The California Coast has become a spot that couples travel to from all over the world to get married. It is actually ranked in the top 10 locations in the United States, specifically Big Sur. Since Big Sur is one of my favorite locations, I thought it would be fun to talk about where to elope in Big Sur.
If you have been wanting to elope in Big Sur, but you just don’t know your options – KEEP READING.
This blog will cover each and every spot that you can elope at in Big Sur.
CHOOSING BETWEEN PUBLIC OR PRIVATE LAND
Before deciding on which location to elope in Big Sur, you will have to determine whether you want it to be on private or public land. Both have pros and cons to each, and it really just depends on what vibe you are going for!
PROS TO Eloping at a State Park
- Less Expensive
- Ideal for Less than 10 Guests
- Less Privacy
- May Require Hiking
- Possibility that Trails May Get Closed
- Permits are Tedious to Acquire
- Best for View of the Coast/Beach
PROS TO Eloping at a private venue
- More Privacy
- Better Accessibility
- More Expensive
- Best for Views of the Redwoods
PRIVATE VENUES TO ELOPE IN BIG SUR
This is one of the most iconic and luxurious resorts in Big Sur. Although it is pretty pricey, I would say that you definitely get what you pay for!
- Great for intimate ($5,300+) and traditional weddings ($10,000+)
- Holds anywhere from 14 – 60 guests
- Both tent camping as well as luxury cabins to rent out
- View of the Redwoods and the Ocean
- Incredible ceremony sites that you can reserve for a fee
- On-site dining in a glass house
- No permit required
- Great for intimate weddings or traditional wedding
- Best private redwood grove in all of Big Sur
- There are cabins nestled inside the redwood grove along the river
- They allow you to host an elopement for registered guests (just you, officiant, and photographer/videographer for no extra cost around their trails in the redwoods
- You can pay a fee to reserve a ceremony site if you have guests
- Farther south, 30-60 min drive from the iconic Big Sur scenic spots like Bixby Bridge. However, there are tons of pull-offs close by that you can get epic views at as well.
- Up to 12 guests
- No redwoods but gorgeous ocean views
- The whole family can stay at the property
- Mountain and coast views above the valley
- Up to 25 guests
- 2 different sites to elope at
OTHER PRIVATE LOCATIONS
TOP PUBLIC LOCATIONS TO ELOPE IN BIG SUR
- Beach Access
- Coastal and wooded photo opportunities
- No campground
- Permit required
- Sea lions and other sea life present
Photography by Zoe Steindl
LIMEKILN STATE PARK (currently all trails are closed due to wildfires)
- Waterfall and surrounding hiking trails
- Small campground
- No permit required
Photography by Poppy and Vine
- Ocean Views and Waterfalls
- Permit Required
- No beach or ocean access
- Entrance Fee
- Campground
- Open 8 AM – Sunset
Photography by Jenny Collen
- No permit required
- Prepare to have a backup plan
- Famous for keyhole rock formations
- The entrance can flood in late fall
- Cumbersome parking (sunrise/sunset/weekday for your elopement)
- $12.00 parking fee for carpool if possible
Photography by Flora Gibson Photography
- Meadow and beach, rolling hills, and bluffs
- Permit required
GETTING ELOPEMENT PERMITS FOR BIG SUR STATE PARKS
Almost every state park in Big Sur requires a permit for photos/elopements. However, Limekiln State Park and Pfeiffer Beach are exceptions.
The state allows only one elopement permit PER DAY in the whole Big Sur sector.
Permits can be applied for up to 6 months in advance.
TO APPLY:
Email BigSurEvents@parks.ca.gov or call 831-667-0507
For Garrapata State Park, contact fwilson@parks.ca.gov
LOOKING FOR A PHOTO/VIDEOGRAPHER TO CAPTURE YOUR BIG SUR ELOPEMENT?
I am Sarah, and I am a photographer + videographer at Wildwood Films. If you haven’t guessed it, Big Sur Elopements are my jam.
I’m passionate about documenting the “in-between” moments of life. I thrive on intimate, emotional moments. I feel it’s my purpose in life to preserve people’s stories.
CAPTURING MEMORIES SO THEY CAN LAST FOREVER
I use natural posing prompts to capture you as you are! I want your elopement to be spend experiencing… NOT worrying about anything else.
ELOPE IN BIG SUR WITH ME
Photo Packages: Starting at $3500
Video Packages: Starting at $4500
