Big Sur, Carmel & Monterey Photographer for Proposals, Engagements, Elopements & Boudoir

Emotive, editorial-style photography for couples and individuals in Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Monterey, California. Whether you're celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime moment or simply honoring who you are right now, I’m here to help you create art that feels like you.

Photography Services

ENGAGEMENTS →

PROPOSALS →

ELOPEMENTS →

BOUDOIR →

BRANDING →

MONTEREY | BIG SUR | CARMEL BY THE SEA | BEYOND

SERVING

About Your Photographer

Erin Venable, a Big Sur and Carmel photographer, smiling in natural light at her Monterey studio.

Hi there, I’m Erin.

A Monterey-based photographer passionate about creating experiences that are just as meaningful as the images we make.

Whether you're planning a cliffside elopement in Big Sur, a dreamy engagement session in Carmel or a confidence-boosting boudoir shoot in Monterey, I’ll be your photographer, wardrobe guide and storytelling partner. My goal is to help you feel seen, confident and completely in the moment — so your photos are more than just beautiful… they’re deeply personal.

Couples.

I specialize in one-of-a-kind proposals, engagements, intimate elopements, and small weddings across the California coast. No stiff posing — just real moments, natural light, and emotion.

Couples - Elopements - Small Weddings

Individuals.

Let’s celebrate you. I offer empowering boudoir, maternity, bridal and personal portrait sessions in-studio or outdoors. This is your time to shine.

Boudoir - Maternity - Bridals - Portraits

WHAT SETS ME APART FROM THE REST.

Personal session curation

Expert location scouting (hidden Big Sur gems included!)

Wardrobe guidance for authentic editorial looks

Connection-led posing & emotion-rich storytelling

Hand-edited, cinematic gallery delivery

Why Clients Love Working With Me

Because your story deserves to be told with authenticity, artistry, and care. My clients often say they feel relaxed, confident, and seen — whether we’re hiking to a Big Sur overlook, chasing light on the Carmel coast, or styling a boudoir session in my Monterey studio.

My approach is calm, cinematic, and connection-led. I don’t just take photos — I help you experience your moment with intention and ease.

Capturing

Romantic Carmel engagement session with couple walking on the beach at golden hour

Couples

Natural, editorial-style photography. From Big Sur proposals to dreamy Carmel engagements.

Elopements

Documenting wildly romantic, soul-filled ceremonies in Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Monterey.

Intimate Big Sur redwood forest elopement with couple exchanging vows under the trees

Boudoir

Empowering, cinematic portraits — in my Cannery Row studio or outdoors — designed to make you feel confident and radiant.

Surprise proposal at sunset on a Big Sur cliff, captured by California photographer Erin Venable

Proposals

Natural, editorial-style photography that captures the moment you ask — and they say yes — in the wild beauty of Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterey.

Branding portrait of creative entrepreneur in Carmel, captured outdoors with modern, minimal styling

Branding

Clean, expressive imagery for creatives, couples, and business owners who want portraits that reflect who they truly are.

As seen on

bites and tickles for photographers
dirty boots messy hair feature
beloved stories community feature
minted weddings feature
rock n roll bride magazine feature

Testimonials

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Testimonials •

Testimonials

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Testimonials •

  • Carmel Elopement

    “We eloped in Carmel-by-the-Sea and Erin captured every moment so beautifully. Her calm energy and attention to detail made the whole day stress-free. She even helped us pick the location and secure a permit. I still can’t believe how much she captured in just a few hours. Highly recommend her for Carmel elopement photography!”
    – Tristin & Billy

  • Big Sur Proposal Photography

    “Erin helped me plan the perfect surprise proposal on a cliff in Big Sur. She scouted the location, timed everything around golden hour, and made us feel so comfortable. The photos are cinematic and full of emotion — exactly what we wanted. If you’re looking for a Big Sur proposal photographer who knows the area and the light, she’s it.”
    – Jason & Amanda

  • Monterey Boudoir Session

    “I booked a boudoir session with Erin in her Monterey studio and it was one of the most empowering things I’ve ever done. She made me feel confident, beautiful, and totally at ease. The photos look like they belong in a magazine — soft, cinematic, and editorial. If you’re considering a boudoir shoot in Monterey, do it with Erin!”
    – Sasha L.

