Big Sur Elopement Photography & Planning Services
Honest, artful storytelling for couples who crave meaning over tradition.
Every Big Sur Elopement Package Includes
✔️ Planning consult & custom timeline
✔️ Pre-scouted locations with exact pins & parking notes
✔️ Permit guidance and vendor referrals (officiant, florals, HMU, picnic)
✔️ Connection-led posing & emotion-rich storytelling
✔️ 48-hour sneak peeks; hand-edited gallery delivery
“Erin Is So Much More Than a Photographer
Planning our elopement felt overwhelming at first, but Erin guided us through every detail. She helped us build a timeline, find vendors, and even gave us a list of leave-no-trace-approved spots. She was calm, encouraging, and her eye for composition is unmatched. Our photos are cinematic, honest, and full of joy.”
— Max + Riley
Big Sur Elopement Packages
Every couple. Every story. Every elopement is beautifully different.
Whether you're exchanging vows in the redwoods, whispering "I do" above the ocean, or sharing a quiet first dance in a sun-dappled meadow—I’ll help you create and capture an elopement that feels like you.
Here are my signature elopement packages, designed for real moments, big emotions, and breathtaking Big Sur backdrops.
Weekday Petite Elopement — $2,600 (Mon–Thu only)
✔️2 hours
✔️ 1 locations
✔️ 45 edited images
Balanced time for first look, vows, portraits, and a coast-to-redwoods combo.
The Intimate Escape — $3,600
✔️3 hours
✔️ 1-2 locations
✔️ 60 edited images
Simple and soulful—one epic setting (or two close spots) with gorgeous portraits and vows.
The Soulful Story — $4,800 (Most Booked)
✔️4 hours
✔️ 2-3 locations
✔️ 85 edited images
Balanced time for first look, vows, portraits, and a coast-to-redwoods combo.
The Full Journey — $6,500
✔️6 hours
✔️ 3–4 locations
✔️ 110 edited images
Unrushed, editorial coverage from getting ready to golden hour across redwoods, cliffs, and beach.
Big Sur Elopement Package (Add-Ons)
Video
BTS Social Video Add-On — $500
Behind-the-scenes video captured alongside the session; perfect for sharing.
Florals
Bouquet options:
Petite $200
Classic $250
Lush $340
Your love doesn’t need to fit inside a box.
And neither should your wedding day.
As a Big Sur elopement photographer, I specialize in crafting custom elopement photography packages that blend emotional storytelling with seamless planning support. Whether you're exchanging vows on a rugged cliffside, surrounded by redwoods, or sharing a barefoot celebration on the beach—I'll help you plan a deeply intentional experience and document it beautifully.
Why Choose Me as Your Big Sur Elopement Photographer?
Planning an elopement in Big Sur is exciting—but also layered. From permits to timelines to choosing the perfect location, I’ve got you.
When you book with me, you're not just getting a photographer, you’re getting:
✔️ 15+ years of professional styling and creative direction
✔️A fully guided, calming, joyful experience from planning to gallery delivery
✔️ 6+ years photographing intentional, one-of-a-kind elopements
✔️ An inclusive, leave-no-trace, woman-owned business that celebrates all love stories
✔️ Permit, vendor, and timeline support
Meet Your Big Sur Elopement Photographer
I’m Erin, a Big Sur elopement photographer and storyteller who believes your wedding day should feel as real, wild, and meaningful as the love you share. Based in Monterey with 7+ years photographing couples across Big Sur, Carmel, and the Monterey coast—and 15 years in creative styling—I craft editorial images with a calm, white-glove approach so you can be fully present.
Whether you’re hiking to a redwood grove or exchanging vows on a cliff at sunset, I’m more than your photographer. I’m your logistics guide, quiet observer, and biggest fan—handling permits, exact pins, tide and light timing, and a custom timeline that keeps everything effortless.
My work blends fashion-forward direction with natural movement, so your gallery feels refined and deeply you. I proudly serve LGBTQIA+ couples, practice Leave No Trace, and can recommend trusted local vendors for florals, HMU, officiants, and styled picnics.
Because your elopement isn’t just about photos—it’s about how it feels. I’m here to make sure it feels unforgettable.
Booking steps
01. Inquire →
With your dates & vision
02. Choose a Package →
By hours/locations
03. Plan Details →
(Permits, timeline, vendors)
04. Say Your Vows →
I’ll document every emotion as it unfolds
05. Relive It Forever →
With sneak peeks in 48 hours.
