Two people in wedding attire stand together on a coastal cliff overlooking the misty Pacific Ocean.

If you’re dreaming of an intimate wedding on the California coast, Big Sur is one of the most breathtaking places to say ‘I do’. As a Big Sur wedding photographer, I’ve captured countless love stories along this rugged coastline, and every wedding and elopement feels just as magical as the last.

Just a little background information before we start - C & J hired me for 8 hours of coverage. They knew they wanted to do a first look and a private vow reading on the coast before getting to Loma Vista Gardens and a photographer who could document the story and the emotions of their day. They were supposed to get married in late May but due to a landslide their wedding date got postponed to June and they handled it like champs!

C & J’s wedding at Loma Vista Gardens was the perfect example of how to blend coastal adventure with a romantic, garden-inspired celebration. In this blog, I’ll not only walk you through how their day unfolded but also provide their timeline, giving you a clearer idea of how everything came together. From their private vow exchange on the cliffs to dancing under the stars, their day was filled with meaningful moments and stunning scenery.

Getting Ready in Carmel

C & J started their wedding day in Carmel, just north of Big Sur, getting ready at separate Airbnbs about 10 minutes apart from each other. If you are looking for a place to stay before your Big Sur wedding or elopement, Carmel is a great place to do so. The town has so many options for cute, sun-filled airbnb's that make the perfect backdrop for getting ready photos.

Timeline:

I started my day at the grooms Airbnb at 12:00 pm. I spent about 25 minutes here then drove to meet up with the Bride who was getting her finishing touches on her makeup done. After shooting the Bride and her friends for about 25 minutes, I picked up the Groom and drove him down to a the first look location in Garrapata State Park.

Groom wearing a white dress shirt and olive pants ties brown leather oxford dress shoes on terracotta tile floor.

A black and white overhead view of a room with hardwood floors, chairs, and a macrame wall hanging shows people getting ready for a wedding.

A green suited groom seated at his Airbnb in carmel getting ready for his wedding at loma vista gardens

Black and white wedding party photo with groomsmen standing in a stairwell under a macrame wall hanging. Taken at a Carmel airbnb.

A group of well-dressed men in suits and blazers pose with a macrame wall hanging and terra cotta tile floor.

a gathering of friends wearing matching robes sitting together in a sun-filled room prepping the bride for her wedding in Big Sur.

A bridal preparation moment shows a mother adjusting the back of a blush-colored wedding dress with floral details.

A bride in a white wedding dress poses with bridesmaids wearing matching blue robes on a hardwood floor in front of a framed picture.

A bride in a flowy lace wedding dress adjusts her hair while looking in a mirror of her airbnb in Carmel. She's looking good for her wedding

A Private Vow Reading in Garrapata State Park

Before heading to the ceremony, C & J met at a secluded spot in Garrapata State Park, a stunning stretch of coastline between Carmel and Big Sur. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, they exchanged private vows with the sound of crashing waves in the background. For couples wondering how to get married in Big Sur, incorporating a private vow reading into your elopement or wedding day is a beautiful way to have an intimate moment together before the formal ceremony.

Timeline:

I drove the groom down to Garrapata State Park He was in position, standing facing the ocean, ready for the first look at 1:25 pm. The bride arrived at the location at 1:30 pm and I directed her towards her soon-to-be husband.

A person in a green suit stands thoughtfully on a cliffside overlooking the rocky Big Sur coastline on a foggy day.

A long flowy wedding dress and vehicle parked along a scenic Big Sur coastal mountain road with misty hills in the background.

A wedding couple doing a first look on a misty coastal cliff path framed by evergreen branches overlooking the Garrapatta State Park.

A couple shares a romantic moment on a misty coastal cliff overlooking the rugged Big Sur Coastline on a foggy day

A person in a flowing white dress stands on a cliff overlooking the rocky Big Sur coastline on a misty day.

A couple exchanges vows during their intimate wedding ceremony on a cliff overlooking the rugged California coastline.

A couple privately shares their wedding vows on a scenic cliff overlooking the Pacific coast on a misty afternoon.

A couple shares an intimate moment during their wedding ceremony on a dramatic coastal cliff overlooking the ocean.

Portraits at the Bixby Bridge

C&J wanted a couple portraits with the iconic Big Sur Bixby Bridge. This is a great way to incorporate an elopement feel to the day with a little bit of adventure and epic views! When planning your intimate wedding in Big Sur be sure to add in extra time to be able to stop on the drive down to your venue. It's always worth the stop!

