Ultimate Big Sur Guide: Everything You Need To Know For 2025
When it comes to dream elopement destinations in the United States, Big Sur stands out as one of the most breathtaking choices. With its dramatic coastal cliffs, ancient redwood forests, and rugged Pacific coastline, this 71-mile stretch of California's Central Coast offers an unparalleled backdrop for your intimate wedding day. As a photographer who has documented countless love stories in this magical region, I'm here to share everything you need to know to plan your perfect Big Sur elopement.
Table of Contents
Why Elope in Big Sur?
Best Time to Elope
Getting Legally Married in California
Location Guide
Private vs. Public Land
State Parks
Venues
Beaches
Permits & Requirements
Where to Stay
Sample Timelines
Planning Tips
Things to Do
Budgeting Guide
Why Elope in Big Sur?
Big Sur captures hearts with its raw natural beauty and sense of peaceful seclusion. Here, you can exchange vows under towering redwoods, celebrate with champagne on a clifftop overlook, or dance on a secluded beach as the sun sets over the Pacific. Despite feeling worlds away from civilization, Big Sur remains surprisingly accessible - just a short drive from Monterey and Carmel.
Drone Shot during Sunset
Best Time to Elope
Seasons
Spring (April-May): 60-70°F, wildflowers blooming, 15% chance of rain
Summer (June-August): 70-80°F, potential fog, 5% chance of rain
Fall (September-October): 60-70°F, clearest skies, 10% chance of rain
Winter (November-March): 50-60°F, 30% chance of rain, potential road closures
Pro Tips:
Weekdays offer significantly fewer crowds
Early morning or sunset ceremonies provide the best lighting
Avoid summer weekends when tourist traffic is heaviest
Consider shoulder seasons (spring/fall) for ideal weather
Be aware of wildfire season (typically late summer/fall)
Getting Legally Married in California
Marriage License Requirements:
Valid for 90 days from issue date
No waiting period
One witness required
Can be obtained from any California county clerk
Both parties must appear in person
Costs approximately $90
Bring a valid government ID
Click here for Marriage License
Types of Licenses:
Public Marriage License
Most common choice
Requires one witness
Can be used anywhere in California
Confidential Marriage License
No witness required
Must be used in the county of issue
Requires proof of living together
Location Guide
Private vs. Public Land: Making the Choice
Private Land Benefits:
Guaranteed privacy
No permit requirements
More flexible with guest counts
Often includes amenities
Can combine ceremony and lodging
More accessible for guests
Often includes backup indoor options
Public Land Benefits:
More affordable
Iconic views
Adventure opportunities
True wilderness experience
Multiple location options
Natural beauty
State Parks
Garrapata State Park
Best for: Coastal ceremonies, accessible beach access
Location: 15 minutes south of Carmel
Permit cost: $400 (up to 25 people) or $550 (up to 50 people)
Highlights: Dramatic cliffs, beach access, wildflowers in spring
Note: The most accessible coastal location in Big Sur
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Best for: Redwood ceremonies, intimate gatherings
Guest limit: 10 people (including vendors)
Permit cost: $425 for elopements
Note: Monday-Thursday ceremonies only
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Best for: Iconic Big Sur views, waterfall backdrops
Features: McWay Falls view, redwood trails
Restrictions: 10 person limit, weekday only
Permit details: Same as Pfeiffer Big Sur
Pfeiffer Beach
Best for: Beach ceremonies, sunset photos
Cost: Free (no permit required)
Challenges:
Limited parking
Can be extremely windy
Seasonal closures
Road flooding in winter
No ceremonies allowed March 15-October 15
Venue Options
Glen Oaks Big Sur
Setting: Redwood forest
Capacity: Up to 100 guests
Features:
Modern cabins
River access
Private redwood grove
Multiple ceremony locations
Best for: Luxury rustic experience
Ventana Big Sur
Setting: Ocean views and redwoods
Options:
Hotel rooms
Glamping sites
Traditional camping
Features:
Multiple ceremony locations
All-inclusive packages available
Private trails
Luxury amenities
Henry Miller Library
Setting: Artistic redwood grove
Capacity: Up to 30 people
Features:
Unique, bohemian atmosphere
Indoor/outdoor space
Cultural landmark
Intimate forest setting
Loma Vista Gardens
Setting: Garden Oasis
Capacity:
Elopements: up to 12 guests
Micro-weddings: up to 25 guests
Features:
Multiple garden ceremony sites
Getting-ready yurt
Unique landscaping
Professional kitchen
Permits & Requirements
State Park Permits
Apply up to 6 months in advance Click Here for Permit Application ( email BigSurEvents@parks.ca.gov )
Weekday ceremonies only (Monday-Thursday)
One permit per day in entire Big Sur sector
Rush fees apply within 60 days
Holiday dates excluded
Photography Permits
Required for commercial photography
Some photographers hold annual permits
Location-specific restrictions apply
Additional fees may apply
I will have the Permits for your Big Sur Elopement. This isn’t anything you need to worry about. But you will need a special events permit for your Big Sur Wedding or Elopement.
