How to Plan a Big Sur Wedding: Venues, Portrait Spots & Planning Tips

capturing heartfelt love stories

Zephaniah and Scott’s Big Sur Wedding was everything I love about this kind of day: intimate, intentional, and full of meaning. They chose to celebrate with just their closest people, tucked into the redwoods at Glen Oaks, and every part of it felt personal and true to them. It wasn’t about perfection; it was about presence. Every hug, every laugh, every quiet in-between moment mattered.

Bride and groom smiling during their Big Sur wedding ceremony surrounded by towering redwoods at one of the most stunning Big Sur wedding venues.

Couple kissing under the bride’s veil with dramatic coastal cliffs behind them during their Big Sur wedding portraits.

That’s what makes Big Sur such a special place to get married. Yes, the landscapes are beautiful, but more than that, it gives you space to slow down, be present, and create a day that feels like home.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to plan your own Big Sur wedding, from venue ideas to photo locations to tips for making it feel relaxed, intentional, and fully yours.

Bride’s veil blowing in the wind as the couple embraces on the cliffs at their Big Sur wedding venue overlooking the ocean.

Groom holding bride from behind as they pose on a scenic cliffside during their Big Sur wedding near the coast.

Step 1: Choose the Perfect Big Sur Wedding Venue

The venue you choose sets the tone for your entire wedding day. Whether you’re envisioning a cliffside ceremony overlooking the Pacific or an intimate gathering tucked into the redwoods, Big Sur wedding venues offer something for every couple.

Here are some of my top recommendations:

Bride and groom raising champagne glasses for a toast at their Big Sur wedding reception at a beautiful forest venue.

Close-up of the elegant floral arrangements lining the aisle at this forest Big Sur wedding venue.

Quests laughing and visiting during a Big Sur wedding reception.

Glen Oaks Big Sur Wedding Venue

Glen Oaks Big Sur is such a special spot for couples who want to feel surrounded by nature without sacrificing comfort or thoughtful details. With its charming cabins, cozy spaces like The Bridge House for getting ready, and The Yard House for intimate receptions, it offers a quiet kind of beauty that feels intentional and warm

This is where Zephaniah and Scott celebrated their day, and it was the perfect choice for their 40-guest wedding.

Bride and groom kissing at the altar under a floral arch surrounded by towering trees during their Big Sur wedding.

Empty forest ceremony setup with wooden chairs and greenery at a dreamy redwood grove Big Sur wedding venue.

Wind and Sea Estate

For couples dreaming of an oceanfront celebration, Wind and Sea Estate offers panoramic coastal views, private accommodations, and plenty of space for a multi-day wedding experience. It feels like your own private slice of Big Sur, ideal for a wedding weekend with your closest friends and family. It’s hard to beat a place where you can watch the waves crash while getting ready, have dinner under the stars, and fall asleep just steps away from where you said your vows. It’s peaceful, intentional, and gives you space to actually slow down and enjoy it all.

Other Venues to Explore

Ventana Big Sur: A luxury resort that’s perfect for couples who want an elevated, all-inclusive experience.
Big Sur Lodge: A rustic yet charming option nestled in the heart of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

Wide shot of a couple walking near the cliffs by the ocean, carrying a surfboard during their adventurous Big Sur wedding celebration.

Step 2: Plan Your Portrait Locations

Big Sur is full of breathtaking backdrops, each one adding its own unique energy to your wedding photos. Taking time for portraits here is more than just about the images; it’s a moment to step away, breathe, and just be with each other for a moment..

Bride and groom walking along the rugged coastline, with the groom holding the bride’s veil at their Big Sur wedding.

Couple standing together, gazing at the ocean from a cliffside, enjoying the view at their Big Sur wedding venue.

When I photograph couples in Big Sur, I like to blend a mix of editorial and natural portraits. Some close-up, emotional shots that feel personal, and some pulled back to really take in the scenery. It gives you images that feel grounded in your connection, but also reflect the beauty of where you chose to say your vows.

Bride’s wedding dress hanging on a wooden cabin door in the forest at a serene Big Sur wedding venue.

Bride and groom smiling under a floral arch surrounded by redwoods at their intimate Big Sur wedding ceremony.

Zephaniah and Scott took their portraits at Soberanes Canyon Trail, and it was unreal. Not only were the views breathtaking, but more than that, it was a quiet, grounding moment for them to walk side by side, take it all in, and be fully present before heading back to celebrate. And honestly, isn’t that what it’s all really about?

Bride smiling and groom playfully gesturing toward her with the Big Sur coastline as their wedding backdrop.

Other Must-See Portrait Spots in Big Sur

Pfeiffer Beach: Famous for its dramatic rock formations and even a stretch of purple sand.
Garrapata State Park: Perfect for sweeping coastal cliffs and seasonal wildflowers.
Bixby Creek Bridge: An iconic spot for timeless, editorial-style portraits.

Pro Tip: Choose a location that complements your venue. If you’re marrying in the redwoods, consider taking portraits on the cliffs for variety and vice versa. Also, be sure to check state park websites like Garrapata State Park to check if the roads are open/closed.

Bride and groom sharing a first look surrounded by towering redwoods at their dreamy Big Sur wedding venue.

Bride and groom share a quiet moment during their first look surrounded by tall redwoods at their Big Sur wedding.