Timeline:

I wanted to ensure the first look didn’t feel rushed, and my clients mentioned that if time allowed, they’d love to take a few quick shots near Bixby Bridge. On a good day without traffic, the drive from Garrapata to Loma Vista Gardens takes about 30–35 minutes, so I allocated 1 hour and 15 minutes for both the first look and the drive—plenty of time for a relaxed experience!

A couple walks along a coastal trail overlooking Bixby Bridge and the rugged Big Sur coastline on a foggy day.

Scenic shot of iconic Bixby Bridge in Big Sur with wedding couple on hiking trail against green coastal hillsides.

Along Big Sur's dramatic coastline, a couple hikes a rugged cliffside trail overlooking turquoise waters and rocky shores.

First Look with Dad and Family Portraits at Loma Vista Gardens

From the cliffs of the Bixby Bridge, we made our way to Loma Vista Gardens, a gorgeous venue nestled in the heart of Big Sur. Surrounded by towering redwoods, beautiful oak trees and lush gardens, this venue offers a romantic, secluded setting for couples who want both natural beauty and the conveniences of a wedding venue. Upon arrival, Chelsea did a first look with her dad and family portraits under the mother oak at the top of Loma Vista Garden's property.

Timeline:

We arrived at Loma Vista Gardens at 2:45 pm and went straight into a first look with the Bride's father. We then gathered the whole family and grabbed some classic family portraits and even had time to do a couple more couples portraits. Guests started to arrive around 3:30 pm.

A dad and daughter doing a first look at loma vista gardens with shaded evergreen trees and a white tent structure in the background.

Romantic first look moment between a Dad and his daughter on gravel path under green trees at loma vista gardens.

Wedding party in formal attire poses outdoors under dappled sunlight with green foliage in background.

Father of the groom and the groom in suits stand together smiling outdoors in a black and white photograph.

A black and white wedding party group photo taken outdoors under trees on a sunny day.

Dad and daughter in formal wedding attire smile together outdoors with trees and greenery at loma vista gardens in Big Sur.

Two people wearing elegant blush-colored dresses pose together outdoors against a backdrop of leafy green trees.

Rustic outdoor wedding photo showing couple standing next to weathered corrugated metal wall under green tree canopy.

Loma Vista Gardens Ceremony

C & J’s ceremony unfolded beneath a canopy of lush greenery, creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere at Loma Vista Gardens. With their closest friends and family gathered around, they exchanged heartfelt vows as the warm California light filtered through the trees. As a Big Sur wedding photographer, witnessing their guests erupt in cheers and toss dried flower petals in celebration made for some of the most unforgettable moments of the day.

Timeline:

The Ceremony started at 4:00 pm and lasted about 30 minutes.

Rustic wooden arch decorated with delicate floral arrangements and string lights in an outdoor garden setting.

Outdoor wedding ceremony takes place on rustic stone steps surrounded by tall trees and natural greenery in dappled sunlight.

Outdoor wedding ceremony in a wooded garden setting with guests seated on white chairs along a sequined aisle runner.

Outdoor garden wedding ceremony with guests seated along vintage rug aisle runner beneath shade trees.

A scenic outdoor wedding ceremony in a garden setting with guests seated in rows amid lush green trees and foliage.

A couple walking along a wooded forest path in black and white photography, the bride's dress trailing behind them.

Cocktail Hour & Reception

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a relaxed cocktail hour, sipping drinks and mingling in the garden. Dinner, catered by Wilder Catering Company, was served as the sun set, creating the perfect atmosphere for an intimate celebration. Once everyone had enjoyed their meal, the evening continued with heartfelt speeches that had everyone laughing, tearing up, and toasting to the newlyweds.

Timeline:

Cocktail hour started at 4:30 pm and since we already did the family portraits, the bride and groom got to mingle with friends and family the whole time. This is a major benefit of doing family portraits before your ceremony. If you are able to do this, i'd highly recommend it! Cocktail hour ended and guests were sat at 5:30 pm. The Bride and Groom gave a welcome speech and dinner was served at 5:45pm.

The couple allowed 30 minutes for speeches, which started at 6:15 pm and the cake was cut at 6:45 pm.

Two gourmet burgers and appetizers served on a wooden board in an outdoor garden setting under dappled sunlight.

A group of wedding guests in formal attire raises glasses in a celebratory toast at an outdoor reception venue.

A rustic wooden treehouse with string lights and small tables set up in a enchanting forest garden setting.

Guests gather at an outdoor bar during a casual daytime event surrounded by greenery.

