You’re not planning a traditional wedding day, you’re creating something intentional, immersive, and deeply personal. Whether you're exchanging vows along the cliffs of Big Sur, hosting an intimate celebration in Carmel by the sea, or eloping beneath towering redwoods, your experience deserves to be captured with care, artistry, and intention.
I’m Shannon, a Big Sur wedding and elopement photographer specializing in documenting elevated celebrations set against California’s most iconic landscapes. My approach blends editorial composition with honest, unscripted moments on digital and film so your photos feel both refined and real.
California wedding and elopement photographer Documenting refined, intimate weddings and elopements across Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey, and the California coast
As a California wedding photographer, I Serve clients looking to get married in Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, Pebble Beach, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Napa Valley, Sonoma, along Highway 1. and wherever else your love story takes me.
Whether you're planning a coastal elopement, a luxury estate wedding, or an intimate destination celebration, I travel throughout California to photograph weddings and elopements in places that feel unforgettable.
Your wedding isn’t just about how it looks, it’s about how it feels. The wind off the ocean, the quiet in-between moments, the way everything slows down when you’re fully present.
My work is rooted in:
– Thoughtful composition inspired by editorial and fine art photography
– A calm, guided presence so you feel comfortable and confident
– Capturing genuine emotion without forcing moments
– Creating imagery that feels timeless, not trendy
The result is a gallery that reflects your day with depth, movement, and meaning.
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
Big Sur is one of the most breathtaking places in the world to get married—and for good reason. Dramatic cliffs, endless ocean views, and rugged landscapes create a setting that feels both expansive and intimate at the same time.
From iconic locations along Highway 1 to hidden coastal overlooks and redwood groves, I help couples find locations that align with their vision while creating an experience that feels effortless.
Whether you're planning:
– A Sunset elopement overlooking the Pacific
– A ceremony at a private Big Sur venue
– A multi-day wedding weekend along the coast
I’ll document it in a way that feels elevated, natural, and true to you.
Big Sur Wedding + Elopement Photography
While Big Sur is at the heart of my work, I photograph weddings and elopements throughout California, including:
Carmel & Monterey – Coastal charm, historic venues, and soft ocean light
Napa & Sonoma – Vineyard weddings with a refined, luxury feel
Santa Barbara – Spanish architecture and coastal elegance
San Luis Obispo – Rolling hills and romantic countryside venues
Yosemite National Park – Epic landscapes for adventurous elopements
Lake Tahoe – Mountain views paired with alpine lakes
If your vision is rooted in beautiful scenery and intentional design, I’ll meet you there.
California Wedding Locations I Serve
From the moment you inquire, my goal is to make this process feel easy and inspiring.
You’ll receive:
– location recommendations across Big Sur and California if needed for your elopement or micro wedding.
– Timeline guidance to ensure the best light and flow for your day
– Vendor recommendations tailored to your vision if needed
– A calm, supportive presence throughout your wedding or elopement
– Direction when needed, while leaving space for real moments to unfold
This is more than photos it’s a fully supported experience from start to finish.