Big Sur Wedding Venues
It’s hard to top a wedding along the majestic coast of Big Sur. I started my photography business fourteen years ago while living on a ranch in Big Sur, and I’ve finally compiled a list of my favorite Big Sur wedding venues. I have photographed at each venue many times, and I still feel so lucky to capture weddings and elopements in my favorite place.
Big Sur weddings and elopements benefit from the enchanting beauty of this coast. If you and your fiancé crave adventure or want your love for the outdoors to be reflected in your special day, Big Sur is the perfect location. The diverse landscape of Big Sur, the mountains, cliffs, Redwood forests, and coastal beaches allow couples to experience a dynamic range of natural environments for their wedding. Big Sur is located along Highway One, which is a scenic highway following the central coast of California. It is about 150 miles from San Francisco and 300 miles north of Los Angeles.
Scenic Havens for Unforgettable Celebrations in Big Sur
Big Sur, beyond tourism, holds a vibrant community of artists, creatives, and hard working individuals. I recommend reading The Big Sur Pledge before visiting, to know the ins and outs of how to navigate and support the town. I know how difficult it is to plan a destination wedding or elopement, yet working with local vendors will be the best decision to ease the planning process.
Here is my list of Big Sur wedding venues! You’ll find information about each venue, as well as photographs to go along with each location. If you have any other questions, please reach out to me— I’m here to help.
Ventana Inn
48123 Highway One
Alila Ventana Big Sur is a luxury resort located in the mountains above the coast. Although the price is on the expensive side, this venue doesn’t fall short of the price tag. An ideal location for an elopement, wedding, or proposal. The resorts acreage allows for an array of backdrops, ocean view, meadows, or Redwood ceremonies. Because of the elevation, Ventana can be warmer, as the fog doesn’t usually reach the property, which gives great visibility. With 160 acres of landscape, the property has boundless hiking trails, Redwood forests, meadows, and multiple swimming pools. The restaurant has always been one of my favorites for the view and cozy bar.
Ventana is one of the smaller venues for guests in Big Sur, with maximum capacity at forty guests. For weddings with more than forty guests, Ventana requires a full buyout of the resort. With that being said, Ventana is best for elopements and smaller weddings, unless you are in the budget for a buyout.
There are definitely pros to choosing Ventana, including the view, options for ceremony location, access to hiking trails and pools, the luxurious setting, and the meadows. The biggest con is the price tag, but you will, without a doubt, get what you pay for here! You can find more information for this venue @ventanabigsur on Instagram.
Post Ranch Inn
47900 Highway One
Post Ranch Inn, my favorite Big sur wedding venue for luxury elopements. The stunning cliffside views and Redwood forests are hard to beat. If this is in your budget, consider spoiling yourself with this venue. The Inn has ocean view rooms, as well as treehouse rooms amongst the Redwoods. The attention to detail in the architecture is unparalleled to most resorts. All of the rooms are a work of art— you can’t go wrong.
With almost one hundred acres and only forty rooms, the Inn has created a peaceful sanctuary like setting. The largest intimate wedding package is for up to fourteen guests, so this venue is best for very small weddings and elopements. Although they make exceptions for weddings in the Redwoods, and also potential buyouts, so it’s always best to connect with the inn directly. Post Ranch Inn continues to hold space for the authentic connection to the natural beauty of Big Sur.
Everything about Post Ranch Inn is a pro— the intimate feel, the views, and architecture. Again, the only con is the price tag. You can find more information on Post Ranch Inn’s Instagram.
Glen Oaks
47080 Highway One
Glen Oaks is a nature lovers dream— especially if you’re wanting to get married in the Redwoods. The sound of the Big Sur river, with light cascading through the Redwoods creates a magical, relaxing setting. Couples love the ease of being able to walk straight to their ceremony site, from their cabins. I especially love the Bridge House and the Big Sur cabin. Glen Oaks is the perfect location for a forest elopement or a wedding under the trees. They can accommodate up to 100 guests, so this is a great Big Sur wedding venue for a mid-size wedding, and elopements.
