A Big Sur California wedding speaks for itself. The cliffs, the ocean, the seaweed that I’m still half convinced is actually a giant family of seals (a pod of seals?). It’s one of those places that really feels like Heaven on Earth.
As a destination film wedding photographer who’s captured vows shared across the world, this cliffside wedding felt special. The Bride’s name, “Eternal” felt especially appropriate.
Christian and Eternal got married here on the cliffside. It was an intimate wedding, with just twenty people, but nothing about it felt small.
Christian & Eternal’s Big Sur Cliff Wedding
They stood at the edge of the world and said their vows. Dinner followed, served family-style with farm-to-table food. Everything was curated but earnest; not a performance, but a declaration of love for their friends and family.
The bride’s dad, a jazz musician, performed alongside a ten-piece band.It was love in real time. I would truly call it a spiritual experience. His music and love for his daughter filled the air with each note. We experienced something rare, and personal and deep. That moment still sticks with me.
Film photography allowed me to tell their story authentically. Film holds onto light and gives something textured, honest, emotional. The kind of wedding photos that match what the day actually felt like.
Planning a Big Sur Cliffside Ceremony
Some parts of Big Sur are public, others private. You’ll need permits for a lot of the outdoor spots. Start early. Figure out where you want to stand and work back from there.
The weather can shift fast. Wind, fog, sun – you might get all three. Build in flexibility and keep your timeline light.
Hire vendors who know the area or have the skills to adapt. The roads are winding, the cell service is spotty, and timing matters more than you think. Experience with a variety of settings goes a long way.
Big Sur Micro Wedding Ideas
Micro weddings work well here because the landscape does the heavy lifting. Keep the group small, the timeline relaxed, and let the environment do what it does.
Use the space. Bring in music, good food, and lighting that fades with the sun. Keep things close together so it flows naturally.
Where to Stay
Big Sur has a few standout spots if you’re into boutique hotels that feel intentional.
Post Ranch Inn is quiet and high up. Feels private.
Ventana Big Sur has a slightly more social energy but still gives you space.
If you need more options, head up to Carmel. It’s about an hour away and has small inns and cool shops. Good for guests who want to explore a little before or after the wedding.
Things To Do While You’re There
Let your people enjoy it. Big Sur isn’t the place for a packed schedule. Just point them in the right direction.
- The Bixby Bridge is worth a quick stop.
- The purple sand at Pfeiffer Beach catches the light just right.
- The short walk to McWay Falls ends in a solid view.
- The small coffee spots tucked into the redwoods do the job.
Destination Wedding Travel Tips
The closest airports are Monterey and San Jose. San Francisco works too, but it’s a longer drive.
A rental car is always a good idea, as the coast is spread out and there’s no reliable rideshare.
Traffic on Highway 1 gets slow, so give people a heads up. Arriving a day early makes everything easier.
Big Sur Wedding Photos That Match the Day
The photos matter more when the setting already says a lot. You don’t want poses. You want presence. That’s what film does best out here.
I shoot weddings like this because I believe in what they stand for. If you’re looking for a luxury destination wedding photographer who keeps things real and grounded, we should talk.
You can also check out this San Francisco wedding at Travis Marina to see how that same energy translates in a different setting. Or browse my film wedding photo portfolio for more.
Your Big Sur California Wedding Deserves Intention
Getting married on a cliff in Big Sur isn’t about trends. It’s about what feels good. Honest vows, a good meal, and the right people around you.
Let the view do its thing. Let the photos show what it actually felt like.
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