Big Sur Wedding Photographer
Big Sur Wedding Photographer
It is YOU and your LOVE. It Is Your WEDDING in Big Sur. Congratulations! I couldn't be happier for you both.
When it comes to wedding locations in the U.S. and I dare say, the whole world, Big Sur is one of the top places people come to get married. Thanks to Big Sur’s vast ocean views, unique landscapes, and redwood-adorned forests, this 90 miles of absolutely amazing coastline is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions the Golden State has to offer.
For someone who has explored the length and breadth of what this place has to offer nature lovers, Big Sur’s wedding and elopement venues are some of the most scenic places to take your vows. It doesn’t matter whether you’re planning a tiny wedding or large, Big Sur will surely enchant your guests as they have never been before. It always does!
As a Big Sur wedding and elopement photographer, naturally, I’m so stoked that you are planning a visit to Big Sur for your wedding and elopement. The majority of people who want to get married in the area are not from there. For most couples, getting married in the Big Sur’s wilderness was the dream. I’m just glad you are finally getting to make it your reality. I know how important these special moments are for you and want to freeze them all in time.
Talking about photographing special moments, I'm probably the luckiest man alive because I've captured so many couples' love stories in the Big Sur areas. But I know these are crucial components leading up to every couple’s big day that they want to get right. Planning a wedding is never easy. Besides, very few couples are ever going to have any previous experience planning a wedding, particularly in a place like Big Sur.
So, I’m happy to help you plan your wedding in Big Sur by sharing info gathered from my experiences photographing lovebirds like yourself. Ready? Then let’s go!
Why Get Married in Big Sur?
If you have already decided to tie the knot in one of Big Sur’s scenic wedding venues, congratulations once again! However, if you haven’t made up your mind on a wedding location yet, consider (PICK!) Big Sur.
But Why Big Sur?
For so many reasons. Big Sur is an incredible wilderness. It is a rather rugged stretch of land measuring 90 miles and located in the central coastal region of the state of California. It borders San Simeon in the north and Carmel down in the south and stretches inland to some considerable degree. It shares an eastern border with the San Lucia Mountains, and, of course, the waves of the pacific ocean make up the western boundary.
The above should paint a vivid picture of how dreamy this place is. Even the drive through Big Sur on Highway 1 offers you countless opportunities to bask in the views of the misty coastlines. The route’s winding turns around seaside cliffs can be a gasping activity itself that you'd want to experience with no one else but your better half beside you.
Big Sur may be notorious for wedding ceremonies and elopements but this place can be anything you want it to be for you. The region may be sparsely populated, but it attracts a very impressive number of tourists all year round. Supported with several state parks, tourists and fun-seekers have a plethora of activities to make up a memorable vacation including sightseeing, walking, hiking, camping, and beachcombing. It is an amazing place to find adventure or just come and relax. Despite its secluded and remote nature, it's still close enough to mouthwatering foods, activities, accommodations, and civilization.
But Big Sur is just perfect for an elopement. It is blessed with some of the most incredible views for capturing your love stories. It is remote enough to feel like all the focus is about you and your moment. As a photographer who enjoys nature as much as anyone, I’m telling you, you’ll be amazed by how many natural backdrops you can find in one location. Whether you picture your moments as the sun settles over the Pacific ocean or in the wilderness amidst tall majestic redwoods, you can be sure we’ll find your angle every time we take your photo.
Big Sur is Always Amazing, All Year Round
Big Sur is an amazing coastline every time of the year. Generally, Big Sur has a mild climate that makes it attractive to visitors every time of the year. I think everyone would agree that the region is particularly nice between April and November. Fall in Big Sur means dry and warm weather. Also, the sky is really clear and bright, which is perfect for photography. Many people visit Big Sur during the fall, so there’s a high chance you won’t be alone in most of the popular venues for weddings and elopements.
The spring is also very ideal, which is characterized by full-blown wildflowers. The summer months can be cool and fog may appear most of the mornings (come prepared). But there are clear days as well. You don’t have to worry about foggy days if you choose the summer. The fog is absolutely beautiful both in real life and in your photos. I’ve been part of many!
Why Have Daniel James Photograph Your Wedding
I’m so happy for you that you found love. The emotions and moments you’re about to witness may be completely new to you, but it’s beautiful and heartwarming and part of what’s exciting about the next chapter you’re about to enter. You don’t want to forget those moments in a hurry. These moments should be documented with timeless, honest, and natural photos that let you relive them anytime you wish. Don’t you agree?
