Ultimate Guide for a Big Sur Elopement
Torn between the mountains and the beach for your adventure elopement? Why not have both?! The rocky Central Coast of California is an absolutely stunning backdrop for any elopement. There are so many options for incorporating natural beauty into your wedding photos! With multiple state parks along California’s Highway 1 in Big Sur, there’s sure to be a spot that serves up the perfect stunning coastal or forested backdrop for your vows
While I have not yet made it to this part of California there is a reason so many people choose this area! If you are thinking about planning a Big Sur elopement I have gathered general information to jumpstart your research. It’s so important to do your own research (or even better, hire a local planner!) but I know getting started can be overwhelming, so I hope this helps!
About the area
Big Sur encompasses the mountainous Central Coast of California that stretches from Carmel-by-the-Sea to San Simeon. The coastal bluffs and rocky beaches are shaped by the Santa Lucia Mountains and remain largely untouched and undeveloped. Highway 1 winds 71 miles through this area, across bridges, around cliffsides and over serene beaches. Not only is the area known for its stunning rock formations in the crystal blue Pacific Ocean, but its shoreline is carpeted with jaw-dropping redwood forests. It’s the perfect place for seclusion, romance and immersing yourself in nature. If this sounds like something you love, let’s dive into the logistics of making a Big Sur elopement happen.
When to elope in Big Sur
We’ll cover this more when we get to the permits section of this guide, but it’s best to plan your Big Sur elopement on a Monday-Thursday. During the busier months of May-September, these are the only days of the week that the parks will issue elopement permits. There are no permits issued on holidays. While late spring and late fall may be the most ideal times, you can also pull off a winter elopement in this area thanks to the mild weather it receives year-round. You may encounter some fog when planning an elopement here thanks to the climate, but we can still take some stunning misty wedding photos!
One thing to be mindful of in the area: wildfires. Unfortunately, a lot of this area has been damaged by fires in the last couple of years, so it’s important to check before you plan. As of early 2022, much of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park remains closed due to damage from the Dolan Fire.
What permits for a Big Sur elopement do I need?
While I’ve extensively covered how to elope in a national park, the Big Sur area is mostly made up of state parks, so there are different rules. Usually I’d touch on permits at the end of an elopement guide, but the permits for this area can get a little trickier than in a national park and will absolutely influence where you decide to hold your elopement! I’ll cover an overview of the different types of permits here as of 2022, but the best way to plan a Big Sur elopement is to read the California State Parks Elopement and Special Event Info Packet before choosing your ceremony site and the size and details of your wedding.
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This permit is the most common type of permit couples need to elope in Big Sur. These are for hike-in ceremonies in select state parks with a number of restrictions on number of guests, décor and more. They are only issued at Andrew Molera State Park, Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. They are not issued in Point Sur State Historic Park. These permits allow you to hold your ceremony at a trail head or at the end of a trail. If you want an incredibly intimate ceremony that focuses on the two of you and not the fanfare, this is the permit for you. Keep in mind, each park only issues ONE special event permit per event day, so you’ll want to reserve in advance to get your ideal date. These are the most important things to note about what is/isn’t allowed with these permits:
• Valid for 4 hours including hike-in and hike-out time
• No exclusive access
• Limited to 10 people including vendors
• Allows for 1 photographer, 1 wedding planner and 1 officiant
• All must be listed on your permit to enter the park
• One handheld decoration allowed (bouquet)
• Application more than 30 days in advance: $300
• Rush application within 30 days: $375
• Both types of permits require a $400+ refundable damage deposit.
About that damage deposit - when you work with me, I’m a certified Leave No Trace Aware Photographer. I encourage you to read up on the LNT principles ahead of time, and I also help you ensure we leave the place better than we found it so we’re respecting the land and not costing you damage fees!
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Choose this permit if you want to hold your ceremony at a park campsite. This type of permit is the only one that sometimes allows for exclusive access to your ceremony area. In addition to the permit, you’ll also have to pay $25-50 per night to reserve the campsite and book ahead of time on Reserve California based on availability. You can only have 8 guests for this type of permit.
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If your Big Sur elopement falls outside of California State Parks’ list of requirements for an elopement or campsite elopement, you’ll have to apply for a full Special Event Permit. These limitations include amount of people, holding your ceremony at an official event site, requiring seating, having decorations beyond a bouquet, or serving food and drink. Check the elopement info packet for the full list of restrictions.
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You’ll also need to submit proof of liability insurance if you’re having vendors at your ceremony. No worries, I have the proper insurance required so you’re all set here if you work with me!
