Big Sur Elopement Guide: The Best Places to Elope in Big Sur

Big Sur is one of those places where you feel like you’ve stumbled into a world that’s full of magic, and far away from everything else. The cliffs, the crashing waves, the redwood trees towering overhead, the fog slipping over the bluffs – everything feels wild and cinematic, which is why Big Sur is one of the most iconic places to elope in California! Whether you’re dreaming of vows on a cliff above the Pacific, a ceremony tucked between the redwoods, or a cozy cabin where you can slow down and breathe it all in, I guarantee that a Big Sur elopement offers the perfect backdrop. This guide will break down the best places to elope in Big Sur, including when to tie the knot, where to stay, and more to plan your adventure!

A couple standing on a rocky cliff over the ocean at Garrapata State Park in Big Sur. They are wearing their elopement attire, holding hands.

Reasons to Elope in Big Sur

Big Sur just feels like an elopement destination. It’s rugged, romantic, and perfect for an intimate, meaningful experience. Here are just a few reasons to tie the knot in Big Sur!

Breathtaking scenery – Big Sur looks like a movie! Misty cliffs, turquoise coves, lush forests… It’s naturally dramatic.
Endless adventures – with hikes, coastal overlooks, and secret beaches, there’s always plenty to explore.
Quiet and intimate – though it’s popular, Big Sur has long stretches of coastline where you’ll feel like the only people in the world for a while.

A couple standing in front of the Bixby Bridge. They are standing side by side, cheering, celebrating their Big Sur elopement.

The Best Places to Elope in Big Sur

There are pretty much endless options for places to elope in Big Sur – and finding the right one for you will be a unique experience! But, here are a few ideas.

Carmel River State Beach

Located at the end of a neighborhood, Carmel River State Beach is right at the north edge of Big Sur. If you want that stunning coastal setting, this is a great place to get sweeping ocean views without having to go far down the remote Highway 1. It’s the perfect Big Sur elopement location if you want a spot that’s pretty accessible, and there are a few ceremony locations to choose from – among the rocky cliffs, down at the beach, or along the trails that wind through the rugged hillside.

Garrapata State Park

Garrapata State Park is a more remote spot, known for dramatic cliffs, blue water, and coastal trails. There are several spots to choose from in the park, including the Garrapata Overlook, which just requires a short hike. The atmosphere is gorgeous and peaceful, offering trails through the hillside and gorgeous views of the Bixby Bridge.

A couple standing on a rocky cliff in Big Sur. They are wearing their elopement attire, facing each other, foreheads together.

Carmel Redwoods Cabin

If you want to tie the knot amongst the redwood trees, this property feels like stepping into a fairytale. The cabin is privately owned, and you can book it by contacting Colette through her website. It’s a really secluded spot that will give you privacy for your elopement day – you can get ready here, exchange vows surrounded by redwood trees, and enjoy the cozy cabin!

Glen Oaks Big Sur

Glen Oaks is a big cabin style hotel property, and is one of the dreamiest places to elope in Big Sur. The property sits right along the Big Sur River, and the cabins and cottages offer cozy places to stay. You can exchange vows in a redwood grove, and the whole place is incredibly peaceful.

Big Sur Lodge

If you want a redwood ceremony without jumping through a ton of hoops, the Big Sur Lodge is one of the best options for Big Sur elopement locations! The Redwood Grove ceremony site is available for small elopements with up to 10 guests, and ranges from $599 – $1199, depending on day of the week and some other options. You can also stay right at the lodge, and it’s pet friendly! You have everything you need, including a restaurant onsite, and plenty of activities – think horseback riding, hiking, swimming in the river, and more!

Riverside Campground and Cabins

This is one of the best Big Sur elopement locations for couples who want something a little more DIY and laid back. There’s no formal ceremony site, but you can book a tent site (about $100 per night) and have a ceremony there! There are also cabins (around $220 – $320 per night), so you can choose how down-to-earth you want your elopement day to be. It’s pet friendly, and a great option for couples who want flexibility and gorgeous views without the structure of a traditional venue! Garrapata State Park is only 25 minutes away, so you can also have your ceremony there, then come back here for s’mores to end the night.

