Planning a Carmel, California elopement? Discover dreamy locations, expert tips, and cinematic photography to help you create the perfect coastal wedding day.

If you’ve ever dreamed of an intimate, wildly romantic day surrounded by redwoods and crashing ocean waves, this Glen Oaks elopement in Big Sur will steal your heart. Glen Oaks is one of the most magical elopement venues on the California coast — offering the perfect blend of rustic charm, cozy modern cabins, and private access to the serenity of Big Sur’s redwood groves for the ideal elopement day!

If you’re looking for a wedding venue that feels like a secret tucked away in the woods—with towering redwoods, eclectic charm, and a whole lot of soul—the Henry Miller Library in Big Sur might just be it. It’s one of my favorite hidden gems to photograph, and every time I shoot a wedding here, it feels like stepping into a storybook.

There’s something truly magical about the Southern Oregon Coast—and Crook Point captures that magic perfectly. As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the opportunity to document love stories in many stunning locations, but Crook Point stands out every time. If you’re dreaming of a wedding surrounded by dramatic cliffs, sweeping ocean views, and golden light, this might just be your perfect venue.

When Hanna and Nick invited me to capture their elopement—a dreamy, cave‑side ceremony with their favorite people, a shot‑ski that crackled with laughter, and private vows read high above the Pacific Ocean—it felt like the most perfect love story. It was equal parts intimate, wild, heartfelt, and oh-so-Carmel. And it’s the kind of story I live for as a Carmel elopement photographer.

As an elopement photographer based in Carmel, I’ve had the joy of capturing countless love stories along this dreamy stretch of coastline—but there’s something especially magical about couples who choose to stay at Villa Mara. Whether you’re escaping the chaos of wedding planning or simply want your celebration to feel more intentional, Carmel offers a wildly romantic backdrop for your day.

Discover why Carmel-by-the-Sea is the perfect destination for couples looking to elope. From breathtaking coastal views to charming venues, plan your perfect Carmel elopement today!

Nestled along the rugged coastline of California, Glen Oaks Big Sur offers an unparalleled setting for couples seeking a unique, intimate, and breathtaking location to tie the knot. Whether you're dreaming of an elegant wedding or a peaceful elopement, this stunning venue promises an unforgettable experience amidst the natural beauty of the Big Sur wilderness. From towering redwoods to sweeping ocean views, Glen Oaks offers a magical environment to exchange vows.

K + K came to Carmel from the UK to elope and chose me as their photographer! I felt so honored to show them around and do all the California things, from driving a vintage Mustang to going to In-N-Out and saying their vows on the cliffs. I loved where they stayed in Carmel, California, the Le Petit Pali Hotel was full of charm and unique design. Thank you both so much for including me in your day.

Emily and Austin eloped at Jedediah Smith Redwoods this week in California. With a private ceremony surrounded by massive redwoods, they continued their day with a beautiful first dance on the beach, followed by a picnic, where they mixed custom cocktails, surrounded by my favorite feature, beach grass. They had such a beautiful day crossing back and forth between the Oregon and California border.

C + N eloped last week at the beautiful Cannon Beach in Oregon. The fog slowly rolled in on their wedding afternoon as they got ready amongst their closest family members. They stayed at an Airbnb right on Cannon Beach, which was perfect for their first look. They had their ceremony with family and friends on Indian Beach with the beautiful black pebbles and driftwood, and shared cake on the tall beach grass. I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful wedding day!

Deetjens will always be my absolute favorite place to photograph eloping couples. The history, roaming cats, old leaded windows, unique styling and natural light make it such a fun place to start a wedding day. I loved that J +K also appreciated Deetjens and had stayed there before ! We stopped at the redwoods on the way to their ceremony on the coast, where their friends met up with us for the most windy and beautiful ceremony where her best friend and now husband dueled post ceremony. We ended the night at the beach overlooks as the sun set and it was absolutely beautiful !!

Lucy and Dustin eloped in the beautiful redwood forest in Big Sur, California. They helped each other get ready in the most beautiful light in their room at Post Ranch Inn. We were off to the redwood forest for their ceremony and then adventured along Coast Highway 1 for some awesome photos along the cliffs, the incredibly rough waves were amazing for their elopement day, the weather was perfect!

Amy and Manual have been married for 10 years and felt that their wedding day wasn’t about them. Since then, they had been through so much together as a couple that they wanted to renew their vows and commitment to one another in Big Sur. The day was so beautiful I could feel the love and devotion they had for each other. I had so much fun showing them around my home for the first time. I am so grateful to be a part of their memories!

K + J eloped this week in the beautiful redwoods of California. They stayed at the beautiful Glen Oaks Big Sur and brought their amazing friend Micheal to perform a heartfelt ceremony in the redwoods. My favorite part of their day was how they got ready together in such a sweet way and set aside 10 min for creative photos in the light of their cabin. I loved the small cake that their friend made them with the cutest cake topper! ( a Polaroid of them!)