Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, CA Engagement Session
Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, CA Engagement Session
How to get to Pfeiffer BEach
First thing, Pfeiffer Beach is not Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. It’s important to know that because if you’re from outside Big Sur everything seems to be named “Pfeiffer” Around here. And that is an important distinction. State parks require photography permits if you are having an engagement session, and those can get pricey, And even revoked. For example during coronavirus state parks are not handing out any state park permits for photography right now. But, Pfeiffer Beach is a national Park which means there is no permit fee!
OK now how do you get there? Let’s say you’re Heading south from Andrew Missouri State Park, as soon as you pass you’re gonna want to make a super tight right which do you want to be very careful with because cars can go pretty fast in this area and you were going to horseshoe down a little side road. There will be a nice and friendly National park Ranger to greet you and explain to you how to get there at the rest of the way! One important fact, if you’re driving a low rider he probably won’t make it as much of the road is very bumpy and a portion of it is dirt:) At the bottom of the hill you’ll find a little park ranger shack and you will pay your $12 entrance fee, they take cash or credit and they will let you in to the park if there is parking.
Why Pfeiffer Beach is a perfect Engagement location
Want To Listen?
#1 Pfeiffer Beach is Gorgeous
Pfeiffer beach rules because it is gorgeous. Hands-down in my opinion is the iconic Big Sur beach. Many beaches in Big Sur are pretty hard to get to this one is very easy and offers you really amazing views. Looking for that perfect California setting, this is it!
#2 The key
Let me just talk about this key for a second like when I mentioned Pfeiffer Beach is one of the iconic Big Sur beaches, this is partially what I meant. This amazing dramatic rock explodes out of the water and I could sit here for hours just watching the waves crash through the whole. And if your extra adventurous you can even go and get on the rocks close to the hall for an even more dramatic photo!
#3 Easy to find some quiet
Another reason this park rules is because it can be quiet. If you’re anything like me, having your picture taken in front of in front of a bunch of people can be a little nerve-racking. I like to find a quiet spot on the beach for us to get started. And Pfeiffer has a ton of quiet spots. It’s very easy to get away from the crowd, pop that bottle of champagne, and start our photo session!
#4 Limited Access
Limited access can be a pro or con for you. I always try to arrive a few minutes early to make room for an event like this. But the fact that they limit the number of people does work in favor for us because you’re not gonna be swamped by tons of people and you’re always going to have room to move around and explore. Pfeiffer beach can be a skinny beach if the tide is high and having this option really does help when we are taking the last few minutes of sunlight!
#5 Variety
The fifth reason why this beach is an epic place for taking your engagement photos is because of the variety. You have this amazing Cypress Grove as you enter, then you are introduced to this giant gorgeous beach. Now we can get like hours of beach shots alone but you also have these dramatic rocks that burst out of the ocean everywhere. For me it’s my all in one location and I love it for that reason.
#6 Location is Relatively Close To Your Monterey To Do’s
Pfeiffer beach is only one hour from Monterey. This means that as you were coming to do your cake tastings and venue tours it’s an easy location to fit in the day.
#7 Gets You In the Photo Taking Vibe
One of the weird reasons why I love this beech so much is because it totally gets me into the romantic photo taking vibe. I’m the kind of person that is inspired by my environment and music and I always like to download my favorite Bon Iver playlist as I head into Big Sur, side note there is no service in this area, and as I drive down into the park, the overhanging trees and light coming through never fails to inspire and forces me to want to take risks that result in you guys getting amazing photos.
#8 Parking
This might sound like a weird reason why this park is my favorite but parking is actually pretty hard to come by in these areas. Many times we are pulling off to the side of the road and risking your life for a sliver of HWY 1, many times you are fighting for parking and waiting in lines, Pfeiffer beach does none of that. They’re very limited in their parking spaces in so they’ll tell you before you make the long trek down if there’s parking for the day. I always just hang out if there is no parking as people are always coming in and out. Why this matters for your day is because you don’t have to worry about hunting for a parking spot and it makes it very easy and stress-free As you’re about to go and be on camera!
#9 Bathrooms
Another reason this park rules is because they have bathrooms! Enough said?
Big Sur Engagement Session
9 Reasons Why Pfeiffer Beach Rules
Gorgeous
The Key
Quiet
Limited Access
Variety
Location is Relatively Close To Your Monterey To Do’s
Gets You In the Photo Taking Vibe
Parking
Bathrooms
Big Sur Engagement Photographer
Monterey County is such a unique place in California. Isn’t it true? The amazing coast, “summery” valley, endless vineyards and wineries, to me it’t the most amazing place to call home! I find so much inspiration from the environment and I want to communicate that in your photos! You have decided to start your new life in Big Sur and I want to infuse your session with this gorgeous location.