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Boho Big Sur Elopement with an Intimate Beach Ceremony

Ah, this Big Sur elopement is one of my favorite boho winter weddings yet! Big Sur is loved for its breathtaking views and beaches. But let me introduce you to Veronica and Bryce, and their corgi, the real MVP of the day!

These two wanted to keep their big day intimate, surrounded by their closest fam and fur baby, Nismo (who stole the show in his little tux). To make their day even more special, they hired a professional picnic company to set up a cozy, intimate spot for just them to enjoy after the ceremony.

wedding portraits of bride and groom standing on large rock in big sur

I couldn’t have asked for a better couple to work with. Veronica does photography too and had a clear vision for what she wanted, but trusted my creative vision to bring it all to life. 

Their day was just the beginning of our journey working together. Since their elopement, I’ve photographed them a few more times, and she’s told me she’s a “forever client.”  I’m excited to share some of those sessions with you soon. But for now, let me show you how their big day went.

And, if you’re planning a Big Sur elopement, stick around till the end. I’ll be sharing my top 6 tips to make your day just as dreamy as this one.

photo of bride and groom at their big sur elopement standing in the cliff area at sunset

Big Sur Elopement: A Forever Anniversary Date

Big Sur is a special place for Veronica and Bryce. They’ve always celebrated their dating anniversary in the area, so when it was time to plan their wedding, they knew immediately what they wanted: an intimate Big Sur elopement. In fact, they eloped on December 17th, which was their dating anniversary, which is now their forever anniversary.

collage of photos of bride and groom at sunset in the cliffs of big sur
series of photos of bride and groom standing on large rocks in big sur beach

Details of the Day: An Intimate Beach Ceremony 

We started the day with the ceremony on the beach about three hours before sunset. As a photographer, this was the perfect lighting situation, and Veronica and I planned it that way intentionally for golden-hour photos. 

Veronica walked down the staircase to meet Bryce and their adorable corgi, Nismo. I mean, seriously, that little tux he’s wearing is the cutest. When I say he stole the show, you can see why.

photos of a brides bouquet and grooms jacket, tie, and boutineer at their big sur elopement
photo of a corgi dressed in a doggie tux at big sur elopement on the beach
photo of bride preparing to walk down stairs to beaches of big sur
portrait of bride and groom holding hands during big sur elopement on the beach
photos of bride, groom and officiant during big sur elopement on the beach
wide angle photo of bride and groom and their wedding attendees during their beachside big sur elopement
photos of bride and groom exchanging vows in beachside big sur elopement
photo of bride and groom exchanging rings in beachside big sur elopement
photos of bride and groom exchanging rings in beachside big sur elopement
photos of bride and groom exchanging rings in beachside big sur elopement
portrait of bride and groom kissing at their big sur elopement

Family Photos on the Beach

Since we were working before sunset (I always say I’m chasing the sun), we kept things nearby for the family photos. Both sides of the family were so much fun, supportive, and everyone had a great time. The babies even gave me smiles…and maybe some baby fever. Ha!

Once family photos were wrapped up, it was time for me to whisk the couple away for a bit.

group wedding party photo at big sur elopement in the winter
series of family photos with bride and groom with family at big sur elopement
series of family photos with bride and her family at big sur elopement
photo of bride holding a baby on the beaches in big sur

Perks of Eloping: Stolen Moments Alone

We started taking their couples’ photos on the beach and then moved to the nearby cliffs. It was a little too cold that day to splash in the water, but they were brave enough to get in briefly. 

The views in Big Sur are simply stunning and never get old, no matter the season or weather. Their photos have a classic, laid-back California vibe that perfectly matches the vibe of their elopement

photo of bride and groom walking in sand on their elopement day in big sur
portrait of bride and groom standing beside a rock on the beaches of big sur, ca, after their big sur elopement
portrait of bride and groom standing beside a rock on the beaches of big sur, ca, after their big sur elopement
photo of bride and her dog at big sur elopement
photo of bride and groom holding hands walking on a path overlooking big sur beach after their elopement
photo of bride and groom holding hands walking on a path overlooking big sur beach after their elopement

A Romantic Picnic with a View

The couple hired a professional picnic company to set up a spot for us to take photos and give them a chance to really take in their day together. That’s part of the allure of eloping, afterall, is to have extra time with just your partner to soak it all up.

