Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Big Sur · West · Evening
West-facing cliffs and cove.
See the standing Big Sur access note. This park closes with the highway and with fire in the corridor.
McWay Falls is a view, not a site. The park states there is no beach or ocean access at McWay Falls, and that the cliff areas beyond the fenced boundary, including the beach, Saddle Rock and the falls area, are off limits. Events are not permitted at McWay Falls or on the beach.
The site
Orientation
West
Tree cover
Light
Fog exposure
Coastal
Best light
Evening
The practical details
Capacity
Up to 10
Capacity notes
Elopements of 10 or fewer.
Permit conditions
Elopements of 10 or fewer at hike-in locations only, no exclusive access. Simple film shoots Monday to Thursday, complex shoots Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, never weekends or holidays. Public access cannot be restricted.
Commercial photography
Paid photography goes through the California Film Commission at film.ca.gov. Simple film shoots Monday to Thursday, complex shoots Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, never weekends or holidays.
Lead time
Elopements can be requested up to six months ahead. Forty-five days or more is recommended, under forty-five days carries additional fees, and under thirty days is not considered. Film permits need two weeks minimum.
Prohibited
Events are not permitted at McWay Falls or on the beach. The cliff areas beyond the fenced boundary, including the beach, Saddle Rock and the falls area, are off limits. Dogs not allowed. Drones are prohibited across the Big Sur sector.
Parking
Open 8am to sunset. Day use $10 per vehicle. Parking, restrooms and drinking water.
Permit authority
California State Parks, Monterey District, Big Sur Sector. BigSurEvents@parks.ca.gov, (831) 667-0507.
See it on your wedding date
Set your date and this page fills in with the tides, what the weather is usually like, sunset, and where the sun will be.
Sunrise, sunset, and twilight computed for this location. The marine layer rating reflects the time of year on this coast. Orientation and cover recorded for this spot.