want to elope in big sur
So you
With it's dreamy redwood forests and epic coastline, Big Sur is a stunning place to elope. I grew up 2 hours from Big Sur and still it never gets old. If you told my younger self one day I’d be photographing Big Sur elopements, I would have jumped around the coastline full of joy (in fact, I do that now)!
If you're excited to elope in Big Sur but feeling overwhelmed by where to start, it's a great thing you're here!
As a local Big Sur elopement photographer, I get to explore all of the special places that Big Sur has to offer, and I’m here to share my knowledge with you so together we can create your dream Big Sur elopement!
Table of Contents
- Where to Elope in Big Sur
- Best Places to Elope in Big Sur
- How to Plan your Big Sur Elopement
- When to Elope in Big Sur
- Best Days of the Week to Elope in Big Sur
- Where to stay for your Big Sur Elopement
- Traveling to Big Sur for your elopement
- Big Sur Elopement Timelines
- Activities & Things to do in Big Sur
- How Much does it Cost to Elope in Big Sur?
- How to Legally get Married in Big Sur
- Permits to Elope in Big Sur
- How to Leave no Trace when Eloping in Big Sur
"We are so happy that kasey took our photos on our special day! she was so wonderful to work with and made the process easy and fun from start to finish. She helped us plan a beautiful day and we love the photos. We can't wait for her to take our anniversary photos!"
K & F
Where to elope in Big Sur
Big Sur boasts a beautiful coastline as well as fairytale-like redwoods. When considering where to elope in Big Sur, think about which of these feels the most like you. Maybe it’s both! That’s the great thing about eloping - you get to do whatever you want. If you're dreaming of waking up in a cabin in the woods and saying your vows under the canopy of the redwoods, then heading to the coast for an epic sunset adventure, let's do that!
There are a couple of different ways to experience Big Sur on your elopement day, and one of the most important decisions you'll make is eloping on private or public land. Let's dive into the differences so you can see which is right for you!
The public lands in Big Sur are great for just-the-two-of-you elopements, or smaller intimate ceremonies. From the dramatic cliffs over the ocean to parks full of redwoods, the state parks are where you really find the magic of what Big Sur has to offer.
If you want to have your elopement ceremony on the coast, I highly recommend public lands! Many people stray away from them due to the permit difficulties, but good news, I have a standing permit on the Big Sur coast, so you don't have to deal with the permit process (or the fees!) at all!
Public Land
Elope On
Private land in Big Sur has a wide range of vibes, and prices. There is an iconic library you can elope behind in their own redwood grove, and there are 5 star resorts that allow you to elope on their property if you stay with them. Private land will give you just that - more privacy.
If you want to have your elopement ceremony in the redwoods, I highly recommend private land!
Private Land
Elope On
the best places to elope in Big Sur
Big Sur is hands down one of my favorite places in California.
If you're not sure what part of Big Sur speaks the most to you, that's totally fine! Part of my planning process is to work with you to determine the best locations for your day, so it's great if you inquire with me without a set location already. Reach out to schedule a consult call and I can help you start planning your dream Big Sur elopement!
I've divided up the locations by public and private land options so you can easily navigate them below. Let's dive in!
Check out photos from TJ & Gabby’s Garrapata State Park Big Sur Elopement at Sunrise
Garrapata State Park is my favorite part of Big Sur. If you want to say your vows on the coastal bluffs in Big Sur, this is your spot! There are many gorgeous spots right off of the highway with easy, short trails all within a few miles of each other. One of my favorites is Garrapata Bluffs Trail. Inside the park you will also find Sobranes Point and Garrapata Beach. Sobranes Point is well known for it’s wildflowers and ocean views from the bluffs! Garrapata Beach is a large stretch of sand with large rocks across the beach and a beautiful backdrop of bluffs. Throughout the park there are viewpoints along highway 1 and trails on the bluffs that allow you to access those iconic Big Sur views of dramatic cliffs and rocks in the ocean with waves crashing everywhere. Due to the layout of the park and all of it's hidden locations, I highly recommend working with a photographer that is very familiar with the area! Garrapata State Park is also a short drive from Carmel and Monterey, which offer lots of accommodation options and great restaurants.
