Big Sur Engagement At Sand Dollar Beach

couple walking along the beach during an engagement session

Engagement Session in Big Sur

When this adorable couple asked me to photograph their engagement in Big Sur, I was initially hesitant. The drive would be long and the road might be closed. After checking on the road conditions, I agreed to the session. I’m so glad I did! The drive is long, but it’s one of the most beautiful drives you can take in California.

I got there early and explored a little while they finished getting ready. Big Sur really is everything it’s cracked up to be. Any time the mountains meet the sea, you’re bound to have nothing but boundless beauty.

We started out engagement session right on time and our first stop was just steps from the parking lot at Sand Dollar Beach. Just when the trail started, I saw this little dirt path that looked just right for some quick photos.

  • couple facing each other holding hands in front of a split rail fence
  • couple embracing in a wooded area in Big Sur
  • couple leaning toward each other for a kiss in a wooded area
  • couple facing each other while holding hands
  • couple dancing in a wooded area of Sand Dollar Beach
  • couple stopping to kiss on a dirt path

Where The Mountains Meet The Ocean

After a small hike down to the beach, we decided to head toward some large rocks both on the shore and in the ocean. We started at a small cave area. Then we headed a little further down the beach for some fun in the water.

Schedule an Engagement Session
  • couple kissing in front of a cave rock on the beach
  • groom dipping the bride on a beach in Big Sur
  • groom kissing the bride's hand on a beach in Big Sur
  • couple walking together on the beach holding hands during and engagement session
  • couple dancing on the beach
  • couple pausing to look at each other on the beach during an engagement session
  • groom dipping the bride on the beach in Big Sur
  • couple sitting on a rock in the ocean at Sand Dollar Beach
  • couple sitting on a rock in the ocean at Sand Dollar Beach
  • couple kissing on the beach in Big Sur
  • couple sitting on a rock in the ocean at Sand Dollar Beach
  • couple kissing on the beach
  • couple walking along the beach
  • couple running toward the ocean
  • couple stopping for a kiss while walking along the beach during an engagement session

Big Sur Beach Exploration

After a quick clothing change, we headed to the other side of the cove for a slight change of scenery. My favorite thing about this couple is there willingness to do whatever ridiculous game I suggest. They had so much fun together and their smiles are absolutely priceless.

  • couple walking along the beach during an engagement session
  • couple walking along the beach during an engagement session
  • couple playing with each other on the beach during an engagement session
  • couple playing with each other on the beach during an engagement session
  • couple playing with each other on the beach during an engagement session
  • couple playing with each other on the beach during an engagement session
  • couple playing with each other on the beach during an engagement session
  • couple playing with each other on the beach during an engagement session
  • couple playing with each other on the beach during an engagement session
  • couple smiling at the camera during an engagement session on the beach
  • close up of two people's hands during an engagement shoot
  • couple walking along the beach during an engagement session
  • couple playing with each other on the beach during an engagement session
  • couple walking toward the ocean during an engagement session
  • couple walking toward the ocean during an engagement session
  • Couple dancing on the beach during an engagement session
  • Couple dancing on the beach during an engagement session
  • man giving his fiance a piggy back ride during an engagement session on the beach in Big Sur
  • Couple dancing on the beach during an engagement session
  • couple holding hands with the ocean behind them
  • couple slowly separating hands while focused on the engagement ring
  • man holding his fiance on the beach in Big Sur

Wrapping It Up

To wrap up this incredible Big Sur engagement session, we headed back to the stairs. I love it when couples have fun during their session and I try to shy away from any stiff, posed pictures. I rarely ask people to smile. Those aren’t the kind of smiles I want. I want to get the real, genuine smiles and this couple had an abundant supply. I absolutely loved working with them and I know life had wonderful things in store for them.

  • groom kissing his bride on the cheek during an engagement session
  • couple looking at each other while sitting on some wooden stairs at the beach
  • bride's hand on the groom's shoulder showing the engagement ring
  • couple kissing on the beach
  • couple smiling together while sitting on the stairs in Big Sur
  • woman hugging her fiance from behind while smiling at the camera
  • couple standing together on a dirt path at Sand Dollar Beach
  • girl laughing with her fiance while sitting on the stairs at Sand Dollar Beach
  • couple sitting together on the stairs at the beach
  • couple standing together on a dirt path in Big Sur
  • girl laughing with her fiance while sitting on the stairs at Sand Dollar Beach
couple bumping hips during a beach engagement session

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couple sitting on a rock in the ocean at Sand Dollar Beach

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Bride a groom holding hands walking toward the camera with lush greenery behind them

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