Big Sur has an impressive variety of gorgeousness from some of the most iconic California coastlines to stunning redwoods and rivers.
Please be aware that you need to acquire a Special Use Permit, specifically an Elopement Permit for all Big Sur locations. The permit allows for a maximum of 10 people total (that includes you two, me, and the photographer in the count!) or 8 people total if you choose a campsite as your location. As listed in our contract, it is your responsibility to acquire this permit but I’m more than happy to guide you through the entire process to make it as easy as possible.
Please note if a permit is not obtained for your elopement, you are subject to a citation fine of up to $500 USD. No one needs that kind of stress on elopement day, so let’s not mess around!
Location & Permit Process for Big Sur
Step 1: Choosing a Location
Please note that there are several state parks and beaches in this 90-mile stretch of coastline, which is why I’m going to break it down by park/beach with specific locations listed within that park/beach.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
This beautiful nature preserve is perfect for an easy, “drive-up and let’s be gorgeous” kind of experience! Point Lobos‘ features include:
- Easy to find
- Lots of surrounding vegetation
- A well-maintained accessible dirt path (great for those with mobility issues) along the cliffs with stunning views everywhere
- Easy hiking
- Paved road/paved parking lot
- Restrooms
- 10 minutes from Carmel
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
I love this spot because it offers a playful variety of scenes from redwood trees scattered about, gentle views along Big Sur River Gorge Trail, and a mix of live oak, redwoods, and mountains along Valley View and Pfeiffer Falls Trail. Features include:
- A popular spot that is easy to find
- Lots of trees (live oak and redwoods)
- Big Sur River and Pfeiffer Redwood Creek
- Easy wandering
- Easy to moderate hiking
- Paved road/paved parking lot
- Restrooms
- Near a restaurant
- 45 minutes from Carmel, 30 minutes from San Simeon
IMPORTANT UPDATE
This Park was impacted by the 2020 fires, so please check the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park website for updates on what is open.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
This is a location for the intimate and adventurous, as it is full of moderate to hard hiking to cool spots like The Tin House, Ewoldsen Trail, and McWay Falls. Features include:
- Moderate crowds
- Lots of trees (live oak and redwoods)
- Sweeping views
- Moderate to hard hiking (we’re talking 4+ miles and steep)
- Stunning views
- Roadside dirt parking
- 1 hour from Carmel, 75 minutes from San Simeon
IMPORTANT UPDATE
This Park was heavily impacted by the 2020 fires, so please check the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park website for updates on what is open.
Garrapata State Park
Garrapata is special because it has some of the most accessible coastlines in the Big Sur area. Choose this location if you’re looking for easy access to sweeping views up on the cliffs. Spots like Sobranes Point and Garrapata Bluff Trail make it easy to understand why this is a popular spot.
Features include:
- Easy to find and easy access
- Open spaces with sweeping seacliff views
- Easy to wander
- Easy hiking
- Roadside dirt parking
- Only 15 minutes from Carmel
Andrew Molera State Park
This park has a bit of everything! It has so many beautiful trails that are perfect for elopements like Bobcat Trail, Molera State Park River Trail, and Creamy Meadows. Andrew Molera Park‘s features include:
- Not hard to find but easy to miss
- Huge variety of looks – meadows, trees, rivers, beach, rolling hills
- Easy wandering
- Easy to difficult hiking
- Paved road and dirt parking lot
- 45 minutes from Carmel
Step 2: Applying for the Permit
Please note that for all of the Big Sur Parks that you may submit your elopement permit application up to 6 months in advance but must submit it at least 45 days in advance to be considered.
For Pfeiffer Big Sur, Julia Pfeiffer Burns, or Andrew Molera State Parks:
Download the Big Sur Special Use Permit application by clicking here, fill out the application specifying that you’re applying for an Elopement Permit, and email it to the Special Park Use Coordinator at bigsurevents@parks.ca.gov. In case you need to call, the number is (831) 667-0507. If you submit the application more than 30 days in advance, the permit will be $300 USD plus the refundable damage deposit. If you need it rushed (less than 30 days out), it will cost $400 USD plus the refundable damage deposit.
For Point Lobos State Reserve or Garrapata State Park:
Download the Point Lobos / Garrapata Special Use Permit application by clicking here, fill out the application specifying that you’re applying for an Elopement Permit, and email it to the Special Park Use Coordinator, Fleccia Wilson, at Fleccia.Wilson@parks.ca.gov, to get the application and payment information. In case you need to call, the number is (831) 624-3407. The permit will be $400 USD plus the refundable damage deposit and will require event insurance (download the info here). You can usually get this for about $60-100 through companies like TheEventHelper.com.
Once approved, your permit will be sent to you.
Step 3: Email me a copy of the Permit
Once you have the approved permit, please email me a backup copy! You know how much I love to have backups and a Plan B, C, and D just in case, so I’ll add it to your file and have it handy on elopement day too.