Special Event Permits are required for eloping in Garrapata State Park. These permits are $400 for 1 hour with up to 25 guests, or $650 if you want to have any sort of setup such as chairs (only permitted on the beach). Permit applications must be submitted at least 60 days before your elopement date, or they will charge extra fees for fast processing. Applications submitted within 21 days of your elopement date aren’t considered by the park. I recommend applying for your permit 6 months in advance if you're eloping during the busier summer season. If you’re not going to have your ceremony here but want couples photos in the park, then the permit is $100. When it comes to the logistics of applying, I take care of all of this for you so you don’t have to worry about it. BONUS: I have a standing elopement permit in this park, so if you want to have your ceremony here with up to 10 people, we don't need to apply for any additional permits!
Best Big Sur Elopement LOcations: public land
Elope on the big sur coast: Garrapata State Park
How to Elope in Garrapata State Park
Elope in the Redwoods in Big Sur: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park & Limekiln State Park
When eloping at a state park in the redwoods in Big Sur, they require you to map out exactly where you’ll be going, where you’ll be taking photos and where you’re having the ceremony. The trails are pretty narrow throughout the parks and you are required to stay on the trails. This can be tricky especially when the parks are busy, so it’s much more doable outside of peak season. If you’re able to hike in and find a spot you love for a ceremony ahead of time, that’s ideal! Otherwise, a venue in the redwoods would be the way to go if you want to say your vows in the trees. The venues offer more privacy, and more space!
Note: Limekiln State Park is currently unaccessible from the North on Highway 1 due to a landslide.
Permits for eloping in Pfeiffer Big Sur and Julia Pfeiffer Burns state parks are $425 for up to 10 people including vendors. Elopement permits can be applied for up to 6 months in advance of your elopement date. The parks only issue permits for elopements on weekdays unless you’re eloping at a campsite. If you’re having a wedding larger than 10 people, you can apply for a “Special event permit” up to 1 year in advance of your wedding date. For both elopement and special event permits, applications must be received no later than 21 days before your date or they won’t be considered. Send in your application more than 45 days in advance to avoid rush fees!
How to Elope in the Redwoods in Big Sur
Elope at the beach in Big Sur: Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is the well-known beach with the iconic key-hole rock! Luckily, permits are not required to elope here! However there are a few obstacles that can come up. Firstly, it is insanely windy. I mean no joke sand blowing into your face hair everywhere constantly. There is the occasional day it’s not windy at Pfeiffer beach, but you never know until you get there and they don’t refund your entry fee if it’s too windy. If the parking lot is full, they will not let you enter until other cars leave. The road can also become flooded during rainy season which makes the beach inaccessible. Unfortunately there is no other place to park and walk in, so if you choose to elope here it is important to have a backup plan! If you love this spot, I recommend having your ceremony elsewhere and then coming here for portraits. That way if it doesn’t work out, we can go take photos at different locations without changing your ceremony plans!
Best Big Sur Elopement LOcations: private land & venues
Glen Oaks Big Sur
Check out photos from N + B’s Glen Oaks Big Sur Elopement
Glen Oaks is a cottage and cabin-style resort with a redwood grove on the property. It’s the perfect place for a romantic getaway including your elopement ceremony in the redwoods. The front office staff are so sweet, and will give you a cute map of the property and tell you how to get to the grove and the river to explore and choose your elopement location. I love this location because eloping here allows you to have a more private experience in the redwoods since the grove is closed to anyone not staying at the resort or a guest for your ceremony.
How to Elope at Glen Oaks Big Sur
If you're eloping just the two of you, you can have your ceremony in their redwood grove with your officiant and your photographer, at no extra cost if you're staying on the property. If you plan to have any guests, then you will need to rent one of the ceremony spaces.
Check out the Glen Oaks Big Sur website.
Ventana Big Sur
Ventana Big Sur is an iconic and stunning resort in Big Sur. It has both ocean views and it’s own private redwood grove you can explore, or elope in! They offer both elopement and wedding all-inclusive packages, or you can bring in your own vendors. Check out the different wedding and elopement locations Ventana has to offer!
Loma Vista Gardens
Loma Vista Gardens is a great option if you want something a little different than what the rest of Big Sur has to offer. This beautiful garden venue can be booked for elopements up to 12 guests or intimate weddings up to 25 guests Monday – Thursday.
Wind & Sea
Wind & Sea is a beautiful venue that is great for intimate weddings. It has a lawn with a stunning view of the coast, and your entire family can stay on the property in the private house. They can also host beautiful reception dinners outdoors.
Henry Miller Library
The Henry Miller Memorial Library is one of my favorite places to spend time in Big Sur. Even if you don’t elope here, you should definitely check out the eclectic art and awesome books they have at the library. Behind the library is a stunning redwood grove that is available for elopements! If you’re a book lover and a redwoods fan, I can’t think of a better place to get married!
