Big Sur Elopement Photographer
for adventurous, nature-loving couples
Calm.
Cinematic.
Entirely yours.
Helping you create a Big Sur elopement that actually feels like you, with guidance through every step of the planning process.
150+
Weddings & elopements captured
13
years of photography experience
21
national & state parks visited
big sur planner permit holder for smooth application process
You've decided to elope in Big Sur and now you're trying to picture what that day could actually feel like.
You’re drawn to Big Sur for the cliffs, crashing waves, and open views. It’s the kind of place that quiets everything else.
You want a day that feels intentional and meaningful.
Not rushed. Not performative. Just grounded in connection.
You want to step away from the pressure of a big wedding and create an experience centered on what matters most. A day with space to breathe and let it unfold naturally.
If this feels like what you’ve been looking for, keep reading!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Couldn’t of asked for a better photographer!"
Jackelyn & Kamran
let's dream for a second
Maybe you're envisioning a day like this..
- A slow morning with coffee and fog rolling through the hills
- A first look beneath the redwoods and that expression you'll never forget
- Private vows overlooking the coast with the sound of the ocean
- Driving Highway 1 in a vintage car, hair in the wind
- A private picnic on the beach to soak in the view
- Sunset along the cliffs as the sky turns pink and neither of you want to leave.
There isn’t one right way to do this. That’s the beauty of eloping in Big Sur. Your day can be shaped entirely around your relationship — not around tradition, expectations, or what anyone else thinks it should look like.
Now you might be wondering
“Okay… but how do we actually make this happen?”
- That's exactly where I come in
Hi I'm Julia!
Your Big Sur Elopement Photographer & Planning Guide
If you’re here, you probably don’t just want beautiful photos. You want to feel confident about the entire experience — knowing which Big Sur location actually works, the permits are handled, and that the day will flow naturally instead of feeling rushed.
I believe your elopement should feel like you. Not like a performance. Just honest, intentional, and completely true to who you are!
That’s why I care just as much about how your day feels as how it looks. I don’t just show up with a camera — I help you shape the experience from the very beginning. The locations. The timeline. The quiet moments you didn’t even know to plan for.
My role is to guide you through every step with clarity and a calm presence — so you can stop managing and actually enjoy what you’ve created together.
What Makes Big Sur Elopements Different - and Why Having The Right Gudie Matters
Big Sur is one of the most breathtaking places to elope, but it comes with a few important considerations. Knowing what to expect ahead of time makes the experience feel calm and intentional, instead of overwhelming.
A few things couples are often surprised by when planning a Big Sur elopement:
- Permits are required for most elopements, and rules vary by location
- Some locations limit guest count or don’t allow ceremonies at all
- Parking and access can be limited, especially during peak seasons
- Fog, wind, and light can change quickly, even within the same day
- Timing often matters more than distance when planning a relaxed experience
That’s why having someone who understands Big Sur beyond just the photos makes such a difference. The right guidance allows you to stay focused on the experience, knowing the details are already handled.
A few of my go-to Big Sur elopement locations
Big Sur has a mix of coastal cliffs, beaches, and redwood areas — and each one creates a completely different kind of experience depending on what you’re drawn to.
Real Big Sur Elopements I've Helped Plan & Captured
Each elopement experience was tailored to who they are as a couple
Wondering When This Would Actualy Work?
Big Sur looks beautiful year-round — but the experience can feel really different depending on the season. There isn’t one perfect time. It depends more on what kind of experience you’re drawn to.
Spring & fall
SUNNY & LESS CHANCE OF FOG
Fewer crowds, softer light, a mix of fog and sun. Often the most effortless time to elope.
summer
BUSY & HIGH FOG %
Longer evenings and warm light make for stunning images — plan around sunrise or sunset to avoid crowds.
foggy days
MOODY & CINEMATIC
Fog is part of Big Sur. It completely changes the atmosphere — and often creates the most beautiful images.
My Approach
YOUR EXPERIENCE FIRST
I help you choose a date and time that aligns with how you want the day to feel — not just what's available.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Our special day was everything we wanted and she captured it beautifully."
“Julia was such a pleasure to work with from beginning to end! She was so kind and having her help throughout the elopement process really made us feel at ease. Our special day was everything we wanted and she captured it beautifully. On the day of, she arrived early and throughout the entire experience she was so easy going and patient. We didn’t have to stress because she drove us around, was organized, and knew the landscape well. It felt like we were just going on an adventure with a friend! She is truly an expert at what she does which is reflected in her amazing photography. I highly recommend her to anyone and everyone. Thank you Julia, you’re awesome!”
