A Romantic Big Sur Elopement at Big Sur Lodge

Looking for inspiration for your Big Sur elopement? Lauren and Carlos planned a heartfelt, intentional day surrounded by towering redwoods and coastal cliffs, complete with a cozy cabin morning, emotional gift exchange, and sunset portraits on the iconic Big Sur coastline. Their elopement at Big Sur Lodge was the perfect blend of family, adventure, and quiet moments for just the two of them.

Lauren and Carlos’ elopement in Big Sur was the kind of day that stays with you, the kind of love story that makes you slow down and soak in every little moment.

We started the morning tucked away in the redwoods at Big Sur Lodge. Their cozy cabin was full of soft light, and quiet excitement. Lauren and Carlos got ready separately, but you could feel the anticipation building as they moved through their morning, getting dressed just steps away from each other.

Their first look outside the cabin was intimate and heartfelt, just the two of them. Afterward, they exchanged gifts out on their deck, and my eyes were welling up behind my camera.

One of the most emotional parts of the day was when Lauren gave Carlos a pocket handkerchief embroidered with the face of their beloved pup they had recently lost. It was such a touching, meaningful way to carry her spirit into the day.

Before their ceremony, we wandered into the redwoods for portraits, letting the quiet of the forest wrap around us. Then, surrounded by seven of their closest family members, Lauren and Carlos said their vows at Big Sur Lodge, in their redwood grove ceremony site. Nestled in a redwood forest, this ceremony site at Big Sur Lodge is perfect for small elopements and intimate weddings. It’s on the property of the Lodge, so it’s super easy to access if you’re staying there. Your family and guests can all stay at the lodge too, with options from simple rooms to suites inside the cabins.

Lauren & Carlos’ ceremony was sweet and simple, full of love and light. Afterward, they shared hugs, took photos with their families, popped champagne, cut their cake, and listened as their loved ones offered a few casual, heartfelt toasts.

One of my favorite parts of the day came next: after the celebrations, we all took a little break so Lauren and Carlos could return to their cabin. Just the two of them, they played a few board games together which is one of their favorite at-home traditions. I had the honor of quietly documenting that time, and it was such a sweet reminder that your elopement day doesn’t have to be go-go-go. It can (and should!) feel like you.

There are so many beautiful, rustic cabins to stay at in the Big Sur and Carmel areas for your elopement day. Here is a cabin nestled into the redwoods that’s perfect for escaping just the two of you for some down-time on your day.

Or if you’re looking for a place to relax with your family, check out this beautiful stay in Point Lobos.

Lauren and Carlos booked my full day elopement package, which is 8 hours that can be split into 2 parts of the day. This allowed us to take a mid-day break and come back together later for a sunset adventure. So later that evening, we met up again at one of Big Sur’s most jaw-dropping coastal spots for a sunset adventure. We ventured along the cliffs, laughed a lot, and took in the views as the sun set. We nearly lost track of time just enjoying the view and the moment together. It was the perfect ending to a day that already felt so full of love.

Lauren and Carlos’ elopement was everything I love about these kinds of days: intentional, deeply personal, and focused on what truly matters. I feel so lucky to have witnessed and captured it.