The library also hosts large weddings on the property from April to October. They usually book out a year in advance for larger weddings, while elopements can usually be booked within a year. The grove requires stairs and a small creek crossing with uneven footing, so if you're planning to have guests make sure this will be accessible for them.
Learn more about elopements at Henry Miller Library.
Big Sur Grange
I'm going to be very real with you, I do not recommend this as an elopement location. While some blogs may list it as an option, having been there I am going to tell you it isn't great. There is a group of redwood trees, however they are set right next to the parking area for the Glen Oaks redwood grove, so if there is a wedding or event happening at Glen Oaks you will be having your ceremony next to a bunch of cars. So let's avoid this as an elopement option!
See my recommended elopement locations on the map:
Big Sur Lodge
Big Sur Lodge is right next to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, which makes it a great spot to rent a ceremony space for an elopement with guests, and then head into the park for some redwoods portraits just the two of you. Renting a room at the lodge also comes with free park passes!
how to plan your Big Sur elopement
eloping in Big SUr is Magical, but it does require some logistics - that's where I come in!
Hire an elopement specific photographer who knows how to help you plan an elopement in Big Sur to get the most out of your day, make sure everything is legal, and of course get the best photos! Your photographer will be able to help with every step of planning your day, so it's a great place to start even if you have nothing else decided yet. I love brainstorming with my couples and coming up with the perfect day that feels like you.
After getting to know you and we chat about your elopement vision, I will send you a locations guide so we can pick your perfect ceremony spot.
Permit requirements are different for each location, and I'm here to help you with this! I apply for permits for you so you don't need to feel overwhelmed by this process. I also have a standing permit in parts of Big Sur which means you don't need to deal with the headache or extra fees of an additional permit!
Now that you know the location you'll be eloping in, you can book your lodging! I will give you ideas and specific spots closest to your ceremony site.
Once you know where you'll be staying it's time to book your other vendors! I'll send you a curated list of vendors for whatever you need. Officiant, hair and makeup artist, private chef? I've got you.
Your day is here! Everything you planned all comes together and you get to enjoy your epic, stress-free day marrying your best friend!
- Mild temperatures (40-74 degrees F)
- Blooming wildflowers
- Medium chance of rain
- Fewer crowds than summer
spring
- Coolest season (40-60 degrees F)
- High chance of rain
- Dramatic, moody atmosphere
- Least crowded
- Highest chance of landslides & road closures
winter
Weather and the best time of year to elope in Big Sur
My favorite time of the year for Big Sur elopements is spring and fall. April and May are stunning in Big Sur with lots of wildflowers growing on the bluffs. September & October are beautiful months as well with more fog rolling in from the ocean, creating a dreamy effect. Temperatures are moderate and there may be some rain, but it's not the wet season and not too hot. Spring and Fall are also shoulder seasons, so the parks are not too crowded and you'll get to experience that "whole place to ourselves" feeling on your elopement day.
Big Sur can have unpredictable weather since it’s on the coast, and can be foggy but has plenty of clear days as well. Keep in mind it is hard to predict fog, but it is part of the whimsical Big Sur coast charm – just bring layers! Spring is beautiful for coastal Big Sur elopements with the abundance of wildflowers growing on the bluffs in all different colors, however it is also wet compared to Fall which is usually warmer.
(December - February)
(March - May)
summer
- Hottest season (48-76 degrees F)
- Driest season
- Peak tourist season
- Need to book permits well in advance
(June - August)
fall
- Mild temperatures (45-65 degrees F)
- Fewer crowds than summer
- Potential for misty mornings & fog
- Medium chance of rain
(September - November)
Best Day of the Week to elope in Big SUr
The best time to elope in Big Sur is on Monday-Thursday. These days are optimal for eloping because the area gets very crowded on weekends and holidays. It is a very popular tourist spot, so the weekdays will offer more privacy. Parking will also be much easier compared to weekends where you more often than not find cars lined up all along the highway. The trails will be much busier on the weekend, and the beautiful viewpoints that you want photos at will most likely have others hanging around the same spot to get photos there as well. Even at a private venue, you may find others staying there using the same amenities and walking trails through the areas as well as restaurants filled up. Overall, you will have a more intimate-feeling elopement experience in Big Sur on a weekday.