Patricia & Allen
What's Included In Your Big Sur Elopement Experience
You'll walk away with more than Cinematic photos - your all-in-one planning guide
My elopement photography packages are designed so you feel fully taken care of! I will guide you along the way to bring your vision to a reality!
Personalized location guidance
Helping you choose the right Big Sur locations based on scenery, privacy, accessibility, and the kind of experience you want, so you’re not guessing or relying on random recommendations.
Thoughtful timeline planning
Creating a flexible, well-paced timeline that works with light, weather, and flow, so your day feels calm and intentional rather than rushed or over-structured.
permit guidance & logistics support
Walking you through permits, regulations, and location-specific considerations, so nothing feels confusing or overwhelming as you plan.
trusted vendor recommendations
Sharing vetted recommendations for florals, hair and makeup, officiants, and other vendors who understand intimate elopements and align with the kind of experience you want.
digital + 35mm film photography
Documenting your day on both digital and 35mm film, blending timeless, nostalgic imagery with cinematic storytelling for a gallery that feels emotional and true to life.
direct access, guidance & moral support
Being available to answer questions, talk through decisions, and offer reassurance throughout the process, so you never feel like you’re planning this alone.
Nostalgic 35mm Film Photography Included To Relive Your Day
On top of all that, you'll also get
10–20 sneak peeks delivered straight to your inbox within 48 hours!
So while you’re still soaking everything in, you’ll already have a set of images to relive those first moments and share with the people who mean the most to you.
Instead of trying to explain the day or relying on phone photos, you’ll have something that actually reflects how it felt — something you can send to your friends and family so they can experience a glimpse of it with you.
Big Sur elopement photography packages
Every collection includes planning guidance, location support, timeline design, permit assistance, and digital + 35mm film coverage. From there, your experience is shaped around how you want the day to feel and unfold.
Multi-Day
12 hours • Two Epic Days
For couples who believe no part of their elopement weekend is too small to remember. Whether it is day one with loved ones and day two just the two of you, or two full days of celebration, this collection captures every chapter with intention. From getting ready to adventure sessions and the in between moments, your full story is beautifully documented.
investment
starting at
$7000
Full Day
8 Hours • Your whole story
For couples who want every moment of their elopement day documented, from the start of the day through the celebration. The full day experience allows time for moments to unfold naturally, from getting ready with your people to exploring multiple locations and soaking in golden light. It is also perfect for elopements that include guests.
investment
starting at
$6000
Golden Hour
4 Hours • Sunrise or sunset
For couples who want the major highlights of their elopement day beautifully captured, this collection focuses on your ceremony and portraits, documenting the most important moments in a way that feels intentional and true to you.
(Weekday only with no guests)
investment
starting at
$5000
*Videography add-on starting at $2000
*Need 6 or 10 hr coverage? Custom pricing available
Don't just take my word for it!
Sweet Messages from my past elopement couples
What Your Elopement Experience Looks Like
STep 1: Planning Process
It starts with a conversation.
We’ll hop on a call and talk through your vision — how you want the day to feel, what matters most to you, and what might feel overwhelming right now.
You’ll receive my in-depth questionnaire so I can truly understand you two and craft a day that feels personal. From there, I guide you through choosing the right Big Sur location, navigating permits, building a timeline around the best light, and recommending trusted vendors if needed.
You won’t feel like you’re figuring it out alone!
STep 2: Elopement day
On your elopement day, my focus is helping you stay present. I’ll be a calm presence you can rely on, guiding when needed and stepping back when it matters. I’ll help the day flow naturally and adapt as things shift, so everything unfolds without pressure.
Your photos will be documented honestly and naturally, capturing real moments in a way that feels cinematic and true to the experience.
Step 3: After your elopement
After your day, you’ll receive a sneak peek within 48–72 hours, so you can relive those first moments right away.
I personally hand-select and edit every image, blending digital and 35mm film to create a gallery that feels timeless, emotional, and true to how it felt. You’ll also receive guidance on preserving and sharing your photos, whether that’s through albums, prints, or simply revisiting the memories.
This final stage is about making sure the feeling of your elopement lasts long after the day is over!
All of this is really just here to help you understand what's possible.
But what matters most is creating a day that actually feels like you — not something rushed, performative, or put together just because it "looks right."
That's the part I care most about.
And that's what I'm here to help you create.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a permit to elope in Big Sur?
Can you elope on the beach in Big Sur?
What's the best time to elope in Big Sur?
How much does it cost to elope in Big Sur?
Do you help with planning?
Not sure where to start?
That's exactly what I'm here for.
If this feels like the kind of day you’ve been imagining, I’d love to help you bring it to life. You don’t have to piece this together on your own — I’ll guide you through every step!
