Top Big Sur Accommodations for Elopements and Intimate Weddings
Big Sur is one of the most breathtaking and romantic destinations in California — making it a top spot for elopements, intimate weddings, and adventure sessions. With dramatic cliffs, ocean views, redwood forests, and moody sunsets, it’s no surprise couples from around the world choose to say “I do” here.
But one of the biggest questions I get from couples planning a Big Sur wedding is: “Where should we stay?” Whether you're looking for a luxury resort, a cozy cabin, or something rustic and remote, this guide covers the best accommodations in Big Sur for every vibe and budget.
Best Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Big Sur
Post Ranch Inn
If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury stay, Post Ranch Inn is an iconic adults-only resort perched on the cliffs with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. With wood-and-glass suites, private decks, infinity spas, and gourmet dining, this is the place for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s perfect for honeymooners or couples wanting to splurge for their elopement weekend.
If you're getting married or eloping in Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn is one of the dreamiest places you could choose to get ready. Every suite is filled with natural light, floor-to-ceiling windows, and jaw-dropping views of either the ocean or the redwoods — creating the perfect backdrop for candid, emotional getting ready moments.
From slipping into your dress in front of panoramic ocean views to reading letters or sharing a quiet moment on your private deck, the atmosphere here adds so much to your photo gallery. The modern, earthy design of each space photographs beautifully, and the natural surroundings create an unmatched sense of calm and intimacy.
Getting ready at Post Ranch Inn doesn’t just feel luxurious — it sets the tone for a peaceful, meaningful day. It’s more than just a place to stay... it becomes part of your story.
📍 postranchinn.com
Ventana Big Sur
If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury-meets-nature wedding experience in Big Sur, Ventana Big Sur is the perfect choice. Nestled among towering redwoods with sweeping coastal views, Ventana offers stunning accommodations, world-class service, and beautiful ceremony spaces — all in one serene, secluded setting. Whether you stay in a luxury suite or one of their upscale glamping tents, every inch of the property is thoughtfully designed and wedding-day ready.
As a photographer, I especially love Ventana for getting ready photos — the natural light, clean lines, and warm tones make for beautiful, intimate images. Having your ceremony, celebration, and stay all in one place creates a relaxed, stress-free flow to your day. From redwood grove ceremonies to ocean view portraits and cozy fireside toasts, Ventana gives you the space and freedom to fully celebrate your love, your way.
📍 ventanabigsur.com
Places to Stay and Get Married in Big Sur
One of the most magical things about eloping or hosting a small wedding in Big Sur is that you can combine your lodging and venue into one unforgettable space. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony with just the two of you or a private celebration with a few close guests, these locations offer the convenience of staying onsite and saying your vows with a breathtaking backdrop.
Glen Oaks Big Sur
Glen Oaks is a hidden gem in the redwoods that blends rustic charm with modern design. You can stay in one of their stylish cabins or cottages (many with fireplaces, soaking tubs, and heated floors) while also hosting your elopement or micro-wedding onsite in their Redwood Grove.
The grove is quiet, intimate, and completely surrounded by towering trees — a truly magical setting for your vows. As a photographer, I love the golden light that filters through the branches here, and the privacy it offers makes your ceremony feel extra meaningful. Getting ready photos inside the cabins are just as dreamy, thanks to the natural textures and cozy interiors.
📍 glenoaksbigsur.com
Wind and Sea Estate
For couples seeking a private oceanfront property, Wind and Sea Estate is one of the most unique and luxurious Big Sur wedding venues. This cliffside estate offers stunning views, a private cove, and the option to host both your stay and your ceremony with total privacy.
It’s perfect for multi-day celebrations with your closest friends and family. You can do everything onsite — from getting ready, to a cliffside ceremony, to sunset portraits and a candlelit dinner under the stars. The home’s large windows, natural wood interiors, and coastal gardens make it incredibly photogenic, and the uninterrupted ocean views? Unmatched.
📍 windandseaestate.com
Treebones Resort
If you want a more adventurous, offbeat experience, Treebones Resort offers luxury yurts, ocean-view glamping tents, and even a “human nest” for the most creative couples. This eco-friendly resort is perched above the coastline and offers epic views in every direction.
Treebones allows small weddings and elopements with advance coordination, and it’s a perfect spot if you want something fun, quirky, and unforgettable. I love photographing here because the vibe is relaxed, the light is beautiful, and every angle feels cinematic. Plus — stargazing here? Unreal.
📍 treebonesresort.com
Ventana Big Sur
Ventana is one of the most sought-after luxury wedding venues in Big Sur, and for good reason. You can stay in one of their redwood-view suites, glamping tents, or cliffside rooms and host your wedding all in one place — whether that’s an elopement in a forest clearing or a small ceremony overlooking the ocean.
Ventana’s design is warm, earthy, and perfect for photography — especially getting ready shots with beautiful natural light. Their ceremony spaces are private, their food is amazing, and their service is top-tier. If you want a high-end, seamless experience that still feels deeply connected to nature, Ventana is your spot.
