BIG SUR ELOPEMENT + INTIMATE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Intentional elopements that focus on experiences and connection in Big Sur.
let's plan the coastal elopement of your dreams in big sur
You know those days where you wake up and decide to go out for coffee and then you end up at the beach for a spontaneous swim session, and then an impromptu picnic with your favorite pizza ever, and one mini adventure rolls into another until it has become the best day ever. (I can't help but picture the movie Dazed and Confused in my head). That is how your elopement day should feel.
An elopement is all about creating an epic experience to celebrate the start of your legal life together. Whatever you are envisioning for your elopement, I am here to bring those visions to life.
With stunning views at every hairpin turn on the PCH, to the stunning Redwood trees, Big Sur has so much diversity of landscape and things for you to do on your elopement day. Cruise up the Pacific Coast Highway in your vintage car with the top down overlooking the Pacific after spending the morning getting ready in the Redwoods. Head out for an early morning surf session, followed by coffee and cuddles in the back of your pickup before getting ready to say your vows on the bluffs with the waves crashing underneath you. Whatever your vibe, from adventure to picnic, Big Sur's got it!
Coverage of your entire elopement day so you can reminisce on your epic day for years to come.
have you & your partner ever thought "we are so awkward in front of the camera!"?
If you are nodding your head so hard your neck hurts, then you've come to the right place. I'm here to help craft an elopement experience that is so you that your photos will reflect the genuine moments that happen between each other throughout the day. The big moments and the small ones. When you look at your photos in 10 years, I want you to relive all of the same emotions you felt during your elopement. I want you to remember how you couldn't stop laughing or how you always found a way to be touching. Because let's face it, the moments where you feel most connected are the ones worth photographing.
First off, let me say I am so excited to work with a couple like you. You know what you want and are willing to step outside the norm.
You want to have a special day that fits who you are as a couple, focusing on the connection that you have. You aren’t into tradition for tradition sake. There will be plenty of throw your head back laughs through the experience of your day together. I offer constant direction and guidance throughout the day, focusing on your connections and experiences together, with photos being the documentation, not the other way around!
I am here to guide you from the early planning process and take you from feeling overwhelmed to having your dream elopement vision come to life. And once your elopement is over, you'll continue dreaming and talking about it for years to come knowing it was the perfect decision for you.
i work with couples who want to go against the grain and celebrate intentionally.
reach out here
I’ve been fortunate enough to call the coast of California my home for the last 12 years and have spent my free time road tripping throughout the state to experience the vast landscape it has to offer. I love being able to
With state parks and local conservation efforts, Big Sur has stunning views, Redwoods, parks, beaches, and restaurants to explore. Big Sur is perfect for couples looking to have dirty feet and salty, sandy hair by the end of their elopement day.
Hey! I'm Emma, Your Big Sur Elopement Photographer.
about me
Planning Your Big Sur Elopement
Big Sur offers rocky bluffs, with views of the Pacific, sandy beaches, and Redwoods for your elopement backdrop. There are some well known points on the beach as well as a few lesser known trails and beaches that offer more privacy.
Here are a few of my favorite spots below to help get you started.
Garrapata State Park: This is a great spot for couples looking for some light hiking and are okay with stairs and some to get to a more private cove. Rocky vistas, spring wildflowers, and ending in the ocean make this place a perfect spot to catch your sunset with a picnic on your elopement day.
Glen Oaks: Glen Oaks is like being in a fairy tale for the morning of your elopement. While this is a private venue, the Redwoods in the area are absolutely gorgeous!
Where to Elope in Big Sur
There is really no end to what you can do on your elopement day. I send over a questionnaire to better get to know you and your partner to help plan your elopement day. Below are popular activities to do together to celebrate the start of your marriage…
Head to a coffee shop to start your day together
Rent a vintage car/truck to cruise up the PCH
Picnic with a view of the ocean
Go for a hike
Get ready together in your AirBnB or hotel
Go surfing/swimming together
Have a celebratory dance party after popping champagne
Have a pizza party
Anything else that feels like you!
What To Do During Your big Sur Elopement
i will help you find the perfect location
Picking out the the most perfect location for your elopement does matter. This is why I spend so much time scouting for the perfect spot for each of my couples. Whether you want an off the beaten path offering privacy or a beach side cliff with the waves crashing below (and bathrooms nearby), I will find the perfect spot for you.
I love getting to know my couples through Zoom calls and if time and location permits, a coffee date or cocktail hour. I'll send you local vendor recommendations, help you find accommodations that fit all of your needs, help acquire permits-if necessary, and work with you to plan the perfect timeline along with a few backup plans. I always want my couples to experience the best day possible that reflects who they are, so my elopement planning is always customized to each couple.
