The Ultimate Big Sur Elopement Guide [Updated for 2025]

Locations, guides, and all the important things to consider when planning YOUR Big Sur Elopement & wedding

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Rocky coastal cliffs with crashing waves beneath and lush green forests with towering redwood trees are just a couple of the iconic views that you can experience during your Big Sur elopement.

One of the things we love most about this area of the California coast is that the views so versatile. On one side of Highway 1 are lush green mountains and on the other side, there are beautiful wildflowers covering the rugged coastal cliffs. Best of all, there are dozens of beautiful beaches between Monterey and Big Sur making it one of our favorite locations to photograph engagements, weddings, and elopements.

Explore Some Of The Most Adventurous and Beautiful Big Sur Elopements, Weddings, and Engagements

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Step 1: Choose the Best Location and Best Time to Elope in Big Sur

WHERE ARE THE BEST AND MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO ELOPE IN BIG SUR? AND HOW LONG DO WE HAVE TO HIKE?

Big Sur is a 71-mile region along California’s Highway 1. The region borders not just the California coast, but also goes quite a ways inland as well. It is made up of state parks, national forests, and miles and miles of wilderness regions as well as some private land scattered throughout. With so much land to explore, you have a lot of location options to choose from for your Big Sur elopement.

When it comes to eloping in Big Sur, there are two main options that you may come across in your research. Private land vs Public land…but what is the difference, what are the benefits of each, and what does that mean for your elopement?

Private Land

Private land is land that is not owned by the government (think Airbnb, venues, and restaurants). These are great options for elopement ceremonies as they can provide the maximum privacy and generally won’t have any guest or pet restrictions or permit requirements.

Another great option with Private land is if you choose an Airbnb for your elopement ceremony, you have a built-in getting-ready location that can also double as your ceremony location. You can find many Airbnbs that are in a secluded part of the forest or on the coast with private beach access. This allows you to be surrounded by nature and able to access beautiful locations within minutes.

Benefits of Private Land Ceremonies:

• Maximum privacy
• Fewer guest / pet restrictions
• No permit requirements or hour limits

Public Land

You can’t go wrong when choosing to elope at a location on public land in Big Sur. This area is filled with state parks that have some of the best views on the West Coast. Some of the State Parks in this region are:

• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
• Garrapata
• Point Sur State Historic Park
• Andrew Molera
• Pfeiffer Big Sur
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns
• Limekiln

While all of these state parks have something unique to offer, keep in mind that each of them has different rules and restrictions so you will want to be sure to research and contact the Special Events Coordinate to confirm event requirements for the region you choose.

Benefits of Public Land Ceremonies:

• Relatively inexpensive fees
• Iconic views with built-in adventures

*Pro Tip – No matter which location you choose for your Big Sur elopement, keep in mind that it may take a couple of hours to drive from one area of Big Sur to another. When planning your elopement timeline, be sure to allow for enough time to get to each location. In addition, the cell service throughout this area is very limited, so we will want to map out your itinerary and locations in advance.

FAVORITE BIG SUR ELOPEMENT CEREMONY LOCATIONS

We have included a list of some of our favorite Big Sur elopement locations, but keep in mind that Big Sur often experiences closures and temporary shutdowns due to washed-out roads and population so be sure to research to ensure your location will be open on your elopement day.

• Soberanes Point Trail – accessible all year long; located in Garrapata State Park
• Garrapata Bluff Trail and Beach – a short walking trail accessible all year long; near Carmel
• China Lookout – coming from the south, this area marks the end of Big Sur just before Point Lobos and Carmel-By-The-Sea
• Pfeiffer Beach – centrally located, this beach is one of the main attractions of the Big Sur region

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO ELOPE IN BIG SUR?

The Best Time of Year to Elope in Big Sur

Despite how large Big Sur is, it does attract a lot of attention, and certain areas can get quite crowded (the park is estimated to bring somewhere between 4.5 and 7 million visitors a year!).

As with many areas in California, Big Sur has relatively mild weather making it a great location to visit many months out of the year. If we were to choose just one time to visit though, we would have to choose April through November.

Spring

Springtime brings an abundance of wildflowers to the Big Sur region and is another one our favorite times to visit. The Calla Lillies are especially stunning between mid-February to mid-March and make a beautiful backdrop for your first look or first dance.

Summer

The summer season in Big Sur is typically clear and warm. Keep in mind though, that this time of year is also wildfire season in California. If there are fires in the area, we will work to keep in touch regarding your elopement plans and help provide options for Plan B or C if needed.

Fall

The autumn months can bring a layer of fog to the coast, but don’t let that deter you. Moody photos are our jam and we promise you won’t be disappointed, whether rain or shine!

Winter

Due to heavy rain in the winter months, we advise against planning an elopement in Big Sur during this time due to potential road closures and road washouts.

The Best Days of the Week to Elope in Big Sur

Another thing to consider when deciding when to elope in Big Sur is the day of the week. We typically advise our couples to elope on a weekday when possible. This helps avoid the crowds and tourists that are more likely to visit these popular locations during the weekends. It also allows for more privacy for your ceremony and photos.

