Big Sur Elopement Photographer - Will Khoury
Serving Big Sur, Monterey County, California, and destinations worldwide
Meet Will Khoury
Looking for a Big Sur elopement photographer who gets what you're about?
Big Sur isn’t just a backdrop, it’s an experience. Towering cliffs, quiet redwoods, rivers that meet the ocean—this coastline is iconic for a reason. Whether you’re drawn to the comfort of a luxury resort, a quiet cabin in the trees, or a glamping stay that keeps you close to the wild, there’s no one way to elope here, and that’s the point.
My role isn’t just to take beautiful photos (though we’ll definitely do that). I’m here to guide you through the planning, help you shape a day that actually feels like you, and be someone you can fully trust in the process. From timelines to trailheads, I’ve got you, and I’ll make sure your experience is unforgettable in all the right ways.
Awards & Accolades
People Magazine & Cosmopolitan
Junebug Weddings Best of the Best
Rangefinder’s 30 Rising Stars
Wedding Wire Couple’s Choice
& More
Why I Care About Being Your Big Sur Elopement Photographer
Planning intentional, meaningful elopements in Big Sur is what I love most. I help couples create a day that feels true to them, from picking the right location to building a timeline that keeps things calm and easy.
Back in 2018, my wife and I chose to have a small wedding with just our closest people. We picked a place that mattered to us and focused on what actually felt right: connection, presence, and making space for real moments. That experience shaped how I approach every elopement.
I’m excited to be more than just your Big Sur photographer. My goal is to help you create a truly meaningful experience that reflects who you are. Together, we’ll craft a day that lets you be present, soak in every moment, and walk away with photos that feel as honest as the experience itself.
As a Big Sur elopement photographer, I bring that same mindset to every couple I work with, focused on what matters most to you, and capturing it in a way that’s grounded, real, and unforgettable.
What Makes a Big Sur Elopement Photographer Different?
TLDR: If it’s important to you, it’s important to me.
Let’s be real, photography is just one key ingredient in the full experience. As your Big Sur elopement photographer, my role goes far beyond showing up with a camera. It starts the moment you get in touch with me. Before your elopement or intimate wedding, I take the time to get to know you, understand your relationship, and learn what matters most to you both. That way, your photos don’t just look beautiful, they feel honest, grounded, and genuinely yours.
Big Sur is a place that draws people in for a reason. The coastline, the cliffs, the redwoods. Big Sur is iconic, and it's so much more than just a backdrop. It sets the tone for slowing down, being present, and letting go of expectations. Whether you’re planning a two-person elopement at sunrise, a micro wedding at a private estate, or something completely personalized, your day deserves to be more than just “photogenic.” It should be intentional, emotional, and designed around your values, and I'm here to guide you in finding a way to make it exactly that & more.
Your experience and your photos will become the legacy of your wedding day. They’ll carry forward the feeling of the vows you exchanged, the people who were there, the quiet moments in between. Whether you’re honoring family traditions or creating new ones, I’m here to help guide you through it all, from location scouting to timeline planning, so you feel ready every step of the way.
How to Plan Your Big Sur Elopement (Permits, Locations & Timeline)
Planning a Big Sur elopement is an adventure like no other, and having the right photographer and guide can make all the difference. That’s why I created this Big Sur Elopement Guide: a resource packed with everything you need to plan the day of your dreams. Whether you're looking for the best locations with jaw-dropping ocean views, tips for crafting a seamless timeline, or advice on how to make your elopement feel uniquely yours, this guide has it all.
In this guide, you'll discover why Big Sur is one of the most breathtaking destinations for an elopement, how to navigate the timing and permits, and what sets elopements apart from intimate weddings. I’ll walk you through choosing the perfect spot, whether it’s a secluded beach, a cliffside overlook, or a serene redwood forest, and how to plan a day that reflects your connection and priorities. You'll also find helpful photography tips to make sure your memories are captured beautifully, plus advice on why eloping can be the most intentional, stress-free way to say "I do."
If you’re dreaming of a day that’s all about celebrating your love in an awe-inspiring setting like Big Sur, this guide is for you. Click here to dive into the guide and start planning your unforgettable Big Sur elopement. Let’s make it more than a day; it’s your adventure, your story, your way.
Big Sur Weddings General & Free Resources
Steps to Plan your Big Sur Elopement
Eloping in Big Sur is one of the most magical ways to get married in Northern California, but it does require some planning to make sure your day runs smoothly. Here are the key steps every couple should know when planning a Big Sur elopement.
