Matt & Shelly's
Big Sur Wedding
Our Wedding Guide
We’re getting married at Henry Miller Memorial Library in Big Sur on October 2, 2027! We’re so excited to bring so many of our favorite people together in this magical place we live to eat, drink and be merry. We put together this guide with everything you’ll need for the weekend, plus a few of the places and things that make Big Sur so special to us. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Photo captured by our dear friend and great photographer, Kasey Crispin, in Hawaii
Before You Arrive
Big Sur is remote, wild, and slow paced. Cell service is limited and the roads are winding, so download maps before arriving, fill your gas tank in Monterey or Carmel, and make restaurant reservations in advance if you have specific places you really want to go. On the wedding day, we’ll have a shuttle running between Big Sur Lodge and Henry Miller Memorial Library, so there’s no need to drive or worry about parking at the venue. We’ll share the exact shuttle schedule closer to the wedding.
There are a few deli/bodega type stores with basic necessities, including Big Sur Lodge, Fernwood, Taphouse, Ripplewood, and the Village. If you have a room with a kitchenette and would like groceries, we recommend stopping at Safeway (5 Crossroads Blvd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923) on your way into Big Sur to pick up anything you need. Bring a cooler if you’re driving and want to stock up! It’s often more affordable than buying alcohol/beer/snacks in Big Sur. Bring layers, comfortable shoes, a reusable water bottle, and a headlamp if you have one. It will get chilly at night, and venues are often on uneven ground, so heels are not recommended!
Big Sur is an incredibly magical place that we feel lucky to call home, but we also know this is a far journey for some of our loved ones. Please know that we feel oh so loved, and there is no pressure to make the trek - only if it’s a yes in your heart!
Photo by the famous Big Mike in Pismo Beach
Photo by Big Sur photographer, Kodiak Greenwood, @kodiakgreenwood
Our first backpacking trip in the backcountry of Big Sur, headed to Syke's!
Photo in Laingsburg, Michigan where Matt's mom, Shirley Hazlett, created this amazing mural!
Photo in Laingsburg, Michigan where Matt's mom, Shirley Hazlett, created this amazing mural!
Photo by Big Sur photographer, Kodiak Greenwood, @kodiakgreenwood
Matt and I with the Horn family in Cayucos- photo & moment captured by Shelly's mom, the Queen!
The Weekend
We don't have all the details yet, but here’s a preview of what we have planned! Times and locations may shift as we get closer, and we’ll keep this page updated as everything comes together.
FRIDAY · OCTOBER 1
Open Mic
Evening · Location TBD
We’ll kick off the weekend with an open mic hosted by Shelly's bestie, Lia! Everyone is invited to share something if they feel inspired. It could be a song, poem, story, performance, or anything else you’d like to bring. Or just come hang out, listen and have a drink with us. More details to come!
SATURDAY · OCTOBER 2
We Get Married! ❤️
Around 4–10pm · Henry Miller Memorial Library
We’ll gather under the redwoods at Henry Miller Memorial Library for our ceremony, dinner & dancing.
LATE NIGHT
Fernwood
After 10pm · Fernwood Tavern
For anyone who wants to keep the night going, we’ll head down the road to Fernwood for late night live music. Come dance with us until we're ready to call it a night!
SUNDAY · OCTOBER 3
Brunch
Late morning · Big Sur Lodge
We’ll have a casual brunch near the pool at the Lodge for anyone who wants one more hang before heading home. Come eat, swim and say goodbye or take the day to explore Big Sur and do your own thing!
More details + exact times to come!
Getting Here
There are not really lyft/uber options in Big Sur, so if you are flying, you would need to rent a car.
Options for flying are:
San Francisco Airport (SFO): 3 hours north of us
San Jose Airport (SJC): 2 hours north of us - Shelly’s favorite airport!
Monterey Airport (MRY): 1 hour north of us - Matt’s favorite airport!
