Big Sur Elopement Packages for Couples Who Love the Outdoors
So, you’re thinking about ditching the drama of a big wedding and heading to California to elope in Big Sur. Yea, you! Now what?
Planning a wedding, even a small one, can be stressful. Especially if you don’t live in the area. How do you find that secluded, known-only-to-locals outdoor place to elope in Big Sur that is both breathtaking and not mobbed with hordes of people? How do you find the perfect local photographer that understands that one or both of you feels awkward in front of the camera, yet you want your wedding photos to dazzle? And who’s going to handle all the day-of-wedding details if it’s just the two of you?
Gorgeous beaches await you for your elopement in Big Sur
Here’s how we help you elope in Big Sur
My name is Maureen Thomson and, together with my husband, Jeremy Myers and my trusty sidekick, Heather Miller, I’ve been offering all-inclusive Big Sur elopements since 2002. Here is what I can offer you:
- An outdoor elopement wedding at a breathtaking and secluded Big Sur beach, ocean overlook, or redwood location.
- Stunning professional elopement photography with our Big-Sur based photographer.
- Meticulous coordination and planning services. Just tell us your wedding vision and we’ll make it happen for you. We’ll handle all the details of your Big Sur elopement.
- An all-inclusive Big Sur elopement package that will include all the services and vendors you want under one umbrella. No need to contact, interview, research and contract with all the vendors you need. Tell me what you want included in your package and I’ll bundle them all together. I’ll take care of vendor payments on your behalf.
Big Sur and the surrounding area offers stunning natural backdrops for your elopement wedding.
To do the above, I’ll give you:
- Access to high-quality, experienced Big Sur-based wedding professionals.
- An all-inclusive small wedding package that provides you with everything you want for your Big Sur elopement.
- A personal wedding planner who has local knowledge of Big Sur. (That’s Heather!)
- Insider info on the most private Big Sur places to elope.
- Photographs that will knock your socks off!
- A totally stress-free elopement wedding experience!
You can take the following off your worry list if you work with us:
- Being the center of attention in front of a throng of wedding guests.
- Worrying that you’re awkward in front of the camera and will hate your wedding photos.
- Getting stuck with inexperienced wedding vendors.
- The stress of planning a Big Sur elopement on your own.
- Not knowing where to start.
- Chaos, drama and regret surrounding your wedding day.
Blue Sky Big Sur Elopement Packages
Our elopement packages are designed to take out the stress and drama of planning your elopement in Big Sur. Created for couples that want an intimate wedding, we combine the best local photographers, officiants, florists, and hair and makeup artists with the services of your own personal wedding coordinator who will work with you every step of the way to make your wedding vision a reality.
I specialize in lesser-known Big Sur elopement wedding venues that provide both seclusion and magnificent backdrops. Combined with award-winning elopement wedding photography, and our unwavering attention to the small details of your wedding day (many things that you wouldn’t even think of on your own), I’ve perfected the art of the stress-free elopement in beautiful Big Sur.
Big Sur beaches are second to none.
Why Elope in Big Sur?
Nothing beats the jaw-dropping views of the Big Sur coastline for an intimate wedding. For many couples, eloping in Big Sur is the only choice! Big Sur is described as a place of natural beauty that is both dramatic and spiritual, and we wholeheartedly agree. I love spedning time here and I love working with nature-loving couples who want to elope in Big Sur out of doors in spectacular locations. Big Sur offers towering redwoods, dramatic coastal overlooks, and white sand beaches, so you can have your pick of gorgeous sites. Or choose all three! You can be married amid the redwoods and then take a quick drive to the coast for oceanside photos. I can make that happen.
There’s just something about eloping in Big Sur that defies words.
Big Sur not only offers a variety of backdrops for an elopement (sacred redwood forests, dramatic cliff overlooks, pristine beaches), but it’s also the perfect honeymoon spot. Spend your days hiking in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, or Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Explore the rock formations and pink sands of Pfeiffer Beach as well as the tide pools of Point Lobos. Have lunch at the Big Sur Bakery. Check out the world-famous Bixby Bridge and browse at the quirky Henry Miller Library. End the day with dinner at the Big Sur Roadhouse and go back to your cabin in the redwoods for a soak in your private hot tub.
