Jaymi and Nikki’s Small Wedding Ceremony With Family on the Cliffs in Big Sur

Jaymi and Nikki planned an intimate wedding ceremony with their immediate family on the Cliffs of Big Sur in California. They then explored Garrapata and had a picnic with their family at a beach. Get all the details below!

Are you ready to elope? Let’s start planning your California elopement adventure.

About This Big Sur Elopement With Family

“Jaymi and Nikki met during their Freshman year in high school when they both showed up on Halloween dressed as the Mad Hatter.

They quickly became best friends and dated off and on again, but always found their way back to each other. They immediately fell in love when they saw Big Sur and knew that was exactly where they wanted to get married. It was important for them both to have their immediate family there as they read their vows to one another and said ‘I Do’.

They got ready together at the cutest boutique hotel, La Petit Pali in Carmel. We then headed to the cliffs in Big Sur for their ceremony. After the ceremony, I took the couple around Garrapata for some more photos on the cliffs, and then we met back up with their family at the beach for a picnic they had set up for Jaymi and Nikki, complete with cake! It was such a gorgeous day, filled with golden sunlight, a supportive loving family, and two of the coolest and sweetest brides I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.” [Jamie, the photographer]

Learn more about eloping in Big Sur.

Leaving No Trace and Permits for Big Sur

Jamie, the photographer, shares the importance of following the 7 principles of leaving no trace during your wedding adventure in Big Sur. Planning your wedding here can be fun and gorgeous, but let’s do our part and keep it that way by leaving the area better than you found it.

“Permits for Garrapata State Park cost $400 for up to 25 people or $550 for up to 50 people.

Garrapata State Park is easily accessible by car from Highway 1, with parking available near the trailheads leading to the cliffs. Couples and their guests can enjoy a scenic drive along the coast before arriving at the park for their elopement ceremony.” [Jamie, the photographer]

Tips For Eloping at Garrapata State Beach

“Looking for epic views and dramatic scenery?! Look no further, THIS is the place you want to say ‘I Do’. Garrapata State Park is a large expanse consisting of cliffs overlooking the ocean, wildflowers, huge mountains, and tons of intimate areas for your ceremony. It is located only 12 minutes from Carmel, so it’s an easy drive.

The cliffs at Garrapata State Park offer panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the Pacific Ocean. Couples can exchange vows with the majestic ocean as their backdrop, creating stunning and memorable photographs. This location provides a secluded and intimate setting for elopements. Couples can enjoy the serenity of nature and the sound of crashing waves, away from the hustle and bustle of more crowded beaches.

Couples can explore the park’s trails and discover hidden gems for their ceremony location, surrounded by the beauty of Big Sur’s coastline. Whether they prefer a spot overlooking the ocean, nestled among wildflowers, or beneath a canopy of cypress trees, there are plenty of options to suit every couple’s vision for their special day.

Pro tip: Make sure to tell your guests to wear jackets and no high heels!” [Jamie, the photographer]

Details From This Elopement We’re Loving

“I loved ALL the details! No, seriously, I love all the thought and intention behind all the details of Jaymi and Nikki’s day. Their gorgeous wedding rings, the Polaroids, the fun platform hiking boots, the fact that Nikki created the bouquets. I love when a couple’s wedding day details are so personal and intimate and non-traditional.” [Jamie, the photographer]

Check out these elopement ideas.

Memorable Moments During This Elopement

From this photographer:

“My favorite moment was when Jaymi and Nikki broke into their own dance party! We had so much fun playing with their wedding dresses, glowing in the most perfect pastel sunset.”

Learn how to elope. 

Vendors

Photography | Jamie LeMaire Photography

Accommodation | La Petit Pali

Makeup Artist | Malina Terra

Cake | Layers

Dresses | BHLDN

Photos From This Elopement