Glen Oaks Bridge House Wedding in Big Sur

Glen Oaks Bridge House Wedding in Big Sur

Check out this Glen Oaks Bridge House wedding in Big Sur if you’re looking for a great venue to get married in the redwoods.

Glen Oaks Big Sur is an incredible resort and lodge off of highway 1. They offer cabins and motor lodge style rooms. The lower part of the property is in a redwood forest next to the Big Sur River.

Massis and Amanda held their intimate wedding at the Bridge House and Fairy Ring at Glen Oaks Big Sur. They had a small, 4-person guest list of their closest family members. The couple lodged in the beautiful Bridge House, and held their ceremony just steps away in the Fairy Ring. A private chef came to prepare an intimate dinner reception for them in the Bridge House later that evening.

Glen Oaks Bridge House Wedding in Big Sur

The Bridge House at Glen Oaks

The Bridge House is a gorgeous, modern house nestled in the redwoods at Glen Oaks Big Sur. It is my personal favorite lodging at Glen Oaks because it is spacious, private and has great view of the forest. The Bridge House is the largest and nicest accommodation on the property. This lodging offers a lot of privacy because it is on the other side of the river from most of the other lodgings. Additionally, it is only accessed by a 150 foot suspension bridge over the river.

Tall windows let in light and views of the giant trees on either side of the house. A full kitchen, living room and dining room give plenty of space for gathering with friends and family. There is a fire ring in the front with several lounge chairs circled around it. A private sauna and deck sit just behind the Bridge House.

There are two small separate lodgings a stone’s throw away from the Bridge House if you need extra accommodations. Several more cabins of varying size are located across the river, a short walk away.

Many couples decide to rent the Bridge House for their wedding lodging. It is conveniently just steps away from a fantastic ceremony space called the Fairy Ring, which is a ring of redwood trees.

Getting Married in the Fairy Ring at Glen Oaks

A ceremony space called the Fairy Ring is located just steps away from the Bridge House. The Fairy Ring is a circle of huge redwoods. It provides just enough space for a small group of people to gather!

The Fairy Ring is typically offered for a discounted rental fee when couples rent the Bridge House as well. Please contact Glen Oaks about pricing and guest capacity.

Intimate wedding ceremony in the Fairy Ring and Bridge House at Glen Oaks Big Sur

Wedding preparation at Glen Oaks Bridge House

Below is the full wedding day story of Massis and Amanda.

Because Massis and Amanda chose not to see each other before the ceremony, they prepared in different rooms of the Bridge House. Nervous feeling ran high as they put on their clothing and finishing touches. Amanda finished up her self-made bouquet with the help of her mom. Meanwhile, Massis’s mom placed his grandmother’s handmade lace pocket square in his suit downstairs.

Autumn Micro Wedding at Glen Oaks Fairy Ring

Massis lit up when he saw Amanda turn the corner and walk into the Fairy Ring for the ceremony. Naomi led a beautifully moving ceremony for the couple that included sharing some of their love story.

Massis’s father shared with me that their culture tends to hold enormous, lively weddings with many guests. But these two decided to go their own way and hold a tiny wedding in nature. “I don’t like being the center of attention,” Amanda told me later that day. Even if we were not in the middle of a pandemic, they still would have chosen to hold such an intimate wedding day like this.

tiny wedding in a redwood forest in Big Sur, California
Glen Oaks Bridge House Wedding in Big Sur
Intimate wedding ceremony in the Fairy Ring and Bridge House at Glen Oaks Big Sur

Cocktail hour and appetizers at the Bridge House

The group gathered inside the Bridge House after the ceremony for a toast with champagne and apple cider. Everyone took a bit of a break to relax!

Redwood Forest Wedding Portraits at Glen Oaks Big Sur

Massis, Amanda and I went out to take some portraits around the Glen Oaks property. We explored the trails under giant redwood trees and chased the gold light beams. I couldn’t have asked for more beautiful lighting at the stunning location. The best part? We had the whole place to ourselves!

Glen Oaks is my favorite place in Big Sur to take portraits in the redwoods. That is because this property has some of the largest trees in the region, and it is away from the crowds! Moreover, the way light trickles down from the trees here is simply stunning.

Coastal Wedding Portraits in Big Sur

For the remainder of our time together, the three of us drove up the coast to take some photos by the ocean. “Yay, fog!” Amanda said when we stepped onto the coastal path. She had been hoping for dramatic foggy weather, which is something I love, too!

In conclusion, we all said goodbye when the sun disappeared. Amanda and Massis traveled back to Glen Oaks to have their intimate dinner party at the Bridge House. A private chef from Sea Stars cooked for them so they could all relax and enjoy the evening as much as possible!

Credits:

Venue: Glen Oaks Big Sur

Officiant: Naomi Ehrich

Private Chef: Sea Stars Catering

Is Glen Oaks Big Sur the wedding venue for you?

Are you looking for a great redwood forest location for your small wedding? I highly recommend considering Glen Oaks!

FAQ

How far is Glen Oaks Big Sur from the beach?

From Glen Oaks, you can drive to at the closest beach in as little as 15 minutes.

What is the best intimate wedding venue in Big Sur?

The Bridge House and Fairy Ring at Glen Oaks is an incredible location for getting married in the redwoods of Big Sur.

What is the best place to get married in the redwoods in Big Sur?

Glen Oaks Big Sur is the most beautiful private redwood forest in Big Sur. It is one of the best places to get married in the redwoods.

Are there other wedding ceremony sites at Glen Oaks?

Yes. For larger weddings (with more than 10-20 people) Glen Oaks offers a grassy ceremony space overlooking the Big Sur River.

Can we elope at Glen Oaks?

Yes. Couples who are registered guests of Glen Oaks may elope on the property at no charge if they do not have any guests in attendance. Couples may have a ceremony nearly anywhere on the property. However, the Fairy Ring ceremony space is only available to couples who rent it.

Want to work with me?

Are you looking for an easy-going photographer who will not turn your wedding day into a painful photo shoot? I would love to work with you! I am an expert elopement guide and photographer, which means I help you plan your intimate wedding day in addition to documenting it.

Reach out to me today about photography and guidance for your intimate wedding or elopement.

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Santa Cruz Wedding Photographer / Big Sur Elopement Photographer / Big Sur Wedding Photographer / Carmel Wedding Photographer / California Intimate Wedding Photographer / Santa Cruz Wedding Photography