If you’re thinking about eloping in Big Sur, I say, “hell yea!” Big Sur is one of the most beautiful spots in California, so it’s no wonder you’d want to elope there. It is also one of the top places in the US people come to get married. That’s why I’m sure you’ll need someone to point you in the right direction! This is precisely why I put together this ultimate Big Sure Elopement guide, complete with everything you need to know!
How many guests are invited to your Big Sur Elopement?
The first thing you need to consider when planning your Big Sur elopement is how many guests you will invite. This will impact your overall budget, the locations you can elope at, and how much planning will need to be involved. We’ll go into more detail about your venue options below, but start thinking about how many of your loved ones you want to witness you get hitched!
Best time of year for your Big Sur Elopement
All four seasons offer different weather/scenery at Big Sur. Keep in mind, though – on the coast of California, the weather can always be a bit unpredictable. In the morning, you can have foggy, overcast skies, and then by the afternoon, the sun is shining, and there’s not a cloud in sight. Here is a breakdown of each season to help you decide what time of year you want to elope:
Spring
One of the highlights of Big Sur in the spring is that the gray whales are heading back toward the Arctic! You can catch a glimpse of their travels during April and May right off Highway 1 or at the overlook trail in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Spring is also wildflower season in Big Sur, making for some incredible scenery. The weather in the springtime is not bad at all; the temperatures can range from 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Summer
Summer is by far the most popular season to visit Big Sur… which means it’s probably not the best time to elope there. With school-age kids on summer vacation and many families taking their annual central coast road trip, Big Sur can get crowded during June, July, and August. Although the weather is to die for, it’s best to avoid eloping at this time if you want some privacy. Suppose you’re set on having a summer Big Sur elopement, than I recommend eloping at sunrise, where there will be less foot traffic!
Fall
Back to the moderate 60-70 degree weather, autumn at Big Sur is a lovely time to elope. However, remember that the late summer/early fall is wildfire season here, so there are many closures to help keep the park under control. If you want to elope in the fall, you should do so during October or November. The array of colors in Big Sur during the fall is gorgeous!
Winter
The rainiest season in Big Sur is the wintertime. So if you want to avoid a rainy elopement, I recommend choosing a month outside of December, January, or February! But let me tell you, a winter elopement at Big Sur can be so pretty! The temperatures can range from the low 60s to the 40s.
Locations for your Big Sur Elopement
Remember when I said we’d be talking more about venue options? If you’re looking to invite more than ten guests, it would probably be best to choose a designated venue versus a spot in the state park. Lucky for you, I’m giving you options for both!
State Park
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
If you want to indulge in a post-elopement activity, Point Lobos has both scuba diving and snorkeling options. The offshore area is a part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and has one of the richest underwater habitats! Aside from the marine amenities, Point Lobos also offers spectacular views, especially at sunset.
Garrapata State Park
This is another spot where you can see the gray whales during their migration! Super cool, right? Garrapata has a two-mile beachfront stretch that would be the perfect place to have your elopement. It is one of the most accessible spots to access for cliffside views. Soberanes Canyon Trail is located within the state park, a 2.8-mile hike with quite a rewarding idea at the top. The elopement permit to get married here costs about $400 for up to 25 people. For permits requested less than 60 days before the elopement date, there is a $75 rush fee.
Andrew Molera State Park
Andrew Molera SP offers panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, so you can only imagine what you’d see as you elope here. The park is 20 miles south of Carmel and Highway 1 and is relatively easy to access.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Waterfalls, redwoods, and coastline?? This state park has virtually every scenery you could think of, so the options for your elopement are endless. It’s located about 37 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1 and 12 miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur SP on Highway 1. The permit cost for this place is $425 for up to 10 people. Again there is a $75 rush fee if the permit is requested less than 45 days before the event. If you only want to take photos here without getting married, you will need a photography permit for $100.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
This park is located on the western slope of the Saint Lucia Mountains and offers views of the Big Sur River Gorge at its highest points. It’s home to many of Big Sur’s most popular campsites, so you’ll see the most foot traffic here. That isn’t to discredit the spectacular views you’d have if you eloped here!
