Big Sur Elopements are all the rave in 2024. If you’ve been wondering where to elope and want to experience the sparkling coastline, sunny weather, and the intimate charm of the Redwoods forest, then Big Sur may be the right choice for you! Big Sur is perfect for an intimate elopement, filled with hidden gems, beaches, forestry, and just a short drive from the Northern Californian nightlife.
A complete guide to how Arturo and Antoinette, planned their elopement at Big Sur National Park, California. We go over Big Sur wedding ceremony locations, permit requirements and the best Big Sur wedding vendors. Antoinette and Arturo wedding only cost them $5950 – see how they planned their dream elopement at Big Sur on a budget!
Where can I elope in Big Sur?
Big Sur offers both public and private areas where you can hold your elopement. Today, we will be taking a look at 5 elopement locations in and around Big Sur, California. We also feature four Airbnbs that you can stay at overnight while eloping in Big Sur. Here are some of our favorite elopement locations, we will be featuring Garrapata State Park in today’s blog.
- Garrapata State Park (Ceremony only)
- Glen Oaks
- Ventana
- Pfeiffer Beach
- Fairy Ring
- Soberanes Point Trail
- China Lookout
- Loma Vista Gardens
Private Areas versus Public Areas
The Big Sur region is extremely large. Most people think of the coastal area, but there is also a very large inland region sitting just above and behind the Santa Lucia mountains. It can take a couple of hours just to drive the coastal section of Big Sur from north to south, so bear this in mind if you are considering incorporating multiple locations into your elopement day.
The whole Big Sur region is divided up into a few regions of protected public land (including state parks, land trusts, wilderness areas, and national forest), interspersed with privately owned land. You can get married in one of the state parks, on national forest land, or at one of the established lodges or venues in the area. There are definite pros and cons to each type of location. No matter what type of place you choose, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful nature. Almost everywhere I’ve gone in Big Sur is either surrounded by beautiful trees, next to the river or near ocean views.
Benefits to eloping in a private Big Sur area
- Fewer guest count/pet restrictions
- No permit requirements or hour limits
- Guaranteed privacy
- Generally easy to access, especially if you have a small guest count
Benefits to eloping in a public Big Sur area
- Relatively inexpensive fees, if not free to elope
- Iconic views with built-in adventures that cannot be replicated at a private venue
- Eloping in nature allows for more spontaneity, and given the affordability, couples can instead invest in their honeymoon or their life after marriage instead of the wedding itself
Where to elope in Big Sur: Garrapata State Park
Garrapata State Park offers cliffside coastal views and is one of the best elopement locations at Big Sur. Found just 15 minutes from Carmel-of-the-sea and the Monterey peninsula, it is far away enough to celebrate your love privately, but close enough to hold an intimate dinner reception post-ceremony. Given the potential for adventure – from the rocky landscapes to the hiking trails, we would recommend booking a local photographer for your Big Sur wedding, so you have a pro to show you around the best parts of the Garrapata beach.
With a beach, a rocky cliffside, and hiking trails that span over 2939 acres, Garrapata State Park is perfect for your Big Sur elopement, and definitely a personal favorite of our Big Sur wedding planners.
When is the best time to elope in Big Sur?
The best months to elope in Big Sur are between April-November. Some couples love the fall for its warm weather and vibrant charm, while others enjoy the cool spring for its wildflowers and summer for the clear skies and ocean-watching. Big Sur’s weather is unfortunately unpredictable, there may be heat waves one day and then foggy precipitation the next.
When is the best day of the week to elope in Big Sur?
The best time to elope in Big Sur is from Monday-Thursday. Since big Sur is a popular tourist destination, it may be in your best interest to elope on a weekday, to avoid crowds or other couples holding weddings or eloping. Eloping on a weekday also helps in booking elopement vendors, and venues – if you plan to hold an elopement on private land. Big Sur vendors and venues are more likely to be free if you plan to elope on a weekday, especially those that are local to Big Sur.
Another important reason to consider eloping on a Monday-Thursday date is that the Big Sur Sector State Parks only issue elopement permits (elopement permits and special event permits) for those specific weekdays from May-September.
How to Navigate through Big Sur
The Big Sur coastline runs all along the west side of Northern California, spanning from Monterey down to Cambria. Big Sur spans over 90 miles and is located right off of Highway 1, the coast is filled with hidden gems perfect for eloping in Big Sur. Garrapata State Park’s best spots are found by exploration or scouting beforehand, so it is important to get to know the area before you elope. We recommend hiring a local photographer to avoid getting lost, as many of trails are indistinguishable from the others.
Big Sur Elopement Timeline
Sample Big Sur Elopement Timeline
2:00pm – This is when you should start getting ready. Your hair and makeup artists can arrive at your hotel room or Airbnb, and you can begin the glam process!
3:30pm – By 3:30pm, your dress should be on, your hair and makeup are done, and you are just doing up any last minute finishing touches before heading out.
4:15pm – At this time, you can head out with your spouse to get acquainted with your officiant. If your marriage will be self-solemnized, then now’s the chance to do a first-look reveal with your spouse if you have not already. Some couples opt to get ready together, while others opt to get ready in separate rooms or areas for a grand reveal.
