Big Sur · Garrapata State Park
The Big Sur elopement photographer who's actually been rained on here.
I photographed a proposal at Garrapata Gate 9 in the rain. It was still perfect — the cliffs, the mist, nobody else around. I know these spots from standing in them, not from reading about them.
A real session at Gate 9
It rained. It was still perfect.
I photographed a proposal at Garrapata State Park Gate 9 — the pullout with the postcard view, the one that looks too good to be real. We started there for the proposal itself. It rained.
Nobody cared. The coast looks extraordinary in weather. Mist over the cliffs, soft diffused light, and the complete absence of anyone else around. After the yes, we hiked across the street at Soberanes Canyon — a completely different world of stream crossings and rolling green hills. Then we drove north to Carmel Beach for the afternoon.
It was the kind of day that proves weather is not a reason to reschedule. It's often a reason to be glad you didn't.
Garrapata State Park Gate 9 — Big Sur coast
Where to go in Big Sur
The spots I actually recommend.
Big Sur is a long stretch of coastline with a lot of options. Here's what I know about each one — including the honest notes that don't make it into other guides.
Garrapata Gate 9 My go-to
The pullout with the view that looks like a postcard — because it basically is. Coastal cliffs, open ocean, not crowded even when the main park is busy. This is where I take couples first and where I've done some of my best work on this coast.
Gate 10 is nearby as a backup parking option if Gate 9 is full. I always plan for both.
Permit note: Permits are technically required in Garrapata. Gate 9 is off the main managed section of the park. My approach: camera only (no commercial setup), discreet. If approached, we're friends taking photos. Permits require 30 days notice anyway — I handle all the logistics and am honest with every couple about what's actually required vs. what's on the books.
Soberanes Canyon Trail
Directly across the road from Gate 9 — which makes it a natural second stop on the same day. Completely different environment: lush greenery, a stream, rolling hills, and the kind of canopy light that's impossible to replicate on an open cliff.
Two completely different looks without driving anywhere. A lot of couples do Gate 9 for the dramatic coastal ceremony, then Soberanes for the portrait walk after.
Relatively accessible and manageable — not a serious hike. Good for couples who want to move but not commit to a full adventure.
Bridge Lookout Viewpoint
8 minutes from Gate 9 and too iconic to skip. This is the Big Sur shot — the one you recognize. I include it as a stop between Gate 9 and wherever we're going next. It takes 15 minutes and gives you photos you'll actually print.
Can be busy at peak times. I time the stop for early morning or late afternoon when the light is right and the crowds have thinned.
Partington Cove
40 minutes south of Gate 9 and worth it if you want variety. Two trail directions: one to the ocean cove, one into the redwoods — and a tunnel between them that photographs unlike anything else on this coast.
Honest downsides: challenging hike, parking is tough, and it's a longer drive back. Best for adventurous couples who specifically want the tunnel + beach cove combination and don't mind committing the day to it.
Weather & timing
The fog question, answered honestly.
Big Sur gets intense coastal fog in summer and early fall. Here's the real breakdown — including why fog isn't a dealbreaker.
Spring · Apr – early May
Lower tourism, good light, possible wildflowers. Occasional showers — but the coast after rain is extraordinary. The tradeoff is usually worth it.
Fall · Sept – Oct
Stable weather, warm golden light, fewer visitors than summer. My preference for this stretch of coast. Fog burns off earlier in the day.
Summer · Jun – Aug
Peak fog season. Busy in certain areas but Gate 9 stays manageable. If you want the moody, ethereal Big Sur look — this is the season for it.
Winter · Nov – Mar
Very few people. Storm light after a front passes can be spectacular. Cold, sometimes rainy — for couples who plan for it and don't mind layers.
What you need to know
The logistics, handled.
I take care of this for every couple. Here's the practical breakdown.
Permits
Required for elopements at most managed Big Sur locations — but not always enforced the same way everywhere. Some pullouts and trails are less regulated. I research the specific permit situation for every session and am honest about what's required, what's practically expected, and what the actual risk is. No surprises on the day.
Getting there
About 6–7 hours from San Diego by car, or fly into Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) — 45 minutes to the main corridor. Highway 1 can close due to slides and erosion, especially in winter. I always check road conditions before any Big Sur session.
Legal ceremony
You'll need a California marriage license before your ceremony. Monterey County is the local jurisdiction. I walk every couple through the process and timing — including whether to do it in advance or same-day.
Adding Carmel
Gate 9 to Carmel Beach is about an hour north. A lot of couples combine both in one day — morning ceremony in Big Sur, afternoon portraits in Carmel. I've done this exact itinerary. It works well.
What to wear / bring
- Layers — the coast temperature swings dramatically
- Wind-resistant outerwear (not just a cardigan)
- Shoes you can actually walk in — the pullouts are paved but trails are not
- Sunscreen for clear days, waterproof mascara for fog days
- Water and snacks — especially if adding a hike
Where to stay
- Big Sur Lodge — in the park, rustic, no frills, great location
- Ventana Big Sur — high end, worth it for a special night
- Carmel — stay in town and drive south. More dining options, easier logistics for a multi-day trip
- Monterey — budget-friendlier, 45 min from Gate 9
Questions about Big Sur.
Permits are technically required for elopements at most managed Big Sur locations — but enforcement varies significantly by spot. Gate 9 at Garrapata is off the main managed section of the park and is more relaxed. I research the specific permit situation for every session and am honest with couples about what's required, what's practically expected, and what the real risk is. I've never had a session shut down.
I photographed a proposal at Garrapata Gate 9 in the rain. It was still one of my favorite sessions on this coast. The cliffs look extraordinary in mist, the light is soft and flattering, and there's nobody else around. Rain is not a reason to reschedule — it's often a reason to be glad you didn't. I plan weather contingencies into every session timeline and have backup locations ready.
About 6–7 hours driving, or a short flight into Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) which is 45 minutes from the main Big Sur corridor. Most couples make a long weekend of it — Big Sur one day, Carmel the next. I can help with the full itinerary.
Yes — Gate 9 to Carmel Beach is about an hour's drive north. Morning ceremony or proposal in Big Sur, afternoon portraits and wandering in Carmel. I've done this exact itinerary with clients. It gives you two completely different looks without feeling rushed.
Both — and I've done both here. The logistics are actually a bit simpler for proposals since the permit situation is more relaxed for non-ceremony photography sessions. Gate 9 is one of my favorite proposal spots anywhere on the West Coast. The view is unmistakable, it's not crowded, and the moment photographs beautifully regardless of weather.
"Beth did such a wonderful job being there for our special moment. Throughout the entire process she was very thoughtful in coordinating logistics and even helping me pick out spots. She's very detail-oriented and her eye for capturing the little moments in between was really something that we cherished and felt like made our engagement that much more special."
David Thai · Big Sur & Carmel Proposal · Google Review
Let's plan your Big Sur elopement.
Tell me what you're picturing — the cliffs, the redwoods, the fog, the rain. I'll tell you exactly which spot fits and how to make the day work. Permits, timeline, what to bring — that's all handled.