Big Sur Elopement Guide 2026

You saw a photo online, took a trip there, or somehow stumbled across Big Sur, and now you’re completely convinced you’re going to elope there. You’ve chosen your spot. The hard part should be over, right?

Then you start Googling.

“Where can we actually have a ceremony? Do we need a permit? Which state park is which? Where do we stay? And is Bixby Bridge really as crowded as it looks?”

You, my friend, are exactly who I wrote this guide for.

Falling in love with Big Sur is easy, but planning an elopement there can get complicated pretty quickly. There are state parks, beaches, cliffs, redwoods, private properties, permit rules, and approximately one million ridiculously beautiful places where you’re going to want to stop.

I’ve spent years photographing elopements in Big Sur and know the secret sauce for planning a stress-free, no-googling-required elopement here.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to plan a Big Sur elopement, step-by-step. From choosing a ceremony location and figuring out permits to picking the best time of year, finding somewhere to stay, avoiding crowds, and more, I’ve got you covered from beach to forest.

So close the 101 tabs you currently have open about eloping in Big Sur and bookmark this guide so you can come back to it whenever you need to.

How to Plan a Big Sur Elopement in 7 Steps

That’s right, only 7. This is the exact process I walk each of my couples through when they’re planning a Big Sur elopement.

By the end of this, you’ll know exactly what you need to do to plan the whole thing without making it way more complicated than it needs to be.

Step 1: Choose Your Date

Let’s start with the easiest decision first: when do you want to get married?

Okay, maybe not the easiest, but definitely one of the most important. The month you choose can make a pretty big difference when it comes to crowds, weather, fog, etc.

The best time to elope in Big Sur is typically between May and October.

Summer (June-August)

Summer is the most popular season in Big Sur by a landslide. Highway 1 can get pretty backed up in certain areas, and parking at popular spots is often taken by mid-afternoon.

This time of year is also known for heavy morning fog. Sometimes it creates really dreamy light, but other times it completely blocks the ocean views you might have come for.

While summer does have longer days and generally nicer weather, crowds are a big consideration. It’s not uncommon to see other couples along Highway 1 taking photos or even having ceremonies of their own, especially around sunset.

If that’s not really your thing, I’d recommend pushing your date into the fall months or planning for sunrise.

Fall (September-November)

Fall is my favorite time of year to elope in Big Sur.

By September, summer crowds usually start to die down, the weather is still generally nice, and you have a much better chance of finding locations without feeling like you’re fighting everyone else for space.

October is especially good. By this time, the coastal fog is mostly gone and you should have more clear days than not.

November starts to get a little more unpredictable with weather, but if you don’t mind the chance of rain, it can be an amazing time for avoiding crowds.

If you want the best combination of good weather, fewer crowds, and clear coastal views, I’d personally look at September or October first.

Winter (December-February)

Winter is the quietest time of year to elope in Big Sur. It’s what I like to call Big Sur’s secret season.

You’ll have a much better chance of finding empty overlooks, beaches, and pull-offs, though rain is practically a guarantee. Heavy downpours can cause temporary mudslides or road closures along Highway 1 starting around December.

That said, winter can be ridiculously beautiful, especially because the rain brings the waterfalls and greens back to life. Plus, it’s whale watching season which is always magical.

Spring (March-May)

Spring in Big Sur can be a bit of a wildcard.

In March and April, you can still expect a few rain showers now and again, but the risk is worth the reward. In this case, the reward is wildflowers, waterfalls, and lots of ’em!

You may run into some occasional wind, but crowds are usually pretty minimal this time of year, especially compared to summer. By May, the weather starts to become a little more predictable while still giving you all the perks of spring.

If you don’t mind taking a small gamble with the weather, spring is one of the prettiest times of year to elope in Big Sur.

Step 2: Choose Your Big Sur Elopement Location

At this point, you should have a date or at least a general idea of the time of year you want to elope in Big Sur. Now comes the fun part: choosing your location!

When it comes to ceremony locations, you’ll usually be choosing between two options: state parks or private venues.

A good rule of thumb is that if you want beaches, cliffs, and the classic Big Sur views you see online, you’ll probably end up in a state park. If you’re dreaming of getting married under the redwoods, private venues are usually your best bet.

I’ll include a mix of both below so you can get a feel for what each option looks like and figure out which one feels more like you.

1. Garrapata State Park

Garrapata State Park is easily one of the best places to elope in Big Sur. In fact, I’m fairly confident it’s the most popular place couples choose to elope in Big Sur. I’d say around 90% of my Big Sur couples end up eloping somewhere in Garrapata.

