Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Permit Information

California State Parks Big Sur Sector Special Event Permit required. The Elopement Permit is limited to 10 people or fewer (couple, officiant, photographer, and guests all count) at approved hike in locations. Apply up to 6 months in advance; applications received 45 days or fewer before the event date are subject to additional fees and restrictions, and applications received 30 days or fewer will not be considered. Events are not permitted on weekend dates (Friday through Sunday) from the Frid…

Planning Your Day at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

One-Spot Day

Julia Pfeiffer Burns is two distinct spots two miles apart on Highway 1: McWay Falls Overlook and Partington Cove. Pair them in a single day with sunrise vows at McWay (smaller crowds before 7am), a quick coffee in Big Sur Village, and an afternoon portrait session at Partington Cove through the hand carved tunnel. Stay overnight in Big Sur Village or the Carmel Highlands to avoid the dawn drive from Monterey. There is no food, no gas, and almost no cell service inside the park.

Ceremony + Portraits Split

California State Parks Big Sur Sector caps elopements here at 10 people total including the couple, officiant, photographer, and every guest. Apply up to 6 months ahead via BigSurEvents@parks.ca.gov or 831 667 0507. Applications inside 45 days incur extra fees, and inside 30 days are simply rejected. No ceremonies are issued Friday through Sunday from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and never on holiday weekends. Receptions, catered events, chairs, and aisle setups are all prohibited.

A Note on Light

McWay Falls reads best from late morning through 2pm when sun lights the turquoise cove water and rakes across the falls face. Avoid heavy fog days from May through August when the cove disappears in marine layer until afternoon. Partington Cove holds best light from 9am through noon when sun reaches into the canyon. Winter and early spring bring the cleanest skies and biggest swell for dramatic ocean foreground frames.

Ceremony Spots at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

• McWay Falls Overlook — An 80 foot waterfall dropping directly onto a turquoise cove beach along the Big Sur coast
• Partington Cove — Hidden rocky cove accessed through a hand carved tunnel in the cliffs, a secret Big Sur gem