Does Bigsurific Retreats do catering in-house or allow for outside vendors?

We allow for outside vendors, including catering and planning. Our preferred vendors list is a fantastic resource for booking the pros for your off-grid event.

Our guests are tend to be the wild and non-traditional. Our location is great place to take advantage of being outdoors. You might like incorporating our outdoor poolside kitchen for BBQs and Wood Fired Pizzas into your catering plans.

Do you require a wedding planner?

Yes. Executing the production of a wedding is a collaborative effort, even more so in the wilds of a remote area like Big Sur. If you aren’t bringing a planner with you, you can hire our in-house planner,  for  “Month-of” service or full event planning and production.

Upon booking, every client receives a complimentary one hour consultation with our property manager, who can discuss our vendor recommendations and any other logistical question you might have. .

Will there be a property manager or representative of Bigsurific Retreats be on premise for the wedding?

Yes. The property manager will take care of all property needs and will be on-call as needed, but does not assist in day-of event coordination.

What is your alcohol policy?

We allow you to bring in your own alcohol: beer, wine, and hard liquor. We don’t charge a corkage fee! This saves you a lot of money. An easy option is to purchase it yourself and have it delivered to the venue.

You are legally required to use a bartender to serve. This can be a bartender who simply serves the alcohol you purchase. Guests must purchase third-party single day event insurance for any event serving alcohol. Guests can choose their insurance provider. Your bartender should also have proper insurance for serving alcohol.

Is there an onsite kitchen where caterers cook?

Yes.  We have two options.  The first option is the utilize the poolside BBQ and pizza oven for outdoor cooking and causal events. The second option is the smaller indoor catering kitchen with gas stove. All event bookings have access to both spaces, indoor kitchen offers a dish washing station, and 2 additional additional refrigeration spaces.

We also have basic table settings available for events under 20, as well as tables and equipment for staging and plating. Events over 30 may need to rent additional plates and glasses. Typically your caterer can help you with coordinating dinner rentals.

Do you require a shuttle?

Yes. For all parties of over 50 guests, we require guests to utilize a shuttle service to and from their accommodations, or another offsite location. The roads in Big Sur can be incredibly challenging. Highway 1 is a winding two lane road along the cliffs. Whether drinking or not, it can be dangerous at night for drivers who are unfamiliar. A shuttle will ensure everyone’s safety.

Additionally, due to spotty cell service along the coast, a shuttle will allow for the easiest coordination for arrival and departure.

Is there Uber, Lyft or other ride-share services in Big Sur?

No. We are more than an hour and half from any service.  That said, some taxi drivers have been known to make the trek for the right price.

Is there parking available for vendors or the wedding party?

Yes. For select guests and vendors who need to be at the venue at a time different from the shuttles, there is limited parking available. For fire safety, there is a strict maximum of 20 cars on-site at any given time.

Where can people stay in Big Sur?

Southbound:

Lucia Lodge -  5 min

Treebones Resort - 20 min

Gorda Springs Resort - 18 min

Ragged Point Inn and Resort - 35 min

The ruff and roughed can find plenty of state camping and private glamping nearby. Our favorite place is Treebones Resort which has campsites, treehouses, and yurts!

On the North Coast:

Post Ranch

Ventana

Big Sur River Inn

Big Sur Lodge

Do people stay in San Simeon or Cambria?

Hell yea! San Simeon and Cambria are only 50-60 minutes away and has many more options for accommodations than Big Sur. If you want a room block or more variety in accommodations — look in Cambria! This creates another element to the destination weekend and allows your guests to experience two coastal gems in one weekend! Big Sur for the big day, and the following day guests can enjoy brunching, strolling the village or shopping in Cambria.

One of the draws of the area is the drive along the beautiful coast to Big Sur. This is more enjoyable to experience this via shuttle, so your guests can take it all in, instead of focusing on the road!

How much do we need to supply in terms of decor?

Because we are an oceanfront outdoor venue, not much is needed besides your choice for table decor, florals, and lighting. You are more than welcome to bring in more, as long as it’s removed upon completion of the rental window. All of our packages includes bistro lighting around the cabins and pool.

Do you supply plates, flatware, glassware, or linens?

We have table settings available for events under 15. Events with more than 20 will need to coordinate rentals. Most often the caterer can assist with this detail.

Can we check-in early or check-out late?

No.

What are the time blocks and time restrictions?

