There are places in the world that feel almost too beautiful to explain, like Big Sur.
A stretch of rugged coastline where cliffs disappear into the Pacific, redwoods tower overhead, and every turn in the road feels cinematic. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, reminding you how small you are in the best possible way. And honestly? That’s exactly why so many couples feel drawn to getting married here.
A Big Sur wedding isn’t about putting on a production. It’s about presence. It’s about waking up in a cabin tucked into the mountains, drinking coffee while the fog rolls over the cliffs, sharing a meal with your favorite people under the redwoods, and ending the night listening to the ocean crash below you.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels intimate, adventurous, and deeply connected to nature, Big Sur might just be your place.
Why Choose Big Sur
Big Sur has a way of making a wedding feel less like an event and more like an experience. There’s no pressure for things to feel overly polished here — the landscape already does the heavy lifting.
Whether you’re planning an intentional elopement for just the two of you or a full wedding weekend with your closest people, Big Sur naturally creates space to slow down and actually live on your wedding day.
And from a photography perspective? The setting here is unreal. Coastal fog, dramatic cliffs, moody forests, golden sunsets — every part of Big Sur photographs beautifully and feels cinematic without trying too hard.
Best Venues for Intimate Weddings
(2–40 guests)
Ventana Big Sur
If you want the ultimate luxury-meets-nature experience, Ventana is hard to beat. Think redwood groves, modern cabins, incredible dining, and views overlooking the coast. It feels elevated while still staying deeply connected to the landscape around it.
This venue is especially perfect for couples wanting a full wedding weekend experience where guests can truly unplug and settle into the beauty of Big Sur.
Best for:
full wedding weekends
intimate luxury weddings
couples wanting both forest and ocean scenery
Image courtesy by https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-big-sur-hotels
Wind and Sea Estate
Wind and Sea Estate offers some of the most dramatic ocean views in Big Sur while somehow still feeling deeply private and grounded. It feels intimate without sacrificing the grandeur that makes the coastline so unforgettable.
The property creates a beautiful balance between luxury and nature, making it ideal for couples wanting a wedding that feels elevated yet completely connected to the landscape around them.
Best for:
intimate coastal weddings
couples wanting iconic cliffside views
immersive wedding weekends with close friends and family
Image courtesy by https://www.reddit.com/r/BigSur/comments/1itvjmh
New Camaldoli Hermitage
New Camaldoli Hermitage feels peaceful in a way that’s hard to fully describe until you experience it in person. Overlooking the Pacific from high above the coastline, it carries a quiet, spiritual energy unlike anywhere else in Big Sur.
This space feels deeply reflective and grounding — perfect for couples wanting a wedding experience centered around intention, stillness, and connection.
Best for:
intentional elopements
spiritual and reflective ceremonies
couples seeking privacy and serenity
Image courtesy by general Big Sur heritage imagery references
Post Ranch Inn
Post Ranch Inn feels almost surreal. The architecture blends directly into the landscape, creating one of the most visually stunning wedding settings in California. It’s intimate, quiet, and deeply romantic.
This is one of those places where every part of the experience feels intentional — from the design to the views to the atmosphere itself.
Best for:
ultra-intimate weddings
adventurous luxury couples
couples prioritizing experience and scenery
Image courtesy by https://www.scottdunn.com/us/usa/hotels/post-ranch-inn & https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/post-ranch-inn-slideshow
The Perry House
The Perry House blends historic coastal charm with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere right in the heart of Monterey. The architecture and gardens feel timeless, creating a wedding setting that feels intimate, romantic, and full of character.
It’s a beautiful option for couples wanting coastal California charm with a slightly more historic feel.
Best for:
intimate Monterey weddings
historic coastal celebrations
couples drawn to timeless architecture
Image courtesy by https://perryhousemonterey.com/
Ripplewood Resort
Ripplewood Resort feels cozy, nostalgic, and tucked away from the rest of the world. Surrounded by towering redwoods and charming cabins, it creates an atmosphere that feels deeply intimate and relaxed.
There’s something incredibly grounding about this space that makes wedding weekends feel personal and unhurried.
Best for:
redwood weddings
intimate gatherings
couples wanting a cozy cabin atmosphere
Image courtesy by general venue listings / Big Sur lodging references
Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn
Deetjen’s feels like stepping into a storybook. With historic cabins, candlelit dining spaces, and moss-covered pathways, the entire property carries a romantic energy that feels timeless and deeply personal.
It’s one of the most charming and atmospheric places in Big Sur for couples wanting something truly unique.
Best for:
romantic intimate weddings
candlelit dinner celebrations
couples drawn to historic charm
Image courtesy by https://www.deetjens.org/
Lucia Lodge
Lucia Lodge proves that simplicity can still feel breathtaking. Perched above the coastline with sweeping ocean views, it offers a peaceful and understated atmosphere that allows the beauty of Big Sur to speak for itself.
It’s ideal for couples wanting a wedding that feels relaxed, intentional, and fully immersed in nature.
Best for:
intimate oceanfront weddings
relaxed destination celebrations
couples wanting simple coastal beauty
Image courtesy by Big Sur hotel guides
The Sur House
The Sur House might just be one of the dreamiest dinner settings on the entire California coast. With panoramic ocean views and warm, elevated design, every meal here feels like an experience in itself.
It’s especially perfect for welcome dinners, rehearsal dinners, or intimate receptions that prioritize atmosphere and connection.
Best for:
intimate wedding dinners
rehearsal dinners with a view
couples prioritizing food and atmosphere
Image courtesy by https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-big-sur-hotels
Sea Ranch Lodge
Sea Ranch Lodge embodies coastal minimalism at its absolute best. The architecture, interiors, and landscape all blend together seamlessly, creating a calm and deeply intentional atmosphere.
