Moody Garrapata Beach Engagement Session

Adventure
Written By Flora Gibson

Some days, the fog rolls in and never quite lifts — and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. For this Garrapata Beach engagement session, we were gifted one of those moody Big Sur afternoons where the sky stays soft and grey, and the ocean feels like it’s whispering secrets. It was quiet, dramatic, and beautifully intimate — the kind of atmosphere that makes you slow down and lean in a little closer.

If you know me, you know I’m a big fan of overcast days. The even light, the muted tones, the cozy feel it brings out in couples — it’s magic. And at Garrapata Beach, with its rugged cliffs and wild shoreline, that moody vibe comes to life in the most cinematic way.

Garrapata Beach: Where Drama Meets Romance

Tucked between Carmel and Big Sur, Garrapata Beach is a gem. Less crowded than other coastal spots and full of natural texture — rocky outcrops, crashing waves, winding trails, and fields of coastal flora — it’s the perfect setting for couples who want something a little more raw and real.

We wandered down the cliffside trail and let the session unfold naturally. My couple held hands as they walked across the damp sand, their laughter echoing over the waves. The wind was calm, but the sky carried weight — that beautiful, foggy stillness that feels like you have the whole world to yourselves.

Embracing the Gloom: Why Overcast Days Are Secretly the Best

So many couples hope for golden hour — and don’t get me wrong, I love that too — but don’t sleep on gloomy days. Here’s why I actually love photographing engagement sessions in moody coastal weather:

  • Soft, even lighting — no harsh shadows or squinting eyes

  • Romantic, timeless tones that feel like a storybook

  • A cozy, intimate energy that brings couples closer

  • Textures pop — especially with ocean cliffs, wet sand, and dark greenery

Plus, there’s a quiet kind of drama that makes every image feel intentional and cinematic.

Tips for a Garrapata Beach Engagement Session

If you’re thinking about a Garrapata Beach engagement session, here’s what I recommend bringing:

  • Neutral, earthy tones (they look incredible against the fog and cliffs)

  • A jacket or layer to stay warm between shots

  • Shoes you can walk down a rocky trail in — it’s part of the adventure!

  • Willingness to get a little windswept, maybe a little sandy — and a lot in love

Every session here feels a little different, depending on the weather, the tide, and the season — but it always delivers something special.

Let’s Tell Your Love Story in Big Sur

Your engagement session should reflect the real you — whether that’s full of laughter, quiet connection, or a little bit of both. Garrapata Beach is perfect for couples who love the coast but want something a little moodier, a little more off-the-beaten-path.

📩 Get in touch here to start planning your Garrapata Beach engagement session
📷 See more California coast love stories in my portfolio
🌿 Follow along on Instagram @floragibsonphoto for more moody beach inspiration

Featured
Oindrilla and Arjun
Oindrilla and Arjun

This is the dream one-person team every one needs for their big day! Pure raw emotions captured artistically with the perfect play of light and shadow and other natural elements isn't the only amazing service Flora offers, although that would have been fine too if you ask me, given how magical the photographs that she takes are.

When we first approached her for our Big Sur elopement, we were stressed due to the short timeline amidst a pandemic, sceptical about having a ceremony without any friends or family and almost clueless as to where to have the ceremony, how to plan the entire day, and which other vendors to book for other wedding services. But being the superwoman she is, Flora understood exactly what we were looking for and not only did she plan the perfect day for us, she also put us in touch with top-notch vendors in the area who excel in what they do. Aside from her talents, she is also a mindful, kind and warm person. She helped us to be present in the moment and enjoy our day our way and we wouldn't have it any other way.

My partner and I often joke that we are ready to get married ten times over as long as we have Flora to capture it, that is how much in awe we are of the small but meaningful ceremony she helped us have and breathtaking pictures she captured of the same.

Kisa and Noah
Kisa and Noah

We love Flora!!! Her work is truly what dreams are made of! While our entire wedding day was magical, one of our favorite parts of the day was the sunrise hiking adventure with Flora! She took us to gorgeous locations and made us feel so comfortable and at ease. Flora is so warm and fun, you can’t help but have a great time. She goes above and beyond through the entire wedding process. She has great tips, advice, vendor recommendations, thoughtful gifts, and even shared pictures with us the day after our wedding so we could relive the day on our honeymoon, what a gift! We are so grateful she captured so many beautiful moments that we will now be able to cherish forever. Don’t think twice, hire Flora. You won’t regret it! You will get an amazing guide, a great experience, and dreamy photos!

Jah and Jacob
Jah and Jacob

Flora photographed our Big Sur elopement and it was the most incredible experience of our lives. My husband and I are both fairly shy and Flora made us feel so comfortable. She stood apart from other photographers not only due to her raw talent but because I literally thought, who would want to actually hang out with outside of my wedding and during? After meeting for the first time via Skype I knew it would be Flora. She captured us in an authentic way where we could be ourselves and create the most epic memories of our lives. She took us to magical scenic points in Big Sur and we had our first dance on a cliff overlooking the ocean. I was having mixed emotions and sentimental feelings about our decision to throw caution to the wind and elope. But, after spending time with Flora on our wedding day, I knew for certain we had made the best decision to celebrate our sacred union with just us. And that the photos we’d share with our loved ones would capture the magic of our day.

Flora Gibson
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Erika & Daniel’s Big Sur to Carmel Engagement | Glen Oaks + Garrapata Beach