Pfeiffer Beach Big Sur

Pfeiffer Beach.
Keyhole Rock.

Documentary photo + film for permit-only Big Sur beach elopements. Purple sand, sea arch, sunset. From $4,500.

Plan your day
Where to shoot

Spots on the beach.

Keyhole Rock

The iconic sea-arch with sunset light shining through. Late-October to mid-February only — sun aligns with the keyhole. Best Big Sur photo on earth at the right time of year.

Purple-sand cove

Manganese garnet washes down from the cliffs — purple-pink sand strands. South end of the beach. Late-afternoon light makes the color pop.

Cliff-overlook ceremony spot

Bluff above the beach for the actual ceremony — cliff at your back, ocean to one side. Permit-required. Limited to 30 guests.

Sycamore Canyon Road approach

The 2-mile dirt road to the beach — gnarled cypress + redwoods. Bridal-portrait spot on the way in or out. Great rain-plan if beach is windy.

Glen Oaks / Big Sur Lodge for reception

Pfeiffer Beach has no reception facilities. Pair the beach ceremony with Glen Oaks (10 min) or Big Sur Lodge (15 min) for dinner.

FAQ

Most-asked.

Permit?+
Yes — Pfeiffer Beach is USFS managed (Los Padres National Forest). Wedding permit ~$200, file 4 to 6 weeks ahead. Limited to 30 guests + standard ceremony rules. We coordinate timing.
When does Keyhole Rock light up?+
Late October to mid-February — sun sets aligned with the keyhole. November + December are best (no fog, peak alignment). For other months, the rock is still photogenic but you skip the light-through-the-arch shot.
Cost?+
AGV starts at $4,500 for elopement-style coverage (under 20 guests). Includes 6 hours, ceremony + portraits + intimate dinner at a Big Sur lodge.
How early to book?+
November to February peak Keyhole alignment: 6 to 9 months out. Other months: 3 to 6 months.
Highway 1 closure?+
Same as all Big Sur — Dec to March has occasional closures. Have a 101→G16 backup. Build a 2-day buffer if you can.

Ready?
Let's plan your Pfeiffer elopement.

10 minutes. Tell me your spot + date — I'll send back availability + the right package.

Start an inquiry