Testimonials
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BIG SUR ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS
Locations That Require a Permit (But Worth It):
Garrapata State Park
Permit required via CA State Parks (typically $400–600)
Stunning coastal cliffs, wildflowers, trails, and beach access
Not dog-friendly on trails, only the beach
Best for: Sunset vows on cliffs, cinematic portraits
Pfeiffer Beach (Managed by US Forest Service)
Permit required through the Monterey Ranger District
Iconic Keyhole Arch, purple sand, dramatic coastline
Dogs allowed
Best for: Sunrise or sunset vows, moody boho vibes
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Requires permit; very limited availability
Waterfall overlook, redwoods
No dogs
Best for: Just-the-two-of-you vow readings (can’t access the beach)
Andrew Molera State Park
State Parks permit
River crossings, wild coastal meadows, beach access
No dogs
Best for: Adventure elopements with hiking
Pro Tip: Permit Strategy
State Parks Permits: Apply 6+ weeks in advance; required for any setup, officiant, or professional shoot
Forest Service: Pfeiffer Beach requires a separate permit from the US Forest Service
Private Venues: Offer more flexibility, especially for small ceremonies with guests or setups
Permit-Easy or Private Options (Often Included in My Guidance)
✔️ Ventana Big Sur (Private)
Glamping tent ceremonies, redwoods, cliff overlooks
May have site fee or require lodging
Best for: All-in-one luxury elopement, intimate ceremonies with amenities
✔️ Glen Oaks Big Sur (Private)
Redwoods, cozy cabins, ceremony lawn
Best for: Private vow readings and couples staying on-site
No dogs on trails
✔️ Secret Cliff Turnouts on Highway
No permit required if used minimally (max 10 people, no décor setup)
Ocean + cliff views
Best for: Pop-up ceremonies, private vow readings
Limited parking + safety considerations apply
✔️ Garrapata Beach (free-access area)
No permit needed for portrait sessions without ceremony setup
Gorgeous wide beach, cliff backdrops
Best for: Elopement portraits, romantic strolls
Dog-friendly!
Big Sur:
✔️ Garrapata State Park
✔️ Ventana Big Sur
✔️ Glen Oaks
✔️ Pfeiffer Beach
✔️ Secluded redwoods & cliffside overlooks
Dog-Friendly Elopements in Big Sur
Yes, your pup can be part of your day! I help couples choose dog-friendly Big Sur elopement locations and offer tips on logistics (like leash laws, pet-safe trails, and cute photo moments).
Big Sur Elopement Photography Inquiries
Reach out to begin planning your one-of-a-kind elopement in Big Sur or Carmel-by-the-Sea. Whether you're saying your vows among redwoods or dancing barefoot on the beach, I'll help create and capture a day you’ll never forget.
FAQ’s About Big Sur Elopements
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Yes, many Big Sur elopement locations require a permit—especially state parks like Garrapata, Pfeiffer Beach, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns. As your Big Sur elopement photographer, I’ll help guide you through the permit process and make sure everything is in place so you can focus on your day, not the paperwork.
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I recommend booking your elopement photography package 2–6 months in advance, especially for weekends and golden hour sessions. This gives us time to coordinate permits, plan your timeline, and secure any desired vendors.
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I provide custom location guidance for every couple. Popular elopement spots include Garrapata State Park, Pfeiffer Beach, hidden redwood groves, and lesser-known cliffside overlooks. Each has its own vibe—whether you’re after rugged coastal views or serene forest romance.
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Absolutely. My Big Sur elopement packages include timeline creation, vendor referrals, and planning support. I work closely with florists, officiants, picnic stylists, and more—especially those who understand Leave No Trace principles and the unique terrain of the Big Sur coast.
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That depends on the experience you want. Most couples choose 4–6 hours to include getting ready, vows, and portraits across multiple locations. My shorter 2-hour Big Sur elopement package is perfect for simple cliffside ceremonies or redwood vows with just the two of you.
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Yes! I’m a ULC-ordained officiant and happy to step in if needed for elopements without a separate officiant. This is perfect for intimate elopements or couples who want a quiet, heartfelt exchange of vows without added logistics. One seperate witness is required in the state of California.
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Definitely! Many couples include a celebratory toast, cake cutting, or picnic as part of their elopement experience in Big Sur. I’m here to help you incorporate those moments into the timeline and capture them beautifully.
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100%. I proudly serve LGBTQIA+ couples and create a safe, supportive space for you to be fully yourselves. Your love story matters—and it deserves to be documented with care, creativity, and respect.
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Big Sur weather can be unpredictable, but I always build flexible timelines and have rain-friendly backup locations in mind. The mist and fog often add incredible atmosphere to elopement photos—and we’ll make magic no matter what.
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Yes, some Big Sur elopement locations are dog-friendly! Let me know if your pup will be part of your ceremony, and I’ll help find locations that allow dogs and fit your vision.