📍 ventanabigsur.com
Big Sur Lodge
For couples seeking a more rustic, budget-friendly option that’s still inside the magic of Big Sur, Big Sur Lodge is a solid pick. Located inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, it offers forested cabins, easy access to trails, and an outdoor ceremony space for small weddings.
You can stay onsite and get married beneath the redwoods, all without breaking the bank. It’s a great choice for couples who want to keep things simple and nature-focused. The park setting also gives us endless options for portraits before or after your ceremony — from river bends to fern-filled groves.
📍 bigsurlodge.com
Proximity to Popular Elopement Locations
When choosing where to stay, it’s helpful to consider how close you’ll be to popular elopement spots like:
Garrapata State Park (great for cliffside vows and wildflowers)- Check out my full guide to eloping in Garrapata State Park Here!
Pfieffer Beach (iconic purple sand and the keyhole arch at sunset)
Andrew Molera State Park (open trails, big skies, and ocean views)
Bixby Bridge (an iconic photo backdrop with ocean cliffs)
Booking accommodations near the spots you plan to explore helps make your timeline smoother and less rushed — and lets us chase the best lighting with ease!
Tips for Booking Big Sur Accommodations
Book early! Big Sur has limited lodging, and weekends book up fast — especially in spring and fall.
Consider weekdays for more availability and better rates.
Cell service is limited, so confirm all your bookings in advance and download directions ahead of time.
Let me help! I offer full location and lodging assistance as part of my Big Sur elopement packages.
The In-Between Moments Matter — Choose a Space That Honors Them
While the ceremony and portraits may be the obvious highlights of your wedding day, some of the most powerful and heartfelt moments happen in the quiet spaces in between. The way your hands shake slightly as you tie your shoes. The tears in your parent’s eyes as they help zip up your dress. The stillness before the joy.
These fleeting, intimate moments are often the ones that become the most cherished in your gallery — and they all start where you're getting ready.
That’s why choosing the right accommodations for your wedding day is so important. Beautiful natural light, clean spaces, and calm environments allow me to photograph these moments in an intentional, artful way. Whether you're staying at Glen Oaks, Ventana, Wind and Sea, or another thoughtfully designed Big Sur retreat, the space you get ready in becomes the backdrop for the start of your story.
When we have the right lighting and surroundings, we’re able to capture those in-between moments in a way that feels cinematic, calm, and completely true to you. It’s more than just where you sleep — it becomes part of the experience, and part of the story we get to tell together.
Want to dive deeper into why these quiet, candid moments matter so much? Check out this blog post all about why getting ready photos are so important — it’s full of insight on how to make the most of that part of your day.
Make It a Two-Day Big Sur Wedding Experience
Big Sur is more than just a wedding location — it’s a destination worth slowing down for. With so many dramatic landscapes, hidden coves, forest trails, and cliffside views, turning your wedding into a two-day celebration lets you fully soak in everything this magical stretch of coastline has to offer.
🌿 Day One: Ceremony, Dinner, and Time with Loved Ones
Start your wedding weekend with an intimate ceremony at your stay — whether it's the redwood grove at Glen Oaks, the bluff at Wind and Sea, or a peaceful forest clearing at Ventana. After saying your vows, gather with your closest people for a long, slow dinner under the stars. Whether it’s a catered meal, a private chef experience, or a picnic-style feast, this first day is all about connection, intention, and celebrating with your people in one of the most stunning places on Earth.
🌊 Day Two: Adventure Session Along the Coast
On day two, it’s just the two of you. We’ll plan an adventure session along the coast — hiking down to Pfeiffer Beach, chasing golden light in Garrapata, or stopping at Bixby Bridge and the cliffs at sunset. You can wear your wedding attire again or switch it up for something more relaxed. It’s the perfect chance to get dreamy portraits without the timeline pressure of a traditional wedding day — just love, wind, waves, and wide open sky.
This kind of two-day experience allows you to slow down, breathe it all in, and come away with a wedding gallery that tells the full story of your time in Big Sur — from meaningful moments with family to quiet, wild magic between just the two of you.
Planning Your Big Sur Elopement with Me
As someone who photographs in Big Sur regularly, I help all my couples choose locations, build custom timelines, and find the best lighting for every moment. When you work with me, you’ll also receive:
✔️ A custom elopement guide with my top accommodation + vendor recs
✔️ Timeline planning with sunrise/sunset in mind
✔️ Sneak peeks within 48 hours
✔️ A mini album of Polaroid photos on the day of your elopement
✔️ Full edited gallery delivered in 6 weeks or less
Interested in planning your big day together? You can check out starting pricing here on my pricing page. Or if you’re ready to dive right in and get to putting your perfect day (or days) together you can inquire here!
Final Thoughts
No matter your style, there’s a perfect place to stay in Big Sur. Whether you’re looking for luxury, rustic charm, or something totally unique, these accommodations help turn your wedding weekend into an unforgettable experience. I’m here to help you find the best fit for your day — and to photograph it all beautifully along the way.
📩 Ready to plan your Big Sur elopement? Reach out here to get started!
