need to book more hours of photography, and decide on if sunset portraits are on the cliffs are important to you. Highway 1 road closures are also more likely to affect Wind & Sea due to how remote it is, so plan accordingly.

​
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Hyatt Carmel Highlands

See photos from C + D'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. While the views are not as rugged as Garrapata State Park, I usually recommend this as the best ocean-view ceremony site for couples who want a more accessible or dog-friendly ceremony location for their guests, while still being able to easily drive 5 minutes out to take portraits on the coast with just the two of them. I've photographed many intimate weddings here that have worked out perfectly for couples who still want a more traditional wedding experience for their guests, but nontraditional experience exploring the coast with the two of them.
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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 Elopement
Ventana Big Sur Elopement

Alila 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 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 three ceremony options - an intimate vista point overlooking the ocean, a private circle of redwoods, and a larger open space with redwoods, it is my favorite place to go for redwoods and coastal views all in one place (which is actually very rare for hotels in Big Sur! The only other option is Post Ranch Inn). For that reason, I highly recommend it for those who want to sit back, relax, and celebrate both their wedding and honeymoon here. Hot tip: Since it is on the more expensive side, I've had many couples use points to book their stay here.

For those wanting to bring their dog(s) to their elopement, it's also my favorite dog-friendly hotel in the area! I've photographed the sweetest elopement ceremonies with the pup sitting right beside the couple. Trust me, there's no cuter moment than a pup who decides to wander and find a stick to play with in the middle of the ceremony!
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Post Ranch Inn

If you're looking for a luxury elopement, Post Ranch Inn is the place for you. This hotel sits on over 100 acres of land covering both redwoods and ocean views. Rooms range from modern treehouses to panoramic ocean views. They offer a variety of all-inclusive elopement packages for just the couple or intimate wedding packages for up to 20 people.

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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. If you're looking for a place with good vibes, The Village is definitely one of my favorite wedding venues - you can tell that it was crafted and built with love.​
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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.
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Big Sur Elopement Packages

Some luxury resorts 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 or couples who are overwhelmed by planning, I do offer all-inclusive Big Sur elopement packages which include photography, planning, videography, officiant, and a coastal ceremony permit! These packages are designed to highlight the best parts of Big Sur with local, experienced vendors who have been well vetted.
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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.
  • Carmel-by-the-Sea, such as the newly renovated La Playa Hotel, charming Le Petit Pali, or walking distance to the ocean Villa Mara, if you love the European vibe
  • Carmel Valley, such as the resorts Carmel Valley Ranch and Bernardus Lodge, if you love warmer weather and want to try all the wineries
  • Monterey, such as the oceanfront Monterey Hotel & Plaza or InterContinental the Clement, if you want to be near the hustle and bustle of Cannery Row and near the Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Pebble Beach, such as the Inn at Spanish Bay, if you love golf and want to be take in the 17-mile drive
  • Pacific Grove, such as the Victorian Seven Gables Inn, if you love the small town vibe and walking along Lover's Point, Asilomar, and Monterey Bay Coastal Trail looking for otters and seals
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Dog-friendly Big Sur elopement

Dog-Friendly Locations

If you're looking to bring your dog to Big Sur, there's so many dog-friendly beaches such as Garrapata State Beach or Pfeiffer Beach for your pup to run around in! For hotels, Alila Ventana Big Sur is one of the best venues for a dog-friendly elopement. Big Sur is also 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.
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Elopement in Big Sur with children
Elopement in Big Sur with children
Elopement in Big Sur with children

Family-Friendly Locations

There can be 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 are family-friendly (Alila 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. Some hotels provide easy trails to trails or activities like Big Sur Lodge, which is right next to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, or Big Sur River Inn, which has a riverside dining area where you can even wade in the river. Another great option is booking a hotel or Airbnb in Monterey or Carmel for easy access to amenities and kid-friendly activities such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Remember - the best part about getting married here 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.

Couple wedding portraits at the coast and cliffs of Big Sur

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.
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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:
  • ​​Photographer/Planner: 50-65%
  • Accommodations/Ceremony Site: 10-15%
  • Outfits: 10-15%
  • Hair/Makeup Artist: 5%
  • Officiant: 5%
  • Florist: 3%
  • Food: 2%
  • Not included: travel, flights, car rental, videographer, rings, marriage license

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 vast 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:
  • ​​Photographer/Planner: 30-60%
  • Accommodations/Ceremony Site: 15-35%
  • Outfits: 10-12%
  • Food: 8-12%
  • Florist: 2-5%
  • Hair/Makeup Artist: 3-4%
  • Officiant: 3-4%
  • Not included: travel, flights, car rental, videographer, rings, marriage license​​
Wedding photos at sunset on the beach in Big Sur

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 the weather, it's that it can be sunny on one moment and cloudy the next in any time of year.
Best Months to Elope in Big Sur
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

​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 area in case you need to change plans. As a photographer shooting locally 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 certain 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!

