Big Sur California Elopement

This Big Sur, California Elopement was absolutely gorgeous, intimate, romantic, playful, and jaw dropping. Gaoli and Connor are honestly such a sweet couple! It was such a blast to be able to be a part of their elopement day and be able to capture all of their love! This was such a gorgeous shoot between just the two of them and the photos are EVERYTHING.

Big Sur Wedding

Coastal Cliffs, huge waves, lush green forests, red wood, breath taking beaches, and so much more! You can really have it all when you elope at Big Sur.

How to Elope in Big Sur

-Choose a location that’s really meaningful to you.

-Book a photographer that you are absolutely in LOVE with.

-Apply for a California marriage license

-Research if you’ll need ceremony or photo permits. If so you’ll want to apply for one ASAP.

-Book an officiant

-Decide if you’re wanting to have a witness there or not. California requires at least one, but if you book me I can sign your marriage license as your witness as well!!

-Decide if you’re wanting to legally get married at home and have your elopement at Big Sur or if you’re wanting to legally get married near Big Sur as well. The closest county clerk office to Big Sur is Monterey County Clerk Office near Monterey Regional Airport.

Click this link for permit information.

Click this link to find out about closures and plan ahead.

Best time to elope in Big Sur

The best time to elope in Big Sur would be a weekday at sunrise! You could also do sunset if it’s off season. If you’re wanting to elope closer to sunset, I recommend avoiding the summer months. Northern California is also much cooler than the rest of California, even in the summer so be aware of that when planning to elope in Big Sur. Always bring a jacket and be prepared for cooler weather!! Don’t forget your hiking shoes either!

Times I recommend eloping in Big Sur

Besides a weekday, here are some other great times to visit:

-Wildflower season: June

-Papas grass: Mid September -October

-Lillies: January- April

-Lower Wave tides: September- October

-Caves: August- November

Eloping in Big Sur- Permits

Hwy 1 Coast is state owned land, meaning you will likely need a permit. Visit the parks website for more information or call 831-667-0507. Most coastal locations require that you have less than 15 people attending as well, so if you have more you will need to secure a wedding venue.

Where to elope in Big Sur

-Glen Oaks

-The Village

Ventana

Loma Vista Gardens

Henry Miller Memorial Library

Garrapata State Park

Andrew Molera State Park

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Limekiln State Park

Pfeiffer Beach

Los Padres National Forest

Don’t forget to do your research before planning to elope at any of these locations on photo permits, ceremony permits, weather at the time of year you’re planning, what’s allowed, etc.

LEAVE NO TRACE

If you’re having your elopement in Big Sur on the coast, public lands, state parks, etc. PLEASE don’t forget to leave no trace and respect the environment around you.

What does this mean?

-Pack away any trash – yes that means petals that fell off or petals from the flower girl, anything

-No confetti

-Research if you are allowed to have real florals or if they have to be fake in ANY location

-No sparklers, smoke bombs, champagne, etc! Save the champagne for the airbnb!!

-Don’t step off trail (even for the perfect shot)

The damage and impact to the environment is never worth the photo. There’s so many beautiful spots in Big Sur where you can get “the perfect shot” without going off trail and impacting the environment.

I’d absolutely LOVE to help you plan your dream elopement day!! Get in touch here!