Magical Forest Elopement in Big Sur, CA

A Big Sur elopement. Is there any place more magical and with a more diverse landscape to elope? The 150 miles of the Big Sur coast along Highway 1 have redwood forests, rugged cliffs that plunge into crystal blue waters, and even a beach front waterfall. This stretch of land is truly a national treasure and personally one of my favorite places in California.

Jeff and I have traveled to Big Sur quite a bit over the last 7 years and it’s just one of those places that feels like the first time every time you visit (queue the song “it feeeeels like the very first time”). So when Alyssa and Joe asked me if I would be down to photograph their elopement in the redwoods of Big Sur, let’s just say I basically already had my bag packed before we hung up from our call.

As if the draw of going to Big Sur to photograph their elopement wasn’t enough, Alyssa and Joe are just the kind of people you would do anything for. They’re incredibly kind and thoughtful and are ALWAYS first in line for any kind of adventure.

They had planned to get married on their 10th anniversary in Hawaii this past summer, but like so many couples this past year, Covid forced them to quickly pivot from their original plans. They decided instead to keep with their original date and elope just the two of them in Big Sur. I love how determined they were to still get married and to honor their relationship and their commitment to each other.

Big Sur obviously has TONS of gorgeous spots for an elopement along the coast, but since Alyssa and Joe envisioned saying their vows underneath big beautiful redwoods, I knew the perfect spot for their elopement would be Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. This beautiful state park is about halfway up the Big Sur coast and right on the western edge of the Santa Lucia Mountains. There are towering redwoods, sweeping mountain views, and tranquil paths along the Big Sur River.

The day was magical and the people were lovely. I’m so happy for them and so grateful for the chance to document their adventure.

Need a photographer for your elopement in Big Sur? If you couldn’t already tell, it’s one of my absolute favorite places to travel to and somewhere I know like the back of my hand. Slide into my inbox and let’s make it happen!