4:20pm – Now’s the time to drive into Big Sur. Your vendors will meet you there independently. Your Airbnb or Hotel should be only a short drive away from Big Sur. Get excited!
4:40pm – Now’s the time to head to your ceremony site. Antoinette and Arturo opted to get married at Garrapata State Park, but you can get married at any Big Sur ceremony site, private or public.
5:00pm – Begin your ceremony! Hold the vow exchange, share your handwritten vows, and conduct the ring exchange. Here come the waterworks!
5:20pm – Time to share the big “I Do” and seal it with a kiss. You have now completed your ceremony and are officially married! Congratulations!
5:20-6:00pm – Time for your couple portrait session! Bask in the sunlight and celebrate your union of love! Explore the surrounding area and take advantage of the Big Sur views.
6:00pm – Time to head over to your elopement picnic location. Antoinette and Arturo opted for a picnic by the beach, so they drove over to Carmel River State Beach.
[15 minute drive]
6:20pm – Arrive to a full picnic spread. You can read more about this later in the blog. Opt for sweet and savoury, Tex-mex style, classic charcuterie, and more delicious food varieties!
6:20pm-7:30pm – Enjoy your intimate picnic celebration, and celebrate with champagne, cake cutting, and more!
7:30pm-8:15pm – Now’s the time for your final photo session with a golden hour sunset! Take wedding-worthy couple portraits with your picnic spread, in the sunlight, and all over the beach.
End of Timeline. Hold a grand exit and ride that #JustMarried energy into the sunlight. Congratulations!
Tips for your Big Sur Elopement Timeline
Here are some tips to keep in mind when planning your Big Sur elopement. Creating a timeline is essential to making sure your wedding day goes smoothly. If you are unsure where to start, you can book a free consultation with one of Wedy’s award-winning wedding planners, and learn more about how you can begin planning your elopement timeline.
Tips for your Timeline
- Aim to elope on a weekday, as the popular public locations may be overly crowded
- Aim to elope at a private location if you want a more secluded experience
- Allot at least an hour and a half for hair and makeup, take extra precautions in advance if you know you intend to go on an adventure
- Make sure to allot time for commuting, including driving, hiking, setting up for photography, etc. Be aware that weather conditions may impact your timeline
- Avoid holding your ceremony midday, when the light is the harshest
- For the best lighting, aim to hold your elopement 1.5-2 hours before sunset for that golden hour glow
- Allot about 15 minutes to exchange vows, 1 hour for the bride and groom photos, and 10-20 minutes for photos with family and friends
Big Sur Elopement Cost Breakdown
When Arturo and Antoinette first approached us for their wedding – they were filled with ideas! With all of wedding inspiration on Pinterest, Tik Tok and Instagram, they didn’t know where to begin! Luckily, Wedy came in handy, and quickly assigned our team to get them started.
Antoinette let us know that while she did want to splurge in some places (the dress, the photographer), she did want to save in others (floral arrangements, cake). Using Arturo and Antoinette’s budget, we’ve put together a full guide of Big Sur elopement venues, vendors, and more, for you to use to plan an affordable Big Sur Wedding- for $6000 or less! Check out some of our amazing all inclusive wedding packages below!
How much does a Big Sur Wedding Permit Cost?
Please note that the fee only accounts for the cost of the location rental. All checks must be made payable to California State Parks. Each permit must be submitted with a $250 non-refundable administrative fee, to account for processing.
For a large elopement for up to 25 guests, a Big Sur elopement permit will cost you $150. This permit does not allow decorations, musicians, or props during your ceremony.
For a small wedding with up to 50 guests, a Big Sur wedding permit will cost you $300. This permit does not allow decorations, musicians, or props during your ceremony.
For a simple wedding with up to 99 guests, a Big Sur wedding permit will cost you $400. This permit includes a 3 hour use time, and permits the use of arches, chairs, tables, and props.
For a larger wedding with between 100-200 guests, a Big Sur wedding permit will cost you $500. This permit includes a 4 hour use time, and permits the use of arches, chairs, tables, and props.
Be aware that if you are eloping from Friday-Sunday, you will have more competition for securing a permit as these are the most popular days of the week to elope. Aside from the Garrapata State Park, the Big Sur Sector State Parks will only grant one single elopement permit per day in the entire region. As such, it is important to apply for your elopement permit early, and it would be best if you eloped from Monday-Thursday.
Other Fees include
- Event Deposit: $500 to $1000 – For weddings the amount is $500, which will be kept on file until after the wedding and it will be destroyed unless there is damage of the facility, failure to adhere to the terms of the permit, or failure to clean sufficiently. In this case the $500.00 will be forfeited.
- Holiday Fee: $150 –These events can have a maximum of 50 guests, and refer to any statutory holidays according to the Gregorian Calendar.
- Insurance: $125-$150 –Most insurance companies will provide Event Insurance. WedSafe is our recommendation for an insurer. You can also contact the company that insures your home or car, as they may provide event insurance.
