Big Sur Elopement Photographer
Big Sur, HWY 101, Redwoods,
[Your Experience starts here]
Intimate elopements along California’s wild coastline
If you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement surrounded by dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and misty redwood forests, Big Sur is one of the most breathtaking places to say your vows. As a Big Sur elopement photographer, I help couples plan and document intentional, adventure filled elopements that feel effortless, meaningful, and deeply personal — without the stress of a traditional wedding.
Whether you’re exchanging vows on a cliffside overlooking the Pacific or tucked away beneath towering redwoods, your Big Sur elopement deserves to be experienced fully and remembered beautifully.
Your Big Sur Elopement Photographer
That’s me, Rylee!!
I’m not just here to take photos – I’m here to guide you through the entire experience. As your Big Sur elopement photographer, I help you navigate everything from choosing the right location to planning a timeline that works with the light, weather, and natural flow of the day.
Big Sur is stunning, but it can also be unpredictable. Fog rolls in fast, parking is limited, and permits matter. Having someone who knows the area and understands how to work with these elements makes a huge difference – especially when your only focus should be on each other.
My approach is calm, intentional, and documentary-driven, capturing your elopement exactly as it unfolds while giving gentle guidance when you need it. Here’s what it’s like to work with me.
When you book your Big Sur elopement with me, you’re getting more than photography. I help with:
01. Custom Location Scouting
Think: California’s most epic overlooks, tucked away trails, and hidden gems you won’t find on Google. I’ll help you scout out the perfect spot that feels like you.
02. Unlimited Planning Resources
I’ve helped tons of couples pull off incredible days, and I’m sharing all my tips, tricks, and go to advice so you’re never left wondering what’s next.
03. Photos That Feel Like You!
Forget the awkward poses. I’m here to capture the real stuff! Those little moments you’ll want to relive over and over again.
Why Elope in Big Sur?
You deserve an day that feels like the start of your greatest adventure.
Imagine – a day with no limits, stress or expectations
..the kind of experience that actually feels like you.
Just the two of you, an epic view, and a story worth remembering.
Just the two of you, an epic view, and a story worth remembering.
Featured Big Sur Elopements
Best Places to Elope in Big Sur
From dramatic coastal cliffs and secluded beaches to towering redwood groves tucked just inland, Big Sur offers an unforgettable backdrop for an intimate elopement. This stretch of California’s coastline is known for its ever changing light, moody fog, and raw natural beauty – no two days here ever look the same. Whether you’re drawn to oceanfront vows, quiet forest ceremonies, or a combination of both, Big Sur allows you to create an experience that feels cinematic, grounded, and deeply personal. I’ve photographed elopements here in every kind of weather and season, and I’ll help you choose a location that fits your vision, guest count, and comfort level – so your day feels intentional, effortless, and completely you.
Garrapata State Park
Hwy 101 Pull-offs
Pfeiffer Beach
Redwoods & State Parks
Garrapata State Park
Garrapata offers dramatic coastal bluffs that meet the Santa Lucia Mountains, wildflower meadows, and sweeping ocean views-all within one park. It’s ideal for couples who want a mix of mountain + ocean vibes without going super remote.
Permit & logistics: A Special Use Permit is required for ceremonies. For example: around $400 for gatherings up to ~25 people and you should apply well ahead of time (60+ days) to avoid extra fees.
Check out my featured Multi-Day Yosemite Elopement on Junebug Weddings!
Pros
- Incredible sunset views
- Short hike with huge payoff
- Dramatic cliffs + epic photo spots
- Plenty of room to explore different ledges
Cons
- Crowded at sunset
- No railings – safety awareness required
- Seasonal closures depending on trail conditions
Hwy 101 Pull-offs
Highway 101 has some of the most underrated elopement spots on the entire West Coast. Scattered along the drive are countless pull-offs that give you instant access to lush forests, open coastal views, foggy overlooks, and pockets of glowing golden light. These spots are perfect for couples who want that moody, romantic PNW vibe without committing to a long hike. And the best part? You can easily hop between multiple locations in one session, giving you a ton of variety with almost no effort.
Pros
- Minimal or no hiking
- Multiple locations close by
- Great backup locations if weather shifts
- Perfect for couples with guests
Cons
- Limited parking
- Can be crowded in peak season
- Photo spots depend heavily on fog + weather
Known for its purple sand, sea‑stacks, and the famous “Keyhole Arch” through which golden light pours at sunset or sunrise. It offers a uniquely dramatic beach setting.
Permit & logistics: One article notes that no special permit was needed for some elopements (though you should always check current rules). Parking can be tricky on weekends and cell service is unreliable-so plan according.
Want to see more epic mountain elopement locations? Check them out here!
Pros
- Iconic rock + purple sand
- Easy access
- Stunning golden-hour light + dramatic waves
- Unique, moody coastal backdrop
Cons
- Parking fills fast
- Narrow access road
- Strong winds + unpredictable tides
- Can be crowded at sunset
Redwoods & State Parks
Ideal Coastal vibe for a ceremony with high visual impact, ideal for couples who want something premium but still nature‑rooted. Often called “the crown jewel of the California coast,” Point Lobos offers sea‑cliffs, coves, wildlife, and unmatched access for dramatic photos.
Permit & logistics: Weddings and photography events require a special event permit in the reserve. It’s open year‑round (though hours vary) and you’ll want to understand access & fees
Want some more National Park elopement inspo? Check out my favorite elopement locations!
