We talk a lot about how to have a timeless wedding. We want our couples to look back 20 years from now and still dream about having that same exact day again and again. Big Sur venues are timeless as the forest will always transcend the trends and themes that dominate the modern wedding space. 

If you are looking at Big Sur venues, you can expect to feel the sense of occasion. The fresh air. The ocean breeze. The gentle mist enveloping you in a way that only seems possible in this fairy tale of a place. Where the rolling mountains stand tall alongside the powerful sea. As a local Big Sur wedding photographer, this is one of my favorite places to be.

Planning your Big Sur Wedding

If you are just starting your wedding planning process, check out our tips and tricks on how to plan a wedding in Big Sur! That is where we discuss the best time of year for a Big Sur wedding (it might surprise you!), the time of day you should have your wedding, and logistics on both a big wedding and a Big Sur elopement.

How to budget for a $20000 wedding? The first factor is guest count. Once you know your size restrictions you can choose a venue. The number of guests also impacts how much food you will be budgeting for. As far as choosing your photographer, I can’t spotlight the importance of this enough: you need someone who knows the area like the back of their hand. There aren’t foggy forests in LA. Which is to say, it can be really challenging for photographers who AREN’T local to photograph here. The magical beast that is Big Sur is wild, untouched, detached, organic, spontaneous, and adventurous- if that’s your wedding’s calling, you couldn’t have picked a better place!

Heavy scouting, relationship building, and backup plans are all things you’ll want your photographer to have in their arsenal when it comes to your special day here. Now, I’m a destination photographer- I’ve been all over the states from Texas to New York, plus New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Arizona, and Tennessee off the top of my head- but I’m local to Carmel in my heart and soul! Having photographed a wide range of locations, you can count on me to get the BEST photos for your favorite day.

Best Big Sur Venues for your Wedding

Post Ranch Inn

My last visit to Post Ranch Inn was when Nazeli contacted me through Instagram for hers and David’s Big Sur anniversary session. These two have been together since 2009! They met in school when they were around twelve/thirteen, then re-met in the workplace. Nazeli and David stayed at Post Ranch Inn for their Big Sur anniversary session. The area is one of their favorite places in California! 

Accommodation: There are ten different houses / suites to choose from at this Big Sur venue. To be honest, the Tree House (exactly as you would imagine) has our creativity sparked!

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

For Jon and Ariana’s intimate luxury wedding in Big Sur, the couple choose to stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea before making their way to Big Sur. If you’re not sure about staying overnight at Big Sur, the drive from Carmel is only an hour!

Jon and Ariana got ready at the CUTEST and coziest Cypress Inn. The Mediterranean influence brought style and classiness to its overall feel and decor inside and out! It has so much character and luxury right in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. 

For their wedding ceremony they gathered with their families at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The Big Sur Sector allows various events at this park with an approved Special Event Permit. Events staged at this park are best for couples envisioning a low-key event in a rustic, outdoor location.  This is the only park in the sector with “exclusive access” event sites.  Special Events include weddings, elopements, receptions, and rehearsal/welcome dinners.

Big Sur Venues – State Parks Reservations

Can you get married on the beach in Big Sur? Absolutely! If you are interested in a wedding at one of Big Sur’s State Parks: Andrew Molera State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, or Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, contact the Wedding Special Event Permit Office at BigSurEvents@parks.ca.gov or call 831-667-0507. They can provide you with a Special Event Information Packet, check the calendar for availability, or help you apply for a Special Event Permit.

Ventana Big Sur

One of the most incredible Big Sur venue choices is Ventana Inn. There are SO many options for weddings! The Sur Vista option is romantically secluded. As a stunning outdoor terrace, the venue is exclusively dedicated to exchanging vows! If you are choosing Big Sur for the redwoods, you can have your ceremony at their Redwood Cathedral. Surrounded by the natural sanctuary of the Redwoods, this outdoor ceremony space invites you and your guests to connect with the awe-inspiring forest during your vows. Now if you are planning an elopement, the best place for vows is their Circle of Life. Here you’ll find an intimate, peaceful outdoor area encircled by majestic old-growth trees. There is a 10 guest max for this choice. 

Psst – if you are considering an elopement check out our Ultimate Big Sur Elopement Guide.

At Ventana, it feels like an enclave tucked among the forests with all of the epic landscapes and textures. If you’re looking for a venue that makes it seem like you’re in your own little world, this is the one! It’s one of my favorite venues in the area for any and every special occasion! I’ve shot maternity sessions, surprise proposals, engagements, weddings, and more here!

Accommodations: Choose between guest rooms, suites, or glamping! A true experience for everyone. 

Glen Oaks

I love their slogan for weddings, “we’ll provide the canvas, you create the masterpiece.”  We will certainly create a masterpiece of your big day here! At Glen Oaks you can wed under majestic redwood trees and have the gentle babbling of the Big Sur River in the background. A tranquil experience for your ceremony. For your reception, Big Sur Roadhouse offers the back terrace surrounded by twinkle lights, redwood trees and outdoor heat lamps; the interior dining room with fireplaces, stylish décor and a bar area. When you buyout the restaurant, you will also have access to the front terrace with comfortable couches and outdoor fire pits. A cozy experience for all!

Accommodations: There are several options for your overnight stay at Glen Oaks. Choose between lodge rooms, cabins, cottages, or – my favorite – the Bridge House. Bridge House is a perfect blend of rustic timber, glass, geometry and light. Located in the southernmost section of the 20 acre hotel property, it is accessed solely by crossing a 150 foot suspension footbridge. Think of the photos!!

Wind & Sea Estate

Every couple of years, I have a pair planning to wed at Wind & Sea Estate. It’s one of the prettiest Big Sur venues down the south coast and I love having the opportunity to shoot there! It’s also right next door to the iconic McWay Falls, perfect for couple photos!

Wedding tip: it’s always a great idea to have your getting ready, first look, ceremony, and reception all in the same place if you can. The Wind & Sea Estate can facilitate all of these! If you are looking for inspiration, the colors and details of Alissa and Sean’s Big Sur wedding were all so vibrant, whimsical, and romantic. Right down to the gorgeous warm red dresses the bridesmaids wore!

Accommodations: Your booking of the 3,000 square foot home covers use for up to 6 guests for overnight use. Additional overnight guests may be added for a fee, for a maximum 12 guests.

Big Sur River Inn

There are good bones and history in the Big Sur River Inn. You feel like you are a part of something. The stone fireplace and riverside deck makes everything feel intimate and private. Danielle and Josh had a Big Sur River Inn wedding on a perfect and sunny day. Our couple exchanged their vows just outside the inn, but for smaller weddings, you can get married right next to the river.

Accommodations: There were two different sites: Riverside Camping Grounds and Cabins and Big Sur River Inn Campgrounds. 

Psst – At the Riverside Campground And Cabins – I think it would be dreamy to have pictures floating down the river with your lover in an inner-tube. I can make it happen! And the majestic redwoods all around. It can’t be beaten for that enchanted forest look in your wedding!

Let’s Connect for Scouting Big Sur Venues and Photography

If you are ready to pick your Big Sur venue and plan your wedding, let’s connect! If you want to learn more about Big Sur, I have you covered with my Local’s Guide to Big Sur. Happy planning!