One of the most common phrases I hear from my couples is that they are awkward and don't know what to do when they are having their photo taken. I get it! And I love being your third wheel! Maybe you are not into PDAs and/or aren't sure to put your hands. Putting you at ease is a huge part of my job. I talk...a lot. And some of the time I am talking is directing you and guiding you on where to put your hand. And other times it is just me talking so you don't have time to think too hard. Sometimes you'll have lots of space away from me and sometimes I will be more hands on. Once you get into the groove, you'll forget the camera is even there.
Your day will be fun and full of big moments and small ones, and I am here to capture them and everything in between. You’ll be able to look back at your images and remember exactly how the day felt. Each gallery I deliver is curated to tell the story of your entire day, from start to finish.
When you look at your photos in 10 years, I want you to relive all of the same emotions you felt during your elopement. I want you to remember how you couldn't stop laughing or how you always found a way to be touching. Because let's face it, the moments where you feel most connected are the ones worth photographing.
Plan out the logistics and curate an experience just for you
And importantly, I am here to document your adventure.
make you feel comfortable and at ease in front of the camera
LET'S start planning
"From the start of our planning process, she was such a support through helping us with suggestions, timelines, and emotional supports."
Pricing + offerings
The Sunrise to Sunset
For couples looking to plan a day full of adventure, activities, and want city and nature as their backdrop during their elopement.
10-12 hours
Starting at $6600
The Full Day
For couples looking to experience a slow and intentional elopement day doing several different activities in a few different places.
Up to 8 hours
Starting at $5400
February
Mammoth Mountain
Death Valley
open to 2 elopements
March
Mammoth Mountain
April
Joshua Tree
May
Big Sur
June
Yosemite
Philadelphia, PA
July
Switzerland
September
Yosemite
Mammoth Lakes
October
Big Sur
November
Mammoth Lakes
I truly believe you should be getting married in a way and in a place that feels special to you. Whether it's a beautiful coastline you've always wanted to visit or where you took your first trip together, I believe location does matter when it comes to your elopement.
My travel schedule revolves around the best time of year to be in these destinations; the summer in the Sierras, the winter in the desert, and the coast year round.
No matter what corner of California you're scoping out for your elopement, I will jump in my car or on a plane to help you celebrate.
The Mini
For couples looking to have coverage of their ceremony and portraits in 2 close-together locations.
Up to 4 hours
Starting at $4800
For couples who want to have meaningful connections on their elopement day
Get In Touch
2026 Travel schedule
let's adventure
“Emma is not only an incredible photographer, but an incredible person. From the start of our planning process, she was such a support through helping us with suggestions, timelines, and emotional supports. We knew we didn't want a huge traditional wedding, and it's so clear from her work that she knows how to get those quiet, special moments. Her calming presence was so appreciated, she jumped in and helped with little things throughout the day, was able to direct us (who are, what you might say, goofy on camera), laughed with us, and just perfectly nailed every shot. She so seamlessly captured our intimate backyard wedding, and we are forever grateful to her for doing so. Please do yourself a favor and book her for literally every event, shoot, etc. It will be the best decision you could make! We love you, Emma. Thank you for everything!!” -Amanda + Kevin-
FAQ
The number of photos you receive depend on a few factors, such as coverage booked, whether there are guests, location(s), etc. I curate all of my galleries to include all of the best images. Therefore, I always strive for quantity over quality. While I don't give a guaranteed a minimum or maximum number of images per elopement, you can expect 50-75 images per hour of coverage. I'm also happy to send over sample galleries for you to look at so you can get an idea of what a full gallery looks like.
I deliver the final gallery via an online digital gallery. I send you a private link and download code for you to be able to print, share, and download in high resolution and save in at least 2 different places.
If there is a little bit of rain on your elopement day, that is no big deal! It can add a little bit of moodiness to your photos. In the case that there is a big weather event or natural disaster, I always have back up plans. I also never plan full day elopements back to back, so there is a buffer zone in case we do actually need to reschedule.
To book with me, I need a date and general location that you wish to elope. This can be submitted via a contact form found in the navigation bar. Then I'll send over a contract and invoice with a non-refundable retainer fee of 50% of the total. From there we will begin planning your epic elopement.
This really depends on what you have in mind for your elopement day. Get in touch with me so we can figure out exactly what you're looking for. I have created different packages for different types of elopements, so i can recommend the best fit for what you're envisioning. My most popular package is the 8 hour package.
Depending on where you want to get married, the number of guests will vary. Some parks will limit the guest list for you, while a venue might have a higher capacity. Something to consider is that the more guests, the more restrictions you'll find when picking a location. If you're flexible, you can definitely have as many guests as you want.
Intimate wedding + elopement photographer for couples who want to follow their hearts and celebrate in a way that feels true to them