The Ultimate Big Sur Wedding Guide

So you are engaged and dreaming of Big Sur?

When you Google “Big Sur” it says, “Big Sur is a rugged stretch of California’s central coast between Carmel and San Simeon.” Since this is Daniel James Monterey I am going to throw some Peninsula options in here because you might be pleasantly surprised these options where so close to Big Sur. Last note! I know this is a Wedding Photographers website. And you might be asking yourself, “why aren’t there any photos?” I just want to give you straight content. None of this scrolling for 30 years waiting for photos to load and when you find your piece of info another photo loads and pushed you around. So enjoy!!

Ventana Big Sur

Ventana Big Sur is such an epic wedding location in Big Sur. Overlooking the infinite Pacific Ocean, Ventana offers endless views, amazing sunsets, and the most romantic and accommodating of the Big Sur options.

You know that epic, silent, slow movement of the camera at the beginning of a movie? That feeling is totally captured here. Jessica and I always hum the Jurassic Park theme song when those gates open.

Post Ranch Inn

Speaking of Jurassic Park, the Redwoods! This location offers you endless views for your ceremony, but also those iconic Redwoods that people all over the world come to Big Sur to see.

One thing I love about Post Ranch is the intimate feeling it offers. If you are thinking of eloping or celebrating with a few people, Post Ranch is it! They offer mini wedding packages that make planning so easy and worth the drive!

Ragged Point Inn

Okay, so you probably clicked those link and are like “- clicks price - clicks back to Daniel’s Blog” Ragged Point Inn might be your next best option. As of the writing of this blog, the starting price is…wait for it…2,100 :)

Located in San Simeon, it is the most southern end of Big Sur. So if you are coming from LA (AKA Southern California) it might make the Big Sur Wedding experience way more possible.

Glen Oaks Big Sur

If you are looking for that foresty Redwoody Big Sur experience, I highly suggest Glen Oaks. I love the tree coverage and foliage and it is like 2 minutes from Pfeiffer Beach. The one with the hole in the rock perfect for morning, golden hour, or anytime photos!

Just like the name, Glen Oaks offers you those amazing Oaks that make it feel like summer time, all the time. And you decide to tie the knot next to the creek (with a waterfall!) what else is more Big Sur Summer? So cool!

Carmel

Okay so if we threw in a San Simeon wedding location, we got to include a Carmel one since Google said!!

Folktale Winery

When Benjamin wasn’t in our lives, Jessica and I used to hit up Folktale like…every week. The minute you pull in (10 minutes from Highway 1) you feel like you have transported into a new dimension. A French, Hipster, California wormhole. It is amazing. They hand you a glass of sparkling wine, and then you get to celebrate! Okay I can go on and on about the wine experience.

If you are looking for an epic old world feel to your wedding I suggest Folktale. Only 15 minutes from what I think is the border of Monterey and Big Sur (Garrapata State Park), you can be married in a barrel room, or in front of a French Chateau, we can head to Big Sur to grab those epic shots of the coast and Redwoods, and then get back to party. It’s perfect.

Mission Ranch

Also Carmel, yes you might see Clint Eastwood, but they have SHEEP.

Mission Ranch is the amazing venue and restaurant (do brunch on Sunday, seriously). The reason I love Carmel and count it in this Big Sur blog is because there are so many of those “transported” feelings. From the venue I get this vibe that you are in an Ireland/California Mix. The way that the sun sets on the grass and the water creates this amazing dreamy feeling that everyone wants on their wedding day.