If you imagine your wedding day surrounded with the ocean, tropical trees, warm weather and standing on the edge of a cliff – consider eloping in Big Sur California. This is my favorite beach elopement location in California. It has everything from redwood forests, mountains, and lots of space to run around and watch the sun set.

Bride and groom walking down cliff in Big Sur, California.

MAESON & COLTON’S BIG SUR Beach WEDDING

M + C traveled from out of state to this beautiful West coast California beach elopement location. They stayed at an AirBnB in Santa Cruz so all their friends and family could be in one place.

Their morning started with detail photos and getting ready before the first look at the Santa Cruz pier. Maeson & Cotlon’s moment together was so sweet. Colton was literally shaking in his boots to see his bride to be!

First look photos are my favorite part of your wedding day because of this moment. You get to share such an intimate time together with no one else around to judge or comment. It really is such a genuine and private moment I think every couple deserves to experience.

After M & C’s first look on the beach they loaded onto a party bus with their closest friends and headed to the Wedding Rock for their intimate elopement ceremony. Before the sun was covered by a wall of fog, these two had the sun shining over them as they exchanged vows and beautiful light leaking through the clouds.

While the sun was setting we adventured to another Big Sur elopement location that felt like the edge of the world covered by tropical plants and endless miles of ocean. You could literally spend all day adventuring the endless sights of Big Sur California.

DO YOU NEED A PERMIT FOR YOUR BIG SUR ELOPEMENT

Big Sur with its breathtaking coastline and redwood forests is a dream elopement destination. But let’s talk logistics – do you need a permit to make your Big Sur elopement official? The answer, in most cases, is yes.

There are multiple state parks in Big Sur and most require a special events permit for your beach wedding ceremony. Each state park does have different requirements and rules you need to follow. However, don’t let permits deter you from eloping at your dream wedding destination.

As your Big Sur elopement photographer & planner, I’m here to help you navigate the process. From securing the necessary permits to finding the perfect spot to exchange your vows, I’ve got your back. So, while the paperwork may seem like a formality, the adventure in Big Sur is anything but ordinary

Big Sur, California moody sunset beach landscape photo.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO ELOPE IN BIG SUR

When it comes to choosing the perfect date for your Big Sur elopement, this beach wedding location is beautiful year round. However, if you don’t mind the cooler weather, Fall is my personal favorite time to elope in Big Sur. The beaches are less crowded, the prices are lower, and you get the beautiful golden fall colors as your backdrop for photos.

Spring can also be a good time to elope in Big Sur with wild waterfalls and slightly warmer weather if you don’t mind rainfall and foggy nights. Although if Big Sur does get more rainfall during the beginning of the year there could be landslides that close down the highway and backroads. So having a backup plan is a MUST!

So, whether you’re drawn to the colors of blooming wildflowers or the golden colors of fall, Big Sur is the perfect location for your beach elopement that literally takes your breath away.

Hey, I’m Kelcee!

I would love to be your Big Sur California elopement photographer

I’ve been capturing California elopements since 2021, and it’s my passion to help adventurous couples like you create the perfect wedding day.

Your elopement is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you deserve the support to make it uniquely yours. Together, we’ll create quality memories that beautifully tell your love story, lasting a lifetime.

5 Comments

  1. Big Sur looks amazing. The landscape is way more rugged than I imagined and the colours are incredible. This couple lucked out with you behind the lens, thanks for sharing!

  2. What a beautiful Big Sur Elopement! I love how they started in a more urban setting and then hit the beautiful big sur coastline after! Stunning!

  3. A perfect wedding day along California beautiful Central Coast! Love how they were able to incorporate different types of locations for variety – congrats to the happy couple!

  4. Christie Abascal says:

    Gorgeous photos in such a bucket list location! Big Sur is a dream!

  5. i love the first look at Santa Cruz, its always so lovely to see someone just let go with all the emotion, and you got it all! Stunning location in Big Sur, gorgeous images!

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