You want a day filled with unforgettable adventures and memories that will last a lifetime. Eloping in Big Sur is one of the most iconic and romantic ways to get married on the West Coast. With dramatic coastal cliffs, towering redwoods, and sweeping ocean views, Big Sur offers an intimate and breathtaking setting for couples who want their wedding day to feel meaningful, intentional, and deeply connected to nature.
So you want to elope on the California Coast
-Garrapata Bluff Overlooks-
My personal favorite. This is one of the most popular elopement locations in Big Sur, and for good reasons! Garrapata Bluff offers sweeping ocean views and easy roadside access. It’s ideal for couples who want iconic coastal scenery without a long hike.
-Pfeiffer Beach-
Known for its dramatic rock formations and purple sand, Pfeiffer Beach is perfect for couples wanting a moody, coastal elopement. Sunset ceremonies here are especially stunning, though tides and access should be planned carefully.
-Redwood Groves-
For couples who prefer a forest setting, Big Sur’s redwood groves offer a quiet, intimate atmosphere surrounded by towering trees. These locations feel peaceful, grounded, and incredibly timeless.
Best Places to Elope
in Big Sur and surrounding areas
Most Big Sur elopement locations are within California State Parks, which require:
A Special Event Permit,
A California marriage license, Adherence to guest limits, and location-specific rules
Permits help protect the environment and ensure public access remains available. It’s important to apply early, as Big Sur permits can be limited and in high demand.
Working with experienced vendors who understand the permitting process can make this step much easier.
Permits & Legal Requirements for Eloping in Big Sur
1. Dramatic Coastal Bluffs That Feel Iconic Big Sur’s rugged coastal bluffs create a setting that feels cinematic and timeless. Standing above the ocean with endless views offers a sense of scale and significance that naturally elevates the moment without needing anything extra.
2. A Deep Sense of Privacy and Intimacy. Despite its popularity, Big Sur offers countless quiet moments, especially on weekdays. Couples who elope here often want a ceremony that feels personal and uninterrupted, where the focus stays fully on each other. This is where Big Sur shines .
3. An Experience That Feels Grounded and Meaningful. Eloping in Big Sur encourages couples to slow down. The quiet, the movement of the ocean, and the openness of the bluffs create space for reflection and presence, making the experience feel less like an event and more like a moment you truly live in. The colors, textures, and light in Big Sur feel naturally refined with soft greens, deep blues, and earthy neutrals. Couples drawn to minimal, intentional design love that the landscape does the work, allowing the day to feel elevated without excess.
Why Couples love the idea of eloping in
Big Sur
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