Everything here feels understated yet beautiful, making it ideal for couples drawn to modern design and quiet luxury.
Best for:
minimalist coastal weddings
design-forward couples
intimate Northern California celebrations
Image courtesy by Source: https://www.searanchlodge.com/
Brewery Gulch Inn
Brewery Gulch Inn feels cozy, romantic, and quintessentially Northern California. Overlooking the coastline with warm wood interiors and intimate gathering spaces, it creates an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and deeply welcoming.
It’s the kind of place where wedding weekends naturally slow down and become more about connection than production.
Best for:
intimate coastal weddings
cozy luxury wedding weekends
couples wanting Northern California romance
Image courtesy by https://www.brewerygulchinn.com/
Glen Oaks Big Sur
Glen Oaks has such a peaceful, nostalgic feeling to it. Nestled among the redwoods, it feels cozy, artistic, and intentionally understated in the best way. I love this spot for couples who want something intimate and relaxed without losing that elevated California aesthetic.
The cabins and natural surroundings make it feel incredibly personal and grounded.
Best for:
smaller weddings and elopements
couples wanting a relaxed, intimate atmosphere
editorial-inspired portraits in the forest
Image courtesy by https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-big-sur-hotels
For Larger Weddings / Full Wedding Weekend Venues
(80–200+ guests or multi-day energy)
Big Sur River Inn
Big Sur River Inn has a relaxed, nostalgic atmosphere that instantly makes people feel at ease. Nestled among the trees alongside the river, it feels classic, welcoming, and effortlessly California.
It’s the kind of venue that encourages everyone to slow down, stay awhile, and fully settle into the experience of the weekend.
Best for:
relaxed intimate weddings
nostalgic California wedding weekends
couples prioritizing comfort and connection
Image courtesy by https://www.bigsurriverinn.com/big-sur-weddings-events
Treebones Resort
Treebones Resort feels adventurous, playful, and completely unforgettable. From ocean-view yurts to one-of-a-kind accommodations, the experience here feels immersive in the best possible way.
This is the perfect venue for couples wanting a wedding weekend that feels wildly unique and deeply connected to nature.
Best for:
adventurous wedding weekends
unconventional celebrations
couples wanting a memorable guest experience
Image courtesy by https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-big-sur-hotels
Bernardus Lodge & Spa
Bernardus Lodge & Spa feels refined, peaceful, and deeply connected to the natural beauty of Carmel Valley. With lush gardens, warm architecture, and vineyard surroundings, the entire property feels elevated without ever feeling overly formal.
It’s the kind of venue that creates a slow, luxurious atmosphere where guests can fully settle into the experience of the weekend.
Best for:
elegant garden weddings
wine country celebrations
couples wanting a serene luxury atmosphere
Image courtesy Source: https://www.theknot.com/content/big-sur-wedding-venues
Folktale Winery & Vineyards
Folktale Winery & Vineyards feels whimsical and romantic in a way that almost transports you somewhere in Europe. Between the ivy-covered architecture, vineyard views, and enchanting garden spaces, the entire property feels storybook-inspired.
It’s especially beautiful for couples wanting a wedding that feels artistic, immersive, and full of character.
Best for:
- romantic wine country weddings
- whimsical outdoor celebrations
- couples drawn to European-inspired charm
Image courtesy by venue website / editorial listings
Highlands Inn
This venue delivers iconic coastal luxury with panoramic ocean views that feel cinematic in every direction. The combination of dramatic scenery and refined design creates an atmosphere that feels both timeless and elevated.
Sunsets here are especially unreal, making it an incredible setting for couples wanting that iconic California coast feeling.
Best for:
luxury coastal weddings
elegant destination celebrations
couples wanting expansive ocean views
Image courtesy by https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highlands_Inn,_Carmel_Highlands
Carmel Valley Ranch
Carmel Valley Ranch offers an expansive and immersive wedding weekend experience surrounded by rolling hills, lavender fields, and oak trees. The property feels adventurous and luxurious all at once, with endless opportunities for guests to relax and explore.
It’s ideal for couples wanting their wedding to feel less like a single-day event and more like a full experience shared with the people they love most.
Best for:
full wedding weekends
larger intimate weddings
couples wanting an immersive guest experience
Image courtesy by resort site
Quail Lodge & Golf Club
Quail Lodge & Golf Club brings together classic California elegance and beautiful natural surroundings in a way that feels timeless and effortless. The open landscapes and peaceful atmosphere create a wedding setting that feels elevated while still remaining relaxed and welcoming.
It’s a wonderful option for couples wanting something polished without feeling overly traditional.
Best for:
classic California weddings
elegant outdoor ceremonies
couples wanting refined simplicity
Image courtesy by The Knot listing
The Club at Pasadera
The Club at Pasadera feels sophisticated while still maintaining a warm and approachable atmosphere. Surrounded by rolling hills and Mediterranean-inspired architecture, the property creates a beautiful balance between luxury and comfort.
It’s especially lovely for couples wanting an elegant wedding that still feels intimate and personal.
Best for:
sophisticated wedding celebrations
romantic receptions
couples wanting luxury without stiffness
Image courtesy by https://www.theclubatpasadera.com/weddings
Big Sur has a way of turning wedding days into something you don’t just remember, but feel again every time you look back at them. There’s nothing I love more than documenting days that feel this present, intentional, and alive. If you’re planning a Big Sur wedding, I’d genuinely love to be your photographer.
