Planning a wedding at Wind and Sea Estate is not for the faint of heart, it’s for the couple who dreams in cliffside views, who wants the sound of waves in place of a string quartet, and who values intimacy over excess. Tucked along California’s most dramatic stretch of coastline, this private Big Sur property offers a kind of quiet luxury that feels as effortless as it is rare.
But behind every windswept ceremony and candlelit dinner under the stars is a blueprint—one that balances logistics with aesthetics, budget with vision, and beauty with practicality.
This is your tell-all guide to planning a wedding at Wind and Sea Estate. From real cost breakdowns and venue details to local lodging tips, sample timelines, and what no one tells you about restrooms on the coast, we’re covering it all. Whether you’re eloping with ten guests or planning an elevated celebration for sixty, consider this your seat at the planning table.
Table of Contents
- Average Costs of a Wind and Sea Estate Wedding
- Average Big Sur Vendor Costs
- Wind and Sea Wedding Gallery
- Wind and Sea Wedding Cost Breakdown
- Sample Budget Breakdown for a Mid-Sized Wedding (41-60 Guests)
- Wind and Sea Estate Venue Details
- What to Know Before You Book Wind and Sea Estate
- Getting to Wind and Sea Estate
- Guest Lodging near Wind and Sea Estate
- Wind and Sea Wedding Packages
- Frequently Asked Questions about getting married at Wind and Sea
- Sample Wind and Sea Wedding Day Timeline
- Big Sur Wedding Vendors and Experiences
- Terms to Know
Average Cost of a Wind and Sea Estate Wedding
The cost of a wedding at Wind and Sea Estate varies based on your guest count, vendor choices, and whether you opt for an intimate elopement or a full-scale wedding. On average, here’s what you can expect:
- Elopement / Micro Wedding (10-20 guests): $10,000 – $20,000
- Moderate Wedding (20-40 guests): $25,000 – $40,000
- Luxury Wedding (50-60 guests): $50,000 – $75,000+
The venue rental fee ranges from $7,000 to $31,850 depending on the season, your guest count, and the day of the week. Keep in mind, this cost covers the venue only, you’ll still need to budget for catering, photography, florals, and other essentials.
Pro Tip: For a more budget-conscious approach, consider a weekday wedding or an off-season date (November–March) to save on venue costs. To see full cost-breakdown at Wind and Sea, check out our blog here!
Average Vendor Costs
Your vendor costs for a Wind and Sea wedding will vary depending on several key factors.
First, the experience level of your vendor plays a significant role. Seasoned photographers, florists, and planners with refined portfolios and years in the industry will naturally charge more than newer talent.
Second, travel distance matters. Big Sur’s remote location means you’ll often need to cover travel fees for vendors coming from out of town.
Third, pricing depends on hours of coverage, whether it’s photography, music, or coordination, the more time you need, the higher the rate.
Finally, seasonality affects everything. Peak wedding months (May through October) come with premium pricing due to high demand
At Wedy, cost transparency isn’t a bonus, it’s a priority. We believe you deserve to know exactly where your investment is going, and more importantly, to feel confident that every dollar is well spent. That’s why we offer curated, bundled experiences in Big Sur that combine top-tier vendor services into one seamless, thoughtfully priced package, so you get the value you deserve, without the guesswork.
Wind and Sea Wedding Gallery
Wind and Sea Cost Breakdown
For couples opting for an intimate elopement, a typical elopement package will include 1-3 hours of photography, a personal officiant, and ceremony florals, such as a bouquet and boutonniere. For a slightly elevated experience – With the stunning coastal backdrop, these details come together to create a truly unforgettable, romantic experience.
For couples planning a micro wedding at Wind and Sea Estate, a refined budget typically includes catering, a full day of photography, elevated wedding decor, and personalized details that make the day special. With a smaller guest list, you can opt to spend more on experiences and details!
Sample Budget Breakdown for a Mid-Sized Wedding (41-60 Guests)
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Venue Rental | $25,100 (Peak Season) |
| Catering & Bar | $14,100 for 60 people |
| Photography | $3,200 for 4 hours |
| Videography | $3,200 for 4 hours |
| Ceremony Florals | $650 |
| Day-of Coordination | $2,200 for 8 hours |
| Floral Ceremony Arch | $2,250 |
| Reception Florals | $4,200 for 8 tables |
| Reception DJ | $2,400 for 6 hours |
| Officiant | $650 |
| Guest Accommodations | Varies (Airbnb, Hotels) |
| Total Estimated Cost | $57,950 |
For a bespoke wedding experience, couples often book additional services such as live music, custom cocktails, and even private chef services. Wind and Sea Estate offers a unique, intimate setting that makes these details even more special.
Wedy offers a curated selection of local Big Sur creatives, including photographers, florists, musicians, private chefs, mobile bar carts, and more for a unique wedding experience like no other! Start planning your Wind and Sea Estate wedding with Wedy today!
Wind and Sea Estate Venue Details
What Does the Venue Rental Include?
