Big Sur Elopement In Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Magical Forest Elopement in Big Sur, CA

Man oh man, a Big Sur elopement. Is there any place more magical and with a more diverse landscape to say your vows? The 150 miles of the Big Sur coast along Highway 1 have redwood forests, rugged cliffs that plunge down 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 all of California.

Jeff and I have traveled to Big Sur quite a bit over the last 10 years and it’s just one of those places that feels like the first time every single time you visit. Every single time you come around that bend and you see the coastline get more dramatic and more majestic, it just really is something that knocks your socks off every time.

A Change of Plans Leading to Big Sur Magic

This couple had planned to get married on their 10th dating anniversary in Hawaii, but unfortunately had to quickly pivot from their original plans due to some unforeseen circumstances. 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.  

As if the draw of going to Big Sur to photograph their elopement wasn’t enough, these two are just the kind of people you would do anything for. They’re incredibly kind and thoughtful and are just an absolute joy to be around. So when this couple 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.

Pivoting wedding plans is never easy, but there is something so wonderful and magical that comes out of stripping away all the big plans and refocusing on just the aspects of your day that matter most: celebrating your love and your story together in one of the most beautiful places on earth. 

Why Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Was the Perfect Fit

Big Sur obviously has tons of gorgeous spots for an elopement along the coast, but since these two 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 that follow alongside the Big Sur River.  

When couples tell me they want redwoods for their ceremony, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is always top of mind for a few specific reasons:

Inland Microclimate Protection

While coastal Big Sur can bring heavy ocean fog and direct coastal winds, stepping into the redwood canopy at Pfeiffer offers a peaceful, sheltered atmosphere filled with warm dappled light filtering through ancient trees (i.e. the absolute perfect environment for photos!).

Intimate Trail Access

The river trails and quiet redwood groves offer easily accessible, flat paths that feel totally secluded, giving couples a quiet space to slow down and take in every single moment without a stressful hike.

Ease of Logistics

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is one of the few spots along the central coast that offers explicit special event permitting for low key, hike in intimate elopements under ten people, keeping things low stress and legally seamless for couples keeping it simple. You can find out more information about permits for this location on the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Special Events/Filming page.

Saying Their Vows Under Ancient Giants

When the day finally arrived, the atmosphere in the forest was truly magical. The air in the redwoods always smells like sweet pine and damp earth, and the light coming through the canopy gave everything a soft, ethereal glow.

Because it was just the two of them, the entire timeline moved at their pace. There was no rushing from agenda item to agenda item and no stressful timing constraints. We walked down a peaceful dirt path running alongside the clear, rushing waters of the Big Sur River until we reached a secluded grove of old growth redwoods.

Standing between those towering trees—some of which have been standing for hundreds of years—they held hands and spoke their vows. It was the exact opposite of the big wedding they had planned, and it was absolutely perfect. It was an intimate, meaningful, and personal ceremony that could have only come out of wildly altered plans.

Exploring the Forest & Riverbank

Following their ceremony, we spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the park’s serene trail network. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers so much variety in a relatively condensed area. We wandered down to the edge of the Big Sur River to catch the soft light hitting the water, taking full advantage of the lush ferns and deep green hues surrounding us.

Whether we were stopping on a wooden footbridge or paused beneath a hollowed out redwood trunk, every backdrop felt like stepping into a fairytale. Because they were so relaxed and present with one another, capturing candid, genuine moments was such a DREAM!

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

Dreaming of Your Own Big Sur Elopement?

If you’re considering an elopement in California, Big Sur truly offers an experience unlike anywhere else on earth. Whether your dream day looks like standing under giant redwoods at Pfeiffer State Park, feeling the ocean breeze on a coastal cliffside, or watching the sunset over the Pacific, eloping allows you to create a wedding day that is entirely whatever you want to make of it.

I actually wrote a whole guide on how to elope in Big Sur and all of the logistics that you need to know!

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. Head on over to my contact page and let’s make it happen!