San Luis Obispo (SBP): 2.5 hours south of us if you want to drive up from the South
Accommodations / Lodging
There are lots of wonderful places to stay throughout Big Sur, and any lodging in the Big Sur proper area (all listed below here) will put you close to us and to the wedding festivities! There are also plenty of hotels and other accommodations in Carmel and Monterey, which are about a 45-minute drive from Big Sur and are great options if you’d prefer to stay closer to town.
Redwoods / Classic Big Sur Options
This is where we live and where we hope to have you! We are booking out the entire lodge for the wedding and you can begin booking 10/2/26. The cabins are rustic and classic lodge rooms. It is located inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and there is a swimming pool as well as incredible river swimming holes. The cost will be around $150/night.
Average cost/night: $200. Motel-style rooms and forest cabins with an on-site tavern and store. Casual and very close to us - about a 2 minute drive or a 2 mile walk through the woods!
Average cost/night: $250. Riverside location with a relaxed, rustic atmosphere; restaurant and bar on-site.
Average cost/night: $300. Historic, romantic inn with individually decorated rooms; Very popular so books far in advance. It’s very close to our wedding venue, Henry Miller Library, and about a 10 minute drive from our house.
Average cost/night: $250-350. Historic redwood cabins along the Big Sur River; many with fireplaces, kitchenettes, and river-view decks; café and small store on-site.
Average cost/night: $350-$800. Modern–rustic motor lodge rooms and upscale redwood grove cabins/cottages; cozy gas fireplaces and high-end finishes; very popular.
Oceanview / Pricier Options
High-end luxury with stunning ocean and forest views. All-inclusive luxury experience. Average cost: $$$$
Award-winning cliffside resort known for its architecture and tranquility. Average cost: $$$$
Glamping Option
Safari-style tents set within a 20-acre redwood canyon. Luxury meets nature. Average cost: $$
Camping Options
This is the park we live in, so you would be walking distance from our house and the camp sites are next to our regular swimming hole! Book through ReserveCalifornia. We recommend sites 173, 174, 175, 176 and 177.
Family-friendly campground under the redwoods on the river; mix of cabins (some with kitchens/fireplaces) and tent sites. Average cost: $
Also an amazing campground and very close to us. Average cost: $
Adventures
Our Favorite Big Sur Big Hikes (and one backpacking option! ;)
- Pine Ridge Trail to Syke’s: Looking for an unforgettable Big Sur adventure? Backpack the Pine Ridge Trail to Sykes Hot Springs, a beautiful 20-mile round-trip, 2-day/1-night trek through redwood forests to natural hot springs in the Ventana Wilderness. It's free, and if you're interested, we'd be happy to lend you our backpacking gear and share tips for the trip. We are considering doing a trip after our wedding (probably would be a day in between) with some of our friends, so if you’re interested, definitely let us know so we can include you in that planning!
- Pfeiffer Falls/Valley View (1.5 miles, our backyard!, sunny) - This is in Pfeiffer State Park (follow signs)
- Molera Beach (3 miles, jungle walkway to windy beach; includes a river crossing) - would turn off at Andrew Molera Park
- Buzzards roost (4 miles, steep, ocean view) - This is also in Pfeiffer State Park (follow signs)
- Gorge hike (get wet! River time, swimming, water shoes required, 4 miles) - This is also in Pfeiffer State Park (follow signs; walk past the campground)
- Tan Bark hike (south, across from partington cove a great ocean rocky spot) - Turn off at Partington Cove
- Barranda (5 miles, very steep, quite a view, great wildflowers) - This is south of us (put Barranda in GPS for turn off point)
Beautiful Big Sur without a Big Hike
- Pfeiffer Beach and Keyhole Rock: dramatic rock formations and sunset (very crowded on Sat and Sun, so go on Friday if you can!)
