Everything You Need to Know About Permits, Costs, Locations, Guest Limits, and Planning Your Big Sur Elopement

By Joel Reyes, Big Sur Elopement Photographer
Last updated: March 2026

If you’re planning to elope at Garrapata State Park, you need a permit. No exceptions. Even if it’s just the two of you and a photographer, California State Parks requires a Special Event Permit for any ceremony on state park land.

I’ve photographed dozens of elopements at Garrapata and throughout Big Sur. I know the permit process inside and out, and I handle it for every couple I work with. Here’s everything you need to know.

Do You Need a Permit to Elope at Garrapata State Park?

Yes. A Special Event Permit is required for any wedding ceremony, elopement, or vow exchange at Garrapata State Park. This applies regardless of group size.

There are two ways to get your permit:

1. Hire an elopement photographer or planner who holds an annual permit. Many Big Sur elopement photographers (myself included) carry annual permits that cover Garrapata State Park, Carmel beaches, and surrounding areas. This is the easiest route because the permit is already secured and you skip the entire application process.

2. Apply for your own permit directly through California State Parks. This takes more time and paperwork, but it’s straightforward if you follow the steps below.

Garrapata State Park Elopement Permit Costs

All permits include a $250 non-refundable administrative fee on top of the permit cost. Here’s the full breakdown:

Permit Type	Duration	Max Guests	Props/Decor	Cost (+ $250 Admin Fee)
Large Elopement	1 hour	Up to 25	No	$150
Small Event	2 hours	Up to 50	No	$300
Simple Wedding	3 hours	Up to 50	Yes	$400
Large Simple Wedding	4 hours	Up to 99	Yes	$500
Complex Event	5 hours	Up to 200	Yes	$600

Additional fees:

– $500 refundable deposit (forfeited only if there’s damage, litter, or prohibited items like pampas grass)

– $75 rush fee if you apply within 60 days of your date

– $79/hour monitor fee (required for events with 100+ guests or if alcohol is present)

What does this actually cost for a typical elopement?

For most elopements (just the couple, a photographer, and maybe an officiant), you’re looking at the Large Elopement permit: $150 + $250 admin fee = $400 total, plus the $500 refundable deposit. So $900 out of pocket, with $500 coming back to you after the event.

If you want props, florals, or an arch, you’ll need at least the Simple Wedding permit at $400 + $250 = $650 total.

How Many People Can You Have at a Garrapata State Park Elopement?

This depends on the permit type:

– Up to 25 guests with a standard elopement permit ($150)

– Up to 50 guests with a small event permit ($300) or simple wedding permit ($400)

– Up to 99 guests with a large simple wedding permit ($500)

– Up to 200 guests with a complex event permit ($600)

Some areas of the park can accommodate larger groups better than others. Stewart’s Cove is the most popular ceremony location and can accommodate up to 100 people. Soberanes Point is another favorite but works best for smaller groups of 25 or fewer.

For most elopements, the 25 person permit is more than enough. Your guest count includes everyone present: the couple, photographer, videographer, officiant, and any guests.

How to Apply for a Garrapata State Park Elopement Permit

Step 1: Choose Your Date and Location

Contact the Parks Department to check availability. Popular dates book months in advance, especially during summer and fall.

Important restriction: No permits are issued for weekends (Friday through Sunday) from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. No permits are issued on any holiday weekend dates year-round.

This means if you’re planning a summer elopement, you’ll need to schedule it on a weekday (Monday through Thursday).

Step 2: Request a Hold

Once you’ve picked your date, the Parks Department will place a 2-week hold while you complete the paperwork.

Step 3: Complete the Application

You’ll need:

– Special Event Permit Application Form

– Current year Permit Supplement

– Proof of liability insurance

Email your completed (unsigned) forms to the Parks Department for review first. After they confirm everything looks good, print the forms, sign them, and mail the original signed packet with your payment.

Step 4: Submit Payment

– If your event is more than 60 days away: personal check is accepted

– If your event is less than 60 days away: money order or cashier’s check required

– Payment must include the permit fee, admin fee, and deposit

Step 5: Wait for Final Approval

Your completed application, payment, and insurance documentation go to the Park Superintendent for final approval. Allow several weeks for processing.