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As in any state, you’ll need to come prepared to your elopement with a marriage license for the state you’re getting married in. California actually issues two different types of licenses: a public marriage license (most common) or a confidential marriage license. The latter keeps your marriage out of public records and requires you to be living together at the time of applying. Here are the cliff notes on applying for a marriage license in CA:
• No waiting period, valid as soon as issued
• Valid for 90 days
• $45-115 depending on county and type of license
• Bring valid photo ID, payment and proof of divorce if previously married
If you’re getting your marriage license in Monterey County where the Big Sur area is located, you’ll need to apply online and both be present to pick it up and complete the process. Remember to factor in picking up your license during county clerk office hours to your elopement plans.
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If you’re choosing to get married on public land, don’t forget about park entry fees! The price for state park entry can vary based on season, but it’s usually between $10-20 per vehicle. You can also purchase one of California’s annual state park passes for between $125-195. This may be something to consider if you want to adventure around to different parks for photos or want to return to the area.
Vendors and décor for your Big Sur elopement
If you are choosing to get married under an Elopement Wedding Permit on public land, keep in mind that the common limit of 10 people INCLUDES your vendors, and you’re limited to a photographer, wedding planner and officiant. Another thing to note is that there are serious limitations on the amount of decorations you’re allowed to have. Weddings with an Elopement Wedding Permit are limited to one bouquet of flowers and music, whether from speakers or an instrument, is not allowed. You are also not allowed to have alcohol, glass, bubbles or any sort of scattering materials like birdseed, flower petals or confetti. I can help you find vendors who have serious experience with these types of elopements so we aren’t breaking any rules!
Best locations for a Big Sur elopement
Now that you understand a bit more about permits, let’s break down the different locations to hold your elopement.
Garrapata State Park
This state park has one of the most iconic coastal bluff views in Big Sur and is one of the closest Big Sur beaches to the seaside towns of Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Forget all the aforementioned details about permits if you choose this state park for your elopement. Their special event permit system is a bit different and allows up to 25 guests. It’s your best bet if you want a romantic beach ceremony that shows off the unique coastline OR if you want to include family and friends in your Big Sur elopement.
Andrew Molera State Park
Further south down Highway 1 is Andrew Molera State Park. If you want a beach ceremony that’s a little more secluded and undeveloped, this is a great spot. There’s a beach that’s accessible with a short 1 mile hike. Note that you cannot do campground elopements in this park.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is the largest state park in the area, covering 1000 acres. There is no beach access in this park, but it does have beautiful redwood trees and Pfeiffer Falls. However, this area is typically pretty popular and crowded, so you may not want to choose this one if you want seclusion for your ceremony, especially if it’s in the summer months.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
While unfortunately there are still closures in this park due to wildfires, there are parts that have reopened (as of early 2022). There’s no beach access here, but the park’s most iconic feature is McWay Falls, a stunning waterfall that cascades off the side of a bluff and onto a secluded beach. Note that the Waterfall Overlook Trail in this park is considered a special event site, so you must have a Special Event Permit for this spot, not an Elopement Wedding Permit. Even if you don’t choose this site for your Big Sur elopement, it’s certainly worth a visit while you’re there.
Pfeiffer Beach
This is probably the most famous beach in Big Sur with its iconic keyhole rock formation. There are no permits required at this beach, BUT weddings and elopements are strictly not allowed between March 15-October 15. It’s important to know that getting to this beach can be a little risky as the rainy season from December to March can flood the road. The beach is also known to be pretty windy. You may not want to depend on this spot for your ceremony because of these reasons, but it’s a fun spot to take photos.
Private Lands
If the permitting sounds like way too much to handle, there are lots of options for more formal venues that allow more flexibility for guests and décor along Highway 1. Some of the most popular include some of the spots on my list of places to stay, like Post Ranch Inn, Ventana or Glen Oaks (I’ll touch on those below). Loma Vista Gardens has a full wedding venue, while Henry Miller Memorial Library features towering redwoods on site.
Make a day (or a week) of it!
As you can see, there’s plenty to see and do in Big Sur. So much in fact, that you may be having a hard time narrowing down exactly where you want to go during your elopement. Here’s the good news though: you don’t have to choose just one spot! When you book a half day or a full day elopement with me, we can spend the entire day hopping around to all of the best photo spots in Big Sur. We can snap getting ready photos in your glamping tent at Ventana, hold a ceremony at Garrapata State Park, head over to the redwoods in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and then grab some shots of you on Pfeiffer Beach with your new spouse - or any other itinerary you can dream up! Still want to add more locations to your photo album like city shots in the quaint streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea? Let’s talk about a custom multi-day elopement!
Where to stay for your Big Sur elopement
You’ve got a few options when it comes to lodging for your Big Sur elopement. You can stay in a luxury hotel along the coastline, a rustic Airbnb or opt to stay in one of the coastal towns where you’ll have to drive to the parks but you’ll be close to restaurants and other activities.
