Rainy & Mickey's Pfeiffer Beach Elopement & Ventana Campground Reception
Some couples choose their location based off of the tones that they like. Big Sur has one of the most colorful scenery from the orange bluffs filled with green and red succulents to the deep and bright blue ocean. R & M originally reached out to me wanting to elope somewhere that had reddish mountains. R was especially drawn to the warmer toned location and after going over different options and locations, R really loved the tones of the coastal cliffs at Pfeiffer Beach and they chose Big Sur as their elopement location.
From a Pfeiffer Beach elopement ceremony to a Ventana Campground reception. Keep scrolling, because you don’t want to miss seeing this day!
Amazing Vendors
Venue: Ventana Campground
Photographer: Julia Mina Photography
Makeup: Kristina Curtis
Florist: Fleur du Soleil
Rentals: Kiss Me in Carmel Vintage Rentals
Dress: Jenny Yoo/Anthropologie
Shoes: Lulus
Suit: Black Tux Company
Cake: Parker Lusseau
Getting Ready at Ventana Campground in Big Sur, California
R & M often go hiking, camping, rock climbing, and just overall love soaking in the outdoors. When they were searching for lodging for them and their friends, they wanted to incorporate their love of the outdoors and chose to stay at a campground with their closest friends.
Big Sur has tons of options for campgrounds from views of the redwoods and of the beautiful coast. Logistically, it made more sense to have a location that has access to an electrical outlet and Ventana Campground’s Glamping Tent was the perfect fit because it has Wi-Fi and outlets (even lamps)!
It made it easy for Kristina, the makeup artist, to do her magic. They chose to write their vows before their first looks under the quiet morning sun with the birds chirping and the sounds of a nearby waterfall. It was such a calming and relaxing way to get ready for their Big Sur elopement.
First Looks, Vows, and Redwood Elopement Portraits at Ventana Campground
They had their first look just outside of their Glamping Tent on a walking bridge. With the redwoods in the background, it was so secluded and beautiful! After R & M helped each other with the finishing touches, we headed out take portraits on the beautiful property.
The whole campground is surrounded by the redwoods which was the perfect backdrop for their portraits. I just love how R & M had the best of both worlds. The beautiful California redwoods for getting ready and their reception, and coastal vibes for their Pfeiffer Beach elopement ceremony!
An Intimate Pfeiffer Beach Elopement Ceremony
After their portraits, we headed out to Pfeiffer Beach for their ceremony. I love that they eloped in November because the weather was warmer and it was less crowded, making it the perfect time to have a Pfeiffer Beach elopement ceremony!
When we got to Pfeiffer Beach, we were greeted with the most beautiful ceremony and cocktail hour setup by Kiss Me in Carmel Vintage Rentals. She did such a beautiful job creating a space for their special day. R & M had the most beautiful ceremony filled with laughter and tears accompanied by the sound of the waves crashing behind them.
Cocktail Hour & Sunset Pfeiffer Beach Elopement Portraits
After their Pfeiffer Beach elopement ceremony, they had cocktail hour with champagne and cake with their guests. I loved the tiny umbrella and the cart for their cake!
We explored the Pfeiffer Beach after family and group portraits and just couldn’t believe how beautiful it was! We hiked up a small trail that lead to a vista view of the whole beach. You can see the scale of the scenery with the birds flying in the background.
In the winter season, the sun sets closer to the key hole at Pfeiffer Beach and it was the cherry on top of their amazing Big Sur elopement day! We watched as the sun set over the horizon. As it got later, the sun illuminated the whole scenery with a warm color, and it was truly magical!
A Fun Ventana Campground Reception
After their Pfeiffer Beach elopement ceremony and portraits, we headed back to their tent to change before their camp reception.
Their friends rented a group camp and setup the most adorable reception for their elopement. They had signature cocktails, a s’mores bar, appetizers and delicious dinner. After dinner, they played piñata and the guessing game. They roasted s’mores and made long lasting memories.
Overall this was such an amazing Pfeiffer Beach elopement day and reception at Ventana Campground. It was such an honor to be R & M’s Big Sur elopement photographer!
Ready To Plan Your Pfeiffer Beach Elopement?
Big Sur is one of the most beautiful California elopement locations, and a Pfieffer Beach elopement ceremony can offer the most stunning backdrops for your special day!
Ventana Campground is another great location, whether you’re looking to get married there or have your reception like M & R did!
Make sure to check out “The Only Big Sur Elopement Guide You’ll Need” to see everything you’ll need to know about eloping in Big Sur!
In the meantime, you can learn more about me here. If I sound like the perfect Big Sur elopement photographer for you, then inquire with me below!
