Big Sur California Elopement at Point 16 // Jackie + Brendan
A heartfelt Big Sur elopement celebrating a lifelong love story, intentional details, and an unforgettable California coast wedding experience.
Some love stories begin with a first date. J and B’s started in sixth grade. After years of growing up together, moving from Michigan to Los Angeles, traveling the world, and building a life side by side, they chose an intimate Big Sur California elopement to celebrate the next chapter of their story.
Surrounded by just eleven of their closest family and friends, their wedding day focused on meaningful moments, breathtaking scenery, and the people they love most.
Florals: Big Sur Flowers
Catering: Aus 2 Cali Catering
An Evening Together Before the Wedding Day
The celebration actually began the evening before the wedding. We met in beautiful Carmel Valley for a couples session, giving J and B a chance to soak in the excitement before the festivities officially began. After spending time exploring together and capturing this evening, they met up with their family at the hotel for drinks, kicking off a wedding time filled with meaningful moments and quality time with the people they love most.
Getting Ready and a Relaxed Morning on the Coast
The afternoon began with B getting ready in Carmel by the Sea while J spent the early afternoon at Point 16 overlooking the Pacific Ocean. With stunning weather and a relaxed timeline, everyone had the chance to truly enjoy the morning before the ceremony.
The thoughtful details reflected who they are as a couple. B wore Doc Martens with a three leaf clover brooch in place of a traditional boutonniere, while J chose blue shoes as her something blue. She also gifted her niece a bouquet that mirrored her own, making her feel like an important part of the day.
Before the ceremony, all of their guests were shuttled down together, creating an easy and stress free start to the celebration.
An Intimate Ceremony Overlooking Big Sur
Choosing a Big Sur California elopement allowed J and B to celebrate exactly how they wanted.
With only eleven guests in attendance, their ceremony felt incredibly personal. J’s best friend officiated, making every word even more meaningful for a couple whose relationship has always been rooted in friendship first.
Surrounded by dramatic coastal views and perfect weather, they exchanged vows with the people who have supported them throughout every chapter of their lives.
Family Style Dinner with Meaningful Details
After the ceremony, everyone gathered for a relaxed family style dinner where conversation and laughter flowed naturally.
One of the most personal details of the evening was the wine. Rather than selecting bottles at random, J and B served wines they had collected from a favorite Los Angeles wine bar where they had shared tastings together. It was another way to bring a meaningful part of their everyday lives into their wedding celebration.
Private Vows and Sunset Portraits
As dinner came to a close, J and B stepped away for a quiet moment together to exchange private vows.
With the cliffs of Big Sur, the crashing waves, and golden evening light surrounding them, they had time to simply be present with each other before exploring the coastline for their couple portraits. These quiet moments often become some of the most memorable parts of an elopement, allowing couples to slow down and fully soak in their wedding day.
The stunning scenery made every portrait feel timeless while keeping the focus exactly where it belonged, on the two of them.
Ending the Night Around the Fire
The evening ended the same way it began, surrounded by the people who matter most.
Everyone gathered around the fire pit, sharing stories, enjoying the coastal evening, and celebrating together before J and B cut their cake. It was the perfect ending to a wedding day that felt intentional, relaxed, and completely true to who they are.
If you’re dreaming of your own Big Sur California elopement, remember that the most meaningful celebrations are the ones built around your story. Whether it’s incorporating personal details, choosing an intimate guest list, or making time for quiet moments together, your wedding day should reflect the life you’ve built together.
For information about permits and planning along the California coast, visit the California State Parks.
If you’re exploring intimate wedding locations, check out my guide to Eloping in Northern California? Here are 15 Epic Locations to Say “I do” or Iconic Southern California Elopement Spots: Around Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, and San Diego.
