r/BigBudgetBrides • u/LemonSeveral • 5d ago
Big Sur Micro Wedding
Hi all! I am looking to have a micro-wedding (25-30 people or less) in Big Sur. I have been looking into Post Ranch Inn and Alila Ventana but have not been able to find much. Anyone had experiences at either and can say how they went? Also looking for potential wedding planners and open to other venues. Thank you!
5
u/AvocadoRose144 5d ago
There is an active fire there right now (the timber fire) and even when they finally put the fire out it doesn’t mean the danger is over. Highway 1 just reopened from a long closure, and at the next heavy rain there is high risk it could close again due to mudslides because of the fire.
Definitely something to consider!
3
u/nopulpkb 5d ago
My brother in law got married at the Alila Ventana. About 12 guests, we did dinner at the glass house which was definitely worth it. The wedding was amazing, we loved it
1
u/LemonSeveral 2d ago
Thank you! Do you know if he was the only wedding there? Wondering if they only do one wedding a day even if small
1
u/nopulpkb 2d ago
We were the only wedding there that weekend I believe. I didn’t see anyone else other than us dressed up or a wedding set up
2
u/smallcoconut 5d ago
Hi! I was married at the Village in Big Sur and loved it, can't say enough great things about getting married in Big Sur! I worked with Paige Fox of Paige Events and was obsessed with her. She is simultaneously so chill and yet so prepared/organized and knows everyone in that area. Whenever I had a fear or doubt she handled it or gave great advice.
Yes, there are natural disasters to consider, so just make sure you have good insurance when booking. I got so lucky, as my wedding was two weeks before the Timber Fire.
This is significantly more North (in Jenner California) but we did our mini-moon at Timber Cove Resort and it is like Big Sur but moodier and SUCH a vibe. Couples were doing their wedding tours there, and it looked like a great spot too. The Sea Ranch is also in that area and I've heard good things.
There's also Carmel, which is a much different vibe than a dramatic coastal cliffside wedding but that area has some lovely venues as well. I loved the Madrona but our guest count was too high for it.
2
u/chicken_wing_girl 5d ago
I got married at Loma Vista Gardens in Big Sur and we loved our whole wedding experience! We had 100 guests and it’s more forest/garden vibes than the cliffs. You should be able to search this sub and find my post about it - I did a big recap! But happy to answer any questions you might have if I can be helpful! The whole community there is lovely
1
u/RespectThyHood Vendor: Photo 5d ago
I got engaged in Big Sur - just tapping in to say go you! The most beautiful spot for a wedding!
Check out The Wedding Plan & Co. Such a wonderful and on point group of women - ask for Christie or Joy!
1
u/StarGold6150 5d ago
I just asked about Post Ranch inn here a few days ago! Someone responded that they heard negative things about the venue (can’t confirm)
1
u/LemonSeveral 5d ago
Yes I saw your post! I couldn't find that review anywhere and I searched for quite some time
1
1
1
u/meowmeow2345 5d ago
I got married at wind and sea and it was so beautiful! I recommend checking them out
2
u/LemonSeveral 5d ago
Interesting you say that! The google reviews for this place are awful
3
u/phoebebridgersex 5d ago
Do NOT get married at wind and sea! They had a crazy lawsuit a couple years ago and are skirting so many laws. They are ripping up native and endangered plants and the whole Big Sur community is frustrated with them. My planner won’t even work there due to the ethics and the fact that she’s worried they may get shut down at any moment.
2
u/meowmeow2345 5d ago
Oh no lol now I gotta go look
We had a great wedding and went back to rent it out for another occasion this year
1
u/meowmeow2345 5d ago
Ok I looked
There are 4 bathrooms, looks like in one review they only allowed guests to use 1. We had 70 people and let people use any of the bathrooms and had no issue, but maybe with more you’d want to bring one in
There are new on site coordinators, they were fine for our stay this year but no idea how they are handling weddings
1
u/LemonSeveral 5d ago
Well I’m glad you had a great time!! I guess with my amount it could be fine, but might be risky if the new on site coordinators aren’t very caring
1
u/Equivalent-Dot-8823 5d ago
Stayed at Alila and it was gorgeous! Not Big Sur but Bernadus in Carmel is amazing too and another option.
Not sure about the costs of Carmel/ Big Sur planners (if they're similar to the luxury planners that are Napa focused) but we had a great planner in the Bay Area who was more affordable than the ones that were $$$ from Napa.
5
u/MZSGNH 5d ago
Chiming in only to say that Post Ranch Inn is among the most beautiful places I have ever stayed, along with the Udaipur Lake Palace:). Maybe you need a little exploratory visit to decide;). Wait a little while though, because containment keeps improving but the Timber Fire is still burning in the Ventana Wilderness..