If you are eloping on public land, you will need to get a special events permit which we will touch on more a little later in this post. It’s important to note though that these permits are only allowed to be used Mondays through Thursdays.

One other perk of eloping on a weekday is vendor availability. Since weekends tend to be popular for large weddings, many vendors have more availability during the weekdays to accommodate elopements. This means you will likely have better luck booking your preferred vendors even if you are working on a shorter timeline.

Sunrise vs Sunset

While both times of day are beautiful, sunset is our favorite time of day to elope in Big Sur. As the sun sets in the west, it provides gorgeous beams of light on you and your partner as you run around the beach together, say your vows, or sway together for your first dance.

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Step 2: Find The Best Big Sur Elopement Photographers and Book The One You Can Connect With

WHY US FOR ALL YOUR BIG SUR ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY NEEDS?

We are huge believers in “there’s a photographer out there for everyone”. We don’t know how you ended up here reading all these words but we know you are here for a reason.

Growing up, I (Henry) never thought one day I would become an elopement photographer. I went to school for nursing and started working as a Cardiac ICU Nurse before my heart found photography. Through my nursing career, my heart found a need for documenting memories from seeing how short life truly is.

When we grow old, photos remind us of how we once looked.

When times get tough, photos let us re-live those times when life was much easier and full of hopes and dreams.

When we lose our loved ones, photos are the only things that live on and allow us to immerse in the nostalgia and memories.

Photos are timeless. Photos are sacred.

This is why we don’t mess around when it comes to creating a safe space for our couples to express themselves. We want you to feel how you feel and to be who you are meant to be. This is how we can then capture your true authentic selves.

Besides the main focus of capturing memories and moments, we are also huge believers in “Leave No Trace”

WHAT IS “LEAVE NO TRACE” AND WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT IT?

As experts in adventure elopement photography, we care a whole lot about “Leave No Trace”. LNT is where we go on adventures for photos, but we also make sure to leave things the way they are. By doing our part to preserve the beauty of nature, we help make sure it lasts for others to enjoy for many years. Here are some things we do and expect our couples to do (not limited to):

• Stay on trails
• Not climbing over fences, roped-off areas, or places with visible signs of “Do Not Trespass”
• No meadow stomping
• No confetti inside the National Park (it doesn’t matter if they are bio-degradable or not). Each National Park has their own living organisms, plants, animals, etc. By leaving things behind, we can harm these living organisms. Bio-degradable confetti takes a while to degrade and might need rain or water to speed up that process. In the meantime, other animals might still be able to ingest them. If you are thinking about confetti, we can do so at your cabin (if allowed)

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Step 3: Transportation, Accommodation, Pets, and EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW to Elope in Big Sur

WHERE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO STAY FOR YOUR BIG SUR ELOPEMENT?

As mentioned previously, Big Sur spreads across many miles. Therefore, the best place to stay will depend on where you are planning on having your elopement photographed. With that being said, please keep in mind that even with finding the perfect place to stay, we might still have to drive a bit for photos. We’ll be sure to plan out all these details though when we help you create your elopement timeline.

Here are some well-known places to stay around Big Sur:

Hotels / Lodges [some of these places also offer services for wedding and elopement venues in Big Sur)

• Treebones Resort – A premier glamping yurt near Cape San Martin
• Glen Oaks Big Sur – A rustic-modern hotel near Pfeiffer Beach
• Post Ranch Inn – This resort is located near Pfeiffer Beach and offers both stunning coastal and mountain views.
• Ventana Big Sur – This luxe wilderness resort offers farm-to-table dining and is located near the Henry Miller Memorial Library

Campgrounds [yesss if you are feeling adventurous and want to bring your Camper Vans, RVs, Trailers, or Tent for your adventure elopement, check out these places]:

• Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: a 1,000 acre state park with surrounded by the redwoods and coastal views. Centrally located near Pfeiffer Beach and the Henry Miller Memorial Library
• Ventana Campground: Tent camping only with 60 campsites and 15 luxurious glamping sites. Located near the ocean and other amenities such as restaurants and the Henry Miller Memorial Library.
• Kirk Creek Campground: In Los Padres National Forest with stunning views from every site. First come first serve
• Limekiln State Park: Reservations six months in advance; no dogs
• The Village RV – Want to go camping, but don’t have your own equipment? The Village RV will drop off an RV wherever you would like to stay and will even pick it up for you after your stay. Convenient!

Airbnbs near Big Sur

• Closest towns around the region: Carmel, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Marina, and Salinas.
• These places are more flexible since you can pick lodging based on what they offer, capacity, and amenities. Since you’re staying outside public lands, you also have fewer restrictions on what you can do with your wedding.

Although the list above is quite extensive, we did not list everything we’ve found since we don’t want to overwhelm you with information. When we plan on your adventure elopement, we will narrow down places that are more relevant to your needs. Also, keep in mind that Big Sur reservations can book up far in advance, especially in the summer months so be sure to book your reservations as early as possible.

CAN WE INVITE GUESTS? HOW MANY PEOPLE SHOULD WE HAVE AT OUR ELOPEMENT?

