The beautiful and dramatic oceanside cliffs and redwood forests make Big Sur one of the most romantic places for an adventurous elopement or intimate wedding. Couples travel from all over the world to say “I do” here and to experience a quintessential California adventure.
Since many couples travel from out of town to tie the knot in one of California’s most scenic destinations, one of the first things they want to know is where should we stay? There are many beautiful accommodation options in and around Big Sur from luxury resorts to cozy cabins and everything in between. This guide will walk you through some of the best accommodation options in the area for different preferences and budgets.
Places to Stay and Get Married in Big Sur
I wanted to start off with listing a few accommodations where you can both stay and have your elopement or intimate wedding ceremony. A lot of couples like these options best as it makes planning pretty simple and can sometimes save on overall costs by eliminating permit fees, venue rentals, etc. Please note that many of these hotels do require a fee to get married on their property (with the exception of Glen Oaks Big Sur), so sometimes it is more economical to just stay there and have your ceremony at one of the state parks. It’s totally up to you how you want to go about it!
Glen Oaks is a rustic-modern boutique lodge in the redwoods off highway 1. They have rooms in their motor lodge, standalone cottages and cabins, as well as a private two-bedroom house over the river. Glen Oaks is in one of the best and most beautiful private redwood groves in Big Sur, and offers lots of options for beautiful ceremony spots and places for portraits around the beautiful river and trees.
One of my favorite things about Glen Oaks is that if you are staying there as a guest you can hold a small elopement ceremony (just the two of you, an officiant, and a photographer) for free! If you would like to include guests you can also reserve a ceremony spot for a fee. They have a small ceremony spot called the fairy ring that is very secluded and can only be accessed by a footbridge that goes over the river. You can also book a larger ceremony spot on the property if you are interested in a larger wedding.
This lodge is located inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park among beautiful redwood trees with easy access to trails and a beautiful outdoor ceremony space. This is one of the more budget friendly options for a stay in Big Sur, with rustic cabin style units in the forest. The lodge is very nature focused and offers the opportunity for an unplugged stay with no TVs or alarm clocks in their cabins. If you’re looking to be fully immersed in nature with lots of outdoor activities nearby then this is the perfect spot for you.
This estate is definitely on the more luxury side of things, but is perfect if you are looking for a private oceanfront property to stay and have your wedding. This is the best place to stay if you’re looking to do everything in one place with your closest friends and family like getting ready, a ceremony, portraits with beautiful views, a reception or small celebration, and some pre or post wedding relaxation. This estate has soaking tubs, a sauna, and outdoor showers all overlooking the pacific ocean. From the stunning and dramatic ocean views found all over the property, to the beautiful gardens, thoughtfully designed interior, and stairway leading down to the beach, this is truly one of the most beautiful spots for an intimate wedding in Big Sur.
This is one of the most luxurious adults only resorts in Big Sur, with a large property spanning both the coastline and redwood forests, upscale suites, fine dining, multiple pools, and Japanese hot baths for relaxing. You can have your elopement ceremony on the property either in the forest or overlooking the ocean if you book the hotel’s elopement package. Ceremony spots at Ventana are very private and secluded with breathtaking views, and the hotel boasts amazing food, top tier service, and a high end experience from start to finish. This is definitely a splurge worthy spot if you are looking to go all out for your elopement or small wedding.
The Best Luxury Stay in Big Sur
If you’re looking to really splurge on your stay while planning a ceremony at a different venue or in one of the state parks then the Post Ranch Inn is your spot. This is a luxury adults only resort high up on the cliffs with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Their suits are rustic-modern and gorgeous with sweeping views, the restaurant onsite is a phenomenal fine dining experience, and there is an infinity pool, basking pools, a full service spa, daily wellness classes, and guided nature walks to take advantage of during your stay.
This is also the perfect backdrop for getting ready photos as each room has huge windows that let in beautiful soft lighting and breathtaking views of the redwood forests or the ocean. Capturing the intimate moments of the start of your day like your beautiful dress hanging near the windows, getting your hair and make up done, and doing a first look with your significant other on the balcony while exchanging some private words always produce some of the most loved and personal photos in your gallery. The setting at Post Ranch Inn really can’t be beat for creating a meaningful elopement experience.
The Post Ranch Inn is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to combine your elopement with a luxury honeymoon as well. Take advantage of being in one of the most beautiful spots in California with a relaxing few days to celebrate the start of your marriage!
Budget Friendly Options in Big Sur
This is a historic and rustic inn tucked into a redwood canyon off of Highway 1. Here you will find hand-built redwood cabins in a Norwegian style, beautiful gardens, a cozy farm-to-table restaurant, and a fully unplugged experience with no cell service, WiFi, TV, or room phones. There is a beautiful waterfall, creek, and redwood trees all around the inn as well so it’s easy to be fully immersed in nature. This is the perfect place to stay for couples who are looking to be off-grid and enjoy the beautiful scenery during their elopement.
This inn is a boutique hotel that is a bit more lux but not quite the splurge of Ventana or Post Ranch Inn. It is set high on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the north side of Big Sur. There are ocean spa tubs, a beautiful outdoor garden, a terrace lounge that’s perfect for sunset, and an evening wine and cheese reception. This is a great option if you’re looking for stunning ocean views and modern comforts during your stay.
Why Choosing The Right Stay For You Matters
Your elopement day is much more than just a quick ceremony – it should be an entire experience that feels like a true celebration of the huge milestone that you’re taking in your relationship. The best elopements are ones that reflect your values and interests as a couple, and feel both meaningful and exciting from start to finish. My job as your photographer and planner is to bring your vision to life and then capture it in a way that feels beautiful and authentic.
Some of the best parts of an elopement day are the moments that aren’t planned for. The quiet looks you give each other, the way you squeeze each other’s hands for comfort, the trail you decided to go down on a whim because it looked cool. This all starts in your hotel room where you’ll be buzzing with all the excitement and anticipation of what’s about to come.
These unspoken and intimate moments while you’re getting ready are always some of my favorites to capture, and where you decide to stay will set the tone for these moments. The way the light hits and how the space is designed inspire creativity in the photography process and allow me to tell the story of your day from the very beginning.
There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to where to stay, only what is best for you and the experience you are looking to have. My job is to make sure that your story is told in a way that feels most genuine to who you are and how your day feels.
If you’re looking to elope in Big Sur and want help with both planning and photography feel free to reach out to me here. Once you fill out my contact form I will be in touch so we can start planning the best day for you!
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