Watch a video of one of our Big Sur elopements
How It Works – Your Big Sur Elopement Guide
I try to make the process of eloping in Big Sur as simple and stress-free as possible. Here’s how it works:
- Check out my Pricing Page to make sure we’re within your budget.
- Send me an inquiry and tell me what you’re envisioning for your Big Sur elopement.
- I’ll personally send you a custom proposal along with a price quote.
- Set up a complimentary consultation call with me.
- Get started with me on our Location Consulting Services to find the perfect-for-you place to elope in Big Sur.
- Once you choose your venue, confirm the elopement package you want. Then, I’ll assign your vendors.
- Complete and submit our online contract.
- Blue Sky’s personal coordinator, Heather Miller, and each of your wedding vendors will contact you in a day or two. Heather will oversee the entire process and be your go-to person up through the wedding day. And, of course, I’m always here if you need me, too.
- Elope in Big Sur, and have the experience of a lifetime!
Elope in Big Sur amid towering redwoods.
Things you want to know about having a Big Sur elopement
Eloping in Big Sur requires a California Marriage License
We’ll handle most of the logistical details of your Big Sur elopement, but there are some things only you can take care of. Primarily, that involves obtaining the marriage license. To be legally married in Big Sur, you need to acquire a California marriage license. So, you don’t get one in the state where you live–unless of course, you live in California.
A California marriage license can be obtained from any county clerk’s office in the state. Your Blue Sky officiant will guide you through the process, but it’s really quite simple. You make an appointment at the county clerk’s office of your choosing. (We’ll give you a list.) Go together at the appointed time, answer a few questions, and they will give you the license on the spot. It’s good right away. California does not have a waiting period. Prices vary by county and can range from $75 to $130.
Unless you get a confidential California marriage license (this is rare), you will need one adult witness. Note: if you’re eloping without guests, the witness can be your photographer. Your Blue Sky officiant will fill out the marriage license on the wedding day and return it to the county on your behalf within 24 hours of your ceremony.
You can elope in Big Sur even if you come from another country
If you’re coming to Big Sur from outside of the United States, just like everyone else, you simply need a California marriage license. You’ll need to show the county clerk your passport. Additionally, some countries will want you to have an apostilled copy of your marriage license. An apostille is used by foreign governments to assess the authenticity of an official signature on a document. It’s kind of like an international Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. We can help you get your marriage license apostilled.
Driving off into the sunset after their Big Sur elopement.
Be aware that you must have the license in your possession on the day of the wedding and the county clerk’s offices are not open on weekends.
So, if you are coming to California from another state, plan your travel time accordingly. It’s not a good idea to plan to head to the county clerk’s office on the same day you arrive. If your flight is delayed and you miss your appointment, you’re going to be in trouble. Nor should you plan to get the license on the morning of your wedding day–that’s way too much running around for such a special day. Therefore, I advise a minimum of a one day buffer between the day you plan to arrive and the day of your wedding. That way, you can get the marriage license calmly.
Click here for more detailed info on obtaining your California marriage license.
Please contact me to request a custom quote.
The best time of year to elope in Big Sur
With a mild Mediterranean climate, Big Sur is glorious at any time of year, but the months with the least amount of rain are June through early October. Click here for weather stats. However, it’s not only about the weather. If you want to elope on the beach in Big Sur, you have to think about crowds as well. Ditto if you’re planning to honeymoon here after your Big Sur elopement.
Big Sur is long and narrow–running from north to south and there is only one major road going into and out of it. Highway One can become clogged with traffic in summer. And it’s a twisty, narrow highway that is made all the more hazardous by tourists rubbernecking as they drive (instead of pulling over), people with rental RVs that have little experience in navigating them, and folks that step back from the roadside overlooks and into the road to get that perfect selfie shot. It’s not for the faint of heart.
Also, lodging rates in Big Sur are typically higher in the summer months. Therefore, while we offer elopements in Big Sur year-round, we think the best time of year to get married here is September and October. However, we’re willing to work around your preferred dates regardless of the time of year.
