How to Elope in Big Sur, California in 2024

Are you dreaming of spending your elopement day in one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world? Look no further than Big Sur in California. This diverse area along Highway 1 offers jaw dropping views of the Pacific Ocean and features redwood groves, beaches, wildflowers, and more, making it the perfect location for an adventurous elopement. As a Big Sur Elopement Photographer, I have put this comprehensive guide together for couples who are looking to have the best ever elopement experience along the coast of Big Sur.

Where to Elope in Big Sur

Cliffs Along Highway 1

There are multiple rugged drop off cliffs and pull-outs along scenic Highway 1 that can serve as the backdrop for your elopement! Some are unmarked locations I have found in my time exploring Big Sur, others are incredibly famous like the Bixby Creek Bridge or Notley’s Landing.

– Bixby Creek Bridge

You may recognize this as one of the iconic photos that Apple uses as their background defaults for their computers! Bixby Creek Bridge is an architectural masterpiece. It looks incredible in photos and helps really show the scale of the cliffs in Big Sur along Highway 1. The bridge provides a beautiful backdrop for you as you exchange vows with the Pacific Ocean in the background.

Redwood Groves

One of the most incredible parts about Big Sur, California is the diversity of landscapes. Located closely along the coastline there are multiple Redwood groves to go see towering trees and have a forest feel to your photos & experience. There are even ones you can rent out to have a private ceremony location, keep reading to find out more!

Beaches

There are just a few locations you are able to access directly onto the beach in Big Sur due to the steepness of the cliffs. Two of the most popular are Pfeiffer Beach and Andrew Molera State Beach.

– Pfeiffer Beach

Famous for its purple sand, Pfeiffer Beach is an amazing Big Sur elopement location. The sunsets are incredible as the sun will line up directly into Keyhole Arch, a famous rock formation on the beach. From the beach you can see the rugged cliffs of Big Sur and are able to have a more private experience. The road to Pfeiffer Beach has been known to flood along with it has limited parking, we can talk in more detail about this location should you wish to visit it!

State Parks

Big Sur is home to some of the most gorgeous California State Parks. Keep reading to learn more about the parks and their separate permitting process!

– Garrapata State Park

Garrapata State Park is known for its wildflowers and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. There are so many meadows with walking trails that make for a more private view with the ocean in the background. The colorful blooms add so much to your photos and experience!

– Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Home to the iconic McWay Falls, an 80 foot waterfall that falls onto the beach, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a very versatile Big Sur elopement location. Just within this state park you can find redwood groves along with meadows and of course ocean views. The hiking trails are perfect for couples wanting a more adventurous experience.

– Andrew Molera State Park

If you are hoping to be on the beach in Big Sur, this location may be your best bet! Andrew Molera State Park is very tranquil and tends to be less crowded than the other state parks located in the Big Sur region. There is access to the beach depending on the tide / time of year, making it one of the only beach locations accessible to the public.

When is the best time to elope in Big Sur?

Spring – Fall

Springtime in Big Sur is amazing for the wildflowers that bloom constantly along the coast, we saw this in 2023 especially with the California superbloom. Summer is beautiful for warmer temperatures and longer daylight for your elopement. The fall does not boast foliage change, but tends to be less crowded just like the springtime.

Weekdays

Big Sur can get very crowded as well as harder to obtain the necessary permits on weekend dates. Highway 1 is only one lane so it can get extremely backed up with traffic. For these reasons, I highly recommend choosing to elope in Big Sur on a weekday so you can have the best & most stress free experience possible!

Sunrise vs Sunset

Big Sur’s weather can be incredibly unpredictable, from high winds to dense fog that makes you feel like you are in a cloud. Sunrise is less crowded and has a much higher chance of being fog covered, which is beautiful, but makes the views mostly undetectable. Due to being on the west coast, sunset is typically always the best time for a Big Sur elopement.

What Permits do you need to elope in Big Sur?

Elopement permits can be complicated, especially in Big Sur. I help all my couples apply for the right permit(s) during the elopement planning process, depending on the experience or location you are looking for! The main thing to note is to reach out early for these!

State Parks

The state parks only allow for one permit per location per day (Monday-Thursday only) so reach out early! Permit applications can be submitted up to six months in advance. You can contact the Special Event Permit Office to apply at BigSurEvents@parks.ca.gov.

