Presenting the best Big Sur elopement experiences of 2025. Wedy has curated an experiential guide complete with a cost breakdown and your frequently-asked-questions answered.
Planning a wedding in Big Sur? As Northern California wedding experts, we know every breathtaking spot—from hidden ceremony locations to the most sought-after Big Sur wedding photographers. If you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement, a few iconic settings come to mind: Pfeiffer Beach, Garrapata State Park, Glen Oaks Big Sur, Alila Ventana, and the enchanting Redwood Grove. Each offers a unique backdrop you won’t find anywhere else.
For couples looking beyond the ordinary, Big Sur delivers an unforgettable experience. Imagine exchanging vows beneath towering redwoods or on a rugged cliffside with panoramic views of the Pacific. Afterward, explore scenic trails, cozy up at charming local cafés, and indulge in artisanal treats. As the day winds down, soak in a breathtaking sunset before retreating to a secluded cabin in the forest—champagne in hand, of course.
Big Sur isn’t just a destination; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for couples who want adventure, romance, and a touch of the extraordinary.
Table of Contents
- Best Places to Elope in Big Sur
- Average Cost of a Big Sur Elopement
- Big Sur Elopement Gallery
- Frequently Asked Questions: How to Elope in Big Sur
- Tailored Big Sur Elopement Packages
The Best Places to Elope in Big Sur
Big Sur is home to breathtaking elopement destinations, from towering redwood forests to rugged coastal beaches. Our local Big Sur experts have handpicked the most stunning ceremony locations to bring your 2025 destination elopement to life.
TOP BIG SUR ELOPEMENT DESTINATIONS
- Pfeiffer Beach
- Garrapata Beach
- Garrapata State Park
- Glen Oaks
- Henry Miller State Park
- Bixby Creek Bridge Overlook
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- Alila Ventana Big Sur
Insider Tip:
Browse tailored Big Sur elopement experiences on the Wedy App here!
Big Sur Elopement Gallery
Tyler and Alisa’s Big Sur Elopement with the Wedy App
Wedy couple, Tyler and Alisa recently eloped in Big Sur with a tailored Wedy elopement package! Their package included photography, ceremony florals, hair and makeup services, and more!
Framed by the dramatic cliffs and crashing tides of Big Sur, Tyler and Alisa’s elopement was a sweet escape into nature, it was effortlessly romantic and filled with adventure!
They chose an afternoon beach ceremony, wandering along the rugged cliffs and dancing in the sand with their puppy by their side to make the most of their experience.
The couple’s dream day was made possible through Wedy’s customized Big Sur elopement experiences, where they were connected with local wedding creatives who knew the area intimately, ensuring every detail was styled to perfection!
Dreaming of a Big Sur elopement? Download the Wedy App to connect with our expert concierge and start designing your tailored Big Sur Elopement!
Average Cost of a Big Sur Elopement
The average cost of a Big Sur elopement is $5,250.
Tyler and Alisa planned their Big Sur elopement with the Wedy App, where they booked an all-inclusive elopement for two for $4,550.
Their $4,550 Big Sur elopement for two included photography, an officiant, a bouquet and boutonniere, full-service planning, and hair and makeup services!
Your wedding photography will cost $1,200 for 2 hours.
For your bouquet and boutonnière, you can expect to spend around $450, without delivery or specialty florals.
Your Special Use Permit will cost $400 for a ceremony at Garrapata State Park.
A Big Sur wedding officiant will cost $500, without your marriage license or travel fees.
Full service planning assistance by Wedy will cost $1,500, included in your tailored Big Sur Elopement experience that can be customized to best fit your needs.
Lastly, your hair and makeup services will cost $500, without travel fees.
For any additional services such as videography, an intimate picnic for two, or luxe cake table services, you can browse wedding creatives and customizable elopement packages with accurate pricing and no hidden fees on the Wedy App!
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Elope in Big Sur
Planning to elope in Big Sur? We outline the answers to frequently asked questions about getting married in Big Sur.
Why Elope in Big Sur?
Located on the Central Coast of California, Big Sur offers of the most intimate and breathtaking settings for an elopement.
From stunning beaches, towering redwoods, and dramatic cliffs, to woodland cabins, charming cocktails bars, and eclectic restaurants — Big Sur has something for everyone. Whether you’re an adventurous couple ready to exchange vows on a cliffside or are simply drawn to the magical coastal views, you won’t regret eloping in Big Sur!
How much does a Big Sur wedding permit cost?
The cost of your Big Sur special use permit will depend on the ceremony location you select. For a ceremony at Garrapata State Park, your permit will cost $400 for a wedding with up to 25 people. By contrast, at a ceremony at Pfeiffer Beach, your permit costs $425 for up to 10 people, while a ceremony at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur is completely free! Most permits in Big Sur will range between $0-$400.
When you book a tailored Big Sur elopement package with Wedy, our expert wedding planners will guide you every step of the way and take care of securing your special use permit for you! You can browse customized Big Sur elopement packages here, or download the Wedy App to get started!
When is the best time to elope in Big Sur?
The best time of year to get married in Big Sur is May through October, when the weather is typically sunny with refreshing breezes, and temperatures range from 50 to 65 degrees fahrenheit.
If you’re planning to elope in Big Sur during these months, aim to book your vendors 8-12 months in advance. May through October is the busy season for wedding photographers, florists, and officiants.
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!
What else do I need to elope in Big Sur?
To elope in Big Sur, you will need a Special Use permit, a marriage license, a wedding photographer, and a bouquet and boutonniere. Lucky for you, Wedy provides all-inclusive packages that include assistance with securing your special use permit, hand-selected photographers based on your style, custom personal florals, and so much more – including dedicated wedding officiants, cinematic photographers,
When you book an all-inclusive package with Wedy, you will receive 2-3 vendor options per category, so you don’t have to compromise on quality or style for price!
Tailored Big Sur Elopement Experiences
For a Big Sur elopement experience like no other, download the Wedy App and browse our tailored wedding packages, that include full service planning assistance for a seamless wedding experience, whether just the two of you or a group of your loved ones.
Wedy’s tailored elopement packages include documentary-style photography, intricate florals, expert hair and makeup artists, elegant wedding rentals and the best that the West coast has to offer!
