How, Where, When & Why You Should Elope in Big Sur in 2022
Your Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Big Sur
So you’ve considered to elope in one of the most majestic landscapes in California (and arguably the world!). Let me be the first to welcome you to Big Sur, and let me also be the first to tell you: YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED.
My intent with this guide is to be concise and effective as possible because let’s cut to the chase: your excitement is telling you to book the next flight out to California. But you need to be a grown adult and PLAN!
I’ve broken down this guide into 4 sections for your convenience and I’ll lay it out for you before we begin:
HOW
-Getting here
-Applying for Marriage Licenses
WHERE
-Private Land
-Public Land & Permits
-Lodging
When
-Time of Year
-Time of Day
-Day of the week
Why
-Unique
-Adventure
-Mind Blowing-ness (spell check?)
HOW TO ELOPE IN BIG SUR
The first “how” is “How are you going to get here?” If you’re coming from outside of California and you prefer to fly here are the nearby airports:
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) - This will get you smack dab right in the middle of our little ol’ big town. It’s about 45 minutes to the very heart of Big Sur and most likely going to be the most convenient option for you. The only downside to this airport is that flight options (days & times) may be limited.
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) - This airport is about a 100 miles north from the heart of Big Sur and can be anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours drive time depending on the traffic. When I fly out of CA, I personally choose this airport because it tends to have a lot more flight options (day & times) than MRY, but do a comparison before you take my word.
San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) - This airport is just over 100 miles south from the heart of Big Sur. The 2 hour drive up Hwy 1 is most likely the most scenic route you’ll ever take in your life (just saying!)
Rent a car: Something else to note is that Monterey has a very limited public transportation system, so if flying is not your thing then another great option would be to rent a car and take the drive on Highway 1. 
The next “how” is “How are you going to tie the knot legally?” Here’s what you can do:
Apply for a marriage license (MUST DO!) - Click here for all the important information regarding marriage licenses. You can fill out the application online and have it transmitted to the courthouse, you will have to pay a $90 fee upon submitting.
Hire an Independent Officiant (most popular) - This is when your officiant is presiding over your ceremony on site. They will craft a custom, unique, and special ceremony for you to say your vows to each other; and take care of the paperwork, show you where to sign, and send it off for you, so you don’t have to worry about it! In the state of California, you will need an officiant and 1 (one) witness to sign your marriage license. And I know what you’re thinking: yes, I’ve signed dozens of marriage licenses as a witness for my couples, it’s quite the honor.
Get married at the courthouse - If you choose to just take care of all the document presenting, paperwork signing, ceremony, and “I do’s” all at the same time and prefer to do a separate vow recital privately, this may be the option for you. You wouldn’t need to hire an officiant because someone from the courthouse will preside over your marriage and make it official.
Important: once you have applied and obtained your marriage license you have 90 days to "complete" your ceremony, if you don't then you'll need to re-pay the $90 and start the process over again. WHERE TO ELOPE IN BIG SUR
Our next section is “Where”. I’ve divided this section into 2 parts: Public Land & Private Land. Let’s get into it!
Public Land - These are mainly State Parks. Check out this link for important permit information and fees. What’s great about these is that they are easily accessible and most of the research on these locations can be done via Google search. I know what you’re about to say next, “How do I even know what to Google?”, don’t worry I’ve compiled a complete list of State Parks in Big Sur where you can elope in. Be sure to check out the links for any special information regarding special events (elopements), trail updates, parking, and dog friendliness.
-Pfeiffer Beach (spoiler alert, no permits needed! Check the link for more info)
-Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
-Limekiln State Park (spoiler alert, no permit needed!)
Private Land - When we say private land we are saying that it’s not owned by the government, so fees and permits can just go whoof! right out the door. What we can include in this category is hotels, lodges, campgrounds, and Airbnbs. However, in this section I’m going to focus on locations that cater to couples and have areas designed for eloping because, I mean, that’s what you’re here for! Remember some of these locations can also double as your stay, so you’d have a location to elope AND a bed to sleep in all in the same place. Don’t forget to click on the links for more detailed information.
-Glen Oaks Big Sur - Think modern and rustic lodging. With a variety of spaces from rooms to houses, this stay might be your all in one. With a beautiful, and can I emphasize BEAUTIFUL, redwood grove on site that welcomes couples to have their intimate elopement ceremony in, Glen Oaks is an amazing choice.
-Ventana Big Sur - If you and your partner are looking for the catered, upscale elopement experience, this will be right up your alley. Wait, what if you wanted to be more in tuned with nature? Ventana even has options for you to “glamp”!