That leads us back to the question - when are the best months to elope in Big Sur then? Then answer is there is no best month to elope in Big Sur. But there are best months to elope based on what you envision for your day. Here's what I would personally recommend:​
  • If you want to avoid the rain, the best months to elope are June through September.
  • If you want to avoid the cloud, the best months to elope are September through October.
  • If you want to avoid the heat (and sometimes bugs), the best months to elope are December through August.
  • If you want to see the calla lilies, the best months to elope are February through April.
  • If you want to see the wildflowers, the best months to elope are April through June.
  • If you want to take advantage of off-season discounts and less crowds, the best months to elope are November through March.
  • If you want to take sunset portraits on the coast and host a dinner before 7pm, the best months to elope are October through March.
How B+A Changed Plans Last Minute due to Weather
Big Sur Garrapata State Park Wildflowers
B+A's intimate wedding was in May, the perfect time to catch the peak spring season. They reached out to me in April to plan their wedding in less than 4 weeks. Before finalizing their date, they told me they were worried about the locations they had in mind because they had read that parts of Highway 1 were closed due to storm damage. Big Sur and Highway 1 covers a huge stretch of land, and I knew that the closure was miles away from the places they had envisioned and wouldn’t interrupt their plans. They had a special spot in mind for their ceremony, a beautiful vista atop a mountain in Garrapata State Park. But on the day of their wedding, it was extremely windy. They decided to move forward with their ceremony spot, but afterwards I recommended we walk back down to the base of the mountain for group photos. You could see the relief in the guests' faces to be out of the cold wind as they brightened up for group photos. Afterwards, we shifted plans. I took them to explore the calla lilies, wildflowers, and cliffs of Garrapata State Park. We ended up having the most beautiful sunset and epic waves (thanks to the wind!) to end the day!

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!
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6 HOUR ELOPEMENT 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
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8 HOUR INTIMATE WEDDING 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!
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Big Sur Planning Tips

  • ​Hire a local photographer who is familiar with Big Sur and knows the trails. 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. I cannot emphasize how much of a difference this makes, as most of my favorite spots are unmarked trails that took many trips of exploring to find. As a local elopement photographer, I spend my days off stopping at every turnout, scouting out trails and marking down the ones that would be absolutely perfect for your day. Whether it's finding a new spot bursting with wildflowers because of a recent rain, or changing locations from an old spot that's no longer accessible due to construction, I'm here to help you navigate through any type of situation that can come up when eloping in an outdoor location. From the very beginning of planning, I provide my couples with a detailed map of specific locations to choose from, with information on trail difficulty, accessibility, and example photos of each location.
  • 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.
  • 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'm always looking to photograph the best angle so I usually end up getting poison oak a few times a year anyways, but I have a few strategies to help make sure couples don't get it!
  1. There are a few trails I know that tend to have more poison oak than others, so I let couples know beforehand if it's something to be concerned about. If poison oak is unavoidable, I don't take couples to these trails.
  2. Before starting on a trail, I point out what poison oak looks like and everytime I see it. If we are on a narrow trail that's difficult to navigate, I recommend lifting the dress up since poison oak can remain on clothing for months. (I've had the awful experience of getting poison oak months later from touching my shoes!)
  3. If you do brush up against poison oak, I have Tecnu in my car which is specifically made to wash off poison oak. Otherwise, showering after your elopement will wash off the oils since it takes a few hours for the oil to cause a reaction.
  • 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.
  • Watch for extreme weather conditions and plan accordingly. Big Sur is such a wild place, and a large part of that is due to the fact that it's so remote! Because of this, wildfires, floods, and road closures are all a part of the Big Sur landscape. But don't immediately jump to conclusions if you see news of Highway 1 closures either! Oftentimes these closures are not in the areas where elopements/intimate weddings take place. It's another reason why I highly recommend hiring a local photographer/planner who knows where to get the most updated news, as this news is not easily found through a simple Google Search. In case of adverse weather conditions, it can be helpful to rely on your photographer/planner to help you create a backup plan, whether that's changing locations within Big Sur or rescheduling to a different date.
  • Remember that Big Sur is a place of adventure - make your day your own! It’s an incredible place of beauty and wonder, but it is also not a traditional venue. That often means working with varying weather conditions, maneuvering around the crowds, and changing plans if certain turnouts are blocked off. But choosing to elope also means that you get to personalize your day, choosing to include elements that are important and sentimental to you. Check out this guide on 30 Unique Ideas to Personalize Your Elopement for more inspiration!​
How K+T included their hobbies on their elopement day
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"From our initial phone consult to the day of, we were nothing but impressed. 
Lynn reacted quickly when I stepped in some poison oak (my fault), and I didn’t end up getting a rash! And most importantly, our photos look amazing! Lynn was very thoughtful and accommodating and after learning how much we love birds, captured some great pictures with pelicans in the background to include in our album, which is so special to us." -K+T
K had always wanted to bring T to Big Sur - she had so many fond memories growing up in California, weekends spent camping in the redwoods and sitting around a campfire. Since they lived across the country, this was their chance to finally get to experience the magic of the California coast together. When we hopped on a phone consultation, I asked her to recall her favorite memories in Big Sur so we could incorporate what she loved so much about the area into their elopement.