- Private access to the entire estate for up to 10 hours
- Outdoor ceremony and reception spaces with panoramic ocean views
- On-site accommodations for up to 8 people (additional lodging nearby)
- Expansive deck and hot tub overlooking the Pacific
- Access to a fully equipped kitchen for catering teams
- Lounge areas, gardens, and fire pit for a cozy atmosphere
Included Rentals
- Tables and chairs for ceremony and reception
- String lights on the venue lawn
- Ceremony seating for 50 guests
Rentals Not Included
- Wedding Decor
- Linens, napkins, runners
- Lounge seating or furniture
- Audio-visual equipment
- Flatware and Glassware
- Tent rentals
- Dance floor or staging
Looking for rentals? From flatware and glassware to getaway cars and ceremony arches, we’ll connect you with trusted vendors and handle all the details, ensuring everything aligns with your vision and stays within your budget. Chat with a Wedy Planner to learn more!
What to Know Before You Book Wind and Sea Estate
Before reserving your date, there are a few key details to keep in mind when planning a wedding at Wind and Sea Estate. The property accommodates up to 100 guests, making it ideal for both intimate and mid-sized celebrations. Due to local regulations, all music must conclude by 9:00 PM, and amplified sound is not permitted outdoors—so be sure to plan your entertainment accordingly.
Essential Booking Details:
- Maximum guest capacity: 100 guests
- Music must end by 9 PM (local noise restrictions)
- Amplified music is not allowed outdoors
- Parking is limited; shuttle service is recommended for larger guest counts
- A professional wedding planner is required for events with more than 20 guests
Luckily, Wedy is a preferred partner of Wind and Sea Estate, offering full-service planning and vendor coordination designed specifically for this coastal venue.
Insider Tip: Wind and Sea is one of the most requested private properties in Big Sur. For peak season dates (May through October), we recommend booking 12 to 18 months in advance to ensure availability.
Getting to Wind and Sea Estate
Wind and Sea is located just off Highway 1, about 15 minutes south of Big Sur Village. While the drive is scenic, cell service can be spotty—be sure to download your directions ahead of time.
For larger groups, we recommend arranging shuttles or group transportation from Monterey, Carmel, or Big Sur proper.
Guest Lodging near Wind and Sea Estate
While Wind and Sea accommodates up to 8 guests overnight, Big Sur offers a variety of lodging options for your other guests who may want to stay in the area after the wedding. From charming rustic cabins to luxurious resorts, there’s something for everyone! Your Wedy Planner will recommend the best accommodations based on your guests’ preferences and the time of year.
Here are some of our top lodging picks near Wind and Sea
Wind and Sea Wedding Packages
Our stunning packages include exclusive venue access, a 2-night stay, luxe wedding rentals (dinnerware, glassware, flatware, tables, chairs, string lights) with setup and teardown.
In partnership with Wedy App, Wind and Sea offers full-service planning + concierge vendor booking with our preferred Big Sur vendors. Your Wedy planner can book a private chef, connect you with local photographers, add a florist for your tablescape design, and more.
Far from cookie-cutter, Wedy’s eclectic packages include services fully customizable to your liking, including:
- 35mm Film Photography
- Oyster Bars at cocktail hour
- Lambeth Cakes and Espresso Carts at your dessert station, and even
- A 1955 Ford Thunderbird Getaway Car
Frequently Asked Questions about Getting Married at Wind and Sea
Planning a wedding at Wind and Sea Estate? Here are the top questions couples ask when considering this breathtaking Big Sur venue, along with expert answers to help you plan the perfect day!
Weddings at Wind and Sea Estate typically average around $50,000 to $75,000 for a guest count of 41-60. Micro weddings and elopements tend to be more budget-friendly, with costs falling between $30,000 to $65,000. The biggest cost drivers are catering, floral design, and the wedding venue.
Lucky for you, our Wedy Planners work closely with Wind and Sea to create customized wedding packages that fit your vision and budget. Opting for a weekday wedding or choosing an off-peak date (December to February) can also help reduce costs significantly.
The venue rental grants exclusive access to Wind and Sea Estate, featuring breathtaking oceanfront views, a dedicated ceremony and reception space, all rentals for your ceremony and reception, including tables, chairs, flatware, and glassware, and on-site accommodations for up to 8 people. The venue also provides a list of preferred vendors familiar with the property – including the Wedy team, to ensure a seamless planning experience.
To maximize your budget for a Wind and Sea Estate wedding, consider booking during the off-season (November–April) when rates may be lower. Weekday weddings are often more affordable than weekend dates, and hosting a micro wedding or elopement can significantly reduce catering and rental costs. Opting for an all-inclusive package helps bundle essential services, potentially saving money while simplifying the planning process. Additionally, sourcing local vendors minimizes travel fees and logistical expenses, making your wedding both cost-effective and seamless.
Vendors essential to your Wind and Sea wedding include a photographer, florist (for your bouquet and boutonniere), an officiant, a wedding planner, and catering if you plan to host a lunch or dinner reception for your guests.
With Wedy, finding and booking top-tier vendors is effortless. Our curated selection of planners, photographers, florists, and more makes it easy to create your dream coastal wedding at Wind and Sea! Let Wedy handle the details so you can focus on celebrating your love.