- McWay Falls: viewpoint only, there is no beach access
- Big Sur River Inn lawn and river chairs
- Point Sur Lighthouse tour
- Coast Gallery
- Ewoldsen Nature Center
- Scenic Highway 1 overlooks
- Condor or whale watching
- Garrapata State Beach: rugged cliffs and coastline
- Sand Dollar Beach: broad beach farther south
- Partington Cove: rocky historic landing rather than a traditional swimming beach
Relaxation
This is located about 1 hour from us in Carmel Valley. It is a serene adults-only outdoor spa known for its Nordic-inspired hot/cold thermal circuit, saunas and steam rooms. Day passes start at $67 (weekdays) and $75 (weekends).
A gorgeous luxury spa just 2 minutes down the road from us, with massages and other treatments. Ventana also has two beautiful outdoor pools, an infinity hot tub and Japanese hot baths. A limited number of day passes are available to non-hotel guests, but access and pricing vary, so we recommend contacting the spa in advance to see what’s available during your stay.
One of our absolute favorite places in Big Sur! Esalen is a legendary retreat center perched on the cliffs about 20 minutes south of us, with incredible natural hot springs overlooking the Pacific. Because it isn’t open for casual drop-ins, you’ll need to plan ahead to visit: you can stay overnight (starting around $560 for two nights), sign up for a workshop, book a Healing Arts Day Pass (around $350, includes a treatment/massage, all meals, hot springs and access to the grounds), or volunteer for a four-hour shift in exchange for spending the day there for free. If you have the time, it’s an incredibly special Big Sur experience!
Eat & Drink
The best (and pretty much only!) places to eat in Big Sur
Casual & Easy
Big Sur Lodge Café or Restaurant: Easy breakfast, lunch or dinner right at the Lodge.
Ripplewood Café: Cozy, old-school Big Sur café under the redwoods with great breakfast and lunch. A local favorite since 1925.
Big Sur Deli: No-frills local market and deli for sandwiches, snacks and picnic supplies to take on an adventure.
River Inn: Restaurant and also grab-and-go food. You can even take your food down to the lawn and eat with your feet in the river in an Adirondack chair!
Fernwood Bar & Grill: Casual bar and grill under the redwoods with a great back deck. Shelly’s favorite restaurant!
Big Sur Taphouse: Casual pub food, beer and a laid-back atmosphere; a good easy dinner and also the local’s favorite spot.
The Village: Cute coffee shop with pastries and light bites, with a beautiful outdoor garden.
Café Kevah: Breakfast and lunch on the terrace below Nepenthe with incredible ocean views.
Something Special
Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn: Fine dining high above the Pacific with some of the most spectacular views in Big Sur. Open to the public for lunch and dinner; reservations recommended.
The Sur House at Ventana: Beautiful upscale dining overlooking the ocean and redwoods at Ventana - great for a special dinner or sunset drinks.
Solstice: A beautiful dinner spot at The Village serving seasonal California food cooked over a wood-burning oven, with local produce and seafood. We love to go here for a special night out and start with a cocktail at their lounge!
Classic Big Sur
Nepenthe: An iconic Big Sur institution overlooking the ocean. Go for the views, drinks and classic California food, especially around sunset.
Deetjen’s: One of the most charming places in Big Sur for breakfast or dinner, served in tiny, candlelit rooms inside a historic redwood inn.
While You're Here
Here are a few of our favorite ways to spend time around here. We’ll also add any live music, events and other fun things happening that weekend as we get closer! If you want the Matt and Shelly cheat sheet -
🌅 Sunset: Nepenthe
🥾 Hike: The Gorge
🏊 Swim: Pfeiffer State Park swimming hole
🍴 Eat: Deetjen’s
🧺 Picnic: Any Highway 1 turnout
☕ Coffee: The Village
🌊 Ocean view: Ventana
♨️ Relax: Esalen
🎒 Hidden gem: Sykes
❤️ Best date spot: Henry Miller Library (where we fell in love on our 3rd date... and where we’re getting married!)
