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!
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