The Big Sur Lodge is an incredible option for brides and grooms looking for an outdoorsy, nature filled, intimate wedding and/or elopement option.
Let me prove it to you.
As a California wedding photographer, visiting this venue in Pfeiffer State Park was a dream…but it only sparked more dreams because I’m dying to shoot a wedding here! In fact, I grabbed their whole wedding packet from the front desk just so I can share this info with my prospective couples, and answer some key questions including the venue cost, guest capacity, and basic photography related questions. I’m also offering a discounted package for this specific venue and park. Stick around for info on that in this post!!
The Details-How much does the Lodge Cost?
This venue is nested within the California Redwoods, right next to the Big Sur River, and at the foot of mountains that overlook the Pacific Ocean. Have I sparked any ideas in you yet?
If you want an outdoor ceremony, they have a ceremony space called the Redwood Grove. This site starts at only $1000 to use for your ceremony, and holds 110 guests (seated). This spot is literally between Redwoods and has the river flowing right behind the archway…unreal. It’s also steps away from the Redwood Patio where you can host your outdoor reception for up to 60 people, or standing 110. This option is $4000. If you’d also like to sit inside for your reception, buy out their restaurant! You and your 110 guests get the whole thing for $9,000. This includes use of the dining room, Patio and Bar. Brides—this includes rentals such as chairs, tables, linens, china, stemware, heaters, and lighting…What else could you need other than adding in a few florals? The present beauty surrounding this spot is insane.
If you want an indoor option, look no further than their Santa Lucia Room. This space starts at $2000 and seats 64 guests, or holds 100 standing guests.
Surroundings at the Lodge
Here’s the thing…the couple’s portraits you’re gonna get at this venue and the surrounding park are going to be unreal. Right outside the lodge, still on the property, are tons of Redwoods to stand beneath with your new spouse to get the most warm, dreamy photos (examples below). There are plenty of areas to get incredible photos. But you’re in Big Sur. Let’s not stop there!
Can we take photos outside the lodge?
While we’re planning ahead, let’s get a photography permit for the Pfeiffer State Park so we can head to the trails to get photos in front of waterfalls, rivers, and on mountains that overlook the ocean. Then we will drive just a couple miles to the cliffs of Big Sur and go to the beach or pull off onto the vista points and outlooks.
Now that I’ve convinced you, here’s a just few items to think through:
- What kind of ceremony space would you like to rent out and how many guests do you plan on accommodating?
- Would you like to do couple’s portraits in the surrounding park, or simply step outside the Lodge? If you’d like to explore, work with your photographer for a California Film Permit.
- Florals are a unique and beautiful addition to any wedding day, just make sure to add your florals to your permit. You cannot bring in invasive species to the park. For example, baby’s breath, pampas gras, and bunny tails are not allowed in the part as they are invasive. Check out this list of invasive plants, and contact the park for any other questions. You can also opt for silk flowers to simplify this part of your wedding!
- Keep an eye on road closures and weather hazards during certain times of the year. While this is one of the most beautiful spots in California, it is also subject to occasional mudslides closing parts of the Pacific Coast Highway, and storms or wildfires causing trail closures in areas of the State Park. But as with all weddings, destination or not, we’ll be flexible and work with what we have access to. Ultimately, the point of your day is that you’re getting married.
Ok, but what if this is out of my budget?
I’ve got a whole other option for you, and it’s within Pfeiffer State Park. Whether you want to host an event or elope, there are beautiful options here. If you’d like to elope with less than 10 guests, go ahead and apply for elopement and film permits, hire me as your photographer, and let’s adventure around the park for your intimate day. If you’d like to host an event, we’ll have you apply for a small (150 people) event permit or a large event permit (up to 250 people). You’ll pick a space (an outdoor amphitheater
Let’s go!
For brides and their grooms who are wanting to wed here, I’m offering a discounted photography package specifically for you. Justin and I LOVE Big Sur, and we keep going back. If you want to hire me for photography coverage for your elopement or wedding, I’m offering a wedding package with one photographer starting at $2500. I want to document your wedding in my favorite place in the world, the place Justin and I keep escaping to when we want a break, and the place whose beauty I never get used to. I’ll capture your wedding day start to finish in this package. I am also offering an add-on for a photo session the day before or after your wedding for a relaxed time table for bridal portraits.