Step 3: Build a Relaxed, Intentional Timeline

One of the best things about a Big Sur wedding is that it gives you the chance to slow down. Here’s how to keep the day stress-free and meaningful:

1. Keep your guest list small
When it comes to your guest list, less truly can mean more. Zephaniah and Scott chose to celebrate with just 40 of their closest people, and it was the perfect fit. Having a smaller group gave them space to be fully present, to share real moments with the friends and family who had walked alongside their 10-year love story since high school. It felt intentional, meaningful, and deeply connected, which is exactly how a wedding should feel.

Bride walking toward groom for their first look in the redwoods with her bridal party helping with the train.

Wedding guests laughing and enjoying dinner through a cabin window at an intimate Big Sur wedding reception.

2. Take a moment away for just you two
Stepping away during your wedding day for portraits in nature is something I always encourage. Not just for the photos, but for the pause. It’s a quiet moment to breathe, hold each other, and really take in everything that’s happening. The day goes by quickly, and this time together gives you space to be present, to reconnect, and to remember why you’re there in the first place.

Bride and groom holding hands and laughing during their first look surrounded by towering redwoods.

3. Choose a venue that balances beauty and comfort
Big Sur has venues that feel deeply immersed in nature while still giving you the comforts of a traditional wedding space. Glen Oaks is a perfect example; you get redwoods, cozy cabins, and modern amenities all in one place.

Cozy forest cabin with Adirondack chairs around a fire pit, a perfect Big Sur wedding weekend retreat.

Bride in an off-shoulder gown posing in front of a rustic cabin at her intimate Big Sur wedding.

4. Work With Local Vendors

Big Sur is stunning but can be logistically tricky (limited cell service, winding roads, unpredictable weather). A team that knows the area can make all the difference.

Some of my favorite vendors from Zephaniah + Scott’s wedding:

Three-tiered white wedding cake with cascading white flowers set against a forest backdrop at a Big Sur wedding.

Bride holding a bouquet of white florals and lush greenery at her intimate Big Sur wedding.

Step 4: Learn From Zephaniah + Scott’s Day

Zephaniah and Scott’s wedding was such a beautiful example of what makes Big Sur so special. From the very start of the day, their family was right there with them, spending time together in the warm glow of The Bridge House at Glen Oaks, taking in the peacefulness of the redwoods just outside.

Ceremony chairs arranged in a forest clearing surrounded by towering redwoods at a Big Sur wedding.

5. Make It a Wedding Weekend

Turning your celebration into a full weekend lets you soak in more time with the people you love and make memories that go beyond the wedding day. Here’s an example of what you could do on your Big Sur wedding day:

Hike through Garrapata State Park
Have a coffee date at Cafe dal Mare or any other local spot
Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea for wine tasting and small coastal shops

Bride and groom kiss while holding champagne glasses during their Big Sur wedding reception.

Wedding guests laugh and chat under string lights at an outdoor Big Sur wedding dinner.

Their ceremony and reception felt deeply personal, heartfelt speeches from people who truly knew them and had witnessed their love story unfold over the last 10 years. It was intimate, intentional, and full of meaningful moments that couldn’t have happened any other way.

Bride and groom holding hands and smiling during their Big Sur wedding ceremony in the redwoods.

Bride facing groom under a floral arch surrounded by greenery during their Big Sur wedding.

Groom walking down the aisle at a Big Sur wedding ceremony with guests watching.

And then there were the portraits at Soberanes Canyon Trail, absolutely breathtaking, with scenery that felt as big and beautiful as their story. It gave them a private, grounding moment together before returning to celebrate with their guests.

Bride and groom holding hands on a cliffside overlooking the ocean at their Big Sur wedding.

Bride and groom embracing near the rocky coastline at their Big Sur wedding portraits.

Ready to Book Your Big Sur Wedding Photographer?

A Big Sur wedding is more than just an event, it’s an experience. Whether you’re drawn to the cliffs, the redwoods, or the peaceful pace of life here, Big Sur offers the perfect backdrop for a wedding that’s intentional, beautiful, and deeply personal.

If you’re ready to start planning your own Big Sur celebration, reach out here. I’d love to help you create a day that feels completely yours.

Want to see more of my work? Check out my Instagram, or explore my website here!

If you love film photos, scroll down to see all my favorites from Zephaniah and Scott’s wedding.

Vendors Who Made This Day Happen

Cake: Tart & Tin
Venue: Glen Oaks Big Sur
Planner: Mariah Green Events
Floral Design: Amy West Floral
Catering: H. Jackson Events
Photography: Images By Abbi

Guests walking along a forest path before the wedding ceremony, dressed in formal attire surrounded by lush greenery.

Bride and groom standing with officiant during their forest ceremony, surrounded by blooming white flowers and greenery.

Bride and groom holding hands on a grassy cliff overlooking the ocean and rugged rocky Big Sur coastline.

Bride laughing as groom hugs her from behind on a cliffside overlooking the ocean, both smiling during portraits.

Bride standing alone on a cliffside overlooking the ocean, holding her arms with her veil trailing down her back.

Bride and groom kissing under her veil on a coastal cliff with rocky ocean bluffs behind them.

Groom and groomsmen chatting near picnic tables in a forest clearing, with trees and sunlight in the background.

Newlyweds smile while a guest gives a speech during their outdoor wedding reception, with string lights and mountains in the background.

A floral arch of white flowers and greenery set against a massive redwood tree for a forest wedding ceremony.

Bride and groom stand together in front of a floral arch under a towering redwood, sharing an intimate moment.

Bride reading her vows during their ceremony, standing across from her groom with tall pines behind her during their Big Sur Wedding.

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