Henry Miller Library
This is our wedding venue! Writer and artist Henry Miller lived in Big Sur from 1944 to 1962, finding inspiration in its wild landscape and unconventional community. After his death, his close friend turned his redwood home into this beloved nonprofit bookstore and arts center, created to preserve Miller’s legacy and Big Sur’s creative spirit.
Pfeiffer Park Swimming
If you’re staying at the Lodge, exploring the State Park is amazing & easy! Just past the Lodge is a beautiful & accessible swimming hole. If you want an adventure, keep heading upriver into the River Gorge. You’ll rock hop, scramble & swim your way between boulders and through pools. Wear water shoes and clothes you're ok getting wet!
Sunset at Nepthente
Grab a drink, find a spot on the terrace and watch the amazing sunset over the Pacific coast. Nepenthe has been part of Big Sur since 1949 and has long been a gathering place for artists, writers, travelers and local characters. The views are well worth the stop and Shelly usually gets an Elderflower Sparkler and fries!
Point Sur Lighthouse
Explore a preserved 1889 lighthouse and former keeper's village on a walking tour atop a volcanic rock overlooking the Pacific. Tours are approximately 3 hours and $20 per adult. Visit pointsur.org to book.
Dine at Deetjen's
One of the most magical places that feels like stepping back in time. Their cozy restaurant has candlelit rooms filled with fireplaces and flowers. Come for breakfast, brunch or dinner and then wander around the gorgeous grounds.
The Village Yoga & Coffee
This a very cute riverside coffee shop with delicious pastries, snacks and a garden. They offer yoga every Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning at 9:30am. and it's also where the delicious restaurant Solstice is.
Pfeiffer Beach
This beach is known for its rock formations, purple sand and wild coastline. It’s especially nice around sunset when the light shines through Keyhole Arch. It can be VERY windy!
Be merry at Fernwood
One of our favorite places for relaxed dinner & live music! Fernwood has a gorgeous back deck under the redwoods that’s perfect for a drink and hanging out. We will be dancing here Sat night!
Just relax!
The Big Sur Chamber itself lists “Do Nothing” as one of the quintessential things to do here - find a sunny patch by the river, sit under the redwoods, watch the fog move, read, nap. Relax!
Wine Country & Carmel
Most of this guide is all about Big Sur, but if you have an extra day or want to explore a little farther north, Carmel Valley and Carmel-by-the-Sea are two options! Both are great stops on your way into or out of Big Sur if you’re into wine tasting and town bopping.
Carmel Valley Wine Country
About an hour north of Big Sur and inland from the coast, Carmel Valley has a more traditional wine country experience. It’s warmer and sunnier than the coast, and you can either visit a vineyard or head to Carmel Valley Village, where lots of tasting rooms are within walking distance. Some options include Folktale Winery & Vineyards, Bernardus Winery, Cowgirl Winery, I. Brand & Family, and Corral Wine Co. If wine isn't your thing, hike at Garland Ranch, visit the Earthbound Farm Stand, or spend a few hours at Refuge for its outdoor hot/cold thermal circuit. Carmel Valley is particularly good for sunny patios and farm-to-table meals.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
If you’d rather combine wine tasting with exploring the coast, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming, walkable beach town about 45 minutes north of Big Sur. Tasting rooms are scattered throughout downtown, so you can park once and wander between wine tasting, shops, art galleries, courtyards, restaurants and Carmel Beach. Some tasting options include Talbott Vineyards and Caraccioli Cellars, especially if you love sparkling wine. Our favorite thing to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea is bring a frisbee down to the beach and catch an amazing sunset with the whole town!
Join the Celebration
We would be so honored to have you join us for our wedding celebration! Kids are very welcome, and we’ll have some fun activities planned for them. That said, if you’d rather make it a romantic Big Sur getaway and come without the kiddos, we fully support that too! ❤️ Please confirm your attendance by filling out the form below.