We’ve photographed elopements with just the couple, and we’ve also photographed elopements with family members and friends.

There are no rules when it comes to having your wedding day how you want and that includes the guest list. Invite who you want and leave out who you don’t want. And, remember it isn’t selfish to want to elope with just the two of you! It is 1000% ok!

If you want to read more on this topic, check out our blog post on 6 Things To Consider Before Eloping.

That being said, the Big Sur region does have requirements for how many people can attend a ceremony on public land. Events on Big Sur public lands are limited to 10 people. That number includes “the wedding party, officiant/celebrant, all guests including children, any vendors such as a photographer, and any persons that will be at the event”.

WE HAVE A DOG OR TWO, CAN WE BRING OUR PETS ALONG WITH US TO OUR BIG SUR ELOPEMENT?

If you are thinking about bringing your pets to Big Sur, follow the BARK acronym:

• B: Bag your pet’s poop
• A: Always wear a leash
• R: Respect wildlife
• K: Know where you can go: “Dogs are not allowed on State Park trails but are allowed in the picnic or day use areas, some campgrounds and on paved roads throughout the park.”

In addition, pets must be with you at all time, no tying them to trees. For a full list of rules with pets, see the official statement from the park itself.

Looking at the list of rules above, you might feel discouraged about eloping in Big Sur. However, we understand how important it is to include your pets on your elopement day. This is why our job is more than just photographing your day. Rather, by assisting you from day one with planning and finding the right resources for your elopement day, we can help with making sure you guys can include everything that’s important to you.

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Step 4: Marriage License and Legality in California

HOW TO APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE IN CALIFORNIA

When it comes to eloping in Big Sur, the marriage application process is relatively straightforward. There are two types of marriage licenses – public and confidential. In this article though, we will focus on public marriage licenses as those are more commonly issued.

Your Big Sur marriage license can be obtained from the Monterey County Clerk’s office. Anyone can apply for a marriage license whether or not they are a resident of California or even the US. Applications can be submitted in advance online, but keep in mind that both parties must go into the clerk’s office within two weeks of submitting or your request will be canceled. Both parties must present proof of age and identification such as a driver’s license or passport and pay the $90 application fee.

Once you have been issued a marriage license, it is valid immediately. There is no waiting period, but the ceremony must take place within 90 days, or else you will need to re-pay the application fee to obtain a new license.

HOW MANY WITNESSES DO WE NEED? WHAT ABOUT AN OFFICIANT?

In the state of California, you will need an officiant and 1 witness. If you have family and/or friends who can be there for you, that’s amazing.

If not, that’s ok too. Oftentimes, we are one of the witnesses for our couples. We also have a list of options for the second witness if needed and can recommend a list of officiants for you as well.

TLDR

• You do NOT have to be a resident of California or the US to apply
• Both parties must be 18 years old or older (parties under 18 must have a signed court order and written parental consent.)
• Both parties must be present to sign the marriage license application (applications can be submitted online or in person)
• No waiting period – once issued, your marriage license is valid immediately
• Marriage licenses are valid for 90 days
• Ceremonies must have one witness over the age of 18

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Step 5: Apply For a Wedding Permit For Big Sur Public Lands

Again, depending on where you are getting married within the Big Sur region will determine whether or not you need a permit. However, you might need one or both of these following permits:

1) Entrance Fee: $10 per vehicle. You can choose to pay for a one-time visit or you can use your California State Parks Pass to enter the park.

2) Special Events Permit: Permit to have a wedding on Big Sur public lands. Contact the Wedding Special Event Coordinator at (831) 667-0507 for the public land you wish to get a permit for. (Note – this information might change over time)

We know permits can be complicated, which is why we also help our couples apply for the right permit(s) during the elopement planning process.

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Step 6: Everything Else To Prepare For Your Big Sur Elopement

We know when you seek an adventure elopement, you seek an experience. An elopement does not mean the day is “less than” a traditional wedding. Therefore, we decided to dedicate a whole page to our site with multiple blog posts and resources on elopements.

• Why eloping?
• How can we make this day unique and special?
• What else should we think about?
• If we don’t invite loved ones, what are some things we can do to involve them from afar?

These are just some of the many questions we know you might have. We want to reassure you that you don’t have to plan your elopement alone. We will be there from day 1 to prepare you and plan with you for a day that none of us will ever forget. It all starts TRUST & INTENTIONALITY.

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Thanks for reading and we hope you consider us as your Big Sur Elopement Photographers. You can read more About Us, Pricing, Elopement Packages and Everything we are about. If you are ready, please head over to our Contact Page to send an inquiry.

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Big Sur Elopement Packages

– Explore anywhere in Big Sur

– Coverage from 4 hours to Full Day

– A personalized elopement experience with unlimited guides and resources as promised above. Click here to see everything that is included

– All your breath-taking photos in a secure & private online gallery

– Travel fees included

Starting at $6,900

(Ranges between $6,900 – $14,200)

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Ready to elope? Need our help in finding the most perfect location for you? Need more clarification on how to elope in Big Sur?