Your Big Sur Elopement Guide + Example 8-Hour Elopement Timeline

Big Sur is one of the most stunning locations to elope in California. About 3 hours from San Francisco, but just 20 minutes from Carmel, it makes a great location to explore just a few hours from the city. Winding along highway 1, every hairpin turn offers stunning views of rocky coasts, rolling hills, and wildflowers. The Redwoods offer a serene setting off of the chaos of the crashing waves and ever-changing coastal weather. One of my favorite things about this area, is the possibility for different backdrops. Imagine starting with a slow morning in a cabin in the redwoods, a visit to the beach in for a romantic picnic, and driving along the rocky coast at sunset. Since eloping means endless decisions, I’ve put together this Big Sur Elopement Guide for you!

Big Sur Redwoods Elopement — Big Sur Lodge

When is the best time to elope in Big Sur?

If you’re looking for the highest likelihood of dry weather and sunshine with low crowds, the late summer into fall months are your best bet. I still always recommend getting married on a weekday to give yourself more privacy at each of these stunning locations. Big Sur does draw in millions of visitors throughout the year. Plus, parking is all on the side of the road, so weekdays bring less visitors, opening up more parking spots, so less stress. It’s a win win!

*Depending on where you are traveling from, please check Route 1 closures due to landslides and other natural weather events. As of October 2023, Route 1 is closed at Gorda (which doesn’t allow a drive up highway 1 from Los Angeles).

Where to elope in Big Sur?

This is my favorite question to answer! The possibilities seem endless, and with a lot of epic spots within a close drive from each other, a longer elopement day allows for a multitude of locations. Remember! One of the major pros of eloping means you can move around to different locations without a lot of hassle. The coast offers my favorite views to say your vows. Imagine the waves crashing on the rocks behind you as you make your marriage legit! These areas are large enough to give you privacy, even if there are a few other visitors nearby.

State Parks and public lands to have your ceremony:

Andrew Molera State Park

Garrapata State Park: includes Soberanes Point Trail, China Vista, Painters Point, Garrapata State Beach

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: pink sands and keyhole rock at Pfeiffer State Beach

Do I need a permit?

The permit process for different parks can be a bit cumbersome. This is where I come in to help you plan. I help with permit applications, so you have one less thing on your plate. I do always recommend you pay for the permit. I think of it as a show of gratitude to the lands where you decided to get married. Public lands include state parks and often require permits for ceremonies, even with just the eloping couple and an officiant.

Private lands to have a ceremony in Big Sur

These venues or lodges are best for weddings with guests, and most are located in the Redwoods. There are a few options that provide lodging, and may require less walking, especially if you have any guests with limited mobility. If you are having over 20 guests, you may want to consider the following for exchanging your vows:

Glen Oaks Big Sur

Big Sur Lodge

Ventana Big Sur (most luxury)

Henry Miller Library

Loma Vista Gardens (on the coast)

Where to stay in Big Sur for our elopement?

The list of private venues including Ventana Big Sur, Glen Oaks, and Big Sur Lodge are all great spots to stay for your elopement. This gives you the option of starting your day in the Redwoods and finishing on the coast, after the sun is out and the weather warms up. You can also choose to stay in Carmel, which is about a 30 minute drive from Big Sur, or Monterey, which is the next town up.

What activities can we do on our elopement day in Big Sur?

You can…

rent a vintage or classic car
stop at the Big Sur Bakery for breakfast and coffee
do a first look
have a picnic on the bluffs or the beach. I highly recommend Forage Vintage Rental for a picnic set up.
hike around the different trails
explore the beach
pop champagne + cut cake
have a first dance on the cliffs
watch the sunset with a bottle of wine
enjoy a romantic dinner at Nepenthe

We know where and when we want to get married. Now what?

Now it’s time to pick your vendors! I may be biased here, but I really believe picking a photographer who specializes in elopements is the first vendor you need to choose. For example, I help with timeline, vendor recommendations, and permit applications. This can take a lot off your plate when planning your elopement in Big Sur.

Here are a few trusted vendors I have worked with in the past:

Picnic Set up: Forage Vintage Rentals

Officiant: Elope with Dean Liapis

Vintage/Classic car rental: Monterey Touring Company

Hair and Makeup: Lilian Beauties

Cake: Kimchis Kakes

Reach out to book here