This area is primarily known for the cliffside locations you see in a lot of Big Sur elopement photos, though there’s also a beach that’s popular for ceremonies with larger groups. Some of my personal favorite trails and overlooks in the area for photos and ceremonies include China Vista Point and Soberanes Point.

All this to say, if you saw a photo of Big Sur online and thought to yourself, “Oh my god, where is that?!” there’s a very good chance it was taken in Garrapata State Park.

2. Pfeiffer Beach

Pfeiffer Beach, despite what you see online, is no hidden gem. It’s actually one of the most popular places to elope in Big Sur, mainly because of the scenery, but also because it’s one of the few locations in the area where you don’t need a permit.

The Keyhole Arch and purple sand make this spot stand out from pretty much anywhere else in Big Sur, and it’s easy to see why so many couples have it at the top of their list.

The biggest downside is that, because it’s so popular for tourists, wedding ceremonies aren’t allowed from March 15 through October 15. The road can also flood during the rainy season (November-March), which can sometimes cause beach closures that aren’t uncommon.

That said, if your date is flexible, I’d absolutely keep this one on your list. There’s really nothing else like it in Big Sur.

If getting married on the beach is your top priority, I also have an entire beach elopement guide with more tips for planning a ceremony on the coast.

3. Glen Oaks Big Sur

Ask any elopement photographer in the area (myself included) where the best redwoods are in Big Sur, and I can almost guarantee they’ll tell you Glen Oaks Big Sur.

Big Sur itself doesn’t actually have a ton of easily accessible redwood ceremony locations. A lot of the best remaining groves are on private property, which is part of what makes Glen Oaks so appealing. Not only is the forest gorgeous, but it’s also right next door to a river.

If you’re having a “true elopement” with fewer than four people total, including the two of you and all vendors, and you’re staying overnight in one of their rooms, you can elope on the property without paying an additional ceremony fee. Otherwise, they also have specific redwood spaces you can rent if you’re bringing more guests or want something a little more formal.

If you want to stay right in the heart of the redwoods, I’d recommend booking one of the cabins in their Redwood Grove section.

Not completely sold on Big Sur yet? I have a whole guide to eloping in Northern California with more locations to check out before you make your final decision.

Step 3: Get a Big Sur Elopement Permit

By now, you should have a date and general location picked out. Now, you need to see if you need a permit.

Most state park ceremony locations require one. Permit rules vary quite a bit depending on the exact location, so this is one of those steps where you’ll want to double-check the rules for your specific ceremony spot.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common Big Sur elopement locations and their permit process:

Garrapata State Park

The permit for Garrapata costs $400 for up to 25 people, and you can apply up to one year in advance.

Permits are available every day of the week, including weekends, with the exception of holiday weekends.

To apply for a permit, email fleccia.Wilson@parks.ca.gov or call 831-624-3407.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns, Andrew Molera, Pfeiffer Big Sur, and Limekiln State Park

The permit to elope in any of these state parks costs $425, and your group must include fewer than 10 people total.

Permits are only issued Monday through Thursday, and you can apply anywhere from six months to 45 days before your elopement.

To apply for a permit, email bigsurevents@parks.ca.gov or call 831-667-0507.

You can check out more permit information for the state parks here.

Step 4: Book Your Travel and Lodging

We’re a little more than halfway done! At this point in the process, you should have your date, location, and permit figured out. Now it’s time to actually plan the trip.

There’s not a ton to say here aside from the fact that Big Sur itself has very limited lodging, and most of it tends to be on the pricier side. Because of that, a lot of couples end up staying in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, or Seaside instead.

Some of my favorite hotels include:

• Post Ranch Inn – A 5-star hotel situated right on the cliffs of Big Sur with dining, a spa, private pools, and some pretty unreal views.
• Glen Oaks Big Sur – A crowd favorite tucked into the redwoods. It’s known for its cute, modern cabins and is also a great option for an elopement location.
• Big Sur River Inn – A more affordable 3-star option. It’s pretty simple, but it’s close to a lot of the main attractions and makes a great place to crash after a long wedding day.
• Big Sur Lodge – Similar to River Inn, the Big Sur Lodge is a rustic cabin within the woods that will make you feel like you took a turn to your grandparents house. It’s simple, cozy, and perfect for a few days stay.

Step 5: Get Your California Marriage License

The day is almost here! The last big legal thing to take care of is your marriage license.

You can get a marriage license from any county in California, though most couples getting married in Big Sur will use Monterey County since that’s where Big Sur is located. Your marriage license is effective immediately, valid for 90 days, and costs $85.

