BIG SUR ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

BIG SUR ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

There is no place better for an adventure than the Big Sur coastline in northern California. It is the most beautiful space for a coastal, windy, & carefree elopement!

Big Sur is an amazingly diverse region of the country with so many epic overlooks of the ocean, endless redwood groves and wildflowers, and potential spaces to say your "I dos".

I am so glad you are here and would love to help give you all my tips so you can have the best ever elopement experience in Big Sur!

ELOPE IN BIG SUR

in Beautiful california

There is no place better for an adventure than the Big Sur coastline in northern California. It is the most beautiful space for a coastal, windy, & carefree elopement!

Big Sur is an amazingly diverse region of the country with so many epic overlooks of the ocean, endless redwood groves and wildflowers, and potential spaces to say your "I dos".

I am so glad you are here and would love to help give you all my tips so you can have the best ever elopement experience in Big Sur!

ELOPE IN BIG SUR

in beautiful california

Hi, I'm Nicole!

your Big Sur Elopement Photographer

Congratulations on deciding to elope, you will definitely not regret it! The Big Sur coast in California is truly one of the best places to have a romantic, coastal, adventure elopement.

Whether you want to say your vows on the top of a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, put on your hiking boots and trek into a private redwood grove, or rent out a little cabin in Carmel-by-the-Sea-- there is something here for everyone. I know how overwhelming it is at first when deciding to elope, especially if you have never been to the Big Sur area! But, I will be here the whole time to guide you on your permits, ceremony location, back up plans for weather, literally anything you will need in your elopement journey!

CONNECT WITH ME

Hi, I'm Nicole!

your Big Sur Elopement Photographer

Congratulations on deciding to elope, you will definitely not regret it! The Big Sur coast in California is  truly one of the best places to have a romantic, coastal, adventure elopement.

Whether you want to say your vows on the top of a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, put on your hiking boots and trek into a private redwood grove, or rent out a little cabin in Carmel-by-the-Sea-- there is something here for everyone. I know how overwhelming it is at first when deciding to elope, especially if you have never been to the Big Sur area! But, I will be here the whole time to guide you on your permits, ceremony location, back up plans for weather, literally anything you will need in your elopement journey!

CONNECT WITH ME

My Favorite Big Sur Elopement Locations

california state parks

bixby bridge on highway 1

For an iconic adventurous look

Redwoods, meadows, waterfalls, & more

towering trees and so many shades of green

redwood groves

An architectural masterpiece, the Bixby Bridge, towers high above the rugged cliffs of Big Sur. This is a must stop for your elopement day. The drop offs can be steep and it is very public, but there is no place else in Big Sur quite like it. You can walk to the edge and see the sheer scale of the Big Sur cliffs. Coastal fog often settles here and it is beautiful to witness in real life.

Big Sur is home to some of the most beautiful California State Parks. Julia Pfeiffer Burns (where the waterfall above is located), Andrew Moreal, Garrapata, and a few others are truly some of the best spaces for your elopement location. They are adventurous and diverse from beaches to wildflower meadows to redwoods! For a couple looking for all the variety in their photos & elopement day -- this is the best option!

When most people think of Big Sur, they typically imagine just the coastline. But Big Sur is home to SO many beautiful redwood groves. There are even some that are completely private that you can rent out for your elopement for you & guests! Reach out to me for more info on these private groves.

Big Sur Elopement Permits
& FAQs

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO ELOPE IN big sur california?

WHAT PERMITS DO WE NEED TO ELOPE IN big sur?

You will need a permit if choosing to elope in any of the California State Parks. This includes Julia Pfeiffer Burns, Andrew Molera, & Garrapata. Permits are only accepted for Monday - Thursday dates and are one permit per park per day (excluding Garrapata). For public land, such as national forests, it will vary and you can reach the Special Event Office here. As always, I am here as your Big Sur elopement photographer to ensure you have the accurate permits you will need for your elopement ceremony. The parks require at least twenty one days notice to process applications so reach out to me sooner than later and I will assist you!

WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHILE WE ARE IN THE big sur area?

REACH OUT HERE

WHAT OTHER VENDORS WILL I NEED TO FIND FOR OUR california ELOPEMENT?

I WANT TO HAVE SOME OF OUR FAMILY PRESENT FOR OUR ELOPEMENT. IS THAT POSSIBLE?

Most couples will have an officiant, a florist, hair/make up artist, and a photographer (that's me!). From there, you could have a reservation at a beautiful restaurant close by, a caterer for a picnic, a videographer, a guide to drive you along Highway 1, the ideas are limitless! Reach out and we can brainstorm ideas on what other vendors you would want included in your elopement day along the coast! I love to help with finding these vendors!

Summers are magical in the Big Sur, but also the most popular. Mid April into early September provides the best weather for a Big Sur elopement! The region is known to having very dense & heavy coastal fog most mornings and sometimes into the evening. The spring is the least busy time to visit and has tons of costal wildflowers and blooms which makes it the best time of year to have a Big Sur elopement.