The biggest pros are Glen Oaks’ intimate feel, mesmerizing Redwood groves, the quiet and relaxing feel, and the river passing by. The only con, which in my eye isn’t a con, is that it’s mostly forested, unless you stay in one of their motor lodge rooms along the highway. There won’t be opportunities for an ocean view, unless you drive off property for cliffside photos, but if you’re wanting to be surrounded by Redwoods, this is the location for you. Here is Glen Oaks’ Instagram for more information @glenoaksbigsur.
Paion Estate
Address available upon request
Paion is a unique private property along the coast set right above the ocean. There is a large grassy lawn, so this venue often attracts couples who want to work with a clean slate to bring their vision to life. Paion Estate is operated by Big Sur Weddings, and it’s the perfect venue for intimate elopements or weddings with 200 guests. This venue truly allows you to create your dream wedding. Overall, Paion is a bright, airy, open space with a wide expanse of land. It’s located right on the water, with an adorable yurt to get ready in. The fire pit and room for a large dance floor creates a cozy, fun atmosphere.
The pros of booking Paion are getting to create your vision from scratch, the ocean views, all of the space, and the option to have a larger wedding, with a party late into the night. The only con is that you will have to bring in all of your rentals, however with that said you can create the wedding of your absolute dreams. Paion’s point of contact is Big Sur Weddings by Elegant Events, and their Instagram account is here. You can view two featured weddings from Paion here and here.
Point 16
Near 62475 Highway One
Point 16 is hands down one of my favorite venues in California. The dramatic 180° views of the coastline are breathtaking. The cliff side location for ceremonies is essentially impossible to beat. Every guest and vendor at weddings I’ve photographed at Point 16 are mesmerized by the view. The property has an adorable rustic cabin to get ready in, a rustic dance floor, and a loo with a view, which adds to the charm of the venue. Overall, Point 16 is bright, sunny, open, coastal, and fun.
This venue is typically best for weddings with I’d say 30 guests or more, it’s especially beneficial for large weddings due to the amount of space. There is a wooden dance floor and huge fire pit, so it’s a great venue for a fun party. Although, intimate weddings are stunning here as well. The view of the coastline is an extraordinary backdrop.
The list of pros is long for Point 16. The view, the open field, adorable cottage to get ready in, wooden dance floor, make this the top of the list and most photogenic venue! Of course, the option to have a larger wedding is also a plus. The only con is the distance from the town of Big Sur to the venue, yet the scenic drive there is worth it. It’s about forty minutes past the “town” of Big Sur. Point 16’s contact is Jessica you can contact here by emailing: point16book@gmail.com
Henry Miller Library
48603 Highway One
Henry Miller Library a local bookstore, music venue, community gathering space, which holds the history of Henry Miller. Located along the highway in the middle of the Redwoods, with a Redwood ceremony location encircled by towering trees. I have photographed some of my favorite weddings here. It’s an unforgettable location, and it has an unparalleled energy that can be felt the moment you walk in. The feeling here is enchanting and rustic. This is a great venue for a large and small weddings, as they can accommodate more than 100 people.
The biggest pros are the canopy of trees and the unique setting. Having a library on-site makes this venue standout, the library staff also provides some day of event support. It is a ten minute drive to many local campgrounds and hotels, and it is accessible by shuttle. Cons, you can’t stay on property. music curfew may also be earlier than other venues. View their instagram for more inspiration.
Wind & Sea
Address Available Upon Request
For weddings of 100 guests or less, Wind and Sea Estate is perched right above the ocean, and has a lovely, private feel. I have often seen whales when photographing at this venue. I love that the venue was originally created as a home, so there is an indoor option. The house also acts as a place to get ready, and it can accommodate up to twelve guests to stay. It has a bright, coastal vibe. Wind and Sea is a relaxing environment, with an intimate feel. The property has a fire pit and a large deck for dinner that faces the ocean. The landscape and private rocky beach make this a beautiful setting for an intimate wedding.
