Carmel California Photography

Artful, honest photography for engagements, weddings, boudoir and beyond — from golden hour cliffs to intimate portraits by the sea.

Your Carmel California Story Deserves Soulful, Cinematic Imagery.

Whether you’re planning a sunset proposal, a romantic Carmel elopement or an empowering boudoir session, I’m here to tell your story with elegance, emotion, and intention.

ENGAGEMENTS →

PROPOSALS →

COUPLES/ENGAGEMENTS →

ELOPEMENTS/WEDDINGS →

BOUDOIR →

BRANDING →

Carmel by the Sea Photography Services

Romantic Carmel engagement session with couple walking on the beach at golden hour

Couples

Natural, editorial-style photography. From Big Sur proposals to dreamy Carmel engagements.

Elopements

Documenting wildly romantic, soul-filled ceremonies in Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Monterey.

Intimate Big Sur redwood forest elopement with couple exchanging vows under the trees

Boudoir

Empowering, cinematic portraits — in my Cannery Row studio or outdoors — designed to make you feel confident and radiant.

Surprise proposal at sunset on a Big Sur cliff, captured by California photographer Erin Venable

Proposals

Natural, editorial-style photography that captures the moment you ask — and they say yes — in the wild beauty of Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterey.

Branding portrait of creative entrepreneur in Carmel, captured outdoors with modern, minimal styling

Branding

Clean, expressive imagery for creatives, couples, and business owners who want portraits that reflect who they truly are.

belly close up of maternity session in carmel california

Maternity

Celebrate this special chapter with graceful, emotive maternity photos in scenic Carmel locations. Studio or outdoor options available to match your vibe.

What Makes Me a Unique Carmel-by-the-Sea Photographer?

Location Expertise

I know the hidden gems, softest light, and most meaningful backdrops throughout Carmel, Big Sur, and Monterey.

Editorial meets emotional

A clean, cinematic style combined with genuine emotion—so your photos look like art and feel like you.

Guided, Comfortable Experience

From wardrobe tips to gentle posing, you’ll feel confident and at ease—so we can create imagery that’s effortless and real.

Full Storytelling

Every moment matters. From quiet glances to spontaneous laughter, I document your story in a way that’s true to you.

Your Carmel, California Photographer

Hi, I’m Erin.

monterey big sur and carmel california photography packages by erin venable

A passionate photographer based in beautiful Carmel, California. I specialize in capturing love stories, intimate elopements and authentic portraits that reflect the beauty of the Central Coast. With years of experience behind the lens, my goal is to create photographs that feel natural, emotive, and true to you.

Photography is more than just images to me—it’s about preserving the moments you’ll cherish forever. Whether you’re eloping along the rugged cliffs of Big Sur, celebrating a milestone, or simply wanting to capture your authentic self, I’m here to make sure your story is told beautifully.

Let’s create something unforgettable together!

  • Serving Carmel, Big Sur, Monterey & beyond

Carmel by the Sea California Photography Packages

Package One

Two Hour Session

70 High Resolution Images

Online Gallery Access

Printing Rights

$850.00

Package Two

90 Minute Session

50 High Resolution Images

Online Gallery Access

Printing Rights

$750.00

*Most Popular Package

Package Three

One Hour Session

30 High Resolution Images

Online Gallery Access

Printing Rights

$650.00

MONTEREY * BIG SUR * CARMEL BY THE SEA * BEYOND

SERVING

Carmel by the Sea Photography Packages include.

fun laid back photography session

Fun, laid back experience

Permit Assistance

photography session planning consultation

Planning Consultation

personalized photo session curation
photography session wardrobe consultation

Pre-scouted location guidance

Wardrobe Guidance

big sur elopement photography timeline

Custom Curated Timeline

Travel within Carmel Included

Testimonials

•

Testimonials •

Testimonials

•

Testimonials •

  • Carmel Valley Elopement

    “Erin photographed our elopement in Carmel Valley, and every image felt like a movie still. She guided us through planning, helped us find the dreamiest location, and made us feel so comfortable. We can't recommend her enough!” Jess & Riley

  • Monterey Boudoir Session

    “I booked a boudoir session in Erin’s Monterey studio and it was a life-changing experience. She made me feel empowered and seen. The photos are stunning — elegant, artistic, and truly me.” Sara T.