From May – September, the Big Sur state parks only issue elopement permits for Monday-Thursday. During the off-season, you can get permits for weekends but the area will still be busier compared to the weekdays. If you are not eloping in a state park and opted for a private venue instead this won’t apply to you, but the crowds are still something to consider. If you want photos outside of your ceremony at a state park, your photographer will still need a film permit which during peak season is also only allowed Monday – Thursday. It will also be much easier to secure your top picks for vendors who are usually booked far in advance on weekends. If you are unsure about your date, you can always ask me! I can help you find the most ideal day for your Big Sur elopement based on what you’re envisioning for your day, and will help you with the permit application process as well.
WHERE TO STAY FOR YOUR Big Sur ELOPEMENT
Rustic cabins, cozy Airbnbs, and 5 star retreats - there’s a stay for every style. Because Big Sur is spread out between the redwoods and the coast, where you stay will depend on your elopement spot and the vision you have for your day.
Best Stays in the Redwoods:
Glen Oaks Big Sur - This is my favorite place in Big Sur! You can stay in their cabins and use their redwood grove for photos or even your ceremony. It's a beautiful location close to some great restaurants too.
Ventana - If you're looking for a 5 star stay, this is the perfect choice. It's a bit farther South in Big Sur proper, but it is a stunning property. You can also get married on the property if you want to!
Ventana Glamping - Looking for an extravagant camping experience? Ventana offers cute tent cabins with fire pits, and will even set you up with a dog bed and cute treats for your pup!
Big Sur Campground & Cabins - Another one of my favorites! There are lots of camping & RV sites on the property, but the corner of the property is all cute cabins. They are close together, so you don't have that super-tucked-away-in-the-woods vibe, but they're beautiful cabins and make for great getting ready spaces. If you're traveling with your family, this is a great option to rent multiple cabins next to each other!
Best Stays on the Coast:
If you want to be closer to the coastal area of Big Sur, I recommend staying in Carmel! It's close to the bluffs, and there are tons of amazing restaurants there. There are boutique hotels, and some awesome Airbnb finds like this private oceanfront home!
Pro tip: Book early! Availability is limited, especially in summer and fall.
- Marriage license To legally get married in California, you do not have to be a resident of California. You do, however, need to get your marriage license in California. You can get your marriage license in any California county within 90 days before your elopement date. There is no waiting period to pick up your license. Don't forget your ID!
- Hire an officiant or have a friend become ordained online to marry you.
- Have at least one witness. You must have at least 1 and up to 2 witnesses sign your marriage license. If you don't plan on having guests, I am happy to sign as your witness!
- Apply for a Special Use Permit through the National Park Service or the appropriate state park. I will help you with this!
legally elope in Big Sur
How to
Making things legal might seem overwhelming, so I am here to help you. Here's the breakdown:
Permits for Eloping in Big Sur State Parks
As your photographer, I will help you apply for your permits and make sure we get the correct permit to cover our plans! I also have a standing elopement permit in Big Sur, so if your elopement fits those guidelines, then you don't need an extra permit!
Most state parks in Big Sur require a permit to elope. It’s important that you apply for a permit as soon as you decide your location and ideal date, since the Big Sur State Parks system only allows for one elopement or wedding each day across all of the parks combined. Elopement permits are for elopements only, and must meet specific Big Sur elopement requirements. Weddings require special event permits.
There are strict guidelines for how to qualify for an elopement permit in Big Sur, the main being that you must have 10 or fewer people present, including vendors. I am familiar with all of the guidelines and will make sure we are applying for the correct permits to fit your needs for your day!
Imagine waking up in a rustic cabin in the forest, just you and your love getting up to make coffee together before the best day of your lives. The rest of your day can be absolutely ANYTHING you want. Here is an example of a full day adventure elopement in Big Sur...
Wake up and enjoy a slow morning making coffee together
Get pastries from a local bakery for breakfast
Hair & Makeup arrives and you get ready in separate rooms at your Airbnb, Photo coverage starts
Detail photos of a map of the state park you're getting married in, your rings, and your sentimental items you brought from home
First look outside in the redwoods
Travel to your ceremony location
Say your vows to each other under the canopy of the redwoods
Read letters from your family
Explore the redwood grove and take couples photos
Mid day break
Meet at beach late afternoon
Enjoy a charcuterie board and your favorite desserts & drinks watching the waves crash onto the shore in front of you
Head to the coastal bluffs
Explore the coastal bluffs as the sun sets and blue hour photos with lanterns after the sun goes down
Go back to your Airbnb for a delicious candlelit dinner cooked by a private chef and a romantic evening of champagne & playing board games together
What your elopement day can look like in Big Sur...