There is so much to do in the surrounding cities, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, and of course, Big Sur. You could rent a cabin tucked in the hills and wake up slow to have coffee on your balcony viewing the Pacific Ocean. There are tons of hikes to do within the multiple California state parks within a drives distance away. Simply driving Highway 1 is a magical experience. COAST Big Sur is one of the most aesthetic and beautiful restaurants, there's hidden bookstores, and more all in the area. I will give you all the best recommendations for your time in Big Sur!

Totally! I shoot full weddings along with more intimate weddings and adventure elopements! There is so much beauty in both styles of wedding days. Reach out to me and I can give you a list of my favorite venues and ski lodges in the Big Sur region for a full wedding. If you are having your ceremony in a state park however you will only be allowed 10 guests, me included! Other areas there are little to no restrictions with guest count, I will help guide you with ALL of this.

Big Sur Elopement Permits
& FAQs

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO elope in big sur california?

What permits do we Need to Elope in big sur?

You will need a permit if choosing to elope in any of the California State Parks. This includes Julia Pfeiffer Burns, Andrew Molera, & Garrapata. Permits are only accepted for Monday - Thursday dates and are one permit per park per day (excluding Garrapata). For public land, such as national forests, it will vary and you can reach the Special Event Office here. As always, I am here as your Big Sur elopement photographer to ensure you have the accurate permits you will need for your elopement ceremony. The parks require at least twenty one days notice to process applications so reach out to me sooner than later and I will assist you!

What should we do while we are in the big sur area?

REACH OUT HERE

What other vendors will i need to find for our california elopement?

i want to have some of our family present for our elopement. is that possible?

Most couples will have an officiant, a florist, hair/make up artist, and a photographer (that's me!). From there, you could have a reservation at a beautiful restaurant close by, a caterer for a picnic, a videographer, a guide to drive you along Highway 1, the ideas are limitless! Reach out and we can brainstorm ideas on what other vendors you would want included in your elopement day along the coast! I love to help with finding these vendors!

Summers are magical in the Big Sur, but also the most popular. Mid April into early September provides the best weather for a Big Sur elopement! The region is known to having very dense & heavy coastal fog most mornings and sometimes into the evening. The spring is the least busy time to visit and has tons of costal wildflowers and blooms which makes it the best time of year to have a Big Sur elopement.


There is so much to do in the surrounding cities, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, and of course, Big Sur. You could rent a cabin tucked in the hills and wake up slow to have coffee on your balcony viewing the Pacific Ocean. There are tons of hikes to do within the multiple California state parks within a drives distance away. Simply driving Highway 1 is a magical experience. COAST Big Sur is one of the most aesthetic and beautiful restaurants, there's hidden bookstores, and more all in the area. I will give you all the best recommendations for your time in Big Sur!

Totally! I shoot full weddings along with more intimate weddings and adventure elopements! There is so much beauty in both styles of wedding days. Reach out to me and I can give you a list of my favorite venues and ski lodges in the Big Sur region for a full wedding. If you are having your ceremony in a state park however you will only be allowed 10 guests, me included! Other areas there are little to no restrictions with guest count, I will help guide you with ALL of this.

-Mackayla & Josh

"We couldn’t stop looking at them because of how amazing they were."

"Nicole is a very genuine and talented photographer and it shows in her photos. Not only is she great at what she does but she is also very personable and professional! She was amazing with communication before, during, and after the wedding. Before the wedding, she made sure to make a note of any photos we were wanting. She took the time to learn what was important to us and got to know us as a couple and then she captured everything perfectly in every single photo. When we got our wedding photos back we got to re-live our wedding day all over again. We couldn’t stop looking at them because of how amazing they were. They are something that we will cherish forever and I’m so happy that we chose Nicole to capture one of the best days of our life!"

Kentucky elopement

-Hayley & Adam

"Nicole is not just a photographer, she is an ARTIST!" 

"Nicole is the most professional and kind person in the wedding vendor industry that I met, during my planning experience. She was so intentional asking us about our story so that she could best capture what we wanted to be seen from our day! She paid attention to the little details we asked for and was efficient and passionate about her work. Nicole is not just a photographer, she is an ARTIST! Her photos are top tier and I would recommend her to anyone and everyone!"

Summer Nashville, TN Wedding

-Sara & Alex

"Easily one of the best experiences a couple could have"

"Working with Nicole was easily one of the best experiences a young couple could have. She was able to effectively communicate her vision alongside understanding my vision for these photographs. In the end, we received timeless photographs that will forever be displayed in our new home.”

Lake Cumberland Adventure Session

A completely customized day all about you & your love!

  • Helping you with locations, permits, lodging, and more














  • Together WE'll build a custom timeline for a day that reflects you as a couple










  • YOU WILL RECEIVE MEANINGFUL & HONEST IMAGERY CENTERED AROUND THE LANDSCAPE YOU EXPERIENCE

After being a landscape photographer for over a decade, I take a landscape focused approach into elopement days, which makes my art different.

