Big Sur Elopement Inspiration: A Romantic Guide to a Private Wedding

Big Sur is the perfect place to have your wedding, just ask Natalie Portman as she recently wed Benjamin Millepied in at a private residence in Big Sur. There are so many amazing spots for a private ceremony in this magical place. From the rocky beaches to the redwood forest and along the Big Sur River, each location is more beautiful than than the last.
Who is ready to grab their honey's hand run away to Big Sur? For a little elopement inspiration Fondly Forever Photography and Sarah Ward Events collaborated to  show how pretty a private Big Sur Elopement could be. Read on to read a few tips from Sarah on how to have a successful elopement and as always there are a ton more pretty pictures in the full gallery here.

How to announce an elopement-
Although you are not inviting guests to your ceremony, they would love to hear about your wedding. Send guests an announcement after the elopement, so everyone can share in your joy. Just as you would a wedding invitation, minus the response card of course.You can even use those super cute wedding invites you find as your elopement announcements.

From Sarah Ward Events on how to have a Private Big Sur Elopement:I knew that we had to keep this organic and wild, just like Big Sur, while also incorporating these pops of color. Enter florist extraordinaire, Connie Moore. She took my whimsical ideas and made them come to life. I honestly couldn’t have imagined it any better. From the centerpieces dripping with jasmine to the wood-nymph-like flower wreath for our bride’s hair. One of my favorite items we used was from Connie’s grandmother. That amazing yellow and white quilt is over ninety years old and just perfect for a photo back drop. Can you imagine how special that detail would be to have at your wedding? When it comes right down to it, that’s what this is all about. Details. Find an overall feeling and bring it together with details.


And since we’re on the topic of details, let’s talk about how you can make your day special on even the tiniest of budgets. There is something seriously spiritual about Big Sur. So spiritual in fact that I think it’s perfect for elopements. Imagine just you and your honey getting married underneath redwoods that are hundreds of years old. After your intimate ceremony take your time soaking in your newlywed bliss while having a photographer’s dream shoot in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Then settle down for a gourmet picnic (cake and champagne included!) by a rolling stream. Talk about intimate!

A few must haves for any elopement would be: a fab photographer (if your family & friends are going to be absent you better have some fine photographical proof!), someone to pull all the strings together (no bridesmaids here to play coordinator…so hire one who does this for a living), an officiant that you seriously bond with (they play a huge role in an elopement!) and finally…those special details. You may not have a 90 year-old quilt but I’m sure you have some other really cool family keepsakes. Grandfather’s Bible? Mother’s engagement ring? Use anything that has special meaning to you and yours.
Whether you have 2 or 300 guests, take your day and make it yours. Most importantly, don’t lose sight of why you’re getting married…it’s that crazy little thing called love.

Photographer: Fondly Forever Photography Event Designer: Sarah Ward Events Dress Designer: Anne Barge from Lovely Bridal LA Flowers: Connie Moore Stationery: BC Design Studio Prop or Furniture Rentals: Chic Event Rentals Makeup: April Covell for MAC