How to Plan the Ultimate Big Sur Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Seamless Coastal Celebration
Big Sur Wedding Planning: Everything You Need to Know for a Stress-Free, Scenic Celebration
Planning a wedding in Big Sur? Here’s everything you need to know about timelines, permits, vendors, and choosing the perfect venue for an unforgettable oceanfront wedding.
What to Expect in This Blog:
Creating a wedding timeline to keep everything on track.
Do you need a permit? What to know about legal requirements.
Choosing & booking vendors—including how to streamline the process.
How to prepare for Big Sur weather on your wedding day.
Everything you need to know about on-site parking & coordination.
Why Wind & Sea Big Sur? Exclusive venue advantages & included rentals.
Step-by-step booking process for a stress-free experience.
Step 1: Setting a Wedding Planning Timeline for Your Big Sur Wedding
A Big Sur wedding requires careful planning to align with seasonal weather, vendor availability, and venue logistics. We can accommodate both long term planning and short term bookings. Here is an example planning timeline for those who want more planning time.
📅 12+ Months Before:
Select your ideal season (learn more in our Big Sur weather guide).
Submit an inquiry to Wind & Sea Big Sur.
Decide on your starting guest count- you can always add more guests!
📅 8-12 Months Before:
Secure your wedding venue with a signed contract and 25% deposit.
Book vendors- Wedy makes booking vendors fast and painless!
Review wedding rentals at Wind & Sea to see what’s included.
📅 4-8 Months Before:
Finalize ceremony and dinner layout with your planner.
Submit the Final Details Questionnaire to confirm guest count, layout, vendors, and more.
Make the next 25% payment (due 6 months before).
📅 3 Months Before:
Make the final payment (50% of total invoice/remaining balance).
📅 Wedding Week:
Relax and enjoy time with your loved ones!
A shorter timeline requires fast action and quick decision-making.
Step 2: Do You Need a Wedding Permit in Big Sur?
Unlike weddings at state parks or public beaches, Wind & Sea Big Sur does not require a permit for ceremonies or receptions. This saves time and stress—your venue is fully approved for private weddings, eliminating extra paperwork.
💡 Pro Tip: If you plan to take wedding photos at state parks, check with California State Parks about any required permits.
Step 3: Choosing & Hiring Your Big Sur Wedding Vendors
Finding the right vendors is key to creating the wedding of your dreams. Wind & Sea Big Sur welcomes any vendors of your choice, with one exception—caterers must be pre-approved via a phone call.
Wedding Planning App // @wedy.app | Wedy App
Photography // @juliagoldbergphotography | Julia Goldberg Photography
Simplify Vendor Selection with Wedy
To streamline your search, we highly recommend working with Wedy, a trusted platform that helps couples quickly find and book top-rated vendors in Big Sur.
Vendors to Book First:
Photographer & Videographer – Find expert tips in our guide: Choosing the Perfect Big Sur Wedding Photographer.
Wedding Planner – Helps with timelines, coordination, and vendor management.
Officiant – Required for legal ceremonies.
Caterer – See our full guide on wedding catering at Wind & Sea.
Other Important Vendors:
Florist – Seasonal, local blooms complement Big Sur’s natural beauty.
Live Music/DJ – Create the perfect ambiance.
Hair & Makeup Artist – Find expert recommendations in our wedding beauty guide.
Step 4: Why Choose Wind & Sea Big Sur? Exclusive Venue Advantages
Photo // @sandandstonemedia | Sand and Stone Media
Wind & Sea Big Sur is a private, oceanfront estate that includes everything you need for a seamless wedding experience.
Included Amenities & Rentals:
Ceremony & reception sites with stunning ocean views.
Tables & chairs included (no extra rental fees).
Two-night stay for up to 8 guests with the ability to add 4 more overnight guests.
Outdoor soaking tubs & sauna for ultimate relaxation.
Dog-friendly venue! Pet fees are included (cats require a refundable deposit).
🚗 Curious about parking and shuttling? Learn about on-site parking & coordination.
🏡 Need lodging for guests? Explore our guide to the top Big Sur lodging near Wind & Sea.
Step 5: Booking Your Wedding at Wind & Sea Big Sur
Our Seamless Process:
💌 Inquire: Submit your inquiry HERE.
📞 Optional Consultation: Schedule a video or fall call, text to ask questions, or request an in-person tour via email.
📅 Confirm Date: Lock in your preferred wedding date.
📝 Receive Proposal: Detailed breakdown of venue details & payments.
💳 Sign & Pay: Secure your date with a 25% deposit and signed contract.
📋 Final Details Questionnaire: Submitted before the final payment.
💰 Final Payment Due: 50% balance due 3 months before wedding date.
🎉 Celebrate! Arrive for your dream wedding at Wind & Sea Big Sur.
Final Tips for a Stress-Free Big Sur Wedding
Book vendors early—Big Sur is a high-demand wedding destination.
Prepare for coastal weather—check out our weather guide.
Work with trusted vendors—work with Wedy for top recommendations.
Enjoy every moment! Wind & Sea Big Sur makes planning easy, so you can focus on celebrating.
Start Planning Your Dream Big Sur Wedding
With breathtaking oceanfront views, seamless planning, and luxury accommodations, Wind & Sea Big Sur is the perfect venue for an intimate, unforgettable celebration. Ready to book?