Carmel-by-the-Sea Elopement Photographer & Packages
Elopements that feel effortless—permits, timelines, and breathtaking Carmel locations handled for you.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is where storybook lanes meet a white-sand cove and wind-carved bluffs. I’ll guide you from “where do we start?” to a calm, beautifully photographed day that feels like you.
Every Carmel, California Elopement Package Includes
✔️ Planning consult & custom timeline
✔️ Pre-scouted locations with exact pins & parking notes
✔️ Carmel Elopement 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
Carmel 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 Carmel, California 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 Carmel, California 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 Carmel, California 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 Carmel, California locations
✔️ 110 edited images
Unrushed, editorial coverage from getting ready to golden hour across redwoods, cliffs, and beach.
Carmel by the Sea 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 Carmel, CA 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 Carmel by the sea Elopement Photographer?
Planning an elopement in Carmel, CA 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 Carmel Elopement Photographer
I’m Erin, a Carmel-by-the-Sea elopement photographer and storyteller who believes your wedding day should feel as real, effortless, and meaningful as the love you share. Based in Monterey with 7+ years photographing couples across Carmel, Big Sur, 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 exchanging vows on Carmel Beach, wandering the dunes at Carmel River State Beach, or slipping down a storybook lane beneath wind-shaped cypress, I’m more than your photographer. I’m your logistics guide, quiet observer, and biggest fan—guidance with permits, exact pins, tide and light timing, and a custom timeline that keeps everything easy.
My work blends fashion-forward direction with natural movement, so your gallery feels refined and unmistakably 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 Carmel 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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Best Places to Elope in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel Beach (end of Ocean Ave)
Vibe: Iconic white sand, cypress skyline, golden sunsets
Permit: City Beach Event Permit typically required
Access: Easy; short walk from street parking
Dogs: Off-leash under voice control
Best for: Sunset vows, champagne on the sand, pup-friendly ceremonies
Carmel River State Beach (Lagoon & Dunes)
Vibe: Soft dunes, lagoon, quiet cove south of town
Permit: California State Parks Special Event Permit usually required
Access: Easy–moderate sandy walking
Dogs: On-leash
Best for: Wind-sheltered moments, first looks in dunes, weekday ceremonies
Carmel Meadows / Ribera Beach Bluffs (south of town)
Vibe: Bluff paths, pocket coves, teal water views
Permit: Varies by exact spot; I’ll advise (many are State Parks)
Access: Moderate (trail + bluff stairs in places)
Dogs: On-leash along trails
Best for: Intimate elopements with dramatic overlooks + quick cove portraits
“Secret” Coves near Carmel Meadows*
Vibe: Tucked-away sands framed by cliffs (low tide)
Permit: Often State Parks; limits apply
Access: Moderate; stairs/steep paths
Dogs: On-leash on trails
Best for: Super-intimate vows + portraits away from crowds
*Exact pins shared with booked clients to protect these fragile spots.
Garrapata State Park – Beaches & Bluffs (just south of Carmel)
Vibe: Big-sur-feel minutes from Carmel: wild bluffs, teal water, broad beach
Permit: State Parks Special Event Permit commonly required
Access: Moderate; trails + stairs to beach
Dogs: Limited areas on-leash (check specific trail rules)
Best for: Redwoods-to-coast add-ons, sunset cliffs, Calla Lily Valley (seasonal)
Carmel Mission Basilica (venue option)
Vibe: Historic Spanish architecture, arches, gardens
Permit: Venue booking/permissions required through the Mission
Access: Easy
Dogs: Not permitted
Best for: Classic vows + elegant portraits, then sunset portraits at the beach
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
Carmel:
✔️ Carmel Beach
✔️ Garrapata Beach
✔️ Carmel by the Sea
Dog-Friendly Elopements in Carmel, California
Yes, your pup can be part of your day! I help couples choose dog-friendly Carmel elopement locations and offer tips on logistics (like leash laws, pet-safe trails, and cute photo moments).
Carmel by the sea Elopement Photography Inquiries
Reach out to begin planning your one-of-a-kind elopement in Carmel, California. 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 Carmel California Elopements
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Often yes. Carmel Beach needs a City Beach Event Permit for ceremonies. Carmel River State Beach (State Parks) typically requires a Special Event Permit. I’ll confirm what you need and guide timing, guest limits, and rules.
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4–6 months is ideal (earlier for spring/fall weekends). Short notice can work—reach out and I’ll steer you to options with simpler permits and access.
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Carmel Beach (white sand cove), Carmel River State Beach (dunes/lagoon), Carmel Meadows & Ribera bluff paths, and storybook village lanes under cypress. I’ll share pre-scouted spots with exact pins, parking notes, tides, and smart backups.
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Yes—every package includes a custom timeline, permit guidance, and curated referrals for officiants, florals, HMU, and styled picnics
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2 hours: One location, vows + portraits
3 hours: One epic setting or two close spots (most popular)
4–6 hours: Getting ready → dunes → sunset on the beach
I’ll match hours to light, tides, and your must-have moments.
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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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Absolutely—think styled beach picnic, bouquet/boutonnière, or a simple toast. We’ll follow city/park rules (no glass/open flame where restricted) and I’ll handle the logistics.
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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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Carmel by the Sea 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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Carmel Beach allows off-leash dogs under voice control; Carmel River State Beach and most trails are on-leash. I’ll help plan a pet-friendly timeline and locations.