FAQs

Question

What is the Big Sur Pledge?

Answer

We honor and abide by the Big Sur Pledge and hope that you will, too: 1. Share our coastal roads in a safe manner. 2. Be mindful of the impact of your actions. 3. Protect and respect Big Sur’s natural resources, public and private property, residents, employees, and visitors. 4. Leave no trace behind and do not damage or take what is not yours. 5. Camp only where allowed. 6. Be vigilant and fire safe. 7. Be a steward of this precious resource for the enjoyment of all. 8. Honor the spirit of Big Sur as it honors you. Take the Big Sur Pledge: https://www.cabigsur.org/big-sur-pledge/

Question

What's the dress code?

Answer

The short answer is: casual, beach, or garden attire. The ceremony and reception will be held outdoors, so we encourage you to dress comfortably for the occasion and bring that Big Sur energy! The restaurant property features two redwood decks, a lawn area, and an indoor space. The Big Sur River provides a natural border to the property. Adirondack chairs seated directly in the river invite guests to dip their toes in the crystal cool waters, so feel free to wear sandals or shorts if that sounds like your idea of a good time. Big Sur has a mild climate due to its proximity to the coast. Daytime temperatures in June are typically in the mid-70s, but can drop to the 50s after sundown or when the fog rolls in, so we recommend bringing a wrap or jacket in case you want to layer up.

Question

Is there parking available at the wedding venue?

Answer

Yes, there is limited parking in front of the restaurant and two spacious overflow lots directly across the street. The River Inn encourages guests to leave their cars parked overnight if there is any question about driving impaired.

Question

Do you have a room block available?

Answer

Yes, we are holding a mix of rooms and suites at the Big Sur River Inn and the Big Sur Lodge. Please visit our Travel & Lodging page for details.

Question

Where's the nearest ATM, supermarket, drug store, or gas station?

Answer

We highly recommend that you make these stops prior to arriving in Big Sur. The River Inn General Store, Fernwood General Store, and Big Sur Deli have ATMs as well as a limited selection of food and essential items. The nearest shopping centers are in Carmel (about 20 miles north of Big Sur). Bear in mind that Highway CA-1 is winding and can be heavily congested on summer weekends, so a round-trip could take several hours. Gas stations are available in Big Sur at the River Inn, Ripplewood Resort, and the Loma Vista Gardens. The nearest gas station leaving Big Sur to the north is in Carmel, and to the south is at the Ragged Point Inn.

Question

NOTES FROM THE WEDDING VENUE: THE RIVER INN'S ADVICE FOR A BIG SUR WEDDING

Answer

1. Do not wear heels. 2. Bring a jacket/wrap. We are located next to the ocean and it can cool off by several degrees at sundown. 3. You will not have cell reception. There are a few patches of service along the 90 mile stretch of Big Sur, but don't count on them for GPS, arranging to meet, or tracking down lost friends/family. 4. WiFi is limited. Some places offer WiFi, but bandwidth is limited and if people don’t follow the “no streaming/WiFi calls” rules, it can leave everyone else without any internet access. 5. Keep it simple. Should you forget some detail, “running to the store” is no easy task. A quick trip to town can take 2+ hours. 6. Be kind to the indigenous communities – human, plant, animal and earth. 7. The drive can be intense for first-timers (and even those who are familiar). Allow for enough time to drive carefully, use the pull outs, and take pictures of the breathtaking scenery by pulling fully off the road. 8. No Drones.