The pros are having access to a beautiful home, the stunning views, and intimate setting. The con is that the Wind and Sea can’t accommodate more than 100 guests. Another thing to keep in mind is that this Big Sur wedding venue is multiple levels, with a lot of stairs. Wind & Sea’s Instagram can be found here.
A Private Ranch
Address available upon request
This venue truly has it all. It is a 60 acre ranch set high in the mountains in Big Sur. This is the ranch I lived on when I first started my photography business fourteen years ago. I spent six and a half years residing here, and is where some of my most treasured memories were made. The ranch views of the valley of Big Sur are unlike any other venue. It also has a pool, orchard, rustic field, a stage, and endless views.
If you and your fiancé are looking for an open landscape to be your backdrop, this might just be the place. It also gives you unique insight into a Big Sur homestead. When I think about the ranch, its beauty and uniqueness stand out. A lively and bright feel, with beautiful gardens.. Reach out to me for the information for this contact. Now, they’re offering an elopement package too!
One of the biggest pros about having your elopement or wedding at the ranch is that the weather here is generally better than most other locations as you are perched high up on a ridge top. The cons to choosing this Big Sur wedding venue is that you can’t stay on property, you have to bring in all rentals, and you must have a coordinator and shuttle.
Loma Vista
47540 Highway One
Loma Vista is a garden venue of your dreams. If you are like me and love plants, and the canopy of trees, this venue will inspire you. Picture a beautifully landscaped garden full of cactus, honeysuckle, and charming structures surrounded by mountain views. It’s such a fun setting in the heart of Big Sur. Loma Vista is located next door to Big Sur Bakery, and holds ceremonies and receptions. It accommodates up to 210 guests, so this is a great option for a large wedding in Big Sur. They offer a range of wedding packages, so you can make your day exactly what you’ve imagined it to be! This venue is thoughtfully landscaped to create the best environment for a wedding.
One of the best things about Loma Vista, besides it’s stunning grounds, is how close it is to other locations in town. The beautiful garden and mountain views speak for themselves. More photos and information can be found on Loma Vista Gardens’ Instagram.
Big Sur Bakery
47540 Highway One
Big Sur Bakery is located in a 1930’s ranch style home, and they specialize in hosting meals that are similar to family dinners. This venue is a great location for a reception (not a ceremony). It’s a very small venue, so seating is limited. The mood is intimate, with an elevated and delicious menu. If you and your fiancé are dreaming of hosting a small, personal micro-wedding, this is the perfect venue for your reception. You can view a featured Big Sur Bakery & Pfeiffer Beach wedding here:
Big Sur River Inn
46800 Highway One
Big Sur River Inn is the perfect venue for the couple who wants to get married along the Big Sur River. Ceremonies take place on the lawn with the river flowing in the background. The venue can accommodate up to 200 guests, so it’s another great option for a large wedding. It’s located close to the heart of town, and there are plenty of rooms in the inn for your guests to stay, which makes this venue a convenient option. You can have all of this at a price point that is more affordable than the luxury resorts in the area. This venue also provides many other amenities, including a swimming pool.
Some pros include the price tag, central location, access to the river, and plenty of hotel rooms. Cons the hotel rooms are not updated, and so photos in them can feel somewhat dated. More photos can be found on Big Sur River Inn’s Instagram.
Big Sur Grange Hall
Near 47080 Highway One
The town’s Grange Hall, surrounded by towering Redwoods, is located near the heart of Big Sur, and next to Glen Oaks. This venue offers a more affordable Redwood ceremony location. The Big Sur Grange does not host receptions or allow alcohol. The Grange Hall can be described as rustic, and peaceful with the river flowing nearby. The venue’s simplicity allows nature to be the backdrop for your ceremony.
The charming feel, central location, and proximity to the river are all positives. The one negative is the restriction with usage. Reach out to Big Sur Weddings by Elegant Events for more information, or find them on Instagram.
Are you convinced you need to get married in Big Sur? If these Big Sur wedding venues have helped you decide on one, and you just need a photographer, I am happy to hop on a call, or email over my packages. I am also always available to give more venue insight. If you’d like to consider a more intimate wedding, you can view my elopement guide here.