Garrapata Big Sur Elopement 📸
Garrapata State Park Elopement
Big Sur is such an amazing place for an elopement
COVID-19 has changed the way weddings are happening. No Doubt. So, thinking of having an elopement or smaller wedding now? This might open up some new ways to think about your wedding locations. Recently, Morgan and Cain, a couple from Oklahoma decided to renew their vows to one another here in Big Sur at Garrapata State Park. Looking at these photos pushed me to write…
9 Reasons Why You Should consider Garrapata State Park for your small wedding or elopement
1.Garrapata State Park Is Gorgeous 😍
I mean come on! Garrapata IS that perfect Big Sur location you’re looking for! Just south of Carmel this is the first Big Sur state park. Highly suggest planning your session 30 mins before sunset, if it sunny!
2. Garrapata Has Beach Access, Big Sur Redwoods, and Monterey Cypress 📸
If you are up to it, there are tons of little coves that you can reach. These awesome look outs are all over the place too! Guys, thinking of proposing? The photo above is my favorite spot do capture that moment. 👌Also - random fact, more Monterey Cypress trees are actually in Ireland than in Monterey! So weird!
3.Garrapata State Beach Has Those Perfect Cliffs 👌
One of the reasons Big Sur is so famous is for its amazing cliffs. Garrapata has some perfect locations for ceremonies and portraits! Can you envision it? The crashing waves beneath you while the California sun sets to the west.
4.Garrapata State Park Is Usually Quiet
One of the reasons this is my favorite space in Big Sur to takes photos is because it is quiet! The many paths we take to get to these amazing locations have like one or two hikers and they are moving on through which lends to the fact that we can be creative, vulnerable, and maintain some intimacy for you two on your wedding day!
5.Garrapata Is Easy To Access
This place is literally right off the highway. So if you are from out of town and looking for a seamless elopement, bam. Maybe a 5-10 minute walk from the highway, no pay-to-park or “park closed” problems!
6.Garrapata State Beach Is Romantic
This place is so unique and intimate. With waves crashing on the rocks below and cliffs falling into the sea you feel like the only two people on the West Coast! Seriously, it is super easy to fund a spot where it is just you two.
7. Garrapata State Park Is Close to Monterey
Big Sur is a big place. And if you are staying in Monterey or Carmel during your time here to tie the knot Garrapata is only a 20 minute drive south! Plus, the location I mention at the end of this blog is even closer! You will have plenty of tie after your session to make it to one of the amazing places to eat after the session.
8. Garrapata State Park Was On Big Little Lies 😂
LOL. Okay, I loved this show. Honestly, because I loved watching all the locations I am familiar with 😂 But seriously! When you park and if you love the show, as my bride and I do, we can definitely get some iconic locations in these photos.
9. No Fees 💵 *Updated
Okay, I do not want to mislead you. Every State Park does have fees. BUT, I know the perfect spot, just outside of Garrapata that has the amazing Big Sur feel, with, no fees! That is right. Forget spending the $400 - $600 for an hour in Big Sur. In order to protect this location and provide my couples with photos, they won’t find anywhere else, I will let you know where this place is when we plan your Big Sur Elopement!
As a recap here are the 8 reasons why Garrapata State Park is a perfect spot for planning your elopement!
It’s Gorgeous 😍
Has Beaches, Redwoods, and Monterey Cypress 📸
It has Those Perfect Cliffs 👌
It’s Quiet And Secluded!
Super Easy To Access
Romantic 🔥
Super Close to Monterey
Big Little Lies 😂
No Fees!*
Where to Elope in big Sur?
A list of Big Sur venues
Big Sur Elopement Photographer
In 2016 my wife and I honeymooned in Lake Tahoe. We decided to cut it a few days short and head down the famous HWY 1. As we drove through Big Sur we thought to ourselves, “wow, what a life, this would be the greatest…” And then it hit us. “Umm, we just got married, new life, let’s do it!” And 6 months later we did it and are never looking back. You get what I mean right? It’s that same sense of adventure, calm, and excitement all wrapped up that makes this place perfect for tying the Knot! I try to take all that inspiration and provide you with wedding photography coverage that matches.