The morning began quietly, with the bride preparing in her room surrounded by soft light filtering through the windows. There was a sense of anticipation in the air as she slipped into her gown, the details of the day beginning to take shape.
Downstairs, guests gathered for the ceremony along the riverbank. The sound of cascading water mixed with birdsong created a natural soundtrack as vows were exchanged beneath the towering redwoods. Every glance and promise felt even more intimate in this serene setting.
One of the most convenient aspects of hosting a wedding at the Big Sur River Inn is the fact that it’s a full hotel complex. Everything is right there — your ceremony, your reception, your rooms, and your guests’ accommodations. From a photography perspective, I found it incredibly seamless to move back and forth between the bride’s room and the groom’s room, ensuring that both sides of the story were fully captured without stress or delay.
After the ceremony, guests transitioned into the cocktail reception inside the inn, a warm and inviting space where laughter and conversation filled the room. As the staff prepared the deck, the flow of the day moved seamlessly from one moment to the next.
Dinner and dancing unfolded outdoors on the porch, the rustic wood deck glowing with string lights. The DJ kept the energy high, encouraging everyone onto the dance floor, while the relaxed Big Sur vibe lingered in every detail. From the river ceremony to the spirited reception, the River Inn offered a setting that was both natural and effortlessly cool — a true reflection of Big Sur charm.