Presenting the best of Big Sur’s elopement experiences. Wedy has curated an experiential guide for your Big Sur elopement, complete with a cost breakdown and your frequently-asked-questions answered.
As Northern California wedding planners, we know the ins and outs of Big Sur, from the best ceremony locations to the best Big Sur wedding photographers. If you’re planning a Big Sur elopement, a few key ceremony locations come to mind: Pfeiffer Beach, Garrapata State Park, Glen Oaks Big Sur, Alila Ventana, and Redwood Grove, all of which offer a versatile setting that you won’t find anywhere else!
For couples who want more than a traditional venue, Big Sur offers an unmatched wedding experience — you can read your vows deep in the woodland Redwoods forests, or atop an epic cliffside with rugged views of the Pacific! After your ceremony, you’ll find plenty to explore, from renowned hiking trails to local cafes and artisanal bakeries. When the day winds down, prepare to be captivated by one of the most stunning sunsets you’ll ever see, before retreating to your cozy cabin in the redwoods forest for a champagne toast to close off the night. Big Sur isn’t just a place — it’s an experience and the perfect choice for couples who crave adventure!
Table of Contents
- Best Places to Elope in Big Sur
- Bri and Ben’s Big Sur Elopement
- Big Sur Elopement Gallery
- How to Elope in Big Sur
- Big Sur Elopement Cost Breakdown
- Tailored Big Sur Elopement Packages
The Best Places to Elope in Big Sur
Big Sur offers stunning elopement destinations, ranging from redwoods forests to coastal beaches. Our local Big Sur creatives have curated the best Big Sur ceremony locations for your 2025 destination elopement!
Pfeiffer Beach Big Sur Elopement
Pfeiffer Beach is a gorgeous Big Sur elopement destination, infamous for its hole-in-the-rock formation, golden-hour views, and endless ocean, all of which makes for stunning elopement portraits!
Since Pfeiffer Beach is not a State Park destination, there is no permit required for weddings and elopements to take place. As a result, weekends are incredibly popular and parking can be difficult. We would recommend getting married on a weekday, particularly around sunrise or sunset, for the best views and a more private experience!
Please note, the weather at Pfeiffer Beach can be unpredictable, as it can be extremely windy during the Fall, or at risk for floods during the Spring.
Insider Tip: We recommend working with local Big Sur wedding planners to best plan your timeline, and avoid risks of overcrowding or bad weather, etc.
At Wedy, we’ve planned countless Big Sur elopements, so you can trust us to guide you every step of the way with recommendations for local creatives and contingency plans in case of a weather mishap!
Browse tailored Pfeiffer Beach elopement experiences on the Wedy App here!
Garrapata State Park Big Sur Elopement
Garrapata State Park is another incredible destination where you can elope in Big Sur. It is only 15 minutes away from Carmel and Monterey, which makes it optimal for destination weddings!
You can access Garrapata State Park via Highway 1, with over 2,500 acres of beach, sandstone cliff, and redwoods to explore! While there is no limit on the number of guests you can bring, we recommend sticking to a small group of 20 people or less.
The cost of a permit at Garrapata State Park is $400 for up to 25 people or $550 for up to 50 people.
Insider Tip: A popular destination within the Park is Soberanes Point, offering dramatic coastal views and winding trails to hike, and your Big Sur wedding photographer can guide you to this destination!
Browse customized Garrapata State Park elopement experiences and Big Sur wedding photographers on the Wedy App here!
Henry Miller Memorial Library
Henry Miller Memorial Library is a historical venue that features towering redwoods, traditional art, and winding trails for a romantic forest wedding experience.
The maximum capacity for an elopement is 30 people, and you’re permitted to use either the lawn, pictured on the left or the Redwoods Canyon for up to 2 hours. The cost to rent the lawn for an elopement is $1,200, which includes access to the Redwood Grove!
The Redwoods canyon is great for those looking to hike into the Redwoods, take bridal portraits, and reconnect with nature for a rejuvenating experience.
Insider Tip: Henry Miller has a limited number of weddings permitted per year, so it is best to book this venue at least 1 year in advance! Luckily, our Wedy Planners are experienced in navigating Big Sur’s sought-after venues and can secure this stunning location with ease!
Browse tailored Henry Miller Memorial Library elopement experiences on the Wedy App here!
Glen Oaks Big Sur
If you’re envisioning a woodland forest theme, then Glen Oaks Big Sur is the perfect choice for your intimate elopement.
Glen Oaks is great for elopements and larger weddings, with a maximum capacity of up to 100 people. It features on-site accommodations, and a gourmet restaurant that can be used for your reception, just next door!
A huge pro to Glen Oaks is that there is no elopement fee, if you book the venue for your accommodations!
There are four main ceremony locations for you to choose from, namely Adobe Motor Lodge, Oak Tree Cottages, Redwood Grove, and the Bridge House.
Small weddings typically take place out on the lawn ceremony site, which will cost you $2,500 to rent out in 2025.
Insider Tip: We recommend Glen Oaks for a cozy cabin experience, however if you’re looking for a more pampering stay, we’d recommend Ventana Big Sur or the Post Ranch Inn!
Browse customized Glen Oaks elopement experiences on the Wedy App here!
Let’s take a look at one Wedy couple’s coastal Big Sur elopement, captured beautifully by Madeline Caldwell Photography and planned by yours truly!
Bri and Ben’s Big Sur Elopement with the Wedy App
Wedy couple, Bri and Ben recently eloped in Big Sur with a tailored Wedy elopement package! Their package included photography, ceremony florals, an intimate picnic, hair and makeup services, and more!
Set against the rugged cliffs and azure tides of Big Sur, Bri and Ben’s elopement was a peaceful escape into nature, blending laid-back intentionality with effortless romance.
They opted for a sunrise ceremony, with the towering redwoods on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other.
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!
Big Sur Elopement Gallery
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!
Big Sur Elopement Cost Breakdown
The average cost of an elopement in Big Sur is $5,250.
We’ve created a cost breakdown for a 2025 Big Sur Elopement with all of the details below.
How much does a Big Sur Elopement cost?
The total cost for an elopement for two in Big Sur is $4,550.
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!
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.
Big Sur 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!
