Eloping in Big Sur, CA
Eloping on the California Coast: A Dreamy October Escape to Big Sur
There’s something undeniably magical about eloping on the California coast, and when it comes to an intimate and unforgettable destination, Big Sur stands as the epitome of romance. With its stunning cliffs, mist-kissed coastlines, and endless ocean views, Big Sur provides the perfect backdrop for couples looking to exchange vows away from the hustle and bustle of traditional weddings.
And what better time to elope than in October? With its temperate climate, fewer crowds, and an atmosphere of tranquil beauty, this autumn month offers an ideal time to embark on your romantic journey along the rugged coastline. If you're dreaming of an intimate ceremony and a celebration of love that reflects your unique bond, here’s how planning personalized activities like a picnic and a unity celebration can elevate your Big Sur elopement.
Why Choose Big Sur in October?
October is often considered one of the best months to visit Big Sur. The weather is typically mild, with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s, making it a comfortable choice for outdoor ceremonies. The vibrant fall colors begin to grace the landscape, with golden hues blending with the surrounding emerald greens, creating a picturesque setting for your vows. The crowds are much smaller compared to the summer months, offering a sense of peaceful seclusion and intimacy.
What makes Big Sur particularly special for eloping is the sheer diversity of settings available. From the dramatic cliffs that drop straight into the Pacific Ocean to the lush redwood forests, there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring locations to tie the knot. Whether you choose a cliffside ceremony with the ocean as your backdrop or a serene spot tucked away among towering trees, Big Sur offers a range of landscapes to fit every couple's vision.
Creating a Meaningful Elopement Experience: Picnics and Unity Celebrations
Elopements are all about celebrating your love in a way that feels true to you—no traditions that don’t resonate or details that don’t bring you joy. Instead, it’s about curating a day that captures your essence as a couple. One of the best ways to enhance your Big Sur elopement experience is by incorporating special activities like a picnic and a unity celebration, both of which bring an extra layer of connection and personalization to your day.
1. The Picnic: A Celebration of Simple Joys
There’s something wonderfully intimate about sharing a meal in a breathtaking setting, and what better place to enjoy a picnic than in the heart of Big Sur? You could arrange a gourmet picnic at one of the area’s secluded beaches or near a scenic overlook with sweeping views of the Pacific. Think cozy blankets, fresh fruit, artisanal cheese, and locally made bread paired with a bottle of crisp wine. It’s a way to savor the moment while indulging in simple pleasures, enjoying each other’s company without the distractions of a grand event.
Opting for a picnic after the ceremony also provides a private space to reflect on your vows and savor the moment. As you sit together, sharing your favorite bites and taking in the landscape around you, you’ll create memories that feel more personal and intimate. Plus, a picnic offers a relaxed vibe—there’s no rush, just a peaceful and organic way to connect with each other, nature, and your love.
2. Unity Celebration: A Symbolic Moment of Connection
While traditional weddings often include rituals like lighting a unity candle or tying a knot, elopements offer the freedom to make this moment uniquely yours. The unity celebration, whether through the joining of hands, blending of two different colored sands, or even a wine or water pouring ceremony, is an intimate and meaningful way to represent the merging of two lives.
A sand ceremony, for example, involves each partner pouring a different colored sand into a single vessel, creating a beautiful and lasting memento of your union. This symbolic ritual is the perfect addition to a Big Sur elopement, especially if you’re near a beach or with a view of the ocean. If you’d prefer something even more personalized, you could opt for writing your own vows and exchanging them during the ceremony—perhaps on a cliff with the vastness of the Pacific Ocean in the background, or beneath the sheltering canopy of a forest.
These unity celebrations aren’t just symbolic; they deepen the emotional connection you share, making your elopement not just a ceremony, but an experience that reflects who you are as a couple.
Capturing the Moment: Photography & Memories
Of course, you’ll want to document your elopement in the most meaningful way possible. Big Sur offers endless photo opportunities, from golden sunsets over the ocean to misty mornings in the redwoods. Having a professional photographer who knows the area can help you capture stunning images that will remind you of the beauty and love of the day.
Consider capturing not just the ceremony, but also the moments in between—like your picnic together, the quiet moments during your unity celebration, or a walk along a secluded trail. These moments will feel like an extension of your love story, showcasing the tenderness, joy, and deep connection you share.
Final Thoughts: The Magic of Eloping in Big Sur
Eloping on the California coast of Big Sur in October offers an unparalleled experience of natural beauty and intimacy. The landscape alone is breathtaking, but it’s the personalized touches, like a cozy picnic or a unity celebration, that can truly elevate your elopement day. You’ll not only be surrounded by the wonders of nature, but you’ll also be embracing the opportunity to create a deeply personal experience with your partner, far from the expectations and pressure of a traditional wedding.
If you’ve been dreaming of a getaway that’s all about love, connection, and stunning views, a Big Sur elopement in October might just be the perfect choice for you. Let the winds, the ocean, and the forests of this magnificent coastline be the backdrop to one of the most unforgettable moments of your life.Andrew and I got married in Big Sur, California, and though it wasn’t our first choice, we couldn’t be happier we chose it! We chose Big Sur (after a lot of researching) due to its variety in scenic locations and the awe-inspiring beauty of those locations.
If you know anything about Big Sur, scenic Highway 1 is probably one of the 1st things that comes to mind. The drive to our lodge (Big Sur Lodge) had us so so excited to explore because you are passing so many unique and diverse landscape (and seascape!) the entire way. There is a reason it’s called scenic highway. 17 miles of “OMG”, Trust us.
That being said, you will most likely loose cell service along the gorgeous highway. Luckily, we knew this and had screen shots of the directions to the lodge. Take those screen shots, now.
Your photographers story with Big Sur:
Andrew and I actually eloped in Big Sur in October of 2020! We chose Garrapata State Park for our ceremony. Garrapata path was one of the locations that our amazing officiant suggested for us, based on the permits he already had. Brian Borgia of Weddings in Monterey was our officiant and we highly recommend him! With Brian, you’ll get a calm, laid back, professional, kind, and caring person who might even marry you on his own birthday (like he did for us!)
Big Sur didn’t require an extreme amount of walking or hiking for us—Yet we still have EPIC photos from our wedding and took in some amazing sights! All of which were pretty much obtained from just pulling off onto the side of the road and hoping out, and walking a bit. (there are spots all over for you to pull off and park) We did not get to visit half of the iconic spots of Big Sur, BUT that’s what we used a little bit of the day after our wedding for, AND why we long to return to Big Sur.
We cover all permits, locations, and have all the tips and tricks (Experienced based, cause, yeah! we did the thang ourselves!) to eloping at this gorgeous destination.
I know this isn’t the end of our story with Big Sur, and I sure hope the start of your story will be soon! ;)
-Cheyenne
Some photos we took in Big Sur!
