Big Sur California Elopement Planning Guide
So you’ve decided, Big Sur is the spot you want to be, but now what?!
It can be hard to know where to start when planning your Big Sur California elopement or wedding. I got you!! From the redwoods to the sea, I love sharing my home coast with new people! I grew up exploring the caves and beaches along the Big Sur coastline and spend the majority of my time continuing to explore my home and finding new stops along the way. I want to provide you with a guide from favorite hotels, venues, and Airbnb suggestions and timelines!
If wondering about the best time to elope please see my elopement season guide here! I would start by eloping on a weekday! There can be some pretty hefty traffic in Big Sur on weekends, especially during the summer. I wanted to start by linking some of my favorite venues for intimate gatherings in Big Sur. Some of our state parks like Pfeiffer campground really restrict and prohibit photography so it’s important to keep this in mind when planning your elopement. If you’re imagining epic redwood scenery, I always suggest securing a hotel among the redwoods as permits are difficult to obtain for them.
Permits for state parks
The whole coast of Hwy 1 (and most of Big Sur) is state-owned land. So that means, you will generally need a permit. Permits start at $400 for 1 hour for up to 10 people. For more info please visit the park's website. or call 831-667-0507. There are some beaches and forests that don’t require one so the best way to know is to get on the phone with your photographer! Generally any grouping over 15 people you will want to secure a venue.
Venues:
Venues don’t require permits So they are much more convenient for any group gathering.
Loma Vista Gardens: Nestled in the middle of Big Sur, this venue has it all, from wooden bleacher seats to a covered area for the ceremony to beautiful outdoor seating among their cactus garden. The Big Sur Bakery does all the catering for events and their food is some of my favorites!!
Henry Miller Library: Set amongst the redwoods this location is not close to the beach but has a beautiful wooden grove to explore with a grass lawn for ceremonies. This is one of my favorite locations because it has a really funky Big Sur feel.
Wind and Sea: a Beautiful home set on the cliff’s edge in Big Sur. Popular micro wedding location with beautiful views.
Monday – Thursday: Starting from $3,000
Friday -- Sunday: Starting from $4,500
HOTELS
These are my three favorite hotels for couples to stay in! These three are all located close to the redwoods with a 30-minute drive to the closest beach. ( I’m not including Pfeiffer beach because the parking lot fills up and it’s generally hard to rely on as it also floods on the regular).
Glen Oaks: Nestled among the redwoods these small cabins have access to some of the sweetest redwood groves, with outside fires at every cabin and supplies for smores!
Ventana: I love the Ventana Glamp sites and hotel! But I’ll be honest the light at the Glamp sites is AMAZING through the redwoods.
Tree Bones: Awesome south coast location with really cool yurts, bird nests, and amazing sushi. I stayed here for my birthday and loved it! There are incredible south coast locations for a ceremony if you start out here.
Local Airbnb’s:
Pebble Beach:
The Dunes House - I shot a wedding where the whole family stayed in this beautiful house within walking distance of the ocean. Great views and a beautiful area. &1580/ night 6 bedrooms and 8 baths.
Carmel Valley
Mountain Hideaway - $181/ night, two guests max. small home.
Carmel- by- the- sea
Buddhas bus stop - 4 bedrooms, 4 baths $357/ night
Big Sur:
Pano Views above Post Ranch and Ventana- 6 guests $800/ night, several beautiful acres including beautiful mountain views!!
5 acres 3 bedrooms in Big Sur - $1800/ night, 3 bedrooms, 6 guests, pool, and hot tub walking distance to Ventana and Post Ranch.
Unique Big Sur home for 2. - $435/ night, yurt and unique living home with pool and privacy. two bedrooms
Big Sur House - Also known as Wind and Sea $1709/ Night, hosts 12 guests. This is a location for your intimate wedding or elopement! Two outdoor copper tubs, and a fireplace overlooking the sea.
Wondering how much time you need on the Big Sur Coast?
I can help guide you on all the things, my smallest package begins at 3 hours and if your wanting redwoods and the sea or have any guests I suggest AT LEAST four- eight.
EXAMPLE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY TIMELINE
Getting Ready Location: Ventana
Ceremony Location: Cliffs overlooking the sea
Additional Portrait Location: Waterfall
Meal/Celebration Location: Beach
1:00 pm - Meet at the getting ready location. Photos of you both getting ready/ drinking/ hanging out together.
2:00 pm - Are you staying around the forest? Want to do a first look? Let’s spend some time walking around and finding some beautiful light and trees. Do you play instruments or enjoy drinking beer together let’s bring that along!!
3:00 pm -4:00 - Leave for waterfalls and forest, 3-mile hike up and out with stops along the way for photos
5:00 - 6:00 Check out the area around my favorite cove, the meadows before the cove, and say vows overlooking the sea there.
6:00 pm - Picnic on the beach/ cliffs. I can have my girl Michelle meet us and have a picnic with blankets, a vintage rug, and pillows all setup. She can have a cake waiting for you with snacks. Alone time to enjoy the day.
7:00 pm - 8:00 some golden hour photos of you two along the beach and exploring the cove as the light sets. Champagne!!
9:00 pm- Stop along the way back to your hotel. Photos as the stars come out, bring some headlamps !!
36.2704° N, 121.8081° W