As we were packing up their car to drive to the beach on their elopement day, they mentioned a new hobby they both loved - bird watching. They even brought their own binoculars! ​During their first dance, I saw pelicans flying overhead in a V-formation. I told them to look up, and they scrambled over to their picnic set up to pull out their binoculars. I got to spend the rest of their beach time just watching them spot different birds, calling out bird species with the most giddy smiles on their faces. Those moments, those photos might just have been my favorite from their day. Yes, we had seen some of the most incredible views of Big Sur that day, but it was those photos of the two of them, hand in hand walking down the beach, eyes lifted up towards the sky, that truly told the heart of their story.

Travel Guide and 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:
  • Start your morning with coffee and pastries from The Village (or book a brunch or dinner reservation)
  • Photograph the iconic Big Sur spots of Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach Keyhole, and McWay Falls
  • Sit by the river in Adirondack chairs at Big Sur River Inn
  • Browse books at the Henry Miller Library
  • Plan a romantic dinner at Nepenthe, Sierra Mar, or The Sur House at sunset overlooking the coast

​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.
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Monterey / Carmel / Pacific Grove
  • Grab a cup of coffee from local roaster Captain + Stoker
  • Start the morning with fresh baked pastries and bread from Ad Astra Bread Co.
  • Walk along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail and Lover's Point Park to see if you can spot otters, seals, whales, or dolphins
  • Head to Monterey and watch sea otters play at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Grab burritos from El Charrito for a lunch picnic
  • Try the famous Bee's Knees ice cream at Revival Ice Cream or New Zealand style ice cream at Nico's
  • Make your own charcuterie board with free cheese tastings at the Cheese Shop
  • Do a wine tasting and listen to live music at Folktale Winery
  • For fresh seafood, have dinner at Wild Fish in Pacific Grove
  • For a fancy night out, have dinner at Chez Noir, a Michelin star restaurant in Carmel
  • Have some friendly competition at Lynn's Arcade (Pinball), Tipsy Putt (Mini Golf), or High Scores Arcade
  • Ride horses on the beach with Monterey Bay Equestrian Center
  • Go whale watching with Blue Ocean Whale Watch or Sanctuary Cruises out of Moss Landing for a shorter boat ride right to the whales, or Monterey Bay Whale Watch out of Monterey
  • Kayak through Elkhorn Slough to see all the otters with Monterey Bay Kayaks
  • Pick up tri-tip sandwiches from La Sala's BiRite Market on Thursday's or Saturday's for a picnic
Santa Cruz
  • Head to Watsonville and pick strawberries, berries, or apples depending on the season 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
​San Francisco
  • 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
  • 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
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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 who's helped plan and photograph over 200 elopements and intimate weddings here, I'm here to listen to your story and help you craft a day that feels authentic to you. I've got you. You don't have to do it alone.
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My Big Sur elopement packages all include:
  • Planning assistance and consultation calls to get to know you and help you craft a day that focuses on what's important to you
  • Ceremony, reception, and dinner options (including unlisted and private venues) with examples of elopements at each venue and information on permits, costs, and guest limits
  • Video walkthroughs of popular venues and ceremony sites so you don't have to visit in person
  • Ceremony site recommendations based what's important to you (i.e. guest limit, price, privacy, having a ceremony site where you can also host a dinner reception, which ones are dog-friendly)
  • Ceremony permit information and some ceremony permits available for lower fee
  • Photography permits for recommended locations included for no additional fee
  • 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
  • Planning checklist to help you organize and keep track of your progress
  • Suggestions on how to personalize your day
  • Optional officiant add-on option
  • Vendor recommendations to make your day a little more magical
  • Tips specific to Big Sur to help your day run smoothly
All-inclusive Big Sur elopement packages include all of the above, plus:
  • Videography coverage to document the raw emotions of the day
  • Officiant services customized to your love story
  • Coastal ceremony permit for an epic location to say your vows

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

Let's chat about your dream elopement!
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17 Comments
Sienna link
5/27/2020 09:41:13 am

I adore Big Sur so much, and equally adore how thorough, informative and intentional this article is! Definitely something to have bookmarked for reference if anyone is wanting to elope in one of the most beautiful spots on the California coast!

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Jennifer Mattera link
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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Nicole Alex link
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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Nicole daacke link
5/28/2020 08:55:32 am

Wow, this is such a helpful post! Big Sur is such a beautiful place to elope!!

Reply
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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outdoor furniture link
2/17/2021 12:49:51 am

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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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John Carston link
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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Lake Toba link
5/18/2022 04:25:29 pm

all the wedding shots looks so beautiful

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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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Iris Smith link
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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Victoria Addington link
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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Micah Chaffins link
6/4/2025 06:47:36 pm

The depth you go into for every aspect of planning a Big Sur elopement is seriously amazing, and the custom google map is awesome! This guide is pure gold.

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