- Loma Vista Gardens - Known for their beautiful wedding space, this venue just introduced a new elopement space which I hear has an amazing view of the ocean, that I can’t wait to photograph! Quick tip, this location does not have lodging.
- Post Ranch Inn - I’ve listed this location last, but nothing about it should be overlooked. For one of the most luxurious elopement experiences, look no further. Oh gosh, that sounded so sales-y, but really, if you’re looking for an elevated Big Sur experience, this may be the stay for you.
- Airbnb - This could be a viable option for many couples. Before I go any further, please notify your host of your plans before booking your stay. Okay, now that that’s out of the way; surprisingly, I’m seeing a lot of Airbnb location using their spaces creatively to allow for couples to have intimate elopement ceremonies. As they are still privately own, but not owned by a “company” per-say, this might be an affordable route for ceremony and lodging.
Okay the next “Where” is “Where should I stay?” If you chose to elope in on public land which doesn’t provide lodging or stay, check out my list of popular places to check in for the night.
Deetjens - A historic landmark in Big Sur and home to an award winning restaurant. This inn is the quintessential cozy cabin vibe that you have been searching the world for. Originally, built for travelers passing through Big Sur this hotel will transport you to 1930s and located in the heart of Big Sur.
Big Sur Lodge - Also in the heart of Big Sur and off Hwy 1 this lodge is conveniently placed right next to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Treebones Resort - Just 40 miles of Big Sur is Treebones Resort. The yurts make this an ideal location if you’re looking for a unique, yet premium experience. In addition to the yurts, this resort has so many other amenities including dining, pool & hot tub, yoga, & massages.
There are so many other places to stay when visiting Big Sur. When you search for hotels and stay, here are some of the local and surrounding areas to get you started: Monterey, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Carmel-by-the-sea, Pacific Grove, Seaside, & Marina.
WHEN TO ELOPE IN BIG SUR
With elopements you have the freedom and flexibility to pretty much do whatever you want. Meaning you’re not necessarily confined to the “weekend” occasion to accommodate for your guests. Here’s a few suggestions and recommendations when choosing when you should elope in Big Sur.
Here’s a graph from US News on average temperature and rain in the Big Sur throughout the year
DAY of the week
It’s highly recommended that you elope on a weekday. Why, you ask? Couple reasons; 1. Tourism activity and crowds should theoretically be lower than a weekend. Honestly, I’ve seen really huge crowds on a weekday which is rare, but the chances of you running into dense population are dramatically lower than a weekend day, 2. Photographer’s availability is much higher than a weekend. There are only 2 weekend days which means there is a 2 in 7 chance that your photographer (me! :D) is available. Whereas a weekday, there is a 5 in 7 chance that they will be available. I hate to break it down in numbers, but it gives perspective. Quick tip: most of the permits
TIME of the day
A great blanket statement would be the hour leading up to sunset or the hour after the sun rises. But when you’re in the wild that is Big Sur, so many other factors can come into play. For example, in the redwoods, it gets darker faster because of all the shade that the trees cast. Be sure to connect with your photographer (me!) to figure out the best lighting scenario for your elopement. Also, if you have a day or two to explore and see the light for yourself, that’s an optimal way to get an idea.
TIME of the year
Like the rest of California, we are blessed with beautiful weather at least 75% of the year. Since we are on the coast, however, fog is very typical along with wind. So generally speaking the months with the mildest weather are typically March to October. As I write this towards the end of January, I recall only wearing a t-shirt and jeans today as I ran some errands, so the months outside March to October shouldn’t be dismissed either. We tend to get an extended summer so there are times when November is a really warm month, yeah I know what you’re thinking; yes we own jackets over here.
WHY YOU SHOULD ELOPE IN BIG SUR?
You’ve made it this far, so I know you’re interested in eloping in Big Sur at the very least. Even though this blog post is not an argumentative essay or sales pitch, I’m going to seal the deal right here.
BIG SUR HAS EVERYTHING.
When you talk about the realm of outdoors and adventure, Big Sur has it all.
Redwoods, check. Beaches, check. Epic views, check (duh!). Long hikes, check. Short hikes, check. Easy hikes, check. Advanced hikes, check. World class dining, check. Casual dining, check. Rustic dining, check. Camping, check. Glamping, check. Modern stay, check.
There’s something for everyone here in Big Sur. Everyone is welcome in Big Sur. Respect the land and the people, and you’re welcome to come back anytime.
Big Sur truly does check off so many boxes for people who are looking for a unique and breath-taking elopement experience.
LOOKING FOR A BIG SUR ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER?
I’m down for whatever you’re down for. If I’ve convinced you that Big Sur is the destination for your elopement, send me an email! And if you just need a little more convincing, then you should still send me an email, fill out the form below!