Venues for your Big Sur Elopement
Loma Vista Gardens
Loma Vista Gardens is a beautiful, whimsical, rustic venue for your Big Sur elopement. They have both full-day and micro-wedding packages to fit your needs! You get exclusive and private access to the entire property in the heart of Big Sur.
Glen Oaks Big Sur
Glen Oaks can be your elopement venue and accommodation spot for you and your guests on your big day. This boutique hotel has various room options, including individual oak tree cottages! You can get married on site, surrounded by Big Sur’s iconic redwoods.
Big Sur Lodge
Another venue/accommodation duo, Big Sur Lodge, offers specific elopement packages that are very reasonably priced. Their packages are valid for elopements of up to 10 guests, so that’s the only thing to keep in mind. They have four onsite venues to choose from, so you have options!
Can you get married on the beach in Big Sur?
The answer is yes, of course! There are many different beachfront elopement options in Big Sur. Both Pfeiffer Beach and Garrapata State Beach are available for elopements, and no permit is required for either location.
Do you need a permit to get married in Big Sur?
Most locations near Big Sur do require Special Use Permits. Please don’t try and bypass this process; if you get caught, you’ll have to exit the premises during your elopement. I don’t know about you, but that would be embarrassing.
You can obtain two different types of permits for your Big Sur elopement. The first one is a Standard Special Event Permit that can be obtained up to 1 year in advance and is valid for events that include more than ten people. The second option is an Elopement Special Event Permit that you can apply for up to 6 months in advance and is valid for weddings with less than ten guests. You should apply for your permit as soon as possible to make sure it gets approved on time! Applications submitted less than 45 days in advance will have additional fees and restrictions. And if you apply less than three weeks before your elopement date, they won’t even consider you!
To get your Special Event Permit, you have to email BigSurEvents@parks.ca.gov, and they’ll give you all the information you need. Depending on the location you want to elope at, permit costs and other fees can be up to $900, so budget wisely!
Where to stay when you elope in Big Sur
Airbnb’s for your Big Sur elopement
- Mountain Treehouse in Carmel Valley
- Luxury Tent in Carmel by the sea
- Cottage in the Carmel Valley Hills
Hotels for eloping in Big Sur
Best campgrounds in Big Sur
Tips for your Big Sur elopement
- When you decide on your location, visit the location’s website to determine the specific rules so you don’t accidentally break them.
- Bring an extra pair of hiking shoes!
- Always layer in California – bring a sweater or an extra coat.
- Download a map of the area or bring a paper one with you. You never know when you won’t have cell service!
- Plan for a sunrise or sunset elopement. These times of day will give you the absolute best lighting!
- If you’re hiking to your location, bring extra food and water ’cause no one wants to be hangry during their elopement.
Things to do after you elope in Big Sur
17-mile drive
Highway 101 is by far one of the prettiest drives in California. Taking the 17-mile after your elopement would be a great experience to have with your new partner. It loops around the Monterey Peninsula and is said to be the most scenic route in all of California!
Carmel-by-the-sea day trip
This is a European-style city that everyone should visit while they’re in California! And if you’re a fan of British chocolate, they have a sweets shop that comes highly recommended by everyone in the area. And to end your day trip, you can watch the sunset on Carmel’s white, sandy beach.
Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey is home to California’s most impressive aquarium, so it would be a shame not to visit. While you’re doing the 17-mile drive, you can make a quick (or not so quick) stop at the aquarium to see all the marine life it has to offer.
Visit Hearst Castle
Considered a local landmark, Hearst Castle is located on the central coast and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. This 90,000 sq foot historic estate will blow your mind with the amount of detail and insane views it has!
Now you know how to elope in Big Sur
Next step: book your photographer! Before you ask, yes, I would love to shoot your Big Sur elopement. To get in touch with me, you can fill out my contact form and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can!