  • Carmel by the Sea Engagement

    “We wanted engagement photos with a natural, editorial feel — Erin delivered that and more. From Big Sur cliffs to the soft light in Carmel Beach, the session was a dream. She's a true artist and professional.” Leo & Nina

  • Magical Engagement Session

    We did our engagement session in Carmel with Erin and the whole experience felt like a dream. She helped us relax and guided us through every step — the photos are absolute magic. Haley & Jordan

  • Carmel California Boudoir Session

    “I booked a boudoir session near Carmel for my wedding gift and left feeling like a goddess. Erin creates a space where you feel beautiful, powerful, and totally yourself.” Hayden

  • The Best Photographer in Carmel—Hands Down

    “Erin’s calm energy made our elopement feel so natural. She knew exactly where to take us for golden hour light and even helped plan our entire timeline. The photos are stunning—we’ll treasure them forever.” — Jess + Mateo

  • She Made Me Feel So Empowered During My Boudoir Session

    “As someone who was nervous to do boudoir, Erin completely changed how I saw myself. The images are elegant, powerful, and so beautifully done. I’m already planning my next session!” — Maya

 

ordained officiant big sur photographer

A few more unique things about working with me.

ULC Monastery Ordained officiant

lgbtqi+ big sur photographer

All are welcome here.

leave no trace big sur photographer

Proudly practicing leave no trace.

woman owned monterey photographer

Woman owned.

Let’s Plan Your Carmel Photography Session

Ready to tell your story with honesty and heart? Whether you’re eloping in the redwoods, posing with your baby bump on the beach, or planning a branding shoot that reflects your purpose—I’m here to help. Fill out the form below to get started!

FAQs - Carmel California Photography

  • Photography packages in Carmel start at $650 for a 1-hour session and go up to $1,000 for full elopement-style sessions. All packages include high-resolution images, printing rights, and access to an online gallery.

  • Yes! I specialize in customized elopement photography packages for Big Sur and Carmel. Each includes vendor referrals, a timeline, location guidance, and a stress-free planning experience.

  • Some of my favorite Carmel-by-the-Sea photography locations include Garrapata State Park, Carmel River Beach, and Point Lobos. I help you choose the perfect spot based on lighting, accessibility, and your vibe.

  • Absolutely. My studio is proudly LGBTQIA+ affirming. I’ve worked with many queer couples to capture love stories with authenticity and joy in Carmel, Big Sur, and Monterey.

  • Yes! I'm an ordained ULC officiant and can help officiate your elopement or recommend great officiants in the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur California area.

  • I specialize in engagement sessions, proposals, elopements, weddings, boudoir, maternity and branding portraits. Whether you're planning something intimate or bold, there's a session tailored just for you.

  • Yes! Carmel and nearby Big Sur have many scenic spots that may require permits. I’ll help you choose the perfect location and take care of permit logistics when needed.

  • All packages include a planning consultation, styling tips, location guidance, and professionally edited high-resolution images delivered in a private online gallery with print rights.

  • Absolutely! I offer both outdoor and in-studio maternity sessions in Carmel and Monterey. Let’s capture this beautiful season in a way that feels natural and empowering.

See my latest work here.

Want to make your proposal unforgettable? ✨ If you’re dreaming of something more than just “Will you marry me?”—this one’s for you. I’ve put together 10 creative and romantic ideas to help you make your surprise p
She said yes 💍✨ Tuesdays proposal was a dream✨ Overlooking the rugged coastline of Carmel, this surprise proposal couldn’t have been more picture-perfect. Ocean views, golden light, and a love story unfolding right on the cliffs—truly a
💍 Planning a surprise proposal? Feeling overwhelmed, nervous or just want it to be perfect? Swipe through for my top tips to plan a proposal your partner will never forget, from choosing the right location to pulling off the surprise. Planning to
Still dreaming about this magical evening in Big Sur with these two and their sweet pup, Koko. 🐾 We started our session down on the beach, where the golden light danced on the waves and Koko ran through the sand like it was her job. Then we made ou
Yesterday I turned another year older—but I was too busy soaking up sunshine, salty air and a soul-refreshing afternoon at Pfeiffer Beach followed by the dreamiest sunset dinner at Ventana to make a post. This past year, like the few before it