Big Sur Elopement Timeline
Activities & Things to do in Big Sur
Whether you want to spend a day or a few days in Big Sur, there are so many fun, romantic things you can include in your time there. Here are a few ideas!
Things to do in Big Sur
Things to do Near Big Sur
Explore and take photos at Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, and Pfeiffer Beach - some of the most iconic Big Sur spots!
Drive down the beautiful coastline on Highway 1 and enjoy the view. Stop at pull offs during your drive to soak it in!
Enjoy a romantic dinner at The Sur House, or Nepenthe.
Check out the Henry Miller Library for rare books and eclectic art.
Glamp at Ventana Big Sur for a luxury glamping experience.
Hike on a coastal or redwood trail.
Camp at a Big Sur campground!
Kayak in Moss Landing - if you're lucky you'll get up close with the otters!
Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Do the 17-mile-drive in Pacific Grove
Spend an afternoon in Carmel-by-the-sea
Visit the Cottage of Sweets in Carmel
Walk down Cannery Row and Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey
Go on a whale watching tour in Monterey
Head to Santa Cruz and ride rollercoasters at the beach Boardwalk
The cost of eloping in Big Sur can vary a lot depending on the kind of experience you want. A simple ceremony with just the two of you and your photographer is going to cost much less than a full-day adventure with a private chef, florals, multiple locations, and a small guest list.
A lot of couples I work with choose to elope in Big Sur because they want a day that feels deeply personal, relaxed, and meaningful - not necessarily because they’re trying to have the cheapest wedding possible. Elopements can vary from $6k to $30k+ depending if your budget is mostly photography or if you're including other pieces in your day.
Below, I’ve put together a few sample budgets, from simple to luxury, so you can get a feel for what Big Sur elopements can look like at different price points. Most couples fall somewhere in between, splurging on the pieces that mean the most and keeping the rest simple.
For my photography pricing, see my Big Sur elopement packages.
how much does it cost to elope in Big Sur?
Photography (full day coverage): $6,000
Permit: $50-400
Travel + Lodging (3+ nights): $1,000–$2,000
Florals (bouquets and/or boutonierrres) $300–$600
Officiant: $300–$600
Dinner or catered meal: $300–$1,000
Hair & Makeup: $300–$500
Rental Car: $400-600
Big Sur Elopement Budget
Luxury Big Sur elopement budget
Photography (multi-day): $8,000
Permit: $50-650+
Travel + Upscale Lodging (3–4 nights): $4,000–$6,000+
High-end floral design: $1,000–$2,500
Officiant: $300 - $600
Private chef dinner or catered meal: $1,500–$3,000+
Hair & Makeup: $800–$1,200+
Transportation / vintage car: $800–$1,500
Adventure extras (kayaking, picnic setup, etc.): $300-800+
This kind of elopement is a full experience - elevated, intentional, and completely centered around your love story.
This is a great balance between intentional simplicity and a little extra magic. You get to slow down, take it all in, and celebrate in a way that feels completely “you.”
Traveling to Big Sur
Big Sur sits along one of California's most stunning stretches of coastline, about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The closest major airport is Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), just over an hour north of Big Sur. It's small but convenient, with limited direct flights from a few major cities. For more flight options, San Francisco International (SFO) is about 2.5 hours north, while San Jose International (SJC) is roughly two hours away. If you're coming from Southern California, LAX is about a 4.5-hour drive south along the coast. However, access from Southern California on Highway 1 is currently closed due to a landslide. It is set to reopen in March 2026.
Once you arrive, a car is absolutely essential. There's no public transportation into Big Sur, and the area is spread out along many miles of coastline. The drive itself is part of the experience, with Highway 1 offering jaw-dropping views of the ocean right next to the highway. Just be prepared: the roads are winding and can be narrow in spots, so take your time and enjoy the journey.
It's also worth noting that cell service is spotty to nonexistent throughout much of Big Sur, so download maps ahead of time and plan accordingly. Gas stations and services are limited, so fuel up before you head in and bring any supplies you might need for your elopement day!
leave no trace in Big Sur
Key LNT Principles for Elopements:
- Stay on designated trails and don’t trample plant life.
- Avoid using props or décor that could disturb the natural area. The redwoods in Big Sur forbid most real flowers, so I will provide you with the list of accepted florals, or you can get gorgeous silk flower bouquets instead!
- Don’t scatter petals, confetti, or rice, even if it's biodegradable.
- Pack out everything you bring in including food scraps.
Choose vendors who respect LNT practices and park rules.
