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

Big Sur is one of the most sought after elopement destinations in the world, and for good reason. The rugged Pacific coastline, towering redwood forests, dramatic cliffside vistas, and golden California light create a landscape that feels like it was designed for couples who want their wedding day to be extraordinary.

I’ve photographed dozens of elopements throughout Big Sur, from Garrapata State Park to Glen Oaks to the cliffs south of Bixby Bridge. This guide covers everything you need to plan your Big Sur elopement: the best locations, permits, timing, where to stay, what to wear, and how to make the whole day feel effortless.

Why Elope in Big Sur?

Big Sur sits along roughly 90 miles of California’s Highway 1 between Carmel and San Simeon. The coastline is protected from overdevelopment, which means no strip malls, no chain hotels, and very few stoplights. What you get instead is one of the most dramatic stretches of coast in North America.

For elopements, Big Sur offers:

Landscape variety in a single day. You can say your vows in a redwood grove, walk to coastal bluffs for portraits, and end the evening on a hidden beach. No other elopement destination gives you forest, mountain, and ocean within a 20 minute drive.

Golden hour light that photographers dream about. The west facing coastline means direct sunset light hits the cliffs and the couple. Late afternoon through sunset at Big Sur is some of the best natural light anywhere in the world.

Year round access. Unlike mountain elopement destinations that shut down in winter, Big Sur is accessible all 12 months. Each season brings a different mood: wildflowers in spring, warm golden light in fall, dramatic storm skies in winter.

Privacy. Most Big Sur elopement locations feel remote even though they’re just steps from Highway 1. You won’t feel like you’re performing for tourists.

Proximity to San Francisco and LA. Big Sur sits roughly 2.5 hours south of San Francisco and 5 hours north of Los Angeles. Fly into Monterey Regional Airport for the closest option, or SFO/SJC for more flight choices.

Best Big Sur Elopement Locations

Garrapata State Park

The crown jewel of Big Sur elopements. Garrapata sits at the northern gateway to Big Sur, just south of Carmel. The park offers coastal bluffs, sandy beaches, and dramatic cliff overlooks, all within easy walking distance from Highway 1.

Best spots within Garrapata:

• Soberanes Point: Classic Big Sur. Rugged coastal bluffs with crashing waves below. Short trail from the road. Best for groups of 25 or fewer. The sunset light here is unreal.
• Garrapata Beach: A wide sandy beach with towering cliffs. Requires a short hike from the trailhead. Best during low tide.
• Calla Lily Valley: Stunning in spring (late February through early April) when the lilies bloom. Hidden just off Highway 1.
• Bluff Overlooks: Multiple panoramic viewpoints along the Soberanes Point Trail. Each offers a slightly different perspective of the Pacific.

Permits: Required for all ceremonies. $400 for up to 25 guests (1 hour). See my complete Garrapata permit guide for the full breakdown.

Glen Oaks Big Sur

A boutique resort set among the redwoods, Glen Oaks is one of the most popular elopement venues in Big Sur. You can say your vows under ancient redwood trees and then walk back to your cabin. It’s intimate, convenient, and genuinely beautiful.

Glen Oaks offers ceremony sites under the redwood canopy, lodging in mid-century modern cabins and cottages, and a central Big Sur location close to restaurants and other attractions.

Best for: Couples who want the redwood experience with the comfort of a proper venue. Ideal if you’re including a small group of guests.

Pfeiffer Beach

One of Big Sur’s most iconic locations, known for the Keyhole Arch and purple sand. Pfeiffer Beach is actually part of Los Padres National Forest (not California State Parks), which means a completely different permit process.

Permits: Contact the US Forest Service Monterey Ranger District. The permit process is separate from Garrapata and other state parks.

Best for: Couples who want a beach ceremony with dramatic rock formations. The Keyhole Arch at sunset, when light streams through the opening, is one of the most photographed moments in Big Sur.

