From a coastal engagement session and camping beneath the redwoods to a sunset ceremony overlooking the Pacific, this two-day Big Sur adventure elopement was all about slowing down and turning a wedding into an experience.
There’s something I love about an elopement that isn’t limited to just a few hours on a wedding day.
For this Big Sur adventure, we spent two days exploring some of the things that make this part of California so special. The experience began with an engagement session along the coast before moving into the redwoods for a cozy camping adventure. The following day, they got ready among the trees before changing into their wedding attire and heading toward the coast for an intimate sunset ceremony overlooking the Pacific.
A Coastal Engagement Session in Big Sur
Before the wedding day, we started with a relaxed engagement session along the coast.
Big Sur is known for its dramatic cliffs and iconic views, but I also love the quieter moments in between. Walking along the beach, exploring the coastal landscape, and giving couples space to simply be together can create some of the most natural and meaningful photos.
We spent the day wandering along the coast before heading toward the redwoods to begin the next part of their adventure.
Camping Among the Redwoods
The next part of their experience looked completely different from the coast.
Towering redwoods surrounded their campsite, creating the perfect setting for a slower and more intentional evening together. They cozied up inside their tent, made food together, and spent time enjoying the simple moments that are often overlooked on a traditional wedding day.
One of my favorite things about adventure elopements is that your wedding experience can include the things you actually love to do together.
That could mean camping beneath the trees, making coffee together in the morning, reading a favorite book, sharing a meal, or simply sitting around camp with nowhere else you need to be.
Your elopement doesn’t have to be one big photo session from beginning to end. Some of the best memories happen during the quiet moments in between.
Slow Mornings and Getting Ready in the Redwoods
The following morning, they woke up surrounded by the redwoods.
Instead of rushing through a packed wedding timeline, the morning was intentionally slow. There was time to enjoy the campsite, get ready, and take in the experience before heading toward the coast.
The bride changed into her dress and hiking boots, while the groom put on his suit. Seeing the contrast between the formal wedding attire and the towering redwoods made the entire experience feel even more adventurous.
A Sunset Elopement on the Big Sur Coast
As the sun began to set, we left the redwoods behind and made our way toward the coast. Their ceremony took place overlooking the Pacific, surrounded by golden light, dramatic cliffs, and the sound of the ocean below.
From the redwoods to the coast, the entire experience felt like one continuous adventure.
Why I Love Multi-Day Big Sur Elopements
Big Sur has so much to offer that it can be difficult to fit everything into just a few hours. That’s one reason I love the idea of turning an elopement into a multi-day experience.
Instead of trying to squeeze your entire wedding into one timeline, you can give yourselves time to slow down and enjoy the places you traveled to experience.
Your adventure could include:
- A relaxed engagement session the day before your wedding
- Camping beneath the redwoods
- Exploring the coastline
- A sunrise hike
- A private picnic or dinner
- Getting ready slowly without a rushed timeline
- Visiting multiple locations throughout your experience
- Ending your day with a sunset ceremony
Your experience can be as adventurous, relaxed, simple, or elaborate as you want it to be.
And that’s exactly what I love about it.
Planning Your Own Big Sur Adventure Elopement?
Big Sur is one of the most incredible places in California for couples who want their wedding day to feel like an actual adventure. From dramatic coastal cliffs to towering redwoods and hidden beaches, there are so many ways to create an experience that feels completely your own.
If you’re dreaming about a Big Sur adventure elopement, I would love to help you create a day—or several days—filled with meaningful experiences and beautiful places.