The Best Time for a Big Sur Elopement

Here are some things to consider when you decide on the best time for your Big Sur elopement.

Seasons in Big Sur

Big Sur is always gorgeous, but each season does give it a different personality. Summer is the busiest time of the year, and the most popular for elopements. Especially in June, there is a lot of fog in the mornings – but it usually burns off by late afternoon, and it gives the coast a dreamy vibe. Temperatures are pretty mild all summer, perfect for outdoor elopements.

Fall is one of the best times for a Big Sur elopement – there are fewer crowds, the weather is still warm, it’s less foggy, and it’s an ideal time for exploring the coast. Rainy season usually starts around mid November, but September and October are actually some of the sunniest months of the year!

Winter brings dramatic, moody skies. It’s gorgeous, but very wet. It rains often, and because there’s basically just one road through Big Sur, closures can really throw a wrench in your plans. The area will be pretty quiet, but tying the knot in the winter takes some planning and willingness to have a Plan B.

Spring in Big Sur is gorgeous for blooming wildflowers and lush green hillsides. The weather is pretty mild, and starting in April, there are much fewer rainy days. The weather can be a little less predictable than summer, but eloping in late spring can be a good way to enjoy warm weather before the summer crowds roll in.

The Best Day of the Week to Elope in Big Sur

The best days of the week for a Big Sur elopement are definitely the weekdays. Big Sur gets crowded on weekends, like most places, and a weekday elopement allows you to have more privacy, easier parking, quieter trails, and the best possible experience overall.

The Best Time of Day to Elope in Big Sur

Sunsets in Big Sur are unmatched, since the sun sets over the ocean here on the west coast. The cliffs glow gold, and the ocean water reflects the red hues of the sunset.

But, if you like the idea of having the coast to yourselves, sunrise is magic – soft light, fewer people, and a calm, peaceful atmosphere.

Where to Stay When You Elope in Big Sur

Big Sur has everything from luxury lodges to cozy cabins to primitive camping. Your elopement experience is your own, so choose a place that will add to the adventure! Here are some options for places to stay during your Big Sur elopement.

Lodges and Resorts

There are some luxurious places to stay in Big Sur that offer gorgeous scenery, spas, amazing food, the whole package. These places also offer places to tie the knot if you’re looking for a private place for your ceremony!

Ventana Big Sur – you can stay in the lodge or book one of the glamping tents for a unique experience.
Post Ranch Inn – perched on the cliffs, the rooms literally overlook the ocean!
Glen Oaks Big Sur – Glen Oaks is one of the best venues for an intimate elopement, and they have some dreamy redwood cabins to stay in.

Camping

If you want to add a more outdoorsy vibe to your day, Big Sur is perfect for camping! Whether you pack a tent or rent a camper van, you can have some freedom to move along the coastline, catch the sunrise, and enjoy those slow mornings. Some campgrounds in the area include the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground and the Kirk Creek Campground.

Big Sur Elopement Permits

Some places in Big Sur might require a permit to have your ceremony. This depends on the location, and different areas in Big Sur are managed by different departments. To get the contact information for your location, go to this website. It might sound confusing, but don’t worry, I’ll help you figure it out!

Your Big Sur Elopement Photographer (and Videographer)!

Your Big Sur elopement deserves to be documented with the same emotion that you’ll feel while you’re here. The crashing waves, the breeze through the redwoods, the sound of distant surf – Big Sur is full of details that are best captured in both photo and video.

I offer both photography and videography for Big Sur elopements, so you don’t have to choose! If you want the full story, I’ve got you. I’m also here to help you plan every piece of your day, from location to permits to timelines.

If you’re ready to craft your perfect Big Sur elopement, contact me!