Thinking about getting married in Big Sur, California? I’m all in! Okay, maybe I’m a little biased (my husband and I eloped there in 2021), but seriously, it’s one of the most incredible places for an elopement. Whether you’re planning something intimate with just the two of you or something a bit bigger with family, Big Sur has the perfect spot for you. The cliffs overlooking the ocean? Unbeatable. It’s just stunning. And, if you’ve never been to Big Sur and you just happened to stumble across this blog post—add it to your bucket list right now!

We initially chose Big Sur because of a family connection, but we quickly realized how amazing the California coastline, undeveloped beaches, and tons of fun activities are. It was the perfect location for our special day (we even honeymooned there!).

So, if you’re looking for a breathtaking, beautiful spot to elope on the West Coast, you’ve found it. Here’s everything you need to know about eloping in Big Sur, California.

Why Choose Big Sur for Your Elopement?

The Big Sur region is located on the Central Coast of California, stretching between Carmel and San Simeon. It’s famous for its stunning coastline, which is the longest and most undeveloped stretch of land in the U.S. – how cool is that? You can drive along the coast for hours, and Big Sur has so many incredible spots. Pull over, and you’ve got the perfect location for your elopement. Seriously, you can’t go wrong. My husband and I didn’t even pick our exact spot until the morning of our wedding—so no need to stress! Big Sur is just gorgeous everywhere you look.

As you might expect, Big Sur is all about the outdoors, with tons of beautiful beaches, parks, hikes, and scenic viewpoints. But it’s not all nature—there are also funky Airbnbs, charming cocktail bars, and tasty locally-owned restaurants to enjoy.

And the best part? The whole area has such a romantic vibe. I’d love to share some elopement ideas for Big Sur, California, based on my own experience!

Getting Around in Big Sur, California

You’ll definitely want a car to get around, so I suggest flying into Monterey Regional Airport and renting one for your trip. Big Sur is a large area, and it can be a bit tricky to navigate, but no worries—I’m here to help you plan your elopement itinerary in Big Sur, California! My husband and I rented a fun Tacoma truck and added a “Just Married” sticker to the back. You can grab the decal here—it’s super easy to use!

Decal Tip: Use a credit card to help press the sticky part onto the window. It peels off easily, so no stress!

If you want to add a little extra fun, I recommend renting a vintage car for your stay. You could even use it on your elopement day for some amazing photos (I kinda wish we’d done that). We rented ours for half a day for around $400, and it was totally worth it. We drove it all up and down the coast, and it became the highlight of our honeymoon. Go ahead, splurge a little! Elopements are great for that extra spending money, especially if you’re honeymooning in the same spot where you tied the knot.

How to Plan Your Perfect Elopement in Big Sur, California

Hands up if you’re excited about tying the knot in Big Sur! If you’re ready to make it happen, here’s how to plan your Big Sur, California elopement. It’s easier than you might think! Don’t worry if you’re feeling intimidated—it’s totally normal. I felt the same way when I started planning, but once we got the ball rolling, I was way more excited than overwhelmed. Just remember, overwhelm is part of the process, and it’s completely natural. I promise that once we start checking things off, the excitement will take over. You’re definitely not alone in feeling this way; most of my clients feel the same way at first. Spreadsheets are a lifesaver! My husband and I created one, and it made the whole planning process so much easier.

Ideal Time of Year to Elope in Big Sur

You can elope any time, but Big Sur’s peak season runs from April to October, when the weather is warmest and sunniest. Here’s a little insider tip: September and October offer perfect weather, with little rain and fewer crowds since all the summer vacationers have headed home (BIG WIN). My husband and I eloped in early September! While fog does roll in along the coast, it’s nothing to worry about—it moves quickly. But I’ll admit, it did stress me out a bit when we first got there! We were a little behind schedule, but once the fog cleared, it felt like something out of a movie. I’m all about that dramatic effect!

As an elopement photographer in Big Sur, I can help you capture stunning photos in early autumn, with that dreamy fall foliage and just the right amount of fog. Now, let’s talk about picking your date.

Should We Choose a Weekend or a Weekday?

If you can swing it, I recommend eloping midweek to enjoy more space and fewer people. Plus, with just the two of you, you won’t need to coordinate with anyone else’s schedule.

We eloped on a random Monday, and there were literally no other people around—except for one photographer doing a couples session right below us. I guess they didn’t get the hint to move on! If you do elope on the weekend, though, don’t worry—Big Sur is so vast that plenty of room is still available. We might need to drive a bit more or have a few awkward chats to get people to move along, but we’ll definitely find the perfect spot. And honestly, most people are super sweet about stepping aside for us!

Find an Officiant You Connect With

It’s a pretty important role (and quite an intimate one), so you need to make sure you pick someone who suits your vibe and personality. I highly recommend meeting beforehand – even if it’s just over Skype or Zoom – to make sure that you click and know what to expect. Officiants are super knowledgeable about all you need paperwork/legal wise so don’t be afraid to ask them questions.