Note: The road to Pfeiffer Beach (Sycamore Canyon Road) is narrow, steep, and one lane in places. It is not accessible by large vehicles or RVs.

McWay Falls Overlook

McWay Falls is an 80 foot waterfall that drops directly onto a pristine beach cove. You cannot access the beach itself (it’s protected), but the overlook provides one of the most iconic backdrops in California.

Best for: A quick stop for portraits. Not ideal as a primary ceremony site due to the public viewing area, but the waterfall backdrop is worth building into your elopement timeline.

Bixby Creek Bridge Area

The Bixby Bridge is one of the most photographed bridges in the world. The cliffs and coastal views surrounding it are stunning for portraits, though the bridge itself is a busy photo stop.

Best for: Portraits during your elopement adventure, not a ceremony site.

Big Sur Lodge at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Located inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Big Sur Lodge offers rustic charm surrounded by redwoods. The park has multiple ceremony sites available by permit.

Permits: Standard State Parks special event permit. Events are not permitted on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day or on holiday weekends.

Private Estates and Vacation Rentals

Big Sur has a handful of private properties available for elopement ceremonies. These offer complete privacy and flexibility with no permit requirements. Expect to pay $1,000 to $5,000+ for venue rental depending on the property.

Big Sur Elopement Permits: What You Need to Know

Different locations in Big Sur fall under different jurisdictions, which means different permit processes:

California State Parks (Garrapata, Pfeiffer Big Sur SP, Andrew Molera):

• Contact: BigSurEvents@parks.ca.gov / 831-667-0507
• Garrapata is administered separately: fwilson@parks.ca.gov / 831-624-3407
• Apply up to 6 months in advance (Garrapata) or 1 year (other Big Sur Sector parks)
• No weekend permits Memorial Day through Labor Day
• Elopement permits start at $400 (including admin fee)

US Forest Service (Pfeiffer Beach, other National Forest land):

• Contact: Monterey Ranger District
• Separate permit process from State Parks

Private venues (Glen Oaks, vacation rentals):

• No state permit required, but venue rental fees apply

I handle permits for every couple I work with in Big Sur. It’s included in my elopement packages.

Best Time of Year to Elope in Big Sur

September through November (Peak Season for Elopements)

The fog clears, the light turns golden, and the summer weekend restrictions on state park permits lift after Labor Day. September and October are the best months for Big Sur elopements by far. Warm days, clear skies, and sunset light that makes everything look like a painting.

April through May (Wildflower Season)

The hillsides turn green, wildflowers bloom (including the famous Calla Lilies at Garrapata), and the coastal scenery is at its most colorful. Slightly cooler temperatures and some morning fog, but beautiful overall.

June through August (Summer)

Warmest temperatures but frequent marine fog, especially in the morning. The fog can linger until early afternoon. If you’re eloping in summer, plan your ceremony for late afternoon when the fog burns off. Note: weekday permits only at State Parks during this period.

December through February (Winter)

Dramatic storm light, moody skies, and the most privacy you’ll find all year. Rainfall is unpredictable, so have a backup plan. The upside: winter storms create some of the most cinematic conditions, and permits are easiest to obtain.

My recommendation: Late September or early October. The light is perfect, the fog is minimal, the crowds thin out, and weekend permits are available again.

Where to Stay for a Big Sur Elopement

Luxury

• Post Ranch Inn: Cliff side rooms with ocean views. Starts around $1,000/night. The most luxurious option in Big Sur.
• Alila Ventana Big Sur: A resort set among the redwoods with canyon and ocean views. Pool, spa, restaurant.

Mid-Range

• Glen Oaks Big Sur: Mid century modern cabins and cottages in the redwoods. Can also serve as your ceremony venue. Great value.
• Big Sur Lodge: Rustic cabins inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Simple but charming.

Budget

• Camping at Pfeiffer Big Sur SP or Andrew Molera SP: Campsites surrounded by redwoods. Book well in advance through Reserve California.
• Glamping at Treebones Resort: Yurts and glamping tents with ocean views on the south end of Big Sur.

