Laura & Isaiah’s Northern California Elopement in Big Sur
They didn’t want the ballroom. Or the 200-person guest list. Or the fluff.
What Laura and Isaiah did want? An intentional Northern California elopement on the coast—just them, their people, and that “we really did this” feeling.
We met through the Wedy app (I'm a preferred vendor there), and I immediately knew these two were my kind of people. College sweethearts from Kansas, planning a road-trip honeymoon through California, and wanting something real, raw, and beautiful. Say less.
5AM at a Monterey Starbucks
Yup. That’s where it all started. We met their officiant, Ellen, in the pitch dark at a Monterey Starbucks and caravanned out to Garrapata State Park. It was still foggy, the kind of blue-gray that hugs the cliffs just before sunrise. No cell service. Just headlights and anticipation.
We found an open stretch of trail with soft dirt paths, coastal views, and—most importantly—not a ton of poison oak. Laura’s mom, Isaiah’s dad, and two of their closest friends were there, all wrapped in jackets and holding coffee cups, ready to witness something sacred.
They said their vows. They held each other. And before their first kiss as husband and wife… they did their signature handshake. Like, actual handshake. Because that’s them—playful and grounded, even in their most emotional moments.
The Adventure Continues
After the ceremony, we stayed in the area to explore the trees, the coast, and soak in that post-vow high. We stumbled on a bunch of leftover roses—probably from a proposal the day before—and used them to add a little extra romance to their photos. We weren’t rushing. Just wandering, laughing, being in the moment.
That’s why I always recommend at least 2-3 hours when you’re eloping in places like Big Sur. Not so we can cram in more poses—but so you have the space to breathe, play, and let the day feel like an adventure rather than a production.
Eventually, we kept driving south down the coast until we found a secluded beach. Shoes off, feet in the water, a full-circle kind of ending to their coastal love story.
Do You Need a Permit to Elope at Garrapata?
Short answer: yes.
If you're planning to exchange vows at any California State Beach—including Garrapata State Park—you’ll need a Special Event Permit, even for tiny, just-us elopements. But don’t worry—it’s way more doable than it sounds.
Two Easy Ways to Get a Permit:
1. Use the Wedy App or Work Directly With Me
The simplest option? Use the Wedy app (where I’m a preferred vendor!) to book a package that includes permit coverage. Wedy works with vendors who already hold valid California State Parks permits—so you don’t have to lift a finger.
Or, if you’re booking with me directly, I can help walk you through the process, share recommended planners, or loop in someone from my team to handle the logistics. Especially if your group is under 10 people, this keeps things smooth and stress-free.
Want help? Just reach out—I’m happy to guide you.
2. Apply for the Permit Yourself
If you’re planning everything yourself or want to go full DIY, here’s the step-by-step:
Choose Your Date + Spot
Pick your location (Soberanes Point and Garrapata Beach are top choices), and reach out to the State Parks office. They’ll place a 2-week hold on your date while you complete the paperwork.Complete the Forms
You’ll need:Special Event Permit Form
Event Permit Supplement
Proof of Insurance
Email everything unsigned first for pre-approval. Once reviewed, print, sign, and mail it all with payment.
Pay the Permit Fees
If your elopement is less than 60 days out, payments must be made via money order or cashier’s check.Final Approval
Once received, your permit goes to the park superintendent for final sign-off.
What It Costs:
In addition to a $250 admin fee, here’s what to budget:
$150 – 1 hour | Up to 25 guests, no decor
$300 – 2 hours | Up to 50 guests, no decor
$400 – 3 hours | Props allowed, up to 50 guests
$500 – 4 hours | Props allowed, up to 99 guests
$600 – 5 hours | Props allowed, up to 200 guests
You’ll also submit a $500 refundable security deposit, which is only kept if there’s damage or restricted items (like pampas grass—yep, it’s banned because it’s invasive).
Required Event Insurance
Insurance is a must for your permit. Here are some trusted online providers to check out:
INeedEventInsurance.com – Use code CAPARKSMONTEREY for a discount
You can also ask your current home or auto insurance provider for a quote—sometimes they offer special event coverage at a good rate.
Things to Keep in Mind
No permits are issued for holidays or holiday-adjacent weekends (e.g. Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, etc.)
Rush Fee: $75 if you apply within 60 days of your date
Monitor Fee: $79/hr (required for events with 100+ guests or alcohol)
Cancellations: Only refundable (minus $250) if canceled 60+ days before your event
From the Bay to Big Sur, Then Onward to Yosemite
Laura and Isaiah made their elopement part of a full-on California experience:
Two days in San Francisco
A cozy forest Airbnb near Santa Cruz
A sunrise elopement in Monterey
Wine tasting to celebrate the big day
Whale watching the next morning
Yosemite for a few days of hiking and awe
Lake Tahoe to end the trip
And finally, flying back to Kansas from Reno
Yeah… they did it right. And if you’re thinking about eloping in Northern California—Big Sur, Yosemite, Santa Cruz, wherever—I’ve got so many recs to help you plan a trip that’s about more than just photos.
Thinking about your own Northern California elopement?
I’m Jenna—your laid-back, rom-com-loving elopement photographer. I help adventurous couples create intentional, breathtaking wedding days that feel like them. If that sounds like your vibe, let’s connect and plan something unforgettable.