Your rental of the property includes a two-night stay. Check-IN is 4PM. Any rehearsal events must be booked separately. Your event window is the following day, 8AM - 11PM for a total of 15-hours. This is the time in which additional vendors and event guests may be on property. Year round, there is a required end to amplified music at 10pm, which is the noise ordinance in Monterey County.  We require 100% of event guests and vendors off-site by 11PM.

Do you have a dance floor?

No, we have a sprawling grassy lawn.  If you are interested in having a dance floor, you can rent one from a party supplies vendor. Check our vendor list for local party rentals.

What other charges can we expect?

We do not have any other charges if all rules are followed.

Who sets everything up?

BigSurific Retreats will set up anything that we provide, lights, tables, chairs, heaters, trash cans. Anything additional, whether it be supplied by the caterer or an outside rental company, will be the responsibility of the vendor or client. We only have one set of chairs, so if you want a seated ceremony, it will be the parties responsibility to move chairs from ceremony to reception.

Do you allow dogs or other pets?

Yes, we allow maximum 3 pets - dogs only. All pets must be leashed and waste disposed of properly.

Can we leave our items or rentals until the next morning?

Yes! One of the perks of the two night stay is that you can save some chores for the morning. All decor items, including rentals, do need to be off the premise by the end of your rental window - which is the following morning @11AM.

I.e. If your wedding is on Saturday, then all rentals must be off-site Sunday by 11AM.

If you are unable to do so, BigSurific Retreats must be notified ahead of time. If this is the case, a small service charge may be added to ensure we can have a staff member onsite to field vendor pickup.

Is the pricing seasonal? Are there discounts for certain dates?

Yes. Discounts available for weekdays, Monday - Thursday. Additional discounts are available for the winter and spring months including December, January, February, March, April.

How do we hold a date?

Follow the link to book your date with a rental deposit. You can also submit an inquiry and a quote can be generated before making a deposit. This may take up to 48 hrs to process, so if you're certain about a date, lock it in and we can adjust for you.

What is the damage deposit?

The damage deposit is a flat rate (and fully refundable) fee to cover any unforeseen damage to the property or our amenities. This is charged for non-event bookings with 10 or less guests. Party bookings for groups over 10 are required to purchase single day event insurance.

Can we have candles or sparklers?

Candles are allowed on tables only. Candles aren’t allowed anywhere indoors or in any unattended outdoor areas. Sparklers are strictly prohibited due to our remote location and high fire risks. Absolutely no fireworks or fire lanterns.

Firepit use is available only in the winter months with written approval from property owner. We cannot stress enough the high fire risk in the area. Do not burn down our home or forest.

What time of year is the nicest in Big Sur?

Generally, Big Sur is temperate and mild year round, and doesn’t have typical seasons. Our rainy months are December to February, which fall in our “off season”. Truth be told, it doesn't rain much here anymore. Rain throughout the rest of the year is infrequent, but can happen.

What is the plan if it were to rain?

The flat sections of the sprawling lawn area can be tented.  Bistro lighting and patio heaters underneath will create a cozy and romantic atmosphere. Some clients utilize tenting as an aesthetic choice, or to create more outdoor comfort for your guests. Most party supply vendors also offer tent rentals and set-up.

Are there indoor areas we can use for our dinner / party?

No. We only have space for outdoor events. The houses are reserved for the overnight guests you choose to stay on site. The catering kitchen is for your caterer to cook in, which is helpful to be away from your get-ready space. The outdoor patio is a great place your other vendors like florist, photographer, event planner, to utilize for staging gear / supplies / decor / etc.

How many bathrooms are there?

There are 4 bathrooms on property. However, only 2 are easily accessible to your wedding guests.  The other two are more private and best kept for the overnight guests use. For guest counts over 50, you are required to bring rent additional restrooms.

Do we need insurance?

Yes. Clients are required to get General Liability and Alcohol liability (if alcohol is to be consumed). We recommend cancelation coverage should something unexpected arise. Recommended websites for affordable policies can be found in our recommended vendors list, and information about who to name as the ‘additional insured’ will be noted in the contract.

What is the booking process?

Once you book your dates, we write a contract detailing rules and regulations, timing, and payment schedule. If in agreement, you sign and send back. The date is not reserved until payment is received.

Can we schedule a tour?

Of course! Please be in touch by email and we will be happy to schedule a time for you to come visit us.