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Get Married at Garrapata State Park Self-Book Venue Guide
Here's exactly how to get your permit, what it costs, and what to expect, from the Our Little Wedding team.
Big Sur · Self-Book Venue Guide
Can you get married at Garrapata State Park?
Yes. A Garrapata State Park micro wedding is one of the most rewarding self-book ceremonies in Big Sur, you handle the permit, and the setting does the rest. Capacity is up to 50 guests.
Big Sur restaurants are limited. Plan a dinner at one of the lodges (Post Ranch, Ventana) or drive 40 min to Carmel-by-the-Sea for more options.
In brief
Garrapata State Park micro wedding: book it yourself with a permit, keep it to 50 guests or fewer, and bring everything in. We can coordinate the permit, the vendors, and your day if you’d like a hand.
The Details
What to know
Capacity
Up to 50
Guests for an intimate ceremony at Garrapata State Park. We usually recommend 20–30 for the best experience in this kind of setting.
How to book
Permit required
Contact California State Parks for a Special Event Permit: parks.ca.gov or call the Big Sur Station at (831) 667-2315.
Lead time
4–6 weeks
Permit required for any organized group. Processing can take 4–6 weeks.
Good to know
Bring it in
Big Sur restaurants are limited. Plan a dinner at one of the lodges (Post Ranch, Ventana) or drive 40 min to Carmel-by-the-Sea for more options.
Ceremony spaces
On the land
No structures. Ceremonies are on the bluffs or in the meadow. Bring everything in.
How to book
How to book Garrapata State Park for your ceremony
The exact process, sourced from the permit office and verified by our team.
1
Step 1
Contact California State Parks for a Special Event Permit: parks.ca.gov or call the Big Sur Station at (831) 667-2315.
2
Step 2
Permit fee tiers based on group size: 1–25 guests approx. $400; 26–35 guests approx. $550; 36–50 guests approx. $650. Contact Big Sur Station to confirm the current schedule before applying.
3
Step 3
No structures. Ceremonies are on the bluffs or in the meadow. Bring everything in.
4
Step 4
Permit required for any organized group. Processing can take 4–6 weeks.
Why this venue
What makes Garrapata State Park worth the drive
Garrapata is wild and beautiful, with crashing waves, sea otters, and coastal wildflowers. Zero infrastructure. Ideal for couples who want pure Big Sur without a price tag.
No cell service. Have a printed schedule and meeting point for guests.
From the Team
Things the permit office won’t tell you
OLW tip
Garrapata is wild and beautiful, with crashing waves, sea otters, and coastal wildflowers. Zero infrastructure. Ideal for couples who want pure Big Sur without a price tag.
OLW tip
No cell service. Have a printed schedule and meeting point for guests.
Where to go for dinner after
A couple of favorites near Garrapata State Park for celebrating once the ceremony’s done.
Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn
Cliff-edge restaurant inside Post Ranch Inn, private dining available
20 min drive from Garrapata
Real Weddings
Couples who got married in Big Sur
Real weddings Our Little Wedding planned in Big Sur.
Other self-book venues
More venue guides to explore
A starting point for your shortlist. Every one is a real place we've planned or scouted, permit info, costs, and insider tips inside each guide.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State ParkRoberts Regional Recreation AreaBrazilian Room at Tilden Regional State Park
Questions
Garrapata State Park wedding questions, answered
Do I need a permit to get married at Garrapata State Park?
Yes. Contact California State Parks for a Special Event Permit: parks.ca.gov or call the Big Sur Station at (831) 667-2315. Contact California State Parks for a Special Event Permit: parks.ca.gov or call the Big Sur Station at (831) 667-2315.
How many guests can I have at Garrapata State Park?
Garrapata State Park accommodates up to 50 guests for a ceremony. Our Little Wedding recommends keeping it at or under 50 for a comfortable, intimate micro wedding at this site.
How far in advance do I need to book Garrapata State Park?
Contact California State Parks for a Special Event Permit: parks.ca.gov or call the Big Sur Station at (831) 667-2315. We recommend starting the process at least 6–8 weeks before your date, or earlier for peak summer weekends.
What can I bring to Garrapata State Park, chairs, decor, flowers?
Big Sur restaurants are limited. Plan a dinner at one of the lodges (Post Ranch, Ventana) or drive 40 min to Carmel-by-the-Sea for more options. Check with the permit office for the current list of allowed and prohibited items for your specific date and location.
You found the spot. Now let's make it happen.
Want us to coordinate the permit, vendors, and your day?
Our packages start at $4,500 for up to 10 guests. You make the calls, venue, photographer, caterer. We coordinate everything else, from the paperwork to the walk-through.
Free consultation · No obligation · We reply within 24 hours
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