A black and white photo montage shows a romantic couple embracing on a scenic coastal cliff overlooking the ocean.

Location Guide for Big Sur

What to know before choosing your location.

When you see photos of couples standing on the dramatic cliffs of Big Sur, it’s easy to fall in love with the idea. But before heading straight for those edges, it’s worth checking in with each other about how comfortable you really are with heights and adventurous terrain. One of you might feel confident exploring the cliffs, while the other might prefer to stay a little further back—and that’s completely normal.


If you’re unsure, plan to arrive early so you can walk the trail and see how it feels in person. You might decide a lower-key spot is the best fit, and trust me—Big Sur has no shortage of breathtaking views that don’t require standing right on a ledge.


Keep in mind that not every location here is family friendly. Some areas have steep drop-offs or rocky paths that aren’t safe for younger kids. There are still plenty of safe, easy-to-access trails and overlooks that offer that same magical Big Sur coastline backdrop without the risk.


Adventure Photography can be Yours: Big Sur Coastline


Big Sur isn’t your typical “venue”—and that’s exactly what makes it so magical. This coastline is untamed, dramatic, and full of surprises. One moment you’re wrapped in golden sunlight, the next you’re in dreamy fog. Trails can be open one day and blocked the next, and sometimes the best turnout spots fill up quickly. But that’s part of the adventure! The beauty of working with a Big Sur photographer is that I’ve learned how to roll with whatever this wild coastline gives us—and still make sure your day feels effortless, memorable, and uniquely yours.


Choose your perfect location


The place you choose plays a big role in the overall feeling of your day and helps create a stunning setting for your photos. Most importantly, your elopement location should reflect something that feels special and personal to you. Maybe you feel most at home by the ocean, love the quiet magic of the redwoods, or picture yourselves wandering through the river in Big Sur.


It can also help to think about what you’d like to do during your time together. Do those ideas fit naturally with the setting you’re imagining? Maybe that looks like sharing an In-N-Out Burger and a beer picnic on the beach, getting a tattoo beneath the redwoods, or drinking coffee together while wrapped up in a blanket along the cliffs. The little moments and activities you choose can help make the experience feel even more meaningful.

Two people embrace while sitting on rocky coastal cliffs overlooking a misty ocean landscape at sunset.
Couple in wedding attire embraces on coastal cliffs surrounded by white wildflowers with ocean views.
Couple embraces on a rocky coastal cliff overlooking the ocean at sunset with dramatic rock formations in background.

Soberanes Cliffs

Just a quick drive south from Carmel, Soberanes offers some of the most breathtaking views along the Big Sur coastline. Picture colorful wildflowers, sweeping cliffs, and the Pacific stretching out as far as the eye can see—it’s the kind of spot that makes every photo feel cinematic.


Getting here is easy, with a short walk from the parking area, so you can focus on enjoying the scenery rather than hiking for miles. There isn’t a beach to stroll on at this location, but the cliffside vistas are enough to take your breath away. For couples or adventurous adults, I can help you safely navigate the rocky edges for some truly dramatic shots.However, if you have a fear of heights this location may not be for you.



Two people stand together on rocky coastal cliffs at sunset overlooking the dramatic Pacific Ocean shoreline.
A couple shares a romantic moment while hiking through a scenic mountainous landscape at dusk.
Dramatic black and white aerial view of rugged coastline with waves crashing against rocky cliffs in misty conditions.

Rocky Point Restaurant

A dreamy scene of figures in white dresses walking beneath the sprawling branches of a cypress tree at sunset.

This abandoned restaurant area has an incredible view, with beautiful flowers, cliffs, Big Sur Pasture Areas, and Bixby bridge view. Overall, pretty easy to walk, however, it doesn't have much shade for those super sunny days.

Panoramic view of rugged California coastline with crashing waves against rocky cliffs and misty mountains in background.
A couple dances together on a cliff overlooking the ocean during golden hour, with dramatic coastal rocks in the background.
A couple sits on a coastal cliff overlooking the rugged Pacific Ocean shoreline at sunset.
A romantic black and white photo sequence of a couple under a tree branch in silhouette.