Three hands toasting with tall pink ombre cocktails garnished with lemon wheels at an elegant event.

Rustic outdoor wedding table setting with blue glassware and floral centerpieces on white flowing table runner.

Two colorful cocktails rest on a rustic metal beam surrounded by lush greenery and succulent plants in a garden setting.

Black and white image of the staff at loma vista gardens pouring wine at an outdoor dining table

Wedding ceremony taking place in a lush garden setting with guests seated on chairs watching a couple at the front.

Black and white photo of outdoor wedding reception with guests dining under a rustic pergola in a mountain setting.

A couple shares a sweet moment while cutting their wedding cake outdoors under the twisting tree branches of loma vista gardens in big sur

Dance, Dance, Dance

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the staff at Loma Vista Gardens transformed the garden into a cozy, glowing space perfect for dancing. Music filled the air, party lights illuminated the trees, and disco balls cast shimmering reflections across the dance floor. Guests gathered, drinks in hand, ready to celebrate. C and J shared their first dance under the twinkling lights, surrounded by their loved ones. Laughter, movement, and music carried through the night as everyone let loose, making it a celebration to remember in the magical setting of Big Sur.

This wedding was a perfect example of how Big Sur elopements and intimate weddings can feel adventurous yet relaxed, personal yet effortlessly beautiful.

Timeline:

Dancing kicked off at 7 pm and went for the rest of the night!

A couple shares their first dance at an outdoor wedding reception at loma vista gardens while guests look on in the background.

A couple shares a dance on a patterned rug at an outdoor wedding venue decorated with string lights and trees.

A scenic first dance shared by a wedding couple at loma vista gardens under the warm glow of string lights.

A black and white photograph of a group of people at an outdoor wedding reception gathered near a wooden deck.

Outdoor wedding reception with string lights and decorated wooden cabin as guests gather around a dance floor in a forest setting.

Wedding guests dance and celebrate on an outdoor dance floor at dusk with warm string lights glowing from a wooden pavilion.

People dance and celebrate on an outdoor wooden deck illuminated by warm string lights at an evening wedding reception.

Blurred black and white dance floor photo shows people dancing at a wedding reception.

Evening outdoor celebration with string lights overhead and party guests mingling under illuminated trees.

People dancing at an outdoor evening party with string lights and green ground lighting creating an atmospheric ambiance.

Golden Hour Photos

One of the last things I did with C and J was a quick golden hour photo session, capturing some final, intimate moments before the night came to a close. We wandered out to Highway 1, where the fading light cast a dreamy glow over the landscape, then explored more of the lush gardens at Loma Vista Gardens. The mix of golden California light and the natural beauty of Big Sur made for the perfect backdrop. As a Big Sur wedding photographer, I love taking this time to slow things down and let couples soak in the magic of their wedding day, creating timeless images they’ll cherish forever.

Timeline:

At 7:45 pm, I quickly stole the newlyweds and took them out to Highway 1 and the garden for a couple more portraits for about 10 minutes. And just like that it was 8 pm and photo coverage concluded.

A couple celebrates joyfully on a stone patio during their outdoor wedding with trees and greenery in the background.

A romantic black and white photo of a couple walking together on a winding road surrounded by trees on California's Highway 1.

A couple looking out at a fog-covered mountain landscape with evergreen trees and a distant sign in Big Sur, California.

A couple in wedding attire walks down the middle of highway 1 in Big Sur in black and white photography.

Romantic wedding photo showing couple in formal attire sharing intimate moment on empty Highway 1 at sunset.

Joyful couple in wedding attire jumping on a sunlit rural road surrounded by trees at golden hour.

A couple in wedding attire sits outdoors near large cactus plants during their garden wedding ceremony.

Black and white photo showing layers of tulle wedding dress fabric gathered around silver heels on a garden path.

A flowing white tulle gown photographed against a dramatic backdrop of giant prickly pear cactus in Loma Vista Gardens in Big Sur.

C and J’s intimate wedding at Loma Vista Gardens was a perfect blend of natural beauty, heartfelt moments, and a laid-back celebration with their closest loved ones. From their private vow reading along the rugged Big Sur coastline to dancing under twinkling lights in the garden, every part of their day felt intentional and uniquely them.

If you’re dreaming of an intimate wedding or elopement in Big Sur, I’d love to help capture your story in a way that feels authentic and true to you. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate ceremony tucked away in the redwoods, exchanging vows on a cliffside overlooking the Pacific, or celebrating with your favorite people at a beautiful venue like Loma Vista Gardens, I’m here to help bring your vision to life.