How to Elope in the Big Sur Redwoods Without a Permit
Best Places to Stay & Say “I Do”
The Big Sur redwoods offer something incredibly special for couples who want to elope — towering trees, filtered light, deep quiet, and a sense of being completely tucked away from the world. For many couples, the redwoods feel more intimate and grounding than the coastline, making them the perfect setting for a meaningful, intentional elopement.
What surprises many people, though, is that most redwood locations in Big Sur are on public land and require permits for elopements and ceremonies — even for just the two of you.
The good news?
There are beautiful ways to elope in the Big Sur redwoods without a public permit, and they often come with more privacy, fewer restrictions, and a more relaxed experience overall.
The key is knowing where ceremonies are allowed on private property and how to plan your day around those locations.
This guide focuses specifically on permit-free redwood elopement options in Big Sur, including the best places to stay and legally exchange vows surrounded by trees.
Why Working with a Local Big Sur Elopement Photographer Matters
Big Sur elopements — especially in the redwoods — come with unique logistics: permits, private property rules, lighting challenges, trail access, and timing that changes dramatically depending on the location.
As a Big Sur–based elopement photographer, I help couples navigate what’s actually possible — from choosing the right permit-free locations to planning timelines that work with forest light, privacy, and access. My role goes beyond photography: I guide couples through location selection, timing, and flow so the day feels calm, intentional, and unrushed.
How Permit-Free Redwood Elopements Work in Big Sur
Most Big Sur redwood forests are located within state parks or protected land, which require special event permits for ceremonies. However, when your elopement takes place on private property — such as a resort, lodge, or glamping property where you are a registered guest — public permits are typically not required.
Instead, ceremonies are guided by:
The property’s own rules and approval process
Designated on-site ceremony areas
Guest count limitations
This approach allows couples to enjoy a redwood elopement experience without navigating state park permits, while also gaining privacy and flexibility.
Best Permit-Free Places to Elope in the Big Sur Redwoods
Alila Ventana Big Sur — Two Redwood Elopement Experiences
Alila Ventana Big Sur is unique in that it offers two very different redwood elopement experiences, depending on how you choose to stay. Both take place on private property, but the structure and feel of each experience is different.
Option 1 — Ventana Glamping / Camping Experience (Redwoods)
Best for: Intimate, nature-immersed redwood elopements
If you choose to stay in Ventana’s glamping or camping accommodations, you are fully immersed in the redwoods. This allows your elopement day to feel organic and story-driven — waking up in the forest, getting ready among the trees, and exchanging vows in a quiet redwood setting nearby.
Stay in Ventana’s glamping or camping accommodations
Located within the redwoods, offering a true forest experience
Ceremony can take place in a quiet redwood area on property, following Ventana’s guidelines
Ideal for just the couple or a very small guest count
Perfect for couples who want their stay and ceremony to feel connected
This experience works best when the elopement is simple, intentional, and centered around nature.
Option 2 — Ventana Resort Elopement (Package-Based)
Best for: Elevated, polished elopements with resort amenities
Ventana also offers official elopement and wedding packages through their events team. These experiences take place in approved ceremony locations on property and require a stay plus a booked package.
Luxury resort accommodations
Designated ceremony sites, including redwood locations
Coordination handled through Ventana’s events team
Guest counts and logistics clearly defined
One of the most seamless, high-end redwood elopement options in Big Sur
This option is ideal for couples who want a refined, full-service experience with structure and support.
Glen Oaks Big Sur — Intimate Redwood Elopements
Glen Oaks Big Sur is a favorite for couples drawn to quiet, understated redwood settings. With cozy cabins tucked into the forest and river-adjacent spaces, it offers a peaceful environment for intimate ceremonies.
Cabins surrounded by redwoods
Private outdoor forest areas near accommodations
Best for just the couple or a very small group
Ceremony permissions and guidelines should be confirmed directly with the property
Post Ranch Inn — Private Forest Elopements
Post Ranch Inn is one of the most exclusive places to elope in Big Sur. While best known for its cliffside architecture, it also offers serene forest settings on private property.
Quiet, controlled forest environments
Extremely private and serene
Elopements follow strict internal guidelines and approvals
Ideal for couples prioritizing privacy over guest count
Ripplewood Resort — Simple Redwood Ceremonies
Ripplewood Resort offers a cozy, rustic redwood experience for couples who want something uncomplicated and grounded.
Rustic cabins tucked into the redwoods
Relaxed, low-key atmosphere
Great for simple, intimate ceremonies
Helpful Tips for Redwood Elopements in Big Sur
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Lighting: Redwood forests are darkest midday; late morning or late afternoon works best
Footwear: Uneven ground and roots are common — flat shoes or boots recommended
Guest count: Redwoods feel most intimate with 2–6 people
Sound: Forests are quiet — intimate vows photograph and feel best
A Favorite Approach — Redwoods First, Coastline Later
Many couples choose to exchange vows in the redwoods on private property, then explore the coastline for portraits later that day or the following day. This offers emotional intimacy paired with visual variety, without adding stress to the ceremony itself.
Planning a Big Sur Redwood Elopement?
If you’re drawn to the quiet, intimacy, and grounded feeling of the redwoods, I’d love to help you plan a day that feels true to you.
I work with couples to:
Choose the right redwood locations (permit-free when possible)
Build a relaxed, realistic timeline
Capture the day in a way that feels natural, cinematic, and unforced
If you’d like guidance on photography, locations, or how to structure your elopement experience in Big Sur, you’re welcome to reach out or explore my elopement photography offerings below.
