Wind & Sea Estate Wedding Venue

As a wedding photographer, I don’t think I’ve ever worked at a venue as breathtaking as Wind & Sea Estate. Located in remote Big Sur, California, it’s hard to put into words how beautiful the California coast is.

About Wind & Sea

Wind & Sea Estate sits on a 5-acre cliff that juts out over the Pacific Ocean. The property is elevated so you’re able to see the ocean from everywhere. It includes overnight lodging with floor to ceiling windows & modern finishes, various elevated decks & terraces, and beautiful ceremony spaces. There are also multiple garden pathways throughout the cliffside property. Tons of unique landscaping & succulents which we used for photos. The golden hour at Wind & Sea was unreal. The fog finally parted for their wedding day, and we were able to take some amazing sunset photos. I cannot recommend the Wind & Sea venue enough for a Big Sur wedding couple.

Emily & Jack’s Day on the Big Sur Coast

Emily & Jack reached out to me for their October day as they loved my landscape focused wedding photography & vintage Super 8 Films. I was so excited to come out to Big Sur to film their wedding weekend. We started with details and getting ready photos within the house on the property and then had a cliffside ceremony. Their ceremony space at Wind & Sea was beautifully decorated by Fleurs du Solei. Though it was foggy, which happens often on the coast, it made for the most beautiful photos. Jack’s sister officiated their special ceremony and his nana watched from high above on the porch of the house.

After the ceremony, we took some bridal party photos & they enjoyed a wonderful intimate dinner along the coastline. I snuck up to the top floor of the house to take some aerial photographs of their dinner as it was happening so they could remember the way it truly looked against the sunset in Big Sur. The fog finally parted and we were able to take golden hour bride & groom photos which they were SO happy for.

Emily & Jack spent the rest of the evening visiting with their closest friends & family. They had an outdoor dance party with disco balls strung high in the trees. They cut a fabulous cake made by Alta Bakery. We all truly had the best night ever closing their destination wedding out at Wind & Sea Estate.

Having a Wedding Weekend in Big Sur

Planning a wedding weekend in Big Sur prolongs your celebration into an intimate coastal retreat. Most couples begin by securing one of the area’s iconic venues, like Wind & Sea Estate, for their ceremony and reception. Since your guests are traveling to this remote stretch of California coast, it’s worth extending the festivities across multiple days.

Ideas could be to start the wedding weekend with a welcome dinner at one of Big Sur’s legendary restaurants like Nepenthe, where your guests can watch the sunset over cliff-side cocktails. For a more casual gathering, consider hosting a bonfire at Pfeiffer Beach (permit required) with local wine and s’mores. The day before the wedding is perfect for group activities. Organize guided hikes in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, arrange spa treatments at Ventana, or coordinate small group excursions to nearby points of interest like McWay Falls. Some couples opt for a relaxed rehearsal lunch at Big Sur Bakery, leaving the evening free for guests to explore.

For Emily & Jack’s wedding weekend in Big Sur, they chose to host a next day after party at The Village in Big Sur. It was incredible space to spend the second day with them and their guests. They had dinner, custom cocktails, and lots of dancing. The bride, Emily, even had a visual arts projector which looked amazing on film.

Tips for having a wedding in Big Sur

Be sure to book accommodations far in advance, as lodging options are limited. Consider providing a shuttle service since Highway 1 can be challenging to navigate. Choose a photographer who will capture the beauty of the landscape of Big Sur with your wedding photos.

Big Sur Wedding Photos on Film

Because Emily & Jack were so drawn to my film work, I shot multiple rolls of 35mm film & super 8 film for their wedding. Big Sur is one of the most beautiful places for a wedding and vintage film captures it like the memory it was. Film is the original form of photography and so it only makes sense to use it as a medium in spaces like the California coastline, where the scene stays timeless & unchanged.

Big Sur Wedding Photographer Packages

If you and your partner are looking to have your wedding in Big Sur, I’d love to meet you. As a Super 8 filmmaker and film wedding photographer, I love storytelling weddings and elopements in beautiful landscapes in California! You can reach out for your day at the link below, I can’t wait to hear your story & connect with you.

Click HERE to contact me for your wedding day.

Big Sur Wedding Vendor Credits

• Venue: Wind & Sea Estate
• Photography & Super 8 Film: Nicole Lenia Kiser Imagery
• Planner & Catering: Sea Stars Events
• HMUA: Blush Monterey
• Florals: Fleurs du Solei
• DJ: Friend of the Bride & Groom
• Cake: Alta Bakery