Pros
- Iconic cliffside views
- Easy access overlooks
- Dramatic Big Sur coastline
- Gorgeous at both sunrise + sunset
Cons
- No beach access
- Very limited parking
- Can get crowded quickly
Planning Your Big Sur Elopement
Big Sur is one of California’s most iconic landscapes, offering a rare combination of towering redwood forests, dramatic coastal scenery, and quiet, nature immersed spaces. We selected Big Sur for you because it allows for an intimate, easy access ceremony surrounded by big trees, while still offering nearby adventurous locations for couple portraits. The variety of scenery within a short distance makes it ideal for a meaningful, low stress day that feels both elevated and deeply connected to nature.
Bir Sur Elopement Permitting
Big Sur (State Parks & Public Land)
Permit Required?: Yes, for most public/state park locations
Permit Type: Special Event Permit (Elopement or small ceremony)
Fee(s): Typically $300–$425+ depending on park and group size (I would just tell them 10 people, including the three of us – so set up ect.)
How to Obtain: Contact the Big Sur Sector Special Event Permit Office via email: BigSurEvents@parks.ca.gov or call 831-667-0507. Apply up to 6 months before your date.
California State Parks Special Events Info: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29834 parks.ca.gov
Getting to Big Sur
NEAREST AIRPORT: Monterey Regional Airport (MRY); San Jose International Airport (SJC)
CLOSEST MAJOR CITIES / TOWNS: Big Sur, Carmel by the Sea, Monterey
PARK ENTRANCES: Access varies by park and location along Highway 1
ENTRANCE FEE(S): State park day-use fees may apply (typically $10–$15 per vehicle)
Leave No Trace “LNT”
Leave No Trace is a set of ethics that everyone who recreationally uses the outdoors should strive to practice in order to do their part in protecting the environment. It is made up of 7 principles that guide decisions to leave the least amount of impact possible on outside spaces:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
To best follow leave no trace, you should do research beforehand so that you can make a plan to stick to trails and other durable surfaces, be ready to leave everything you find and pack out everything that you bring in, and be prepared in case you encounter any local wildlife. Following the Leave No Trace ethics helps preserve outdoor spaces and our access to them by making sure that we use them sustainability and responsibly. © 1999 by the leave no trace center for outdoor ethics: www.lnt.org
Marriage Laws – California
Since we know you’re getting married in California, here’s the important marriage license info you’ll need. To apply for an Orange County marriage license online (California), start by filling out the eMarriage Application at the official Orange County Clerk-Recorder website, then bring the printed form and required IDs to an office appointment to complete the process and get your license, which you can use the same day.
- Start Online: Go to the OC Clerk Recorder website to begin your eMarriage Application.
- Complete Application: Fill out all required personal details for both parties online.
- Get Confirmation: After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation notice with instructions.
- Schedule Appointment: Book an appointment at an OC Clerk Recorder office for priority service.
- Visit Office: Both partners must go in person with valid government-issued photo IDs (like driver’s licenses) to finalize the application and receive the license.
- Get Married: Once issued, the license is valid for 90 days and can be used immediately for your ceremony in California
Your Questions, Answered
Big Sur Elopement FAQ’s
For info on marriage licenses, elopement locations, and all the logistics, check out my How to Elope in Big Sur
Here’s how we do this:
01. We start with what matters most
It begins with a conversation – about your relationship, what you’re craving from this experience, and how you want the day to feel.
02. We shape the experience together
From location ideas and permits to timelines that actually make sense, I help you design a day that feels intentional, unrushed, and fully yours.
03. You show up and stay present
Once the planning is in place, your only job is to be there. I’ll guide you through the day, keep things flowing, and make sure you never feel awkward or unsure.
04. I document the moments that matter
The quiet ones. The emotional ones. The in between moments you didn’t even realize were happening – captured naturally, without forced moments or stiff poses.
04. You relive it for years to come
Your gallery becomes more than photos. It’s the story of how your day felt – honest, meaningful, and entirely your own.
big sur Elopements
A full-day or multi-day elopement experience designed around your relationship, your pace, and the most iconic landscapes. Whether it’s a sunrise elopement, a cliffside ceremony, or redwoods adventure. As your Big Sur elopement photographer, I document your story, I document your story in a way that feels natural and true to you.
coastal intimate weddings
Perfect for couples celebrating with a small group of their closest people. Intimate weddings keep the heart of a traditional wedding day while allowing space for connection, emotion, and presence. I capture everything from your ceremony to the candid moments shared with family and friends.
Adventure Sessions
A relaxed, fun session in a beautiful location – ideal for engagements, anniversaries, or capturing a special season of life. Adventure sessions give you the freedom to explore, be yourselves, and create stunning images together without the structure of a wedding day.
Ready to get this party started?
If you’re dreaming of an intentional, laid back, adventure filled elopement in Big Sur, you’re in the right place. Whether you’ve already picked your spot or you’re starting with nothing but a feeling, I’ll help you bring it to life with clarity, confidence, and zero stress.
Reach out about Your Big Sur Elopement Now!
Whether you’re dreaming of a wild cliff side Big Sur Elopement or a cozy forest ceremony, I’d love to hear all about it. Fill out the form below and I’ll be in touch ASAP
California Elopement Guide
Your Free Guide to Eloping in California!
Planning a California elopement can feel overwhelming – there are endless locations, permit rules, and logistics to consider. This free California elopement location guide was created to help you cut through the noise and start planning with clarity.
Inside, you’ll find:
– How to choose the right elopement location for your vision
– Planning locations and info for places like Big Sur, Yosemite, and Joshua Tree
– What to know about permits, accessibility, and timing
– Tips to help you create an experience that feels intentional and true to you
Whether you’re just starting to explore ideas or narrowing down locations, this guide gives you a realistic starting point