We loved working with Brian Borgia, our officiant in the Big Sur, as he was super knowledgeable about all things legal/permit-related. Rates vary quite a bit, but most charge around the $200–$500 mark for this service. We recommend him to everyone.

Best Places to Stay in Big Sur

When we started planning our elopement, we were shocked by how pricey some of the resorts in the area were (I’m talking thousands per night!). Instead of blowing a huge chunk of our budget on hotels, we decided to check out local Airbnbs—and honestly, we were so much happier with that choice!

Budget Tip/Airbnb Tip: Our stay was around $275 a night. If you’re planning to honeymoon in the same area, I recommend not staying at your Airbnb the whole time. Cameron and I decided to stay out of our Airbnb the night before and the night of our elopement. After that, we switched things up and stayed at a cute Inn for the honeymoon. Airbnbs can add up quickly, especially with service and cleaning fees.

We found the most adorable, romantic Airbnb (The Mermaid Bungalow!) and it was the perfect addition to our wedding adventure. I highly recommend Airbnbs—they offer more privacy, space, and tons of great photo ops, as many are styled with super cute decor.

Other awesome Big Sur Airbnb options include CV Guest House in Carmel Valley and the Little Black Cabin By The Lake in Carnelian Bay.

Where to Elope In Big Sur

Big Sur is filled with stunning spots for your elopement, and no matter where you choose, you really can’t go wrong. We didn’t realize just how many incredible options there were until we eloped there ourselves. The natural beauty is absolutely next-level.

Tip: If I could do it over, I’d plan to fly in a day earlier before the elopement. We flew in the day before and ended up scouting Big Sur the morning of our wedding. Yep, we were a little crazy! It worked out, but I really wish we’d had that extra day to relax before the big day. Just something to consider!

As for elopement photography in Big Sur, the possibilities are endless. The stunning landscapes make for some of the most amazing shots, so definitely think about the vibe you want in your photos. Here are a few of my top picks for elopement locations in Big Sur:

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: If you’re drawn to coastal views and towering redwoods, this park is a must-see. As a photographer and elopement planner, I can tell you – the redwoods here are a game-changer. While there’s no direct beach access, the forest vibe gives off a completely different, magical energy. Want both the forest and beach? You can elope in the redwoods and then take your bridal photos at Garrapata!

Andrew Molera State Park: Looking for pristine beaches and a quiet escape? Andrew Molera offers an untouched, peaceful setting perfect for a beachside elopement. It’s a bit more off-the-radar, so you’ll enjoy a more private experience. For a larger celebration, consider renting venues like Loma Vista Gardens for your ceremony and reception. There are also amazing local restaurants with fresh produce and California wines nearby.

Garrapata State Park: This spot in northern Big Sur is everything you’d imagine: dramatic cliffs, breathtaking views, and those iconic Big Sur vibes. It’s super accessible, so you can literally pull over and get married wherever you want. However, it’s popular—especially at sunset—so weekdays are your best bet to avoid crowds. Even if you don’t tie the knot here, it’s a great spot for wedding photos. Cameron and I eloped here, and it was perfect!

How does the Permit Process Work for Big Sur?

One important thing to keep in mind for your Big Sur wedding: if you’re planning to get married in public spaces, like the parks mentioned above, you’ll need a permit.

For state parks, there’s usually a fee (it can vary by park). I recommend reaching out to the park directly to inquire about specific costs and requirements—but definitely plan ahead!

If you’re eloping at a private venue, like a hotel, they typically handle the permits as part of their wedding packages. Just keep in mind that permit approvals can take up to six months in some cases, so don’t wait until the last minute to get everything squared away.

My husband and I went through this process ourselves, so I’m here to help you navigate the permitting process as part of my elopement packages in Big Sur. I want to make sure you don’t miss out on your dream location!

Your Golden Elopement Package – Most Popular! Your All-In-One U.S. Elopement Package

Planning your dream elopement should be just as magical as the day itself, and finding the right photographer is key. If you think we’d be a great fit, let’s chat! I’d love to hear all about your vision and help you make it a reality. I’m not just your photographer—I’m your friend, here to support you every step of the way and make sure your day is nothing short of perfect.

• Up to 6 hours of coverage – I’ll be there to capture every single moment, from start to finish.
  
  
• Preview Gallery – You won’t have to wait long to see your photos! I’ll send you a sneak peek within 1-2 weeks so you can start reliving the magic right away.
  
  
• 60-page hardcover guide – Packed with all the tips and advice you need to make your elopement as smooth and stress-free as possible.
  
  
• Custom timeline planning – I’ll help you map out the perfect day so everything flows effortlessly.
  
  
• High & low-resolution images – You’ll get images in all sizes, so you can print and share them as much as you want.
  
  
• 8×8 prints of your favorite images – A sweet little surprise sent to your door to keep forever.
  
  
• All photos on a glass USB – Your memories, wrapped up in a timeless keepsake.
  
  
• All travel included – I’m available to capture your elopement anywhere in the U.S.!
  
  

This is your day, and I’m here to make sure it’s everything you’ve ever dreamed of—stress-free, fun, and full of the best memories. Ready to make it happen? Fill out the form below, and let’s get the ball rolling!