Post Ranch Inn
If you really want to go all out for your elopement, you won’t find a more naturally stunning place to stay than Post Ranch Inn. This luxury hotel and spa nestled into the cliffside can cost upwards of $1500 a night, so if you’re planning an elopement to save money, this won’t be the choice for you. No worries though, there are plenty of other beautiful places to stay in the area.
Alila Ventana Big Sur
This is the other big luxury property in Big Sur. However, what sets this spot apart is that they also have glamping tents and a traditional campground! You can access all of Ventana’s amazing amenities like their restaurant and spa by booking a stay in one of their stunning glamping tents. We could even take some “in-home session” style photos here during your wedding week! They also offer elopement sites on hotel property if you want to forgo the public lands permitting.
Glen Oaks Big Sur
This hotel is much more modest than the luxury at Post Ranch and Ventana, but still wonderfully beautiful. It looks like a collection of quintessential mountain cabins on the outside, but inside, each room has beautiful, modern interiors. The best part about this spot is its private redwood grove, which you can reserve a spot in for your elopement ceremony!
Big Sur Lodge
This is the official state park lodge within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. It’s not as modern as the other options, but still has its own rustic charm.
Carmel-by-the-Sea + Monterey
Vagabond House – quaint B&B style spot with a spa and courtyard garden
La Playa Carmel – romantic, pristine coastal hotel with a great bar + restaurant
Carmel Valley
Bernadus Lodge & Spa – pretty hotel with winery
Carmel Valley Ranch – romantic farm and ranch
Airbnbs
What to do in the Big Sur area
If you’re planning an elopement here, why not see everything the area has to offer while you’re at it?! There are plenty of cute, romantic restaurants in Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea and of course no shortage of breath-taking vantage points along the coast.
Food
Monterey
Passionfish – upscale, sustainable seafood
Pearl Hour – colorful coastal cocktail bar
Alta Bakery + Café – cute coffee shop whose culinary directory used to be with the luxury Post Ranch Inn
Jeninni – wine bar with Mediterranean fare
Happy Girl Kitchen Co – ever seen Big Little Lies? Reese Witherspoon dubbed this the cutest spot in Monterey while filming here.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
La Bicyclette – charming, romantic French café
Dametra Café – quaint Mediterranean spot
Toro – newly opened spot for fresh sushi
The Stationaery – hidden but very popular brunch spot
La Balena – inconspicuous family-owned Italian restaurant
Aubergine – courtyard restaurant inside the L’Auberge Hotel
Cultura – authentic Mexican in a charming atmosphere
Highway 1
Nepenthe – Stunning cliffside views with a side of delicious American food
COAST – adorable bakery and ice cream shop built into an old water tank
Big Sur Bakery – rustic bakery at Loma Vista Gardens (also a wedding venue!)
Big Sur Roadhouse – rustic modern restaurant at Glen Oaks
Activities
No matter which location you choose for your ceremony, there are plenty of sights to see along Highway 1. We can take photos in various locations, or you can just make a point to see the other parks during your stay. Here are a few standout options for activities in Big Sur:
Bixby Creek Bridge – you’ve undoubtedly seen photos of this iconic bridge that’s part of Highway 1
Pfeiffer Beach – while it’s difficult to predict a ceremony here, seeing the famous keyhole rock formations is a must
McWay Falls, Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park – there’s something so dreamy about this beach waterfall. You have to see it!
Soberanes Point, Garrapata State Park – this 1.8 mile loop provides the most sweeping views of the coast inside this park
Point Sur Lighthouse – just north of Andrew Molera State Park. Who doesn’t love a lighthouse on the coast!?
Shopping in Monterey – a must if you love browsing boutiques and items from local artisans
Monterey Bay Aquarium – widely considered one of the best aquariums in the US, focused on the local sea life and known for its kelp forest
Wine tasting in Carmel Valley – this area is packed with adorable local wineries for a romantic afternoon of wine tastings
Refuge Spa – ever heard of a silent spa?! This is an amazing honeymoon activity for you and your new spouse after your wedding. The spa keeps its serenity tucked away in the beautiful natural landscape with a strict no-talking policy. It’s something different to add to your itinerary.
Pebble Beach – if you or your spouse are into golf at all, this legendary golf course is a must. It’s pricey but the cliffside links are one-of-a-kind.
Let me help you elope in Big Sur!
Does this sound a dream wedding week to you?! Same!! I’d love to adventure with you and capture your perfect Big Sur elopement! Pick your favorite state park location, or we can spend a whole week visiting all of them! Whatever you have in mind, I’m here to help you make the most of your elopement.