Big Sur Weddings: Nature's Cathedral

Big Sur is a region of rugged coastline in California, just south of Monterey. It is known for its redwood forests, sage-scented grasslands, and steep cliffs along the Pacific Ocean. With its unique landscape, Big Sur has become a popular destination for weddings, honeymoons, and other special events. The region boasts a variety of venues, including lodges, restaurants, and state parks, that offer breathtaking views and a romantic setting for couples looking to tie the knot. Big Sur also has a mild climate, making it a great choice for couples who want an outdoor wedding with a lower risk of rain.

Venues: Big Sur has a variety of venues, from luxurious resorts to intimate lodges, all offering breathtaking views of the ocean, forests, and cliffs

Venues play a crucial role in turning your dream wedding into a reality. Big Sur has a wide range of venues to choose from, each offering a unique experience. Whether you're looking for a luxurious resort or an intimate lodge, Big Sur has something to offer. Here are some of the venues that you can consider for your special day:

• Luxurious Resorts: If you're looking for a luxurious and elegant experience, Big Sur has some amazing resorts that will leave you and your guests breathless. Ventana Inn & Spa is a stylish five-star resort offering both ocean and forest scenery. With 160 acres of stunning property, eight event spaces, and world-class amenities, it is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Big Sur. Another option is Alila Ventana Big Sur, a luxurious adults-only resort nestled where the mountains meet the sea. It offers breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline and is perfect for elopements, honeymoons, and wedding renewals.
• Intimate Lodges: For a more intimate and cosy experience, Big Sur has several lodges that offer breathtaking views and a unique ambiance. Glen Oaks Big Sur is a romantic escape set amidst towering redwood trees and the calming Big Sur River. It offers both indoor and outdoor spaces for your ceremony and reception, including a private redwood grove and a riverside lawn. Another option is Big Sur Lodge, located within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. It offers delectable cuisine, customised banquet menus, and a choice of four lovely venues, including the picturesque picnic areas in the state park.
• Historic Venues: If you're looking for a venue with a touch of history, Big Sur has some incredible options. Loma Vista Inn & Gardens, also known as the centre of Big Sur, is a historic property dating back to 1908. It offers a whimsical, rustic, and elegant experience for your wedding. Another option is Big Sur River Inn, a historic inn nestled amid towering redwoods along the scenic Big Sur River. It combines romance, history, and comfort, providing a spectacular setting for your special day.
• Oceanfront Venues: If you dream of exchanging vows with the sound of waves crashing in the background, Big Sur has some incredible oceanfront venues. Wind and Sea is a private wedding venue located along the coast of Big Sur, offering unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean from its indoor and outdoor spaces. Hyatt Carmel Highlands is another option, located on a cliff overlooking the breathtaking Big Sur Coastline. It offers award-winning dining and is a perfect choice for couples seeking a combination of luxury and natural beauty.

Location: Big Sur is located in California, just south of Monterey, offering a rugged coastline, redwood forests, and sage-scented grasslands

Big Sur is a spectacular place for a wedding, located in California, just south of Monterey. It offers a rugged coastline, redwood forests, and sage-scented grasslands. The region is known for its natural beauty, with cliffs, ocean views, and forests, making it one of the most beautiful places in the state.

Big Sur is easily accessible, with a simple drive through Highway 1, and it offers countless incredible views and turnoffs. It is also not too far from civilization, with Monterey and Carmel less than an hour's drive away. This makes it an excellent destination for a wedding, providing peace and quiet, yet still very accessible for guests.

Big Sur has a variety of venues for weddings, from luxurious resorts to intimate lodges and event spaces nestled in the redwoods or along the coast. Some popular venues include Ventana Big Sur, Glen Oaks Big Sur, Loma Vista Inn & Gardens, and Post Ranch Inn. These venues offer stunning natural backdrops, with redwood groves, rivers, and ocean views, providing a unique and memorable experience for couples and their guests.

Big Sur also has plenty of lodging, restaurants, caterers, photographers, and private locations to make your special day memorable. It is a place of wonder and natural beauty, offering a peaceful and tranquil setting for a wedding, surrounded by the majestic redwoods and the calming river.

Weather: The best time to elope in Big Sur is between May and October, as the region has a mild climate with fewer chances of rain

Big Sur is a popular destination for eloping, with its stunning coastal views and redwood forests. The best time to elope in Big Sur is between May and October, as the region experiences milder weather during these months, with a lower chance of rain.

Spring and fall are typically considered the peak seasons in Big Sur. In spring, you can expect more wildflowers and greenery, although there is still a chance of rain. Fall brings warmer weather, but also a few hot days, so it's important to consider your comfort level when choosing a date.

Summer in Big Sur is characterised by foggy mornings and varying day-to-day weather. Some days are clear and sunny, while others are overcast. The summer months also tend to be the busiest in terms of tourism, which can impact travel times and the privacy of your elopement location.

Winter and early spring are relatively quiet in terms of tourism, with fewer people visiting the area. While the weather can be chilly and clear in January, February and March are typically the wettest months.

Overall, the weather in Big Sur can be unpredictable, and it's important to be prepared for changing conditions. However, with its natural beauty and varying landscapes, Big Sur offers a magical setting for an elopement any time of year.

Permits: Most state parks in Big Sur require permits for elopements, except for Limekiln State Park, and these permits have specific restrictions on guest count and decorations

Big Sur is a popular destination for elopements and weddings due to its unique landscape of cliffs, ocean, and forest.

Most state parks in Big Sur require permits for elopements, except for Limekiln State Park. These permits have specific restrictions on guest count and decorations. For example, Garrapata State Park permits cost $400 for up to 25 people or $550 for up to 50 people, with a $75 rush fee for permits requested less than 60 days prior to the event date.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers "standard" and "elopement" special event permits. The standard permit is for events with more than ten people, while the elopement permit is for weddings of ten people or fewer that take place at hike-in locations. The cost of the elopement permit for Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and Limekiln State Park is $425 for up to 10 people, with a $75 rush fee for permits requested less than 45 days in advance.

It's important to note that each state park in Big Sur has its own rules and regulations for obtaining an elopement permit, and these rules may change over time. It's recommended to apply for permits as early as possible to secure your desired date and location, as well as to avoid additional fees and restrictions.

Vendors: Big Sur has numerous local vendors, including photographers, caterers, and officiants, who can help create a memorable wedding experience

Big Sur has a plethora of local vendors who can help you create a memorable wedding experience.

For catering, you can choose from a variety of options, such as Sea Stars Catering & Events, which cooks up delicious locally sourced dishes, or Fire on Wheels, a mobile wood-fired catering service that can travel to your location. There's also Amapola Kitchen & Wine Merchant, where Chef Crystal Birkemeier, trained at Le Cordon Bleu, and her husband, an Advanced Level Sommelier, can provide expert catering services.

When it comes to capturing your special day, Big Sur has no shortage of talented photographers. Maria Villano Photography, based in Carmel, Monterey, Big Sur, and beyond, specializes in California weddings and elopements. Creative Images Photography, established in 1979 and based in Monterey, CA, is home to award-winning photographer Larry Nordwick. Another option is Tatiana Scher Photography, based out of Carmel, CA, which has been capturing romantic engagements and unique elopements since 2017.

Big Sur also offers a range of officiants and premarital counseling services to help you with the legal and ceremonial aspects of your wedding.

With so many talented vendors to choose from, you're sure to create a dream wedding that reflects your unique style and personality.

Frequently asked questions