Garrapata State Beach

Just a short 20-minute drive south from Monterey—just past Soberanes—you’ll find Garrapata State Beach, a truly stunning and natural spot along the Big Sur coast. From towering rock formations to wildflower-strewn paths, sweeping mountain backdrops, and the endless Pacific Ocean, this beach has so much variety to offer for your photos.


I love beach locations because there’s plenty of space to move, play, and really let your personalities shine. Some of my favorite moments captured here are couples running along the shoreline, strolling hand-in-hand through the wet sand, or even sharing a first dance with the waves behind them.


Garrapata also holds a few secret surprises depending on the season! In spring (March–April), a tucked-away area called Calla Lily Valley bursts to life with vibrant calla lilies—making for romantic and colorful shots. In the fall (September–November), that same spot transforms into a reflective lagoon, perfect for capturing magical reflections of you and the surrounding mountains.


Whether you’re drawn to dramatic cliffs, playful beach walks, or quiet hidden corners, Garrapata State Beach is a versatile and unforgettable location for your Big Sur photoshoot.


Scenic coastal view of rugged cliffs and sandy beaches along the misty Pacific Ocean shoreline.
Two figures in white stand on a sandy beach with dramatic cliffs and green mountains in the background.
Two people in denim stand together against a coastal landscape at sunset with mountains in the background.
Dramatic panoramic view of Big Sur's rugged coastline with mountains meeting the Pacific Ocean under moody skies.

Glen Oaks

Glen Oaks Big Sur is a beautiful spot for anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature’s beauty. The property features a stunning redwood grove that’s perfect for capturing photos in soft, dappled light—especially on sunny days.


The venue is divided into two main areas: the upper section with the Adobe Motor Lodge and Oak Tree Cottages, and the lower section where you’ll find the redwood grove and the Bridge House. A scenic trail links the two areas and extends toward Dorwood Camp, offering even more secluded spots surrounded by towering trees.


For those hoping to take photos here, it’s important to note that you must be staying at the property to access the grounds for a session. Whether you’re capturing family memories, a personal milestone, or just enjoying a getaway in Big Sur, the mix of redwoods, trails, and cozy cabins provides endless options for photos that feel intimate and special.


Glen Oaks Website


A wedding party poses together in a lush forest setting with sunlight filtering through the trees.
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup in a lush garden with peach and coral floral arch arrangements framing the space.
A couple embraces in a romantic forest wedding setting with the bride wearing a flowing white dress among tall trees.
A black and white outdoor wedding ceremony takes place on a wooded path surrounded by lush greenery and seated guests.

Pfeiffer State Beach

It’s hard to find a beach quite as enchanting as Pfeiffer Beach. Located about an hour down the coast, it’s well known for its dramatic rock formations and the iconic keyhole arch that perfectly frames the sunset. Even when the fog rolls in, the beach still feels incredibly atmospheric and beautiful.


That said, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning here:


• If the parking lot fills up, they temporarily stop letting additional cars enter until space opens up. Because of the limited parking, I’m usually only able to schedule sessions here on weekdays.


• The beach can get very windy at times, which may make it less comfortable for a ceremony.


• During the rainy season, the access road occasionally floods and can become temporarily closed.


• In wildfire season, the area may close for safety depending on conditions.


If you’re hoping to have a ceremony here, it’s always a good idea to have a backup location just in case. That being said, it’s one of the few places where you can elope in Big Sur without needing a permit, which is definitely a huge bonus.


Two silhouettes stand on a rugged beach cove surrounded by pine trees and rocky cliffs along a misty coastline.
Ocean waves crash through natural rock archways along a rugged coastal cliff formation.

Bixby Bridge Pullout

If you’re dreaming of that classic Big Sur shot, the viewpoint overlooking Bixby Creek Bridge is one of the most recognizable spots along the coast. The sweeping cliffs and dramatic bridge make it a stunning backdrop and a fun place for a quick photo stop if timing and parking work in our favor.


Because it’s such a famous landmark in Big Sur, it’s usually pretty busy with visitors, cars, and limited places to pull over. Parking can be tricky, especially on weekends, so I always like to set the expectation that stopping here isn’t guaranteed. If we happen to catch an open spot, we’ll absolutely take advantage of it — but if not, we may need to keep moving.