If toes-in-the-sand aren’t your thing, consider one of Big Sur’s dramatic cliff overlooks.
And speaking of navigating crowds…
Eloping on the beach in Big Sur is always going to be a public affair–meaning we can’t reserve a private beach site for your wedding. If you want a site all to yourselves, then you’re better off reserving a redwood site in Big Sur, which gives you more options for privacy. (I have some suggestions.)
Coastal elopement sites in the Big Sur are a different story. Even if we do have a permit (which all State of California beaches in the Big Sur area will require), it does not guarantee us exclusive use of the site. It only states that there will be no other weddings going on at the site at the same time as yours; but it does not allow us to ask members of the public to leave. As a side note, I’ve found that most beachgoers are quite respectful when they see a ceremony going on, but… you know… there’s always that one person…
So it stands to reason that we want to mitigate onlookers as much as possible. In addition to considering an off-tourist time of year, we advise having your elopement on a Monday through Thursday–especially in the summer months.
Additionally, not all Big Sur beaches and coastal overlooks are mobbed all the time. Because we’re locally based, I can point you in the direction of places to elope in Big Sur and nearby Carmel that are lesser known and off the beaten path. I strive to give you the most secluded sites available so you can have an amazing and private Big Sur elopement experience.
Other Things to Know for a Stress-free Elopement in Big Sur
Big Sur comprises a long strip of land running from north to south along the California coast.
- There are no freeways running through the area. Big Sur is traversed solely by driving along Highway One–a twisty, two-lane highway that is designed to be driven slowly (so you can gape at the scenery). In the summer, the road can be clogged with tourists (who are also gaping at the scenery) and it can take a really long time to get from Point A to Point B. Be sure to book lodging that is in close proximity to your Big Sur elopement venue. And don’t trust Google Maps. If it says it’s 45 minutes from your lodging to your destination, that means an hour and a half.
Areas of Big Sur we serve for elopements.
- Bear in mind that, because my vendors are mostly based in nearby Carmel (north end of Big Sur), I only serve the northernmost part of Big Sur. We go as far south as Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. If I had to send our elopement vendors any further south, the travel fees would be cost prohibitive.
Pure bliss!
Big Sur has a sacred, ethereal quality about it.
- There’s a reason Big Sur is a popular location for both tourists and couples looking to elope. At Blue Sky Elopements, we adhere to the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace. We want to make sure Big Sur remains pristine for future generations. I also want to make sure the state of California welcomes us back for future elopements! So we ask that you respect the land regardless of where you choose to elope in Big Sur. Don’t drive stakes into the ground, drag along arches, chuppahs and chairs. The scenery in Big Sur is sufficiently gorgeous so you don’t need embellishments. Likewise, don’t throw anything–not even bird seed or flower petals. Pack out what you bring in. In short, don’t trash this beautiful place.
For Big Sur beach elopements, be aware of the power of the ocean.
- Sneaker waves can come up unexpectedly and sweep you out to places where you don’t want to be swept. And the dramatic Big Sur cliffs do not have protective fencing around them. Use common sense; hang on to childrens’ hands and heed the instructions of your Blue Sky photographer and officiant.
Bring clothing and accessories for all conditions.
- It can be cool by the ocean, even in summer months. Dress accordingly and don’t forget to bring umbrellas–just in case!
Allow a minimum of 2-3 months for me to help you plan your elopement in Big Sur
- Even though elopement weddings are simpler than traditional weddings, I still need some advance notice so that you can choose your location without rushing. (There’s a lot to look through!) Additionally, florists need a few weeks advance notice to order flowers. Plus, just in general, I want to make sure the planning process is stress-free for you. That means we don’t want to rush things. If you have less than two months lead time before your Big Sur elopement, I can still help you. Please check out my Last Minutes elopements page and see if that package offering works for you.
