Here is a local Big Sur photographer’s Tips & Tricks Planning a Wedding In Big Sur. Like any location, there are a few specific things to keep in mind, but Big Sur presents unique challenges. Don’t let that scare you though! It’s a gorgeous place to have your big day, and I’m here to help 200% of the way!
The Time of Year in Big Sur
Big Sur has wonderful nature backdrops and a magical, coastline forest charm. But with that also comes foggy and rainy day weather during certain times of the year. Of course, if you’re planning on holding your wedding indoors, the weather is less of an issue to troubleshoot for. The thick and heavy clouds don’t have to be your enemy- they can make for a one of a kind, mystical and dreamy aesthetic for your photos. A lot of couples will hold off on Winter weddings and sometimes, the winter season has the best weather.
The Time of Day in Big Sur
The trees in Big Sur are extraordinary and SO tall that you need to plan for when the sunshine will be trickling through them during the day. This means you’ll want to pay extra attention to when the most important festivities are going to take place. The time of day makes for timeless photos. Filtered sunlight is a photographer’s dream and it really elevates the elegance in picture-taking!
Logistics in Big Sur
Planning on glamping, or staying at a hotel? Both are loads of fun but are different experiences. There’s a lot of charm and romance that comes with glamping but it can be sensitive to size in a way that staying in a hotel wouldn’t. Venues like Post Ranch and Ventana have more rooms and indoor locations, which is more ideal for bigger parties, especially when it comes to shuttling people to places. I would highly recommend keeping your entire wedding in the same place- nobody in their right mind wants to deal with traffic!
Permits in Big Sur
Last-minute elopements of up to 3 people are quick to do on the coastline. While of course, permits are required, they may be easier to get in this number. Bigger weddings will need more planning behind the scenes with venues so getting permits can be a little trickier. I love big weddings, but at this time especially, I encourage smaller, more intimate ceremonies! A wedding can be small and still have a BIG heart! Hopping around is much easier with fewer people too!
Hire A Local Photographer for Big Sur
I can’t spotlight the importance of this enough: you want someone who knows the area like the back of their hand. There aren’t foggy forests in LA, that 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, relations, 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!
I hope these Tips & Tricks planning a wedding in Big Sur were educational! Contact me here and I’ll happily photograph your Big Sur memories!
Some places to check out!
Riverside Campground and Cabins
Stay tuned for our full guide on Big Sur coming soon!
These are such gorgeous photos! These tips and tricks are really insightful!
Hi! Thank you! We love creating content for couples trying to plan from far afar. Hiring a local is for sure the way to go! We’ve got the skinny on the locations!
Great advice! I love your redwood photos. Where were these taken?
HI! Thanks for following! I have a few secret locations in Big Sur, however, there are parks that allow you to walk within them. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is an awesome one. However, if you want to stay closer to Carmel there are great little hotels that allow you in their woods if you stay with them. Such as Glen Oaks, The Henrey Miller Library, and more!
It’s a beautiful place! Perfect for a ceremony!
I couldn’t agree more! Especially when the light shines through the trees… the absolute best!
I love the pictures! Seems like a great location.
Thank you, Big Sur is a great location for elopements, intimate weddings and large weddings. Great area to disconnect and take in nature all around.
So many pretty shots of Big Sur! Love this and all of the great tips and locations! Gorgeous girl!!
Hi! Thanks for reading! I’m enjoying writing these little guides to help couples plan and decide where they want their special day to take place. You of all people know of amazing Big Sur really is! xo
Great tips for a Big Sur wedding! Such a gorgeous place and you do an incredible job photographing weddings there!
Thank you! Anytime you two want to be photographed on the coastline,just let me know!
The details and pictures about this location make me want to get married here! Loved hearing great things about this place with great pictures to back them up.
thanks for following! I want to get married here too! I love it when couples choose Big Sur, it never disappoints!
The fog is definitely an issue up there. I love the advice of having a local photographer that is used to shooting in the fog and understands the traffic delays of the area. Beautiful pictures and great tips.
Hi Kendra, thanks for reading. Local is KEY! We understand the weather, know what locations are open and are the first in the know if something changes in Big Sur!
This article was super insightful! Great information and stunning locations!
Thank you! Great to see you’re following! You’ll have to visit Big Sur sometime!
The landscape is gorgeous! Certainly a beautiful place to hold such a wonderful occasion.
Stunning place, Big Sur is great for many different occasions, elopements, weddings, family getaway, a weekend trip – it’s always ready to go!
Wow Amandarose! You have taken some beautiful shots in Big Sur! Taking photos of couples & families in those magical settings around the central coast is certainly a special way to capture memories!
thanks for reading! Love Big Sur, by far my favorite spot to explore and adventure in with my couples!
Great tips with even more beautiful pictures. I’m planning my trip now!
Let me know if you need any help along the way!