When S + C reached out to me about planning their couples session, I knew right away that Garrapata State Beach would be the perfect spot for them. They used to live on the Monterey Peninsula, but somehow never made it to Garrapata before moving away. Now, with hopes of moving back to the coast one day, they wanted to celebrate their love with photos in a place that already feels like home.


As a Big Sur photographer, I can’t recommend Garrapata State Beach enough for couples who want the best of both worlds: dramatic cliffs that overlook the Pacific and wide sandy stretches where you can run barefoot, dance, or simply take in the view together. The rugged cliffs, strong tides, and unforgettable sunsets make it one of the dreamiest spots for a photoshoot along the Big Sur coastline.

A Romantic, Documentary-Style Couples Session


S + C wanted their photos to feel romantic, documentary-style, and above all, fun. Instead of stiff poses, their inspiration was to create images that captured their personalities and their connection in the most natural way possible.


That’s exactly what we did—these two explored the beach, danced at the shoreline, chased each other in a playful game of tag, and splashed in the water (ankle-deep, since the waves here are powerful and unpredictable). Every laugh, twirl, and little glance made the session feel so authentic to who they are as a couple.

Big Sur Weather: Always an Adventure


If you’ve ever been to Big Sur, you know the weather has a mind of its own. One moment it can be completely overcast, and the next, golden light will break through with pink and purple clouds glowing behind the cliffs. On this night, the sky shifted constantly, and we ended up with golden mountains in the background—an ideal mix of mood and magic.


That’s why I always recommend planning your Big Sur couples photography session around sunset. The light is soft, golden, and flattering, even if the skies are cloudy. Plus, shooting in the evening avoids the harsh midday sun and gives us more chances of those iconic glowing skies.


Tips for Couples Planning a Big Sur Photoshoot


If you’re planning a couples, engagement, or anniversary photoshoot in Big Sur, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Wear the right shoes. The cliffs and trails at Garrapata are rugged, so bring comfortable shoes (Blundstones, hiking boots, or sturdy sandals). You can always switch into barefoot mode once you’re on the sand.
  2. Layer up. Even on warm days, it gets chilly fast once the sun dips. Bring outerwear that matches your vibe for cozy sunset shots.
  3. Stay safe near the ocean. The tides are strong here, and sneaker waves can catch you off guard. Even standing ankle-deep can be risky, so we keep safety a priority.
  4. Have offline maps ready. There’s little to no service along Highway 1, so download directions before your session.
  5. Soak in the adventure. Big Sur is made for couples who love to explore, laugh, and embrace the wild beauty of nature together.


Why Big Sur Is Perfect for Couples


Big Sur is more than just a location—it’s an experience. The cliffs, the ocean, the light, and the quiet beauty all come together to create the most unforgettable backdrop for your story. Whether it’s an engagement shoot, a maternity session, or just a “let’s celebrate us” kind of day, Big Sur is the perfect place to slow down, adventure together, and capture memories that feel as big and bold as the coastline itself.


S + C’s session at Garrapata State Beach was exactly that: romantic, playful, and so true to who they are. And for me, that’s what being a Big Sur photographer is all about—creating photos that aren’t just beautiful, but that feel like home.

A couple and their dog stand together on a rocky hilltop overlooking the landscape against a light blue sky.
Couple in wedding attire stands on scenic coastal cliffs overlooking Big Sur beach at sunset.
A couple walks together on a scenic coastal path during sunset, one wearing white and the other in dark clothing.
Two people walk along a winding path through dense greenery at sunset.
Romantic couple sitting together in tall grass on a hillside during a moody coastal photoshoot.
Two people stroll through tall grass along a rugged coastal hillside in moody evening light.
A winding concrete pathway leads through rugged coastal terrain with grass and fog in the distance.
Two people dance together on a dramatic coastal cliff overlooking a beach at dusk.
A couple sits together on a rocky beach surrounded by driftwood and natural coastal vegetation.
A romantic moment shared between a couple on the beach at dusk wearing contrasting white and black outfits.
Two people in white outfits dance and embrace along scenic mountain trails at sunset.
Two people in contrasting black and white outfits dance playfully on a hillside trail at dusk.
Couple embracing on a mountain trail during sunset with scenic coastal views in the background.
A romantic coastal scene shows a couple sitting among wildflowers on a cliff overlooking the ocean.
A couple lying among white wildflowers on a coastal hillside during sunset.
A couple walks along a misty coastal beach on an overcast day, capturing candid moments in multiple frames.
Couple holding hands while walking along a sandy beach with mountains and cliffs in the distance.
Romantic walk along a scenic beach with mountains and cliffs as a dramatic backdrop.
A couple shares a romantic kiss against a soft blue sky background.
An intimate black and white portrait captures a tender moment between a couple against a mountainous backdrop.
A couple shares an intimate moment at sunset with mountains and clouds in the background.
A romantic embrace against a dramatic coastal landscape with mountains in the background.
A romantic beach moment unfolds as a couple embraces on a cloudy shoreline with dramatic cliffs in the background.
A couple dances along a misty ocean shoreline with waves crashing behind them.
A couple in coordinating black and white outfits embrace playfully on a misty beach shoreline.
A couple shares an intimate moment on a cloudy beach with waves crashing in the background.
A sequence of photos shows a couple getting splashed by dramatic ocean waves along a rocky shoreline.