Big Sur Elopement at Garrapata State Park | Abi & Scott's Coastal California Wedding

Some wedding stories begin with an inquiry. Others begin years before the wedding day.

Abi and Scott's story is one I'll always treasure because it unfolded over multiple seasons of life. I first met Abi while photographing her sister's wedding in Montana, and getting to know their family throughout that celebration made it even more meaningful when Abi reached out a few years later for engagement photos.

When they traveled to Big Sky, Montana over the holidays, we spent an evening exploring the meadows along the Gallatin River with their dog, Gus. At the end of the session, they shared that they had been planning for an elopement in Big Sur. I was immediately so excited because it was a place that I’ve wanted to photograph for years! I offered to shoot it that day and we got to work on planning.

If you've never visited Garrapata State Park, it's one of the hidden gems along the Big Sur coastline.

Towering cliffs, turquoise water, dramatic rock formations, and endless ocean views make it one of the most breathtaking places to exchange vows. If you’re lucky, you may even see sea lions splashing in the water below.

Abi and Scott chose a quiet overlook where the Pacific stretched endlessly behind them. With the sound of crashing waves below and the salty breeze blowing through the cliffs, they shared heartfelt vows surrounded by their families.

There is something incredibly peaceful about a ceremony without distractions—just two people promising forever in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

One of the greatest parts of planning an elopement is that your wedding day doesn't have to stay in one place.

After their ceremony, we spent the afternoon driving the winding roads of Highway 1, stopping wherever the scenery inspired us.

No trip through Big Sur feels complete without visiting the iconic Bixby Bridge, one of California's most recognizable landmarks. We also pulled over at several scenic overlooks where dramatic cliffs met the Pacific Ocean, taking advantage of every incredible view along the coastline.

These unplanned stops often become some of my favorite photographs because they capture the feeling of the day—the excitement of exploring together, windows down, music playing, excited giggles, and nowhere else to be.

And of course, Gus got to come out to play too!