How to Elope in Big Sur
Big Sur is one of the most iconic natural areas in all of California. Each year, Big Sur receives anywhere between 5 and 7 million visitors: and you + your partner can be amongst the many to check out this gorgeous slice of The Golden State!
Having an elopement in Big Sur can be a wonderful idea if you:
- have a thing for dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and stunning ocean views.
- desire an intimate and romantic atmosphere with a picturesque backdrop for a meaningful elopement ceremony!
Elopements allow you + your partner to focus on your love without the stress of a large wedding, and planning an elopement in Big Sur offers a peaceful and personal experience in one of California most beautiful landscapes!
If you are curious on how to elope in Big Sur, read on for our tips!
Planning a Big Sur Elopement
Thinking about planning your Big Sur wedding? You’ve come to the right place!
Start by deciding on the vibe you want: does your wedding day call for romantic cliffside views? Maybe you are more drawn to the enchanted tree lined forests, or maybe the serenity that a beach provides? Once you get a feel for the backdrop and atmosphere that speaks to you, I am happy to put together a list of potential spots for your elopement ceremony!
Don’t forget, it’s important to secure any necessary permits for your chosen location, as many areas, especially state parks in California, require them for ceremonies and/or photography. I am here to help with that as well; my goal is to make sure that your Big Sur elopement is as stress-free as possible!
Another part of what I offer is help with vendor recommendations! It is super important to hire vendors who specialize in elopements; like an officiant, florist, and hair/make up artist to understand the area’s unique challenges, (wind, rugged terrain etc.) whenever vendors you are looking to hire to make your wedding day unforgettable, we will want to make sure that they are up for the task!
Don’t forget to plan transportation and accommodations for your elopement trip, as Big Sur’s remote nature means limited options that fill up quickly. More on that later!
Once logistics are nailed down, you + your partner will want to think about adding personal touches: such as handwritten vows, a picnic with your favorite food, or a private hike to an intimate spot. With careful planning and an experienced photographer/guide by your side, your Big Sur elopement is sure to be a magical adventure.
Best Time of Year to Elope in Big Sur
Now that you know where you would like your elopement ceremony to take place, it’s time to consider the time of year and day for your wedding!
Big Sur shines in all types of weather: truthfully, the moodier, the better! I am such a sucker for dramatic, ocean fog, and gloomy skies make for gorgeous photos.
Earlier, I mentioned that Big Sur attracts millions of visitors each year: it makes sense to not want huge crowds during such an intimate and romantic moment! Consider planning your Big Sur elopement in spring or fall, for more mild weather and fewer crowds.
During the spring months in Big Sur, you can expect:
- comfortable daytime temperatures in the mid 60s
- less crowds than the summertime
- lush and green scenery thanks to winter rains
- depending on the exact month, you may be able to see some wildflowers in bloom that add vibrant touches to the landscape!
Fall in Big Sur means:
- a good chance for clear skies
- warmer ocean breezes
- a quieter atmosphere, as summer crowds dwindle
Some other considerations you will want to keep in mind when deciding what time of year to visit Big Sur:
- Summer offers long daylight hours and can be foggy along the coast, making for gorgeous photos! But, remember that this is the most crowded and expensive time to visit the area.
- winter in Big Sur is also incredibly magical, thanks to dramatic scenery with storms and rough seas. There can be a higher chance of road closures due to landslides or weather related issues, so if you are planning a winter wedding in Big Sur, we definitely will want to come up with a plan B or C for nearby locations just in case!
Where to Stay in Big Sur
When you are getting married in Big Sur, you have the option of either staying IN Big Sur, or in another pretty nearby area!
Staying in Big Sur immerses you in the areas, stunning natural beauty and provides the convenience of being close to your elopement location.
In Big Sur, you have the ability to take advantage of luxury options: such as Post Ranch Inn (think luxurious, eco-friendly rooms with private decks and incredible views), or Ventana Big Sur, a luxury resort featuring options for glamping, private suites, and a spa!
Mid-range options for staying in Big Sur include Big Sur River Inn (riverside lodging with rustic charm), or Big Sur Lodge, which is located in the picturesque Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park!
If Big Sur accommodations are fully booked or beyond your budget, staying nearby offers lots of choices while still being close.
Carmel [30-45 mins north]
- L’Auberge Carmel
- La Playa Carmel
Monterey [45 mins - an hour north]
- InterContinental The Clement Monterey
- Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Pacific Grove [45 mins north]
- Seven Gables Inn
Craving a unique stay during your Big Sur elopement? Check out options on Airbnb and VRBO!
Things to do Near Big Sur
There is definitely no shortage of incredible things to do near Big Sur, making it such a lovely destination for your elopement and potential honeymoon! Here are some of our fave activities/attractions:
Explore Iconic Landmarks:
- Bixby Creek Bridge
- McWay Falls
- Pfeiffer Beach
- Point Sur Lighthouse
Must-Do Hikes:
- Ewoldsen Trail
- Partington Cove Trail
- Trails in Andrew Molera State Park
- Trails in Garrapata State Park
- Trails in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Remember, cell phone service is pretty much nonexistent in this area of California, so downloading off-line maps on Google Maps or AllTrails is super important to ensure you don’t get lost (and for your safety)!
Other Outdoor Adventures
- Kayaking
- Beach combing
- Whale watching
Romantic Vibes!
- Spa at Ventana Big Sur
- Hot springs at Esalen Institute
- Dine at Nepenthe
- Wine tasting in Carmel Valley
- Cute day-date to Monterey Bay Aquarium
Getting Married in Big Sur
Time to get down to the nitty-gritty: how to make your Big Sur wedding or elopement legal!
You can grab your marriage license from any county clerks office in California, but Monterey County is the most convenient for Big Sur. Both parties must appear in person, present valid photo IDs, and complete a marriage license application. No waiting period is required, and the license is valid for up to 90 days! Expect to pay a fee around $100, but this varies depending on the county!
After you choose your ceremony location, you will want to secure any necessary permits. These can range from special use permits for ceremonies, to a permit for your photographer in order to shoot professionally on public land. We are here to help with this! Each state park, national park, protected public space, etc. is different, so we are happy to take care of the work of finding out what locations need what permits, if any!
Big Sur Elopement Photographer
Planning an elopement in Big Sur is all about crafting a day that reflects your love story, and as a Big Sur elopement photographer, I’m here to guide you every step of the way!
Need help getting started? Send us a message!