Your photos will always be natural toned & composed purposefully to bring you back to the landscape you and your lover experienced together!

No silly poses, just meaningful memories you can take with you. I can definitely provide posing when you need it, but otherwise I will stand back and allow the day to unfold naturally between you two, snapping photos along the way.

Because Your elopement is just for the two of you

As an advocate for the outdoors, I know so many amazing landscapes to recommend across the country to be eloped within.

Whether you want to take a sunrise hike up to a serene alpine lake or run around in the fields beneath the Tetons at golden hour, I will do thorough location scouting to provide you with the best ceremony locations & portrait spots to ensure you have the best photos possible!

You'll know everything is legal as I help you apply for permits in the specific area you choose, as that is definitely the least fun part!

Even smaller things, like lodging or activities for you to enjoy in the area, I love to guide and help you so you can have a stress free elopement experience together.

I'm talking about all those logistics that you probably have floating around in your head!

We will talk through them together through scheduled (and spontaneous!) calls to ensure you have a day that flows & makes sense to you both.

I will provide you with my photography knowledge so you can know we are at your location at the most ideal time with lighting for your photos. As well as accounting for the things you will want to do together on your day!

I'm talking about all those logistics that you probably have floating around in your head! We will talk through them together through scheduled (and spontaneous!) calls to ensure you have a day that flows & makes sense to you both. I will provide you with my photography knowledge so you can know we are at your location at the most ideal time with lighting for your photos. As well as accounting for the things you will want to do together on your day!

After being a landscape photographer for over a decade, I take a landscape focused approach into elopement days, which makes my art different. Your photos will always be natural toned & composed purposefully to bring you back to the landscape you and your lover experienced together! No silly poses, just meaningful memories you can take with you. I can definitely provide posing when you need it, but otherwise I will stand back and allow the day to unfold naturally between you two, snapping photos along the way.

  • Helping you with locations, permits, lodging, and more



  • Together WE'll build a custom timeline for a day that reflects you as a couple


  • YOU WILL RECEIVE MEANINGFUL & HONEST IMAGERY CENTERED AROUND THE LANDSCAPE YOU EXPERIENCE

As an advocate for the outdoors, I know so many amazing landscapes to recommend across the country to be eloped within. Whether you want to take a sunrise hike up to a serene alpine lake in Glacier National Park or run around in the fields beneath the Tetons at golden hour, I will do thorough location scouting to provide you with the best ceremony locations & portrait spots to ensure you have the best photos possible! You'll know everything is legal as I help you apply for permits in the specific area you choose, as that is definitely the least fun part! Even smaller things, like lodging or activities for you to enjoy in the area, I love to guide and help you so you can have a stress free elopement experience together.

big sur california Elopements

  • Choose between 4, 6, & 8 Hours of Photography Coverage
  • Full service planning & logistics assistance
  • Custom Timeline specifically made for you & your love
  • Vendor Recommendations to help make your day perfect
  • High Resolution Images for printing all your photos
  • Web Size Images for sharing on social media
  • Custom Online Gallery with a personalized store
  • Full Printing Rights
  • Polaroids to take a physical piece of your day with you


Travel Included to
Anywhere in California

Rebecca & David | Big Sur California | 2023

starting at $5000

GET IN TOUCH

Big Sur California Elopement Packages

Monterey, big sur, & beyond

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Let's start planning your Big Sur Elopement or California Wedding!

your Big Sur California Elopement Photographer

I can't wait to celebrate with you in Big Sur!

It can be overwhelming thinking about where to elope in a region as large and diverse as Big Sur, especially when you're from out of state! I love sharing my knowledge of this coastline and helping couples plan an elopement day that truly feels like them!

You deserve to have an experience you will remember forever. Love belongs along the coast, and I am here to guide you every step of the way. Let me be the first to congratulate you on starting your California adventure.

your Big Sur California Elopement Photographer

I can't wait to celebrate with you in Big Sur!

It can be overwhelming thinking about where to elope in a region as large and diverse as Big Sur, especially when you're from out of state! I love sharing my knowledge of this coastline and helping couples plan an elopement day that truly feels like them!

You deserve to have an experience you will remember forever. Love belongs along the coast, and I am here to guide you every step of the way. Let me be the first to congratulate you on starting your California adventure.

ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT & WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Tennessee, Montana, Wyoming, California, and Beyond

In the end, planning your day whether it be an adventurous elopement or a meaningful wedding should feel like you both, and no one else.

I am here to advise + empower couples to make the best decisions for their unique love. And I'll be there to take stunning photos of you all for you the cherish for your entire life together.

REACH OUT HERE

ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT & WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Tennessee, Montana, Wyoming, California, and Beyond

In the end, planning your day whether it be an adventurous elopement or a meaningful wedding should feel like you both, and no one else.

I am here to advise + empower couples to make the best decisions for their unique love. And I'll be there to take stunning photos of you all for you the cherish for your entire life together.

REACH OUT HERE

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