Your wedding in Big Sur is about you and your love. It is about how far you both have come, and the next phase you are about to begin. I’m here to help you tell that story – through timeless photos. Forever.
I'm a storyteller who believes all the small moments do matter on your wedding day. And there is no better place to capture these moments than the incredible Big Sur. Come let’s tell your love story together!
Why I Love Wedding Photography
I love many things other photographers tend to hate about wedding photography: the long hours and the added pressure that comes with capturing a couple’s most special moments.
I absolutely love to be a part of a couple's most important day. I feel honored I get to help a couple plan their most special moments and document every one of them. I enjoy beautiful things so I can’t help but enjoy the moments with the couples. I laugh and smile behind the camera too.
And guess what? Every experience is new to me. And I’ve been doing this for as long as I can remember. Different couples, different venues, different settings, different seasons, and different days. It's all new and I love that about weddings and elopement in Big Sur.
What I Love About Wedding and Elopement in Big Sur
What do I love about photographing weddings in Big Sur? This place lets you feel. Whether you feel like crying, laughing, or reaching for the sky, this place pushes you to be you. And don’t try to suppress the emotions because this place won’t let you. And if you ever wish to experience those feelings long into the future, trust that I have them candidly captured.
What I Can Do For You
I’ve said a lot about how much I want to work with you and photograph your elopement or wedding in Big Sur. But I’m not just about the big day. No, there’s a lot of work to be done leading up to the day you dress up and exchange your wedding vows. Hence, I don’t only turn up on the day I get to use my camera, no. I come into the picture way sooner than that.
Most importantly, I help you plan your wedding and elopement in Big Sur. YES! You got that correctly… I help you plan the WHOLE thing. I help couples with in-depth planning of locations, venues, scheduling, and timeline building. In addition to photography, of course. You get all of these and so much more information when you choose to hire me.
It’s More Than Just Photography With Me
The nature of Big Sur makes it more than just photography for most couples coming here to get married. Information is key in Big Sur and this region is not particularly small. It’s 90 miles and it can be hard to navigate the area if you don’t know your way around.
Being very familiar with the area helps me tremendously with my work. For one, most couples are very keen to elope in unique areas and a lot of picturesque places are unmarked, so it’s hard to find for people who are less traveled in the area unless they have enough time to search.
Also, plans change so it’s very helpful that I know the area very well. There can be some unforeseen circumstances like the weather (does surprises often in Big Sur), wildfire, or road closures that may mean I have to change the venue for a photo session last minute. I usually have up to three backup venues should in case I need them, which I’m only able to do because I’ve spent countless hours scouting venues and collecting information.
Why Wed and Elope With James?
I love helping couples plan and make meaningless memories, both being then scenes and behind the camera. It’s the only thing I know how to do! Whether it's a small wedding with 5, 10, or 20 guests we can make it happen. Even more? Possible. You can absolutely do a big wedding in Big Sur. There are many suitable venues for that type of wedding. I’m happy to help you plan everything, from venue to vendors. And I’m happy to listen to your concerns and questions just about anything – parks, locations, settings, weather, traffic, private and public lands, permits and fees, etc.
All weddings are special but there is just something different about elopements. The thoughts of two lovebirds eloping, with the two of them as the focus, expressing what they both share for each other – is very exciting and with an added feel to it. It gives couples exactly the type of wedding they dreamt of. No onlookers. No family. No society. Just the two people that truly matter on their special day. And I’m always honored when I get to witness such moments as a couple’s photographer. I know that I’d feel honored the same way on your elopement too.
Just like weddings, I offer much more than camera expertise when it comes to elopements. Many couples understandably need as much guidance when planning their Big Sur elopement. Suddenly, your options become even more limitless and it can feel overwhelming. I work with couples to help them find the most beautiful and awe-inspiring venues of their dreams. We can try as many of Big Sur's breathtaking locations as you like. I believe the best wedding and elopement photos are taken when everything feels natural and unforced. With me, we don't need to rush, we literally have all day and night to get the right moments on camera. And we will get them!
It’s not just about taking nice photos of you and the love of your life. I don’t take pretty photos. I document special memories and experiences that will stand the test of time. I make special photos. Those special memories you passed down to your friends and families to make them feel what you felt in that moment in time.