Nearby (Carmel and Monterey)

If Big Sur lodging is sold out (which happens often), Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey are 30 to 45 minutes north and offer significantly more options at every price point.

What to Wear for a Big Sur Elopement

For the Person in the Dress

• Flowing, lightweight fabrics look incredible in the Big Sur wind. Chiffon and tulle catch the breeze beautifully.
• Avoid heavily structured ball gowns. The terrain is uneven and you’ll be walking on trails, sand, and rocks.
• Bring layers. Big Sur can be 15 degrees cooler than inland California, and the wind picks up at sunset.
• Flat shoes or low block heels. Stilettos don’t work on dirt trails or sand.
• Consider a second outfit for the adventure portion of the day.

For the Person in the Suit

• A well-fitted suit in a warm or neutral tone photographs beautifully against the coastal landscape. Navy, tan, olive, and charcoal all work.
• Skip the full tuxedo unless your vibe calls for it. Big Sur is elegant but not formal.
• Dress shoes are fine for venue ceremonies. Bring boots or casual shoes if you’re hiking to a coastal bluff.

General Tips

• Avoid pure white against a bright sky. Off-white, ivory, or champagne photograph with more depth.
• Bring a change of shoes. Start in your ceremony shoes, switch to something comfortable for the adventure.
• Hairspray is essential. The wind at Big Sur is constant.

Big Sur Elopement Timeline: A Sample Day

3:00 PM Arrive at Glen Oaks. Get dressed in your cabin among the redwoods.
3:45 PM First look under the redwood canopy. Private moment, just the two of you.
4:15 PM Ceremony in the redwoods. Vows, rings, and your first kiss as a married couple.
4:45 PM Drive to Garrapata State Park (15 minutes north).
5:00 PM Portraits on the coastal bluffs at Soberanes Point.
5:45 PM Walk down to Garrapata Beach for beach portraits as the sun drops.
6:15 PM Golden hour on the cliffs. The best light of the day.
6:45 PM Sunset. The last frames of the day.
7:30 PM Dinner at Nepenthe (ocean view restaurant) or Big Sur Bakery (intimate, candlelit).

This is just one version. Every elopement I plan is custom built around the couple’s priorities, energy level, and vision.

How Much Does It Cost to Elope in Big Sur?

Here’s an honest breakdown of typical costs:

• Photography (full day, photo + video): $3,490 to $8,500+ depending on coverage
• Permits: $400 to $900 (Garrapata, including deposit)
• Officiant: $300 to $800
• Florals (bouquet and boutonniere): $200 to $600
• Lodging (1-2 nights): $200 to $2,000+ per night depending on venue
• Hair and makeup: $300 to $800
• Dinner for two: $100 to $400

Total range: $5,000 to $15,000+ for a full Big Sur elopement experience.

The biggest variable is photography coverage and lodging. My packages include photography, videography, drone, full planning support, and permit assistance.

Planning Your Big Sur Elopement: Where to Start

Most couples who reach out to me have no plan at all yet. That’s completely normal.

Here’s what happens when you book with me:

Step 1: We talk. You tell me what you’re imagining. I help you narrow it down based on your timeline, guest count, vibe, and budget.

Step 2: I build your day. I handle location scouting, timeline creation, permit applications, and vendor recommendations. You get a complete plan.

Step 3: We go there together. On the day, I’m with you from start to finish. Photography, videography, and someone who genuinely cares about making your day feel right.

Ready to start? [Get in touch and let’s plan your Big Sur elopement →]

Related Guides

• Garrapata State Park Elopement Permit Guide
• Best Elopement Locations in Big Sur
• What to Wear for a Big Sur Elopement

—

Joel Reyes is a Big Sur elopement photographer and filmmaker based in California, available worldwide. He photographs elopements throughout Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey, and the California coastline, as well as international destinations including Iceland, the Italian Dolomites, Ireland, Scotland, and Morocco.