May through October offers the best time to get married in Big Sur, with sunny skies, refreshing breezes, and temperatures ranging from 50 to 65°F. If you’re planning a wedding at Wind and Sea, book your vendors 8–12 months in advance. Photographers, florists, and officiants stay busiest during this peak season, so securing them early ensures you get your top choices.
You can browse Big Sur wedding vendors and creatives on the Wedy App, where you’ll find talented wedding professionals, from the best film photographers to editorial floral designers, to the finest caterers. Wedy curates an unparalleled selection of services to create an unforgettable experience!
Wind and Sea Estate offers on-site accommodations for up to 8 guests. Additional lodging options are available nearby, including boutique inns and luxury resorts like Post Ranch Inn and Alila Ventana.
Big Sur offers a variety of accommodations, from luxury resorts to cozy inns. The most popular stays nearby include the Post Ranch Inn, Alila Ventana, Big Sur River Inn, and smaller lodges found along Highway 1.
Big Sur is known for its mild climate, with cool breezes and coastal fog in the mornings and evenings. Summer temperatures range from 50-70°F, so we recommend planning for layers or renting heaters for your outdoor ceremony and reception.
While Wind and Sea Estate offers a stunning natural backdrop, there are restrictions on certain types of decorations. Open flames, confetti, and any décor that could damage the environment are not permitted. Be sure to check with the venue for any specific guidelines.
Rehearsal dinners are typically not included in the venue rental but can be arranged for an additional cost. Wedy can assist in securing a rental time for the night before your wedding day.
To ensure availability, we recommend booking your vendors (photographers, florists, caterers, etc.) at least 8-12 months in advance, especially during peak wedding season (May through October).
Sample Wind and Sea Wedding Day Timeline
Here’s a sample timeline to give you a glimpse of how your wedding day could unfold. Your Wedy Planner will craft a personalized timeline and handle all the details, ensuring everything flows smoothly from start to finish!
9:00 AM – Hair and makeup begins onsite, setting the stage for a calm and beautiful morning.
12:00 PM – Your photographer arrives to capture those delicate details and getting-ready moments that you’ll cherish forever.
2:00 PM – Step onto the deck for your first look, with the ocean as your backdrop, it’s a moment you’ll both never forget.
3:00 PM – Guests begin arriving via shuttle, greeted by the sounds of the ocean and the beauty of Big Sur’s cliffs.
3:30 PM – The oceanfront ceremony begins, surrounded by the breathtaking views and the love of your closest friends and family.
4:00 PM – Cocktail hour on the lawn. With the horizon as your backdrop, your guests will sip and mingle as the sun begins to dip.
5:00 PM – Sunset portraits and guests are seated for dinner, the perfect moment to soak in the last rays of the day.
5:30 PM – Dinner service begins, allowing everyone to indulge in delicious offerings while celebrating your love.
6:30 PM – Toasts and cake cutting, your chance to share your joy with everyone who matters most.
7:00 PM – Let the festivities begin! The dance floor opens and the celebration continues.
9:00 PM – The event concludes, and shuttles begin returning guests to their nearby accommodations, ensuring everyone departs with memories that will last a lifetime
Big Sur Wedding Vendors and Experiences
If you’re dreaming of a elevated, intimate wedding with scenic ocean views, Wind and Sea Estate is absolutely worth the investment. While the cost is on the higher end, the exclusivity, natural beauty, and privacy make it a once-in-a-lifetime venue.
For a unique Wind and Sea wedding experience, download the Wedy App and browse our tailored wedding packages, that include full service planning assistance for a seamless wedding experience, whether it’s an intimate ceremony for two or a grand family reunion!
Terms to Know
If you’re planning a wedding for the first time, we’ve compiled a helpful list of definitions below. This glossary will guide you through common wedding terms and make the planning process easier.
Off-Season: November–March. Often more affordable with greater availability.
Day-of Coordinator: A planner who ensures the event runs smoothly. Required for all events over 20 guests.
Flatware: Forks, knives, and spoons used for dinner service (not included with venue rental).
Getaway Car: A stylish sendoff vehicle, often used for photos or the couple’s departure.
Ceremony Arch: A floral or structural frame used to define the altar area.
Film Photography: Traditional 35mm photography with an editorial, timeless look.
Lambeth Cake: A vintage-style cake with ornate, piped frosting detail.
Espresso Cart: A mobile coffee station that adds a luxe touch to your dessert hour.
Sunset Portraits: Photos taken of the couple during the golden hour, just before sunset, to capture beautiful, natural lighting.
Shuttle Service: A transportation option provided for guests, typically used for larger weddings to transport guests from a parking area or nearby lodging to the venue.
Floral Design: The artistic arrangement of flowers for the wedding, including bouquets, boutonnieres, ceremony florals, and reception decor.
Reception Dinner: The meal served during the reception, which can range from a formal plated dinner to a more relaxed buffet or family-style dining.
Day–of Coordination: The service provided by a wedding planner or coordinator to manage all logistics and details on the wedding day itself, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Bride and Groom’s Suite: A designated area at the venue where the couple can get ready before the ceremony, often with privacy and space for last-minute touch-ups.
