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Get Married Outdoors · Big Sur · Big Sur
Here's exactly how to get your permit, what it costs, and what to expect — from the Our Little Wedding team.
The Quick Answer
Permit Office
Email BigSurEvents@parks.ca.gov or call (831) 667-0507 to begin your Special Event Permit application. The official page is parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29834.
CA State Parks Big Sur Events office as of Jul 2026
Capacity
Up to 50 guests
Micro wedding context — intimate ceremonies
Permit Required
Yes
Email BigSurEvents@parks.ca.gov or call (831) 667-0507 to begin your Special Event Permit application. The official page is parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29834.
Lead Time
4–8 weeks minimum
Only one Special Event Permit is issued per day in the Big Sur Sector. No event permits are issued on weekends (Friday–Sunday) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, or on any holiday weekend.
The Permit Process
Here's the exact process — sourced from official permit offices and verified by the Our Little Wedding team.
Email BigSurEvents@parks.ca.gov or call (831) 667-0507 to begin your Special Event Permit application. The official page is parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29834.
CA State Parks Big Sur Events office as of Jul 2026Two permit tiers: Elopement permit (10 people or fewer, including all vendors) — approximately $425; Standard permit (11+ people) — contact the park for current pricing. A $75 rush fee applies if requested less than 45 days out.
CA State Parks Big Sur Events office; elopement fee sourced from wedding planner guides citing the park — confirm current rate directlyOnly one Special Event Permit is issued per day in the Big Sur Sector. No event permits are issued on weekends (Friday–Sunday) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, or on any holiday weekend.
Applications accepted up to 1 year in advance. Minimum 30 days before your event date. Your permit specifies an exact designated location.
From the Team
Things the permit office won't tell you — from the Our Little Wedding team and couples we've worked with here.
OLW tip
Pfeiffer Beach is a 10-minute drive from the park and offers purple sand and sea stacks — one of the most distinctive ceremony backdrops on the California coast. It's a separate CA State Parks reservation but we love combining the two.
OLW tip
The no-weekend-in-summer rule actually works in couples' favor — weekday Big Sur ceremonies are quieter and more intimate. Thursday or Monday are ideal.
OLW tip
Big Sur has no cell service. Have a physical map and meeting point for guests. Inform vendors in advance.
Our top recommendations from the team for celebrating nearby.
Big Sur Roadhouse
Casual and excellent, Gulf Coast-inspired cooking, wood-fired grill
5 min drive from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn
Cliff-edge dining with ocean views, private dining available
15 min drive south
Real Weddings
Our Little Wedding has planned intimate ceremonies across Big Sur. More wedding stories from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park are coming soon.
Browse real wedding storiesFrequently Asked Questions
You found the perfect spot. Now let's make it happen.
Our micro wedding package starts at $4,500 for up to 10 guests. We handle everything — from the paperwork to the last dance.
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