Big Sur Elopement Guide
HOW TO ELOPE IN BIG SUR: UPDATED FOR 2024
Big Sur, with its rugged cliffs, towering redwoods, and sweeping ocean views, is one of the most breathtaking places to elope in the US. This stretch of California’s central coast offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and intimate settings, making it the perfect choice for couples looking to escape the traditional wedding setup and embrace something more personal and adventurous.
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Reasons To Elope In Big Sur
The appeal of Big Sur lies in its stunning landscapes and the sense of tranquility that permeates the area. Whether you’re standing on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean or nestled in a secluded grove of ancient redwoods, Big Sur offers a diverse range of backdrops for your special day. Moreover, the region’s relative remoteness ensures a level of privacy and intimacy that is hard to find in more populated areas.
Stunning Landscapes
Big Sur offers breathtaking landscapes with dramatic cliffs, expansive ocean views, and lush redwood forests, providing a perfect and picturesque backdrop for your elopement.
Privacy + Intimacy
The remote and secluded nature of Big Sur ensures a private, intimate setting for your ceremony, away from the hustle and bustle of more crowded wedding venues.
Versatile Location Options
Whether you dream of a beachside ceremony, a forested grove, or a cliffside vow exchange, Big Sur offers a variety of unique and stunning locations to suit your vision.
Best Places To Elope In Big Sur
Big Sur elopement locations
Garrapata State Park
Garrapata State Park is a gem in Big Sur, offering a blend of rugged coastline and scenic hiking trails. The park’s bluffs and beaches provide stunning vistas that are perfect for an intimate elopement ceremony.
The secluded beaches here are ideal for couples seeking a private setting away from the more crowded areas of Big Sur.
Pfeiffer Beach
Famous for its purple sand and the iconic Keyhole Rock, Pfeiffer Beach is one of Big Sur’s most photogenic locations. The beach’s unique landscape makes it an extraordinary spot for a sunset elopement, with the setting sun casting a golden glow through the natural rock arch.
Bixby Creek Bridge
One of the most photographed landmarks in Big Sur, Bixby Creek Bridge offers a dramatic backdrop for your elopement.
The combination of the towering bridge, the rugged coastline, and the expansive ocean views creates a breathtaking setting for your vows.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Home to the famous McWay Falls, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is another top choice for couples eloping in Big Sur.
The park’s iconic waterfall, which cascades directly onto the beach, is one of the most beautiful and unique locations in California, providing a picture-perfect setting for your ceremony.
Hidden Gems
Beyond the popular state parks, Big Sur is dotted with lesser-known locations that offer exclusive and intimate settings for your elopement.
Consider booking a photographer familiar with Big Sur to find a hidden overlook or cove along the coastline to make your day uniquely yours.
We’ll show you the best locations
You won’t find the best locations online. You need a photographer who has spent time hiking around and scouting these locations in person to help you plan your Big Sur elopement.
We provide our couples with exclusive Big Sur elopement location guide, custom timeline, vendor recommendations and even lodging ideas!
Small Wedding Venues Big Sur
If you’re planning a wedding with 15+ guests, a small wedding venue may be better suited for your event. Here are some popular micro wedding venues in Big Sur:
Ventana Big Sur – Ventana Big Sur is a luxurious resort that offers an enchanting setting for small weddings, blending the rugged beauty of the Big Sur coastline with refined elegance. The property features several intimate outdoor venues, including a serene redwood grove and a scenic meadow with panoramic ocean views. Ideal for couples seeking a romantic and exclusive celebration, Ventana Big Sur accommodates up to 40 guests, ensuring a private and memorable experience amidst nature.
Glen Oaks Big Sur – Glen Oaks Big Sur provides a rustic yet charming backdrop for small weddings, with cozy cabins nestled among towering redwoods and the tranquil Big Sur River flowing nearby. The venue’s intimate outdoor space by the river is perfect for a serene and secluded ceremony, offering a peaceful setting where nature and romance intertwine. With a capacity of 20 to 30 guests, Glen Oaks Big Sur is ideal for couples looking for a warm, woodsy ambiance for their special day.
