Big Sur Elopement | Kitty & Charles

Kitty and Charles’ Big Sur elopement was intimate, flexible, and full of quiet, meaningful moments. Their day took place in November, a time of year that can feel moody and dramatic along the coast, and in their case, a little unpredictable too.

They got ready at a cozy cabin tucked into the redwoods, surrounded by towering trees and soft forest light. From there, their day unfolded slowly and intentionally, ending with an epic sunset at Pfeiffer Beach. It was the perfect blend of calm forest energy and dramatic coastal views.

As a Big Sur elopement photographer and videographer duo, days like this are a reminder of why planning thoughtfully matters so much, especially in places like Big Sur. Keep reading to see what I mean!

Getting Ready in the Redwoods

They started their day getting ready at their cabin in Big Sur. The space was warm, relaxed, and surrounded by trees. I love when couples choose accommodations like this for their elopement day. It keeps everything simple and creates a natural sense of ease from the start.

One of the best parts? They were able to hold their ceremony in a small patch of redwoods right outside the cabin area. They didn’t have to drive anywhere or deal with any crowds or tourists. It was the perfect quiet forest setting that felt incredibly personal.

A Ceremony in the Redwoods

Kitty and Charles exchanged vows surrounded by redwoods, with Lee officiating their ceremony. Because we offer all-inclusive elopement packages (including officiating) everything flowed seamlessly without needing to coordinate additional vendors.

The ceremony was simple and heartfelt. The forest filtered the light softly, and the setting felt so peaceful. Afterward, we wandered around the area for portraits. It was easy, unrushed, and exactly what they had hoped for.

Sunset at Pfeiffer Beach

Later in the day, we headed to Pfeiffer Beach for sunset photos. This spot is always a favorite for Big Sur elopements, and on this evening, it truly delivered. The light was dramatic, the sky shifted constantly, and the coastline felt powerful.

We explored the beach, captured sunset portraits, and were able to incorporate drone photos as well. The combination of the moody coastline and fading light made for some truly epic elopement photos! It was the perfect contrast to the calm forest where the day began.

Big Sur Elopement Tips

If you’re planning a Big Sur elopement, here are our top tips as a husband and wife photographer and videographer duo. 

Build Flexibility Into Your Dates

Kitty and Charles’ original elopement date landed right in the middle of an atmospheric river. November in Big Sur can be stunning, but it’s also unpredictable. Because we built cushion days into their plan, we were able to shift their elopement to the following day without stress.

This kind of flexibility is something we always recommend for a Big Sur elopement, especially in the fall and winter months. Weather happens, so having a backup plan allows you to stay present and enjoy the experience instead of worrying about what you can’t control.

Choose Locations That Keep Things Simple

One of the reasons this elopement flowed so smoothly is that Kitty and Charles chose locations that worked well together. Getting ready at a cabin surrounded by redwoods and holding their ceremony right outside meant no rushing and no extra logistics.

Big Sur has plenty of beautiful spots, but fewer transitions often lead to a calmer, more intentional day. 

Balance Forest and Coast for Variety

Starting the day in the redwoods and ending it on the coast gave this elopement a really beautiful contrast. The forest felt quiet and grounded. The beach felt dramatic and expansive.

This is something I love about Big Sur elopements. With thoughtful planning, you can experience completely different landscapes in one day without it feeling overwhelming. The result is an elopement gallery that feels varied and true to the location.

Planning Your Big Sur Elopement

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