Here’s how it works:

1. Fill out the marriage license application online through Monterey County.
2. Both of you will need to appear together at the County Clerk’s Office with valid photo IDs to finish the process.
3. If you submit the application online, you’ll need to visit the Clerk’s Office within two weeks or the application will be deleted.

If you’d rather skip the online application, you can also both go directly to the County Clerk’s Office and complete it there.

You can find the office location, contact information, and hours here.

Do I Need an Officiant and Witnesses?

Yep! You’ll need an officiant and at least one witness at your ceremony. California allows up to two witnesses to sign the license.

And as a little bonus, I’m ordained too, so if you need someone to sign as your officiant, I can usually help with that.

Step 6: Build Your Big Sur Elopement Timeline

At this point, most of the planning is officially behind you. Now comes one of my favorite parts: figuring out what you actually want to do on your elopement day.

Big Sur is a place I really recommend having a timeline planned ahead of time. Locations can be surprisingly far apart, Highway 1 traffic can add extra driving time, and parking at popular spots isn’t always guaranteed.

The good news is you can fit a ton into one elopement day without feeling rushed. Redwoods in the morning, a beach ceremony, dinner, and golden hour on the cliffs? Absolutely doable.

Here are a few examples of what a Big Sur elopement timeline could look like:

Step 7: Elope in Big Sur

Would you believe me if I told you that you now have all the tools you need to plan a Big Sur elopement?

I told you it’d be easy! And somehow, we did it without opening 101 Google tabs in the process.

You’ve got the date, the location, the permit, the travel plans, the marriage license, and a timeline. Now, all that’s really left to do is show up and get married in one of the best places to elope in California.

Before you do, though, there are a few random but very important Big Sur logistics you’ll want to know ahead of time. Things like road closures, parking, cell service, and crowds, so let’s cover those next.

Big Sur Elopement Logistics You Need to Know

Highway 1 Closures Are Common

Highway 1 is basically the backbone of Big Sur, so if there’s a closure, it can completely wreck your plans.

Landslides, rockfall, construction, and storm damage can all cause temporary closures or delays, especially during the rainier months. Sometimes that means adding extra drive time, and other times it means certain parts of Big Sur are inaccessible altogether.

I always recommend checking current road conditions a few days before your elopement and again the morning of. It’s also one of the reasons I like having backup locations in mind, just in case your original plan suddenly goes out the window.

It’s Crowded

Big Sur is popular for a reason, and unfortunately, that means you probably won’t have every overlook and beach completely to yourself.

Summer weekends are especially busy, but even during the off-season, places like Bixby Bridge and some of the more popular pull-offs can get packed pretty quickly.

If privacy is important to you, I’d strongly recommend choosing a weekday, planning your ceremony earlier or later in the day, and avoiding the most popular locations during peak hours.

And if you love the Northern California coast but Big Sur’s crowds are making you second-guess it, take a look at Mendocino instead!

Parking Can Be a Pain

A lot of Big Sur locations have very limited parking, and popular lots can fill up fast. Some ceremony spots also require parking along Highway 1 or walking a short distance from wherever you manage to find a space.

This is another reason I recommend building extra time into your timeline. I’d much rather have 20 extra minutes to hang out than have you stressing because we’re waiting for someone to leave a parking spot.

And yes, make sure your guests know exactly where they’re parking too. Cell service is not going to save anyone once you’re out there.

Cell Service Is Practically Nonexistent

If your plan is “I’ll just text you when we get there,” I’m going to stop you right there.

Cell service throughout Big Sur is extremely limited, and in a lot of places, you won’t have any at all.

Download your maps before you leave, screenshot your timeline, save any important addresses, and make sure your guests and vendors know exactly where and when they’re supposed to meet you.

I also recommend sharing everything before the wedding day instead of assuming you’ll be able to send a last-minute update. Once you’re on Highway 1, you’re basically on your own.

And just like that, you’re a Big Sur elopement expert!

I’m Brianna, a Redwoods elopement photographer who helps couples plan laid-back, adventurous wedding days in places exactly like Big Sur. After photographing elopements along the California coast for years, I know how much of a difference it makes to have someone who understands the area, the permit process, and all the other little things that can make or break the day.

If you want help planning the whole thing instead of figuring it out alone, that’s exactly what I’m here for.

I offer both standard elopement packages and all-inclusive elopement packages.

Instead of handling all the booking yourself, I take care of things like lodging, vendors, activities, permits, and more so you can just… show up and get married.

Still not 100% sure where you want to get married? Check out my guide to the best places to elope in the US for even more ideas.