1. Choose your Big Sur elopement location
Start by deciding where along the coast you want to say your vows. Big Sur offers endless options, from redwood groves and hidden beaches to dramatic cliffside overlooks at sunset. I’ve put together a full Big Sur Elopement Guide with some of my favorite locations to help you get started. (linked below)
2. Take care of the legal details
You’ll need a valid California marriage license, and depending on your ceremony spot, you may also need a Big Sur elopement permit for public lands. These steps are simple, but it’s important to take care of them early so everything is in place for your wedding day.
3. Plan your logistics and timeline
Big Sur’s rugged terrain and winding coastal roads can add extra challenges. This is where I help most, creating a timeline that makes the most of your day, choosing the best times for lighting, and guiding you to hidden gem locations for your photos. I’ll also share useful tips so you know exactly what to expect.
4. Book your lodging
Decide where you want to stay to make your experience unforgettable. Options range from cozy cabins tucked into the redwoods, to beachfront Airbnbs, to luxury resorts with sweeping ocean views. I’ve linked some of my favorite Big Sur lodging recommendations below to help narrow down your search.
With the right planning and local guidance, your Big Sur elopement can be seamless, stress-free, and filled with meaningful memories.
Why Choose Will Khoury as Your Big Sur Elopement Photographer?
Planning a Big Sur elopement can feel overwhelming, but having a photographer who knows the area inside and out makes all the difference. I’ve photographed countless elopements along the Big Sur coast, and I know the best spots for every type of experience. Whether that’s a quiet redwood elopement surrounded by towering trees, a dramatic cliffside ceremony at sunset, or exploring hidden beaches and coastal trails.
As your Big Sur elopement photographer, I don’t just show up with a camera. I help with:
Location scouting: from iconic Big Sur cliffs to off-the-beaten-path hidden gems
Timeline planning: choosing the right time of day for perfect light and fewer crowds
Travel and logistics: how to navigate Big Sur’s winding roads, parking, and access points
Permits and prep: what you need to know so your elopement runs smoothly
Big Sur is full of rugged cliffs, redwood forests, and endless coastal views, but knowing how to plan around the terrain, weather, and light is key to actually enjoying it. My goal is to make your Big Sur elopement seamless, intentional, and stress-free so you can focus on each other while I capture it all.
When you look back on your day, I want you to not only remember the stunning scenery but also how effortless and meaningful it felt from start to finish.
How I Help You Create an Unforgettable Big Sur Elopement Experience
Every Big Sur elopement is unique, and my first step is getting to know you and your story. Before the big day, I make sure we’ve built a genuine connection so that when I show up, I’m not just your photographer, I’m someone you know and trust. That comfort is what allows me to capture the most candid and meaningful moments, the ones that truly feel like you.
As your Big Sur elopement photographer, I am here to guide you through the process. From making plans that fit your vision to helping you feel at ease in front of the camera, I want your experience to feel effortless and enjoyable. I care about more than just taking photos. I care about the bigger picture, an intentional, intimate wedding day that reflects who you are as a couple.
When you look back on your Big Sur elopement photos, I want you to see more than the stunning cliffs and redwoods. I want you to relive how comfortable, connected, and present you felt on one of the most important days of your life.
Meet Your Big Sur Elopement Photographer
I’m a Big Sur elopement and intimate wedding photographer based in Northern California, and I genuinely love what I do. I’ve been behind a camera for as long as I can remember, but here’s what really matters: this isn’t about me. It’s about crafting an experience that feels true to who you are.
I specialize in photographing elopements and intimate weddings in Big Sur because this place offers something different. Raw beauty, space to breathe, and the freedom to do things your way. Whether you’re hiking through the redwoods, exchanging vows on a cliffside, or ending the day with a dip in the ocean, I’m there for it, fully present, camera in hand, ready to document the real moments that make your day unforgettable.
If you're looking for a Big Sur elopement photographer who’s just as invested in your experience as your photos, you’re in the right place.
That’s why I’m here for more than just the photos. I’ll help you figure out what your day could look like when you strip away the pressure, expectations, and noise. Need help choosing the right ceremony spot? Wondering when the coastal fog lifts or how to time your vows with golden hour? I’ve scouted the trails, tracked the tides, and planned around all kinds of weather and terrain, so you don’t have to go into it blind.
Eloping in Big Sur comes with its own rhythm and challenges. From permits and timing to navigating backroads and remote ceremony spots. As someone who’s planned and photographed countless elopements here, I’m more than just your Big Sur photographer, I’m your adventure guide and behind-the-scenes support so that you can focus on being fully present. Whether you’re envisioning a cliffside ceremony, an intimate redwoods celebration, or something completely unconventional, I’m here to help shape a day that feels deeply personal and easy to enjoy.