Application Deadlines

– Standard applications: Submit at least 60 days before your event

– Late applications (45-60 days out): Subject to a $75 rush fee and additional restrictions

– Applications less than 30 days before the event will not be considered

– Garrapata permits can be submitted up to 6 months in advance (note: Garrapata operates on a different timeline than other Big Sur Sector parks, which accept applications up to 1 year out)

Contact Information

Garrapata State Park Permits:

– Email: fwilson@parks.ca.gov

– Phone: 831-624-3407

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and other Big Sur Sector parks:

– Email: BigSurEvents@parks.ca.gov

– Phone: 831-667-0507

Important Note: Garrapata Is NOT Part of the Big Sur Sector

This trips people up constantly. Garrapata State Park sits along the Big Sur coast, but it is administered separately from the Big Sur Sector of California State Parks. That means:

– Different contact information

– Different application process

– Different timelines

– The Big Sur Sector events office cannot help you with Garrapata permits

Always contact Garrapata directly using the contact information above.

Best Elopement Locations at Garrapata State Park

Soberanes Point

The classic Big Sur elopement spot. Dramatic coastal cliffs, crashing waves, and unobstructed sunset views. Best for small groups of 25 or fewer. Short walk from the parking area. Works beautifully for golden hour ceremonies.

Stewart’s Cove

A sheltered cove with beach access and rock formations. Can accommodate larger groups (up to 100). More protected from wind than the exposed cliffs. Popular for ceremonies that include florals or an arch.

Garrapata Beach

A wide, scenic beach with rocky outcrops. Less crowded than other Big Sur beaches. Requires a short hike down from the trailhead. Best during low tide for the widest beach access.

Rocky Ridge Trail Viewpoints

For couples who want elevation and a wider perspective of the coastline. Requires a moderate hike. Stunning panoramic views of the coast. Best for elopements with just the couple and photographer.

When Is the Best Time to Elope at Garrapata?

Best months: September through November. The fog clears, the light is golden, and the summer permit restrictions on weekends don’t apply after Labor Day.

Good months: April through May. Wildflower season. Green hillsides and fewer crowds than summer.

Summer (June through August): Beautiful but weekday permits only. Fog is common in the morning and can linger. Plan your ceremony for late afternoon when the fog typically burns off and the golden hour light is at its best.

Winter (December through February): Dramatic storm light and moody skies, but rain is unpredictable. This is the quiet season and permits are easiest to get.

Golden hour at Garrapata is spectacular. I recommend timing your ceremony 60 to 90 minutes before sunset for the best light. The cliffs face west, which means direct sunset light on the couple. It doesn’t get better than that.

Garrapata Elopement Permit FAQ

Can I elope at Garrapata without a permit?

No. Rangers do check, and you can be fined or asked to leave. It’s not worth the risk on your wedding day.

Can I have alcohol at my elopement?

Yes, but events with alcohol require a park monitor at $79 per hour.

Are drones allowed at Garrapata State Park?

Drone use in California State Parks is generally prohibited without special permission. However, some permits allow drone photography. Discuss this with the Parks Department during your application.

Can I bring an arch, florals, or decorations?

Only with a Simple Wedding permit ($400) or higher. The basic elopement permit ($150) and small event permit ($300) do not allow props or decor. All decorations must be fully removed after the ceremony. Pampas grass is prohibited (it’s an invasive species).

What about Pfeiffer Beach? Do I need the same permit?

No. Pfeiffer Beach is NOT a California State Park. It’s part of Los Padres National Forest and is managed by the US Forest Service. You need a separate permit from the Monterey Ranger District. Contact: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lpnf/recarea/?recid=10903

Can I elope at Garrapata on a Saturday in summer?

No. Weekend permits are not available from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. You can elope on weekdays (Monday through Thursday) during this period. After Labor Day, weekend dates open back up.

How far in advance should I apply?

As early as possible. You can apply up to 6 months in advance. I recommend applying at least 3 to 4 months before your planned date to avoid the $75 rush fee and ensure your preferred date is available.

Why I Handle Permits for My Couples

Every elopement I photograph in Big Sur includes full permit assistance. I know the process, I know the contacts, and I know which locations work best at which times of year. You shouldn’t have to spend your engagement stressing over paperwork when you could be planning the fun parts of your day.

When you book with me, I take care of permits, location scouting, timeline creation, vendor recommendations, and everything else that goes into making your Big Sur elopement feel effortless.

I’ve been photographing elopements along this stretch of California coastline for years. I know where the light hits, where the crowds aren’t, and where to stand to get the shot that makes you stop breathing for a second.

If you’re planning an elopement at Garrapata State Park or anywhere along the Big Sur coast, I’d love to hear about it.

[Start Planning Your Big Sur Elopement →]

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Joel Reyes is a Big Sur elopement photographer and filmmaker based in California, available worldwide. He has photographed over 200 elopements and weddings across 6 countries, including Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, and throughout California.