Garrapata State Park is the exception to the above rules. You can have over 10 guests, it can be reserved up to one year in advance, and issues multiple permits per day. So if you are hoping to have more of an intimate wedding instead of true elopement, this may be your best spot! In my experience, Garrapata State Park truly is one of the best places to elope in Big Sur!

Public Land

Most of the public land, including National Forest lands / pull-outs do not require a permit. Contact the Wedding Special Event Coordinator at (831) 667 -0507 for the most up to date public land information. The information is often changing, so rest assured I will help you two with this.

How much does it cost to elope in Big Sur?

The average cost of an elopement in Big Sur can range from $5,000-$25,000 depending on how many vendors, activities, and options you want to include as a couple. Depending on where you would like to hold your ceremony, permit fees will vary as noted above! Flights into the closest airport, San Jose, are usually very reasonable due to the size of the airport. But note, the airport is roughly 2.5-3 hours away from Big Sur depending on the traffic (just another reason to elope during the week!)

From there most eloping couples will include just an officiant, photographer (that’s ME!), videographer, and florist! The best part about deciding to elope is there are no rules. You can make your day look however you want in Big Sur, accommodating for most every budget.

Keep reading for lodging recommendations while in the Big Sur / Monterey area for your elopement.

Best Places to Stay in Big Sur

Here are some of the best lodging options for your Big Sur elopement! Some are luxury & resort styles other are glamping / yurts for a more unique & adventurous experience!

• Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn
• Ventana Big Sur
• Glen Oaks Big Sur
• TreeBones Resort
• Lucia Lodge
• There are also Airbnbs in the Big Sur, Monterey, and Carmel-by-the-Sea regions!

Best Elopement Activities to do in Big Sur

Here are just a few ideas of activities to do while in California for your elopement!

• Drive up and down the coast along Highway 1 (there is seriously nothing like it)
• Go hiking on one of the hundreds of trails in the California State Parks
• View the Stars under the wide open sky on the coast (and let me take your astro photos!)
• Go visit the most aesthetic restaurant ever, COAST Big Sur, and sit on their roof to view the ocean. Fun fact this used to be a water tank that is now converted into an art gallery / restaurant.
• Pack a picnic and take it down to the beach
• Go see Mcway Falls
• Visit some of the local shops – Phoenix Shop, Henry Miller Memorial Library, etc.
• Visit some favorite coffee shops– my favorites include Big Sur Bakery & Coast.

Best Big Sur Wedding Venues

For couples wanting to have more than ten guests or a full on traditional wedding in the Big Sur area, here are some of my best recommendations!

Glenn Oaks Big Sur

A private redwood grove with stunning light and incredible forest. The cabins for lodging are beautiful, you can plan an elopement for just you two or a wedding of up to 100 guests. You can reserve their ceremony site, this is an incredible option for couples with or without guests that long for a completely private ceremony & experience.

Loma Vista Gardens

A private venue that has views of the mountains and ridges of Big Sur, with multiple ceremony locations to choose from, this is an amazing option for big or small weddings!

Henry Miller Memorial Library

A venue and bookshop all in one. Henry Miller Memorial Library is relaxed venue with a private space in the redwoods behind its bookshop for couples who want a whimsical & relaxed ceremony space.

Other Big Sur Wedding Venues

• Big Sur Lodge (located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park)
• Post Ranch Inn
• Wind and Sea Estate

Big Sur Elopement Photography Packages

Now that you are prepared to have the best elopement experience in Big Sur, let’s talk about photos! As a storytelling & landscape focused photographer, I make sure to include all the details of your elopement. Things like the way the fog hugged the Big Sur coast in the early morning, the cabin you got ready in, & your mom crying as she watched your ceremony. Your photographs are the only physical thing you take away from your wedding day. And so they really are one of the most important things to consider when eloping. They mean so much when it comes to preserving the memories you make on your day.

Here is more information about my Big Sur elopement packages and how I can help you! Would love to be included in your day.

• Choose between 2, 4, 6, & 8 Hours of Photography Coverage
• Full service planning, logistics, and permitting 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
• Starting at $3800

Add on a Super 8 Film for your Big Sur Elopement

As a Super 8 Videographer, I offer nostalgic & classic vintage films of adventure elopement days. Using a 70+ year old camera, the film is a timeless experience you can show you grandkids. You can add this on to your day to remember the experience you had along the coast in the form of video. View a Big Sur Super 8 Elopement Film.

Ready to plan your Big Sur Elopement? Reach out HERE.