As a Pittsburgh wedding photographer, I am well-versed in local wedding venues and great photo locations in the area. However, most of you know that I’m a huge adventure-seeker, too. Cliffside elopements and breezy beach vows always make my heart happy. So, when Rachel and Shane asked our team to photograph and video their Big Sur elopement in California, we jumped at the chance! 

Rachel and Shane’s Big Sur Elopement Vision

The bride submitted their elopement vision that our team couldn’t wait to tackle! The couple loved the idea of getting married without the stress of the actual wedding day. They wanted to begin their marriage with an ethereal ceremony above the crashing waves—sounds like an incredible experience.

Given the spectacular backdrop and the emphasis on the experience, we needed photos and video footage that would encapsulate it all from the scenery to the love and laughter between the bride and groom. Since they planned a true elopement without friends or family in attendance, our work was crucial. The photos and video needed to provide a glimpse into the full experience there in gorgeous California. Then, they could share it with friends and family while also reliving every moment of their big day!

The couple decided to each bring their best friend along for the ceremony. Since their families couldn’t join them cliffside (although they are all very close to them), they wanted to share their wedding day with their very closest friends. Plus, as an extra personal touch, Shane’s friend Chris actually performed the ceremony! He planned to read vows for the bride and groom to repeat, and then Shane and Rachel exchanged personal vows just between the two of them. It was absolutely beautiful!

The Big Day

The Big Sur elopement day began with the loving couple and their closest friends getting ready. They found a cute little Airbnb in Monterey, California, just 20 minutes from where they would elope in Garrapata State Park. (Note: Before traveling, we helped them apply for a permit to have their elopement ceremony and take photos and videos in Garrapata State Park. We wanted them to have a smooth wedding day so they could enjoy their photo session with us.)

After their ceremony, we stopped by the famous Bixby Bridge for some photos and got to watch a jumper randomly parachute down (WHAT?)! We were all a little nervous for him, but he made it safely, and it added even more excitement to their elopement day. Rachel and Shane are from the Pittsburgh, PA area, so this doesn’t happen too often in the city. They chose to have their engagement photos done back home, but they wanted to travel somewhere epic for their elopement! Plus, we helped them with anything they needed to make it happen, and we were able to bring their vision to life.

The ceremony was absolutely stunning and romantic, and the newlyweds couldn’t wait to share the news with their family and friends back home! This was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime sort of feeling that they will treasure for the rest of their lives. 

Book Your Engagement, Elopement, or Wedding Photo Package with MT Photo + Film

Love this Big Sur elopement? Book your elopement package with MT Photo + Film today! We strive to please our clients and bring their visions to life. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding day. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!