Lena and Justin traveled all the way from Michigan for their Big Sur elopement, and it was truly one of the most intentional days I’ve ever had the honor of documenting. Some couples want their elopement to feel like an adventure. Some want it to feel like home. Lena and Justin wanted both. And Big Sur delivered.
See more of their stunning Big Sur elopement photos in Garrapata State Park, and get helpful planning tips and inspiration for your own day here!
Sunrise Ceremony at Garrapata Beach
The day began early, with a family ceremony planned for sunrise at Garrapata Beach Overlook. But then, rain popped into the forecast unexpectedly, so we pushed the ceremony back a bit and rolled with it (pro tip: having clear umbrellas and an open mind goes a long way out here).
The weather cleared up beautifully, and Lena and Justin exchanged vows overlooking the ocean with Lena’s mom and their son by their sides. It was quiet, peaceful, and incredibly emotional.
P.S. I highly recommend Dean as your officiant. He is the best!
Big Sur Elopement Photos at Calla Lily Valley
After their ceremony, we explored the nearby Calla Lily Valley, where the blooms were popping up and the greenery felt like a fairytale. It was the perfect short adventure and an awesome chance to soak up the beauty of everything Big Sur has to offer.
A Sweet Beach Picnic to Celebrate
After the ceremony and mini adventure in the Calla Lily Valley, they celebrated with a picnic on the beach, complete with my signature setup and their own delicious spread from Whole Foods (plus sandwiches lovingly made by Lena’s mom). It was so cozy, laid-back, and honestly just perfect. This is what I mean when I say your elopement doesn’t have to be a full-time photo shoot. It should be full of real, joyful moments like this with time to sit, breathe, and just be together!
They even brought little glass bottles to collect sand and ocean water, which was such a thoughtful touch, especially since they’d never been to the ocean before. Like, come on, my heart!! It was incredible!
Afternoon in Carmel: Rest, Details & Family Time
In the afternoon, we met back at their charming Airbnb in Carmel-by-the-Sea for getting ready photos and some slower moments with family. Staying in Carmel gave them the best of both worlds as they could explore the cozy, walkable town (hello, good food and cute shops) and take off into Big Sur for their adventure. They spent the whole week out here and really got to settle in and enjoy everything the area had to offer. I highly recommend doing this if you’re traveling in for your elopement, too!
Justin even surprised Lena with a boutique hotel stay for their wedding night, which was SO sweet.
Private Vows at Soberanes Point
The second half of the day was just for the two of them. We kicked off their sunset adventure at Soberanes Point, where I led them down a secluded trail that juts out to this jaw-dropping overlook above the water. It’s one of those spots where you feel the power of the coast, and they had it all to themselves! This was their time for private vows, and it was emotional, intimate, and so unbelievably beautiful.
I played chauffeur for the evening so they could relax, soak in the views, and play their wedding playlist. I had snacks, drinks, a mirror in the back seat—you name it. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes support that helps keep the day chill and fun (and helps avoid service issues + parking issues, which are very real in Big Sur).
Plus, we even saw seals swimming in the water below! Unreal!
Sweet Moments at the Iconic Bixby Bridge
Afterward, we stopped at a couple of Bixby Bridge overlooks before heading to one of my favorite hidden gems that overlooks the bridge from afar. There, they cozied up on a little bluff, popped open some wine, and cut their cake with the Pacific stretched out behind them. My picnic setup popped up again here, and I stepped back for a bit to let them enjoy this moment, just the two of them.
Moody Big Sur Elopement Photos with Lanterns at Sobranes
As the sun dipped low, we headed to a different trail at Soberanes. All Lena wanted was water crashing all around her… and boy, did we deliver! She looked like a mermaid on the rock! The water roared all around us as she stood on the bluff with her veil flowing, and it honestly felt like something out of a movie.
We ended the night with lanterns glowing and the two of them wrapped up in each other under the darkening sky. It was hard not to feel emotional seeing them! I’d been working with them for months to bring this day to life, and seeing it unfold so beautifully just left me beaming.
For a couple who had never seen the ocean before and dreamed of being surrounded by water, this day was everything. And for two people who’ve been together over a decade? It was so worth the wait.
Kind Words from the Couple
“With Christina’s help, we were able to experience the most beautiful, perfect, intimate elopement in Big Sur. Over multiple Zoom calls, she guided us through picking out locations, day-of activities, provided us with vendor recommendations, and put together a timeline that allowed us to experience everything we wanted and didn’t feel rushed.
We were able to meet her the day before the wedding to get to know each other a bit and have her meet our son. On the day of our wedding, she was amazing at capturing everything we had wished for and more. She brought her own picnic setup (which was beautiful!) and even thought to bring bubbles to play with on the beach with our son, which he LOVED! And to top it all off, her pictures are so gorgeous and have allowed us to relive the day all over again! We cannot recommend her more!!”
Planning Tips for Your Own Big Sur Elopement
- Be flexible with the weather. Big Sur can shift quickly, so bring layers, clear umbrellas, and be ready to go with the flow. Trust me, the magic is always there… just maybe in a slightly different form than you imagined.
- Arrive a few days early. Whether you’re coming from out of state or out of the country, I highly recommend arriving at least 2–3 days before your elopement. It gives you time to settle in, unwind, explore the area, and deal with any unexpected travel hiccups without stress.
- Consider a split day. A split-day elopement (like Lena & Justin’s!) is a game-changer. You can enjoy the calm of a sunrise moment, rest mid-day, and then set out on a sunset adventure without feeling rushed. It’s ideal for soaking in every part of the day while keeping things chill.
- Think about how you want to feel. For my couples, the day is never a non-stop photo shoot. It is about soaking in every part of your experience, from family time to quiet moments on the cliffs, and including all the fun activities I help you plan.
- Choose a stay that matches your vibe. Lena & Justin chose Carmel, but you can also stay in Big Sur. It depends on whether you’d like to be more immersed in nature or closer to the city and restaurants. There are all sorts of glamping sites, campsites, boutique redwood hotels, remote cabins, or cliffside Airbnbs, or something cozy within the charming streets of Carmel. Think whether you’d like to be pampered in a hotel or would you rather have the privacy and freedom of an Airbnb.
- Make sure to check driving distances and local hours of operation. Some Big Sur spots close early, and service can be limited.
If you want even more tips and inspiration for your Big Sur elopement, check out my planning guides:
Let’s Capture Your Big Sur Elopement Photos Next!
Hi! I’m Christina, and I’m a Big Sur elopement photographer who’s equal parts planner, location scout, and memory keeper. I’d love to help you turn that wild, beautiful idea in your head into an effortless, intentional day you’ll never forget!
My Big Sur elopement packages offer a half-, full–, or multi-day experience! I offer a ton of flexibility in designing our time together and would love to get to know you more to help you plan! To learn more, head over to my contact form, and we can get together on a call!
Every elopement package includes:
- Custom location scouting and on-the-ground research
- Timeline options that create breathing room and magic
- Permitting help, vendor recs, and meaningful add-on options
- Joyful guidance from the start, along with swoon-worthy photos in your own online gallery (plus sneak peeks in 72 hours)
I'M CHRISTINA
YOUR CALIFORNIA + Destination elopement PHOTOGRAPHER
Serving California, The PNW, Iceland, Italy and Wherever your loves takes us!