This isn’t just about capturing pretty images. It’s about helping you create a meaningful experience and having someone alongside you who genuinely cares about what matters most. You won’t be asked to fake anything or follow a script. Instead, you’ll get a day that reflects you, and photos that let you relive it all.
If you’re looking for a Big Sur elopement photographer who will walk you through the process with intention, provide honest insight, and make your elopement experience unforgettable, I’m here to help.
Named one of “30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography 2019” by Rangefinder Magazine
Rangefinder Magazine
Big Sur & other elopement stories on the blog
Big Sur Elopement FAQ
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Absolutely, you can! Elopements are no longer just for couples; they can include your closest friends and family too. How many guests you invite, however, will determine whether your celebration is considered an elopement or more of an intimate wedding. While these two events share similarities, there are key differences to keep in mind, such as location logistics, permits, and guest accommodations.
To help you decide what works best for your vision, I’ve written a detailed blog post about the differences between intimate weddings and elopements. Click here to read it. Whether it’s just the two of you or a small group of loved ones, your Big Sur elopement can be tailored to fit exactly what you imagine.
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Deciding on the right amount of photography coverage for your Big Sur elopement can feel overwhelming at first, but I’m here to make it simple for you. The amount of coverage depends on the experience you’re envisioning, whether it’s a half a day capturing your vows and portraits or a full day documenting every moment, from getting ready to your celebratory dinner.
Get in touch, and we’ll talk through your plans, locations, and what’s most important to you. Together, we’ll figure out the perfect amount of coverage to ensure your elopement day is captured beautifully from start to finish.
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Absolutely! As a Big Sur elopement photographer and longtime Northern California local, I know this breathtaking region like the back of my hand. Whether you’re dreaming of a secluded beach, a towering Redwood grove, or a stunning cliffside overlooking the ocean, I’ve got a list of hidden gems to share with you.
I’ll guide you to the perfect spot for a private and intimate ceremony, away from the crowds, so you can focus on what matters most, celebrating your love in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Let’s create a day that feels as magical as the location itself!
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Logistical planning is a big part of what I do to ensure your experience is not only stress-free but also unforgettable. From finding the perfect ceremony location to recommending top-notch vendors like florists, officiants, and stylists, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Absolutely. Logistical planning is a big part of what I do to ensure your experience is not only stress-free but also unforgettable. From finding the perfect ceremony location to recommending top-notch vendors like florists, officiants, and stylists, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
My goal is to create a seamless experience that allows you to focus on your connection while I handle the details, ensuring your photos are captured in a creative, relaxed way that reflects who you are as a couple. Whether it’s navigating permits, scouting hidden gem locations, or creating a timeline that maximizes your day, I’m here to make your Big Sur elopement exceptional.
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100%! It’s one of my favorite services that I offer!
Every elopement is unique, and as part of the planning process, I’ll work with you to create a custom timeline tailored to your vision. Whether it’s capturing a sunrise first look, exploring hidden trails, or timing your vows perfectly with a Big Sur sunset, we’ll make sure your day flows smoothly and includes all the moments that matter most to you.
My goal is to ensure you have enough time to soak in the beauty of Big Sur, enjoy your wedding day to the fullest, and still have space for those spontaneous, unforgettable moments. Together, we’ll craft a timeline that makes your elopement stress-free, intentional, and magical.
Quick Tips for Your Big Sur Elopement
Planning an elopement in Big Sur is exciting, but a little preparation goes a long way in making sure your day feels effortless and stress-free. Here are a few key tips every couple should know when planning a Big Sur elopement:
1. Apply for your California marriage license early
Marriage licenses are issued by the county clerk’s office, and it’s best to handle this step well before your elopement date to avoid last-minute stress.
2. Check Big Sur elopement permit requirements
Many of Big Sur’s most popular public locations, like Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Garrapata State Park, require permits for ceremonies and professional photography. Having the right permits ensures your elopement runs smoothly.
3. Plan around Big Sur’s coastal fog
Fog can roll in quickly, especially in the mornings. Early afternoons or sunset often give the clearest, most breathtaking views for your Big Sur elopement photos.
4. Bring layers for changing weather
Big Sur’s climate shifts between sun, fog, and cool winds, sometimes all in the same day. Packing layers will keep you comfortable throughout your celebration.
5. Practice Leave No Trace principles
Big Sur is a fragile and protected environment. Respect the land by staying on trails, packing out all trash, and leaving each location just as beautiful for future visitors.
Get in touch for more detailed info and full guidance on how to get married in Big Sur.
Providing Big Sur elopement photography services across Monterey County, California, and beyond — available by appointment only, all services are location-based and tailored to your plans, no physical office.