Big Sur River Inn – The Big Sur River Inn is a historic and laid-back venue that captures the essence of Big Sur’s natural beauty. With a riverside lawn and a quaint wooden deck, it offers a relaxed and inviting setting for small weddings. The venue’s proximity to the river and surrounding forests creates a serene atmosphere, perfect for couples who want a simple yet picturesque celebration. Accommodating up to 50 guests, the Big Sur River Inn combines rustic charm with the tranquility of its surroundings.
Post Ranch Inn – Post Ranch Inn is a premier luxury resort perched on the cliffs of Big Sur, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Known for its eco-friendly design and exclusive ambiance, the inn provides several intimate settings for small weddings, including the cliffside Sierra Mar restaurant and private guest room terraces. With a capacity of 2 to 25 guests, Post Ranch Inn is perfect for couples seeking an intimate, romantic celebration in one of the most stunning natural environments.
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How To Get Legally Married In Big Sur
To get legally married in Big Sur you will need to obtain a California marriage license. Both parties must be present to apply, and you’ll need to provide valid identification. The license is valid immediately upon issue and can be used anywhere in California within 90 days. You can elope in Big Sur and legally get married even if you live out of state.
In California, you have several options for officiants, including ordained ministers, judges, or even a friend or family member who becomes a deputized officiant for the day. This flexibility allows you to personalize your ceremony even further.
Big Sur Elopement Permits & Regulations
Big Sur falls within Monterey County, and it’s important to familiarize yourself with any local regulations, especially concerning specific elopement locations. Some areas may have restrictions on group size or activities, particularly in state parks, where permits might be required.
If you’re planning to elope in one of Big Sur’s state parks or on public lands, you may need a special use permit. It’s essential to apply for this permit well in advance of your elopement date, as availability can be limited, especially during peak seasons.
Additionally, you should always be familiar with Leave No Trace principles as well as be prepared for the elements and wildlife that come with an outdoor elopement in Big Sur.
How Much Does It Cost To Elope In Big Sur?
The cost to elope in Big Sur starts at $100, which covers your marriage license from Monterey County. At a minimum, you’ll likely want to budget for wedding attire, a photographer, an officiant, and florals. Additional costs may include travel, transportation, and lodging, especially if you’re coming from out of town.
The couples that hire us value their photos and experience more than anything, which is why they typically spend majority of their budget on their photography package.
Hey, we’re Savannah & Greg!
Big Sur Elopement Photographers
We’re a husband and wife team specializing in elopement photography and videography. We believe eloping is the best way to get married, so much so that we did it ourselves! We know it can feel overwhelming not knowing where to start, which is why we help couples set a date, pick a location, make a timeline, etc!
Big Sur Elopement Videographers
In addition to photography, we also offer a variety of videography options! These include everything from a short, super 8 style music video (as seen here), to full professional videography with your full day, vows and other audio included.
Big Sur Elopement Packages
Photography Packages
It might seem counterintuitive to look for a photographer before you have an exact location and date set, but trust us on this one. If you’re looking for some help finding the perfect location, an elopement photographer who specializes in the area you’re considering will be a huge help to you.
Photography & Videography
Professional photography and optional videography services from an experienced husband/wife team who’ve photographed over 150 weddings together. Posing guidance and direction to make you feel and look great in front of the camera, no experience necessary.
Planning Guide
A 50+ page digital planning guide to help you through the whole elopement planning process. Including tips on booking travel and lodging, buying your attire, activity ideas, packing checklists, including family and more.
Custom Location Guide
A list of all the most beautiful locations in the area you choose based on scenery, accessibility, permits and logistics. We do the work so you don’t have to!
Timeline Creation
We’ll craft a timeline that fits all the locations, activities, and moments you have planned for your day as well as consider ideal lighting and making sure your whole experience is relaxed and stress free.
Vendor Recommendations
Looking for a florist, hair and makeup artist, or other vendors? We’ve got you covered with local recommendations.
Big Sur Elopement Photos
BROWSE Big Sur Elopement Photos
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