Glen Oaks Big Sur Elopement: Emily & Bernardo’s Redwoods + Coastal Sunset Wedding
When couples dream of a Glen Oaks Big Sur elopement, it’s usually because they’re drawn to the wild beauty of California’s central coast — towering redwoods, dramatic cliffs, and the sense that the rest of the world fades away once you’re there. Glen Oaks is one of those rare places where it all comes together: cozy cabins tucked into the forest, winding trails, and some of the most enchanting groves of redwoods you’ll ever see.
For Emily and Bernardo, simplicity was everything. Instead of a packed guest list and a rigid timeline, they chose to start their marriage in the quiet of the forest. Beneath the redwood canopy at Glen Oaks Big Sur, they exchanged vows surrounded only by the sound of the river and the wind moving through the trees. It was intimate, intentional, and entirely their own.
After the ceremony, we made our way down Highway 1 to Pfeiffer Beach — one of Big Sur’s most iconic spots. The rugged coastline, purple-hued sand, and massive rock formations make it the perfect place to chase a sunset. That evening, the sky lit up in gold and orange, wrapping Emily and Bernardo in the kind of light photographers dream about. They kicked off their shoes, laughed barefoot in the sand, and let the Pacific waves close out their wedding day.
As a Big Sur elopement photographer, these are the days I love documenting most — when the focus is less on tradition and more on connection. Emily and Bernardo’s Glen Oaks Big Sur elopement was proof that when you strip everything back to what matters, you get a day that feels unforgettable, effortless, and completely you.
If you’re considering a Glen Oaks Big Sur elopement, expect towering redwoods, endless coastal views, and a day that feels like it was made just for you.
Officiant: Soaring Starkey // Venue: Glen Oaks Big Sur
This is just a handful of my favs, but as always, feel free to check all the photos out here.
Also, if you’re planning a Big Sur elopement and want a hand figuring out the best time of day or how the weather works here, check out Part 2 of my Big Sur Elopement Guide on Big Sur Weather and Timing. Should help a ton 🙂
