What Does an All-Day Elopement Look Like in Big Sur?

There are many different stories an all day elopement can tell, but this elopement in Big Sur, California focused on the incredible sights the land offered the couple. Sometimes the best and most relaxing adventure is simply sight seeing and hiking easy off road trails. It doesn’t entail months of getting in shape for a full day mountain hike. It can be fun in the rain (as you will see below!!) You can cover more ground in, just throwing this out, a jeep or Toyota. You can be more flexible on parking and destinations if you and your photographer are sharing the all day adventure together. And of course, you get some pretty incredible photos!!

The Big Sur Elopement Day Timeline

watched the sunrise in Shark Fin Cove near Santa Cruz where the couple stayed
changed and headed out for a morning hike in the redwoods of Santa Cruz
took a break for lunch and got ready privately
Road-tripped to Pfeiffer Beach where the couple exchanged vows and played in the rain
Headed north again to a scenic hike that took us to the coast where we would have enjoyed a sunset if it didn’t start raining again

***note: An all day elopement with your photographer by your side doesn’t require exact times. LOVE that because I’m a planner that likes to wing it;) I feel the most heartfelt days where the couple is truly present in the moment are the ones when a shot list and watch are left behind.

Locations Chosen for this Big Sur Adventure Elopement

Sunrise at Shark Fin Cove, Davenport, California
Mount Hermon Camp, Santa Cruz, California
Getting Ready and Night of Lodging: Sur Grove, Big Sur Airbnb
Vows Ceremony at Pfeiffer Beach. Doesn’t require a permit, but parking is incredibly challenging so be prepared to wait or walk. Allow yourself plenty of time.
Hiking Adventure was a scenic overlook near Monterrey, California. Technically not in Big Sur so no permit necessary.

Why Would You Hire a Photographer For an All-Day Elopement

Just because you decide to have a wedding day 100% focused on the two of you instead of your friends and family, doesn’t mean you should settle for less of an experience. In fact, it should be opposite. All day weddings where the primary focus is entertaining 100’s of people and spending half your savings just so they can all eat good food and get drunk can be fun yes, but it goes by fast and the photo opportunities are more of a candid moment caught at the right moment in an allotted amount of time. You can do this in the normal amount of hours you would usually plan for with or without a photographer. As for an elopement, the moments happen in the midst of the day. Sometimes when least expected. And sometimes with careful preparation of timing based on lighting, mood and other tourists taking in the same scenery you are striving to enjoy. The last thing you want to do is rush the very moments that have been calling your name so loudly during the planning process. Can you get married and head home with an amazing experience and beautiful images in just 2-4 hours? YES!! Probably. Maybe. You never know when nature and tourists step in though. So take the pressure off. Throw away the watch and shot list. Think of the most fun, spontaneous, romantic day you can think of. Then enjoy it. Document it. And remember it beautifully.