Big Sur Elopements for Couples Who Want Something Simple and Intentional
Our Big Sur elopement packages are designed for couples who want something simple, beautiful, and thoughtfully curated—without the drama, complexity, and stress that often come with a traditional wedding.
We focus on a small number of carefully selected locations in Big Sur that we know work well—for access, optimal privacy, and overall experience. This allows us to keep things smooth, predictable, and stress-free. We’ve been offering elopements in Big Sur since 2002, so we’ve already filtered out the locations that don’t hold up in real conditions.
All Big Sur elopements are held Monday–Friday to ensure a relaxed, crowd-free experience.
What Our Big Sur Elopements Look Like

A quiet moment overlooking the Big Sur coastline
Our Big Sur elopements are intentionally small, simple, and low-key
- Up to six guests
- Minimal moving parts
- A curated selection of locations
We handle the planning and pacing so everything flows smoothly from start to finish.
Big Sur offers breathtaking settings—from coastal overlooks to quiet redwood groves—but more complexity doesn’t lead to a better experience. In fact, the opposite is usually true.
This approach is a great fit for couples who:
- Want guidance instead of endless options
- Prefer a simple, well-executed plan
- Care more about the experience than managing every detail
If you’re looking for extensive customization, a hybrid DIY approach, or a larger, more complex event, we’re probably not the right fit—and that’s okay.
But if you’re a couple who wants something intentional, streamlined, and genuinely enjoyable, we’ll guide you through a time-tested elopement experience that works beautifully in Big Sur. We intentionally keep things focused so your day feels relaxed—not rushed or overplanned. Our role is to manage the details so you don’t have to. Yours is to show up and enjoy the day.
What Most Couples Get Wrong About Big Sur Elopements
Big Sur is one of the most beautiful places in California to get married—but it’s also one of the easiest places to overcomplicate. It’s not a single, contained venue—it’s a stretch of coastline and redwoods with very different conditions from one location to the next.
Redwood groves create a quiet, intimate setting
After planning elopements here for years, we see the same patterns come up again and again:
- Trying to fit too much into one day
Big Sur looks compact on a map, but it isn’t. What seems like a few nearby locations can quickly turn into hours of driving—and adding more stops rarely improves the experience. - Underestimating weekend traffic and crowds
Traffic slows significantly on weekends, and parking fills up early. Popular spots can lose the sense of privacy couples are usually looking for. - Assuming every scenic spot works for a ceremony
Some locations look incredible in photos but aren’t practical due to access, terrain, or visibility. The right location needs to work in real conditions, not just visually. - Assuming you can get redwoods and ocean views in one location
In Big Sur, these are separate settings. Redwood groves and coastal overlooks aren’t side by side, so trying to combine both in one spot—or even in a tight timeline—usually leads to a rushed experience. - Not working with natural light patterns
Different locations work best at different times of day. Redwood groves are better earlier, while coastal spots come into their own later in the day.
Privacy in Big Sur
Big Sur’s coastline is public, which means beach locations can’t be reserved for exclusive use. For couples who want a quieter, more private setting, redwood groves and carefully selected coastal overlooks often provide a better experience.
Because we’re familiar with how different locations function in real conditions, we guide you to sites and timing that minimize crowds and create a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
What Our Big Sur Elopement Packages Include
Everything you need for a stress-free elopement in Big Sur
We’ve carefully built our Big Sur elopement packages around what couples actually need—without adding unnecessary complexity.
Planning and Guidance
Clear, experienced guidance that keeps the process simple and focused—without unnecessary complexity.
- Location selection from a curated selection of proven Big Sur sites
- All required permits included
- A thoughtfully created timeline to keep the day flowing smoothly
- Expert, local insight on timing, lighting, and overall flow of the day
- Support and clear guidance from booking through your wedding day
Photography
Photos that make the most of Big Sur’s landscapes and light.
- Professional photography coverage for 2 hours (add more if you like)
- A relaxed, natural approach
- 10 sneak peeks within 24 hours
- Online gallery of your fully edited images within 30 days
Ceremony and Professional Officiant
A simple, well-structured ceremony—handled with care from start to finish.
- A professional wedding officiant
- A choice of ceremony styles—civil, spiritual, or non-denominational
- Inclusion of your personal wedding vows (or use ours)
- A witness provided if needed
- Filing of your marriage license
Big Sur elopement packages start at $3,770.
Optional add-ons: professional hair and makeup and florals are available.
Can We Have Guests?
Yes—our Big Sur elopements are designed for small, intentional gatherings with up to six guests (not counting the two of you or any vendors).

A Big Sur elopement designed to feel relaxed, personal, and completely your own
Guest counts are also influenced by location. Many Big Sur ceremony sites, including those within California State Parks, limit attendance to six guests (not including the couple or vendors). Some locations—particularly our preferred Big Sur elopement redwood venue—do not allow guests at all. (If you want guests at a redwood setting, we offer those in Santa Cruz and the Bay Area.)
We’ll guide you to a location that works well for your preferred guest count while keeping the experience relaxed and enjoyable.
What You Won’t Have To Worry About
- Being the center of attention in front of a large group
- Feeling awkward in front of the camera
- Sorting through unfamiliar or inconsistent vendors
- Planning everything on your own
- Not knowing where to start
- Unnecessary stress, pressure, or second-guessing
How It Works
- Choose your package (details below)
- Send us an inquiry with your preferred date and any initial questions
- We guide you through location options and key details
- Review your proposal with everything clearly outlined
- Schedule a consultation call if you’d like to talk things through
- Secure your date with a retainer
- We finalize the details together so everything is set
- Show up and get married