- Rush /Late fee: $75.00 –Permits that are not completed 60 days prior to the date of the event.
- Parking at Bay School : $250
- Additional Hours: $150 per hour
- Monitor Fee: A monitor is required by State Parks for all events of 100 or more people and event where alcohol is being served. The fee is $79.00 per hour, minimum four hours. (All events with 25 people or more at Stewarts Cove must have a monitor.)
- Cancellation Policy: If the event is cancelled, at least 60 prior to the event date all but the $250.00 non-refundable processing fee will be returned. There are no refunds for events canceled less than 60 days prior to the event date.
Big Sur Wedding Gallery
Big Sur Elopement Picnic
You cannot hold a wedding at Big Sur without taking advantage of the gorgeous coastline and golden sunset views. We recommend holding a sunset or sunrise elopement picnic to truly capture the romance of your special day!
Enjoy delicious pastries, fresh fruit, and mimosas as you toast to your new life! Arturo and Antoinette opted for a Tex-Mex style picnic rather than a classic french charcuterie board, but you can opt for any catering of your choice for your picnic!
Whether that be tuscan finger food, elegant appetizers, a sushi platter, or fancy english sandwiches – no elopement is complete without a romantic, intimate picnic by the seashore.
Be aware, that the weather can play a big role in the success of your elopement picnic. It can be windy so make sure to check a few days beforehand, and to come prepared with anything you might need should there be a weather change. Whether you want a classic charcuterie style picnic, or a Tex-Mex style picnic with extra guac, the Wedy App’s got you covered! Book your picture perfect picnic experience, and check out our all-inclusive Big Sur elopement packages on the Wedy App!
Big Sur Airbnb Elopement Recommendations
Carmel Oceanview Charmer
What’s Included?
- 2 Guests, 1 Bedroom, 1 bed, 1 bath
- Modern Amenities (Dishwasher, Indoor Fireplace, Television set)
- Stunning outdoor patio, barbecue, and backyard
- 45 minute drive to Santa Cruz and Big Sur
- Luxurious, private, and overlooking views of the peaks and ocean
Convinced? You can find great Airbnbs, Elopement spaces, and wedding venues all on the Wedy app. Plus book local vendors directly in-app, and get a free virtual consultation with one of our award-winning wedding planners!
Gorgeous Home in Camel Valley Vineyard
What’s Included?
- Simple yet luxurious interior with classic wood finish
- Abundance of natural light
- Access to private outdoor pool
- Modern Amenities, including A/C, television set, dishwasher, outdoor patio.
- Secluded, access to your own private traditional vineyard
- Views of the peaks and just a short drive to Big Sur, Santa Cruz, Carmel-by-the-sea
Convinced? You can find great Airbnbs, Elopement spaces, and wedding venues all on the Wedy app. Plus book local vendors directly in-app, and get a free virtual consultation with one of our award-winning wedding planners!
The Bridge House in Glen Oaks
What’s included?
- Local hotel, perfect for intimate elopements
- Rustic hideaway, floor to ceiling windows
- Modern Amenities, including outdoor fireplace, a private deck, heated flooring, dishwasher.
- Access to Big Sur river just steps off the back deck
- Surrounded by forestry and overlooking pine trees
- 20 acre property, accessed solely by crossing a 150 foot suspension footbridge
- Two night minimum required
Convinced? You can find great Airbnbs, Elopement spaces, and wedding venues all on the Wedy app. Plus book local vendors directly in-app, and get a free virtual consultation with one of our award-winning wedding planners!
Cabin Nestled in Forested Canyon
What’s included?
- 4 guests, 2 bedrooms, 2 beds, 2 baths
- Modern Amenities (Dishwasher, Indoor Fireplace, Television set)
- Rustic interior with modern furniture
- Outdoor Patio that leads to forest path
- Secluded, found in the heart of nature
Luxury Airbnb, part of Airbnb Plus
Convinced? You can find great Airbnbs, Elopement spaces, and wedding venues all on the Wedy app. Plus book local vendors directly in-app, and get a free virtual consultation with one of our award-winning wedding planners!
Your Big Sur Elopement Team
Time to shout out the rock star team that helped make Arturo and Antoinette’s wedding visions a reality! You can find amazing Big Sur wedding vendors and planning resources on the Wedy App!
- Wedding Photography courtesy of Nadeen Sparks Photography
- Wedding Planners courtesy of Wedy App
- Wedding Officiant courtesy of Weddings in Monterey Officiants
- Floral bouquet & boutonniere courtesy of Expressions Floral Designs
- Custom Romantic Picnic courtesy of Santa Cruz Picnic Company
- Makeup Artist courtesy of Key to Beauty by Nora
Big Sur Wedding Inspiration
Find Big Sur Wedding Vendors
With the Wedy App, we can help you find amazing wedding packages and vendors all over California, to plan the perfect Big Sur Elopement! We have tons of connections all over California, and can even set you up with some wedding planners to make sure the ceremony is extra special! So what are you waiting for? Download the Wedy app today, and start planning!
