Big Sur Engagement Photos
Best Locations in Big Sur for Engagement Photos
Garrapata State Park: best for coastal trails and cliffs directly overlooking the water.
Garrapata Beach: best for easy beach access.
Bixby Creek Bridge Overlook: great view of the iconic bridge and view of coastline from above.
Glen Oaks: best overall for redwoods, but you must be staying on the property to take photos here.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: great option for redwoods if you’re not staying on a property with private redwoods access.
Alila Ventana: best option for a luxury experience. Inquire about options for your photo session when you book your stay.
Tips for Planning a Big Sur Engagement Session
Choose a weekday or plan to go in the off season to avoid crowds. Summers can be very busy and some locations may not allow photo shoots on the weekends anyway.
For best lighting, plan your session at sunrise or an hour or two before sunset.
Be prepared for any type of weather, no matter what time of year. Big Sur weather is notoriously unpredictable and may vary from one location on the coast to another. I recommend planning outfits with layers that will work no matter what conditions you get.
Research any needed permits for the locations you want to take photos and plan to follow leave no trace principles while visiting. Don’t bring props that are harmful to the environment or disruptive to other visitors.
Wear neutral colors that will complement the natural, earthy tones of the environment.
Consider booking a classic car from Monterey Touring Vehicles to include in your session and commemorate your drive along the Big Sur coast!
Book a photographer who is familiar with the area to help you have the best possible experience. If you’re working with me, I will share even more specific locations for the best photos, help with permits (I hold an annual permit for my top location), and offer personalized tips based on your vision for your session and my years of experience photographing couples in Big Sur.
View recent Big Sur engagement session examples below.
MOLLY & STEVEN
COLE & STEPHANIE
JENNY & ROB
LAURENE & ERIC
YASHASHRI & DEEPAK
JESSICA & MARIO
CHLOE & TOMMY
Recent Client Testimonial:
“Carrie photographed us in Big Sur and we are thrilled both by the experience of the photo shoot as well as the images she captured. After arriving on a foggy day, Carrie was more than happy to lend her knowledge of the area to find the perfect spots for our photos. Her easy-going vibes helped us relax--despite the fact that we are both sometimes stiff in front of a camera--and we felt at ease and were able to be present with each other during the entire shoot. The images turned out better than we could have hoped and Carrie was a pleasure to work with through the whole process of setting up the details of the shoot to the delivery of the images.”
— Cole & Steph