Photography for your Big Sur Elopement
Couples choose us to handle their Big Sur elopement for a number of reasons, not the least of which is our topnotch photography. Myhusband, and Blue Sky co-owner, Jeremy Myers, utilizes his 30+ years of experience as a photographer to select local photographers who are up to his high professional standards. And we’re more about the quality of your images than we are about offering you a myriad of photographers to choose from. I contract with only two photographers in the Carmel/Big Sur area. These two shooters know how I want our photography done and they are responsible for all of the Big Sur elopement photos you see on this page and in our photo gallery below.
Blue Sky Elopements Photography Style
Our photography style is photojournalistic, designed to capture the day naturally for you. We do very little portrait-style, posed images (unless you tell us that’s what you want), opting instead for more natural structure (and a lot of dancing, dipping, hand-holding, kissing, twirling and drinking of Champagne if you’re so inclined). Lighting-wise, our photographers make use of natural light as much as possible, but they always bring backup lighting in the event of overcast skies, shady redwood sites, or to add a certain glow like in the picture below. Note: backlit photos like this one take a bit longer to set up, so not all of your photos will be like this, but some will.
Backlit photos of your Big Sur elopement offer a different perspective.
Our Big Sur Elopement Photographers
Many eloping couples are awkward in front of the camera and simply don’t like having their picture taken. We get that. So, in addition to technical expertise, it’s important that our photographers have personalities that help put you at ease in front of the camera. Our photographers are geniuses at making you smile, relax, and simply enjoy each other. Our goal is to make you forget that the photographer is even there! Rest assured that our photographers will give you some direction, but they won’t be fussing all about you, moving your elbow a centimeter to the left and asking you to “say cheese.”
You do you. It’s our job to capture the essence of who you are as a couple and to document your day.
How much photography time do you need for an elopement in Big Sur?
Our elopement packages for Big Sur contain a minimum of 90 minutes of photography time (2 hours for 1-15 guests, 2.5 hours for 16-30 guests). I believe that’s the minimum coverage needed to capture the ceremony and photos afterwards at the ceremony site. Couples may add more time, but if you do that, I recommend you consider a secondary location for variety and interest. Our most popular add on for couples who elope in the Big Sur redwoods, is another hour of photos on the beach, or on the cliffs. That also works in the opposite direction (get married on the coast, then head to the redwoods for more photos).
Other locations to add photos include getting ready pictures at your lodging, capturing a cake-cutting at your dinner, or around-town photos to document the essence of Big Sur (Bixby Bridge, anyone?).
If you prefer, we can document your entire wedding day with all-day coverage. Our photographers will help you organize it.
Yes, of course we’re honored to work with LBGTQ couples.
Can I have guests at my elopement?
Yep! If you want to elope in Big Sur, we can accommodate up to 30 guests, not counting the two of you. There are a few things to remember about small weddings with guests, however.
- Having guests–even a limited number–changes the flavor of your experience. You’re not going to be able to immerse yourself in a “just the two of us” experience. Part of your energy is going to be devoted to making sure your guests are comfortable and having a good time. The energy of an intimate wedding with guests is more focused on having a great time with the family as opposed to a total immersion in your partner for a few days. If that’s the vibe you’re going for, then bring it on. Alternatively, many couples opt to have guests come to their Big Sur elopement, then the guests leave a day of two after the wedding and the couple stays on to honeymoon here for a few more days. That’s the best of both worlds!
- On the other hand, having guests makes some things easier for you. If you don’t want to see each other prior to the first look at the ceremony site, it’s easier to drive there in more than one car if you have other adult drivers in your party. Likewise, if you’re having kids attend your elopement, it’s great to have older family members on hand to take care of the little ones so you can have some romantic photos of just the two of you.
- Beware of having too many people attend your elopement here in the “winter months.” That’s when the chances of inclement weather are a little higher. Our venues are mostly outdoors with no shelter from the elements, and it can be challenging to move to a Plan B location if you have more than a handful of guests.
If you decide to have guests, note that we offer you the opportunity to purchase extra flowers, if you want them, for family members (e.g. flower girl baskets, corsages for moms, boutonnieres for dads, etc.). Likewise, we can provide hair and makeup services for extra women in your party.
Family elopements are a specialty.
