The redwood forests in Big Sur are renowned for their breathtaking natural beauty. The towering redwood trees, lush greenery, and serene surroundings create a picturesque and romantic backdrop for a wedding ceremony. The play of light filtering through the tall trees, the forest floor covered in ferns, and the overall natural beauty offer countless opportunities for capturing beautiful and memorable moments. Choosing a location like the redwoods in Big Sur can help minimize external distractions, allowing the couple and their guests to focus on the ceremony and celebration without the hustle and bustle of a more urban setting.




MY TOP 10 BIG SUR REDWOOD VENUES FOR ELOPEMENTS AND WEDDINGS

1. GLEN OAKS (capacity 100)

  • Glen Oaks is probably my favorite venue in Big Sur because it is the most rustic, yet still beautifully manicured property. It just screams "Big Sur". They have two areas where you can have a larger wedding–the grass lawn and the fairy ring. For elopements, you can basically say "I Do" anywhere on the property as long as you have no guests. If you are having a micro wedding or a large wedding, and wanting to also have a reception – the Big Sur Roadhouse is on property and has amazing food. They have a gorgeous intimate patio and a small area inside the restaurant for cake and dancing.



2. HENRY MILLER LIBRARY (capacity 150)

  • Henry Miller Library is quintessential Big Sur. It is unique, rustic, and unlike any other location you will come across in Big Sur. A super eclectic venue full of art and literature, Henry Miller Library offers a wedding ceremony/reception site for larger weddings or a private redwoods canyon for elopements and intimate weddings up to 30 people. The redwoods canyon is perfect for those who want to say their vows under the giant trees. For larger weddings, they have a beautiful grassy lawn surrounded by giant redwoods. As far as I know there is no accommodations on property, so you and your guests would have to stay somewhere else–but just ask me! I can give you plenty of options!

3. LOMA VISTA GARDENS (capacity 210)

  • Loma Vista is more of a garden setting surrounded by trees, rather than a rustic redwood setting. It's the perfect venue for a whimsical wedding with tons of succulents, a tree nest overlooking the gardens, and a yurt onsite for getting dressed. Elopement packages are available from Monday-Thursday, which include a 3-hour rental for up to 12 guests. Microwedding packages are also available from Monday-Thursday, which include an 8-hour rental for up to 25 guests. And they also offer a Full Day 10 hour package for up to 210 guests for larger weddings. This is a great venue if you're looking for an actual "wedding venue" where you are going to spend ample time with your guests and have a reception, dinner, dancing, etc. 


4. BIG SUR LODGE (capacity 160)

  • Big Sur Lodge is located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. They offer elopement packages for 2-10 guests and wedding packages for larger events as well. Right outside of the lodge is a beautiful redwood ceremony site which is easily accessible for both older and younger guests. After the ceremony, couples have the option to host an intimate dinner reception on the patio or inside the lodge in case of rain. There are many popular trails within walking distance of the ceremony site, but just be aware that it can be somewhat public with hikers walking within viewing distance of the ceremony site, so keep that in mind when planning!


5. BIG SUR GRANGE (capacity 85)

  • The Big Sur Grange is agricultural advocacy group and is another beautiful redwood area, perfect for forest weddings. Located on the same land as Glen Oaks, this community hall offers a ceremony and reception for intimate and larger weddings. The ceremony can take place outdoors and the reception can take place indoors or outdoors as well. One thing to note–Big Sur Grange does share a parking lot with Glen Oaks, so if there is a wedding taking place at both venues–it can feel like you are getting married in a parking lot!


6. THE BIG SUR RIVER INN (capacity 160)

  • The Big Sur River Inn is the one wedding venue where you can truly get married right along the river! Your wedding will take place on a luscious green lawn, surrounded by giant redwoods. Big Sur River Inn offers their own in house planners and takes care of catering, wedding cakes, flowers, and rental equipment. They have a beautiful outdoor dining patio perfect for a reception and dancing after the ceremony.


7. LIMEKILN STATE PARK (capacity 2)

  • Limekiln State Park is a smaller park that is only appropriate for elopements of two people–no guests. The park has so much to offer – redwoods, a beach, and a waterfall!! It's definitely a drive if you are coming from the Peninsula and is considered "South Coast". It is located about 2 miles south of Lucia and you can choose to camp overnight there in tents or just pay the day fee of $10 if not staying overnight. One thing to note - this park often shuts down unexpectedly due to road closures, landslides, and bad weather–so definitely have a backup plan for your wedding day!


8. VENTANA GLAMPING SITES OR REDWOOD GROVE (capacity 2)

  • Ventana resort is a popular wedding venue for larger weddings. However if you are wanting to get married under the trees, then this is only for an elopement of two people. There is a small beautiful redwood grove area, located about five minutes down a trail behind the resort. Or, if you want to stay somewhere a little more rustic, think about staying in the Glamping tents! These are so much fun and the light that comes through the campsite is magical!


9. THE SUR GROVE (capacity 10)

  • The Sur Grove is a beautiful 1930's cabin tucked away in a redwood canyon halfway between Carmel and the heart of Big Sur. Which means it's also super close to Garrapata Beach and the cliffs at Soberanes.The property features two "I do" worthy locations both beneath the redwood canopy and surrounded by nature. This unique wedding venue offers elopement packages for couples with up to 10 guests. Each package includes full use of property, one night stay, cleaning fee, occupancy tax, and a bottle of champagne.


10. MY SECRET REDWOOD LOCATION

  • YES! I've got my own amazing secret redwood location for couple's who are eloping, but are not registered guests at a campground. This location is only for couple's, no guests, as it is a public area and I think it's important to respect the space of others who might just be out for a hike that day. This location is stunning-complete with a flowing river, huge redwood trees, amazing light, and easy access!

5 FUN IDEAS OF WHAT TO DO IN BIG SUR AFTER YOUR WEDDING

There's no way you're going to want to just head back home after you get married in Big Sur! THERE IS SO MUCH TO DO AND SEE ALONG HIGHWAY ONE–MAKE SURE YOU TAKE A FEW EXTRA DAYS AFTER YOUR WEDDING TO REALLY GET TO SEE THE AREA AND EVERYTHING IT HAS TO OFFER.


  1. Grab a beer and snag one of the Adirondack chairs at River Inn and put your feet in the water.
  2. Hike Soberanes trail and take in all of the gorgeous wildflowers during Spring - make sure to pack some water - it's a long hike uphill!
  3. Stop by Henry Miller and check out the "Library" we you will find the coolest selection of books to purchase
  4. Check out Partington Cove and walk through the cave that leads you out to the cliffs and most beautiful turquoise water you've ever seen
  5. Definitely stop by Nepenthe right before the sun goes down for an Ambrosia Burger, and make sure to sit on the back patio - you will honestly never see a more gorgeous sunset.