Leave No Trace Principles
Stay on designated trails
Pack out all trash
No confetti or rice (even biodegradable)
No sparklers or smoke bombs
Respect wildlife and vegetation
Use designated parking areas
Follow all posted signs
Where to Stay
Luxury Options
Post Ranch Inn
Ventana Big Sur
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Mid-Range Options
Glen Oaks Big Sur
Big Sur Lodge
Deetjen's Big Sur Inn
Budget-Friendly Options
Big Sur Campground & Cabins
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Camping
Kirk Creek Campground
Alternative Options
Carmel-by-the-Sea hotels
Monterey accommodations
Airbnbs in surrounding areas
Sample Timelines
4-Hour Elopement Timeline
2:30 Ceremony - 3:00 Photos at Beach and if we are lucky with low tide, enter in a secret cave - 4:30 - Sunset Explore my favorite Cliff locations for those epic photos.
6-Hour Elopement Timeline
1:00 - 2:30 Getting Ready 2:30 - 2:45 First Look 2:45 - 3:15 Ceremony 3:15 - 4:15 Redwood Portraits 4:15 - 5:00 Travel to Coast 5:00 - 6:00 Beach Picnic 6:00 - 7:00 Sunset Photos
8-Hour Intimate Wedding Timeline
12:00 - 1:30 Getting Ready 1:30 - 2:30 First Look & Portraits 2:30 - 3:00 Ceremony Setup 3:00 - 3:30 Ceremony 3:30 - 4:00 Family Photos 4:00 - 4:30 Travel Time 4:30 - 6:30 Couple's Portraits 6:30 - 8:00 Intimate Reception
Planning Tips
Essential Planning Tips
Hire Local Vendors
Work with photographers familiar with the area
Choose vendors who know permit requirements
Select professionals experienced with local weather conditions
Book early - popular dates fill quickly
Navigation & Communication
Download offline maps
Save specific meeting locations
Expect limited cell service
Plan meeting points in advance
Allow extra travel time between locations
Weather Considerations
Pack layers for temperature changes
Bring wind protection for coastal locations
Have backup locations planned
Consider indoor options for unpredictable weather
Schedule around fog patterns
Attire & Comfort
Choose appropriate footwear for hiking
Bring comfortable shoes for photos
Consider dress length for wind
Pack extra hairpins for coastal locations
Bring layers for temperature changes
Location Safety
Learn to identify poison oak
Stay on marked trails
Check location accessibility
Know your comfort level with heights
Respect warning signs and fences
Things to Do
In Big Sur
Dining Experiences
The Village (coffee, pastries, dinner)
Nepenthe (sunset dinner)
Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn
Big Sur Bakery
The Sur House
Must-See Locations
Bixby Bridge
McWay Falls
Pfeiffer Beach Keyhole
Point Lobos State Reserve
Andrew Molera State Park
Activities
Hiking in redwood forests
Beach picnics
Whale watching (seasonal)
Sunset viewing
River wading
Nearby Areas
Monterey/Carmel
Monterey Bay Aquarium
17-Mile Drive
Carmel Beach
Point Lobos hiking
Wine tasting in Carmel Valley
Santa Cruz
Beach Boardwalk
Natural Bridges State Beach
Downtown shopping
Berry picking (seasonal)
Surfing lessons
Budget Guide
Elopement Costs (2-10 people)
Average total: $9,000-$13,000
Typical Breakdown
Photography/Planning: 50-65% ($4,500-8,450)
Venue/Permits: 10-15% ($900-1,950)
Attire: 10-15% ($900-1,950)
Hair & Makeup: 5% ($450-650)
Officiant: 5% ($450-650)
Flowers: 3% ($270-390)
Food: 2% ($180-260)
Intimate Wedding Costs (10-25 people)
Average total: $13,000-$25,000
Typical Breakdown
Photography/Planning: 30-60% ($3,900-15,000)
Venue/Permits: 15-35% ($1,950-8,750)
Attire: 10-12% ($1,300-3,000)
Food/Catering: 8-12% ($1,040-3,000)
Flowers: 2-5% ($260-1,250)
Hair & Makeup: 3-4% ($390-1,000)
Officiant: 3-4% ($390-1,000)
Additional Costs to Consider
Travel expenses
Accommodation
Car rental
Marriage license
Rings
Guest accommodations
Transportation
Rehearsal dinner
Welcome bags
Honeymoon expenses
Final Planning Checklist
6-12 Months Before:
Choose date and time
Book photographer
Select and book venue/location
Reserve accommodations
Begin dress/attire shopping
3-6 Months Before:
Book hair and makeup
Arrange officiant
Order flowers
Plan timeline
Book additional vendors
Make dinner reservations
1-3 Months Before:
Obtain marriage license
Secure permits
Finalize timeline
Create backup plans
Order rings
Plan vows
Week Of:
Check weather
Download offline maps
Pack essentials
Confirm vendors
Get marriage license
Print timeline and permits
Ready to Start Planning?
Your Big Sur elopement should be a reflection of your love story - intimate, authentic, and unforgettable. Whether you envision saying your vows among ancient redwoods or against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur offers endless possibilities for creating the perfect celebration.
Remember that while planning is important, the most magical moments often happen spontaneously. Embrace the adventure, trust your vendors, and most importantly, focus on what matters most - celebrating your love in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Want more info Eloping in Big Sur? Click here and check out my dedicated page for Big Sur Elopements.