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A Local Big Sur Elopement Photographer's 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 spends countless roadtrips exploring the endless trails in the area, I'm here to help you craft an epic day that feels genuine to your love story. Check out this guide for location recommendations, best months to elope, day-of timelines, and planning tips!
Table of Contents
This Big Sur Elopement Guide covers:
1. 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) 2. Elopement Budget (Budget Breakdown) 3. Weather and Time of Year (Best Months) 4. Day-Of Timeline (Elopement Timeline, Intimate Wedding Timeline) 5. Planning Tips 6. 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 Big Sur elopement photographer, I provide all of my couples with:
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 main areas 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! 
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. If you're working with a planner that already has a permit and insurance for the area (like me!), you can elope there for a lower fee as long as there's less than 10 people. 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 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 M + D's Glen Oaks Big Sur Elopement and C + C's Glen Oaks Big Sur Elopement For a romantic escape to a cabin in the woods, Glen Oaks Big Sur is the way to go. Elopements with no guests are allowed for no additional site fee as long as you are staying there. For intimate weddings, the Bridge House can be booked for a ceremony for up to 20 people. The property is separated into two areas - the upper area with the Adobe Motor Lodge and Oak Tree Cottages, and the lower area with the Redwood Grove and Bridge House. A trail connects the two, and continues onto Dorwood Camp which is the perfect place for an intimate elopement in the redwoods. 
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 both small and large weddings, with the ceremony outdoors and the reception outdoors or indoors. 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 A + N's Big Sur Lodge Wedding and F + A's Big Sur Lodge 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. 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 N + M's Henry Miller Library Wedding An eclectic place of art, music, and literature, Henry Miller Library offers a wedding ceremony/reception site for larger weddings or a private redwoods canyon for elopements and intimate weddings 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.
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. Elopement packages are available from Monday-Thursday, which include a 3-hour rental for up to 12 guests. Microwedding packages are also available from Monday-Thursday, which include an 8-hour rental for up to 25 guests.
WIND & SEA
See photos from M + P's Wind and Sea Wedding and L + R's Wind & 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. 
THE SUR GROVE
See photos from A + J'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 N + R's Ventana Big Sur Elopement and A + D's Ventana Big Sur Elopement 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. 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 $4,100-$7,800 for a 1-hour elopement with no guests and $5,500-$15,000 for a 1-4 hour intimate wedding with guests.
Where to Stay in Big Sur
For places to stay, most of the venues above provide accomodations. For a cabin-in-the-woods experience, check out Glen Oaks Big Sur or glamping at Ventana Big Sur (but unfortunately photography is not allowed at the Ventana Big Sur glamping area due to restrictions by the Coastal Commission). For a more luxury stay, Ventana Big Sur and Post Ranch Inn can't be beat. Alternatively, you could have your elopement at an Airbnb, but always check with the owner beforehand as most Airbnb's in the Big Sur area do not allow events. Keep in mind that there are more risks involved, such as last-minute cancellation from the owner and liability issues, and site fees may apply. 
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 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.
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 - 3:00 First Look in the Redwoods 3:00 - 3:30 Ceremony 3:30 - 4:00 Travel to Coast 4:00 - 5:00 Picnic on the Beach 5:00 - 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:
Make It a Road Trip: Things to Do from Big Sur to San Francisco
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? 
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! 5/27/2020 10:35:02 am
This is such an amazing resource! So much detail has been packed into this!
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!
Julia
5/27/2020 05:56:44 pm
Wow, this article is packed with information! This made me so excited about visiting Big Sur! 5/28/2020 08:55:32 am
Wow, this is such a helpful post! Big Sur is such a beautiful place to elope!!
Heather
5/28/2020 09:38:29 am
This is a wonderful guide on Big Sur!! Your photos are so stunning too!!! <3
Michael Lambert
8/1/2020 04:18:30 pm
This is an amazingly comprehensive article. Thank you so much for the effort put in! 2/17/2021 12:49:51 am
"Browse our Designe <a
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!
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. 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.
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. 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. 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. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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