I helped them find a spot for the picnic setup before the ceremony began and chose a spot on the cliffs overlooking the water. I was really able to stand back and let them have privacy and also capture sweet moments where I guided them into a few poses. As the day wrapped up, they enjoyed their first dance, followed by a gorgeous sunset. And Nismo enjoyed every second of it too. He was the perfect gentleman for his parents. 

photo of bride and groom at their big sur elopement kissing in the cliff area at sunset
photos of bride and groom on cliffsides after their big sur elopement
photos of bride and groom on cliffsides after their big sur elopement
photos of bride and groom on cliffsides after their big sur elopement having a picnic
portrait of man and woman watching sunset on cliffs of big sur after their elopement

When I asked Veronica what the most memorable part of their wedding day was, she said, “The picnic overlooking the ocean and having our corgi celebrating with us! It was absolutely perfect! Also, having our first dance on the coast of Big Sur was wonderful.” 

photos of bride and groom on cliffsides overlooking the beach after their big sur elopement
She was absolutely right. Their first dance was magical and so beautiful on top of the cliffs of the Big Sur coastline.
portrait of man and woman watching sunset on cliffs of big sur after their elopement

Now let’s dive into some tips to keep in mind if you’re planning an elopement in the area for yourself.


6 Tips for Planning an Outdoor Big Sur Elopement

No matter where you decide to get married, the weather is always out of our control. But with a little planning, you can prepare for it and embrace the fun of it all.

Here are 6 tips to keep in mind while planning your Big Sur elopement or wedding, starting with the weather, of course!

wedding portraits of bride and groom standing on large rock in big sur

  1. Embrace the Weather

Big Sur can be prone to sudden changes in weather, so it’s best to be prepared for rain, fog, rain, and wind. But don’t let the fear of the weather dampen your day. I always encourage clients to plan for potential weather situations, and embrace whatever happens, and enjoy the day. It’s part of the unpredictable fun, and can make for some really great stories (and photos) to share later.

photo of bride and groom holding hands walking on a path overlooking big sur beach after their elopement

2. Beach Access

Beach access can change quickly in the area, so it’s always best to keep your plans flexible. While you may have your heart set on expansive sands available on your wedding day, we never really know what Mother Nature will decide, ya know? Depending on the tides, swell, and how much sand storms kick up or take away, access can look different daily. So it’s just something to keep in mind if you’re planning a Big Sur elopement.

Veronica and Bryce got married in the winter (December 17th, 2021). It wasn’t a rainy winter that year, so we had great accessibility to the beach that day. But just this past winter, we had rainfall that lasted over three weeks in a row and that kicked up a lot of sand and access in some areas. 

series of photos of bride and groom playing in sand on their elopement day in big sur

3. Windy Weather

The cliffs in Big Sur are stunning, but they’re also usually windy. Some days are windier than others, and hair can go haywire. But again, don’t let that hold you back. There are plenty of great hairstyles (and hats) to keep the hair in check. But honestly, as a photographer, I’m all for the wind-blown look. Queue the drama, right?

black and white photos of bride and groom at their big sur elopement
Veronica’s hat was great for keeping the hair in check during some of the photos. Get creative, and go with the flow!

4. Cold Weather

The cliffs are also higher, making the temperature feel much colder on windy days. So if you’re planning to have photos taken in the cliffy areas, consider bringing a little shrug or wrap to keep you dozy. You can also pack disposable hand warmers (they hide discreetly) and warm up your hands between shots.

photos of bride and groom at sunset in the cliffs of big sur after their elopement

5. Cell Phone Reception

Phone reception is virtually non-existent in the area. So make sure you know exactly where you’re going (as well as your guests) before you head out for your big day. It’s not a bad idea to go the old-school route of printing a map or bringing walkie-talkies! I’m all for having an unplugged ceremony, but walkie-talkies are a must-have for a Big Sur elopement.

collage of photos of bride, groom, and their dog in winter big sur elopement

6. Photography Coverage

Planning an elopement in Big Sur is a special experience, and I don’t want you to feel rushed on your big day. That’s why I recommend choosing a package of at least 3 hours. The coastline here is vast, so getting from one location to another can take some time, especially if you factor in driving, parking, and walking to the shooting spot.

If you have any questions about how much time you’ll need, I’m happy to help you figure that out. The important part is deciding where you want photos taken, and then we work backward in filling in the time needed.

two photos of bride and groom at their big sur elopement

Vendor Credits

As always, I want to thank the vendors for pulling together this perfect boho Big Sur Elopement for Veronica and Bryce.


collage of photos from big sur elopement celebrating the floral and other wedding vendors

A Forever Client

Veronica left this kind review for me on Google, and I had to share it here. It means so much to me to work with repeat clients. She’s now a forever client, and I am so excited to share some of her other sessions on my blog soon.

google review from big sur elopement bride

series of photos of bride and groom at their big sur elopement

The best part about planning a Big Sur elopement is that it’s tailored to be exactly what you want. Whether you prefer an intimate celebration like Veronica and Bryce, an adventurous day with multiple stops, or a full-day celebration surrounded by your loved ones, the choices are all yours.

And if you’re looking for an adventure-loving photographer who’s passionate about documenting all of the details of your wedding, drop me a line. We’ll chat about what you’ve planned so far to see if we’re a match.

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