  • Big Sur Engagement Session

    “From the moment we met Erin, we knew we were in good hands. She helped us plan an engagement session in Big Sur that felt personal and true to us. The wind, the cliffs, the light — it was like a dream. Her natural, editorial style gave us photos we’ll treasure forever.”
    – Olivia & Mark

  • Big Sur Engagement Photos

    "Erin not only captured absolutely gorgeous photos for our engagement session and wedding, but she also stole our hearts during the process! What a beautiful soul inside and out! We couldn’t have picked a better wedding photographer - If you are searching for the best wedding photographer who is kind, talented and easy to work with this is your girl! We love you Erin!" Whitney + Douglas

  • A Big Sur Proposal We’ll Never Forget

    "Erin is a VERY talented photographer from the moment we met I felt like I have known her for years . She is a true artist very fun and passionate . She makes your whole experience so special with your LOVED ONE . If you want a photographer that is glowing with love and joy she's your girl. She will make you very comfortable in front of the camera and she WILL CREATE artwork for you to treasure FOREVER . Her work and personality is beyond 5 stars!!" Tristin + Billy

  • Photos That Feel Like Us—Natural and Timeless

    "Omg Erin!!! Over the past year my husband & I have done many shoots with her & love every experience! She’s an upbeat, talented, & creative person that will get down & dirty just to get the right angle. You can tell that she puts her whole heart in her work to make her clients happy. She’s also the type of photographer that will get you out of your shell when you don’t know what to do with your hands!! I would recommend her to anyone." Montanna + Cameron

  • Engagements in Carmel Was the Best Decision

    Erin is an amazing human and her work falls nothing short of incredible! She has this beautiful energy about her and you can’t help but smile when she’s around. She moves around and isn’t afraid of the uncomfortable to capture moments that take your breath away. Her editing style has a golden, moody tone/feel and it’s just the best! Matthew and I met Erin when she came out to Southern California and she did our engagement shoot. I wish she was based out this way to capture more of our journey! If you ever have the opportunity to work with her, we highly recommend it! Lindsay + Mathew

  • Our Big Sur Elopement Was Everything

    "I loved working with Erin. From engagements to the wedding she made everything so easy and so fun!! Pictures turned out so unique and beautiful. Amazingly different from every other photographer I’ve worked with before. I love everything about her vibe!!!! 10/10 recommend" Brittney + Mark

  • The best wedding photographer!

    "Erin is a MIRACLE WORKER! Her edits are unlike any photographer you’ve ever seen. She knows exactly what she’s doing. I had a wedding with a party of 32 (11 bridesmaids/ 11 groomsman/ 5 house party/ 5 ushers) & I couldn’t believe how amazing each picture she took was. She just blew my mind!! And she got all my pictures back within TWO weeks of my wedding date! 3 of my friends who got married didn’t get theirs back until 3 months after. Pick her as your photographer! You will not regret it!" MK + Nick

  • Erin is absolutely the best wedding photographer!

    She has the ability to make you feel 100% comfortable while capturing some of life’s most amazing moments. Her willingness to go above and beyond is priceless! From pre-wedding thoughtful gifts, popping champagne, laying on the ground to capture the perfect photo, laughs, dancing and more! Erin made our wedding more special in every way possible!" Crystal + Josh

  • Engagement Photos That Truly Captured Us in Big Sur

    "Erin was absolutely wonderful to work with! She took pics of me & my bf for our first photo shoot together & made it super easy & fun! If you’re looking for a photographer with a eye for the perfect picture & a passion to help your memories last a lifetime, give her a call! Extremely happy with our photos and can’t wait to shoot again soon!" Candice + Justin

  • Branding Photography in Monterey

    “I needed updated branding photos for my wellness business and Erin completely delivered. She guided me through outfits, poses, and locations around Monterey that reflected my style. I get compliments on these images all the time — they're clean, emotional, and feel so 'me.'”
    – Lauren A.,

Every Photography Package Includes:

fun laid back photography session

Fun, laid back experience

Monterey Photography Studio

photography session planning consultation

Planning Consultation

photography permit guidance
photography session wardrobe consultation

Permit Guidance

Wardrobe Guidance

Ready to Start Planning?

Whether it's a Big Sur proposal, a Monterey boudoir session or a Carmel engagement, I'm here to help you every step of the way — from location scouting to styling and creating images you’ll treasure forever.

Frequently Asked Questions About Photography in Big Sur, Carmel & Monterey

  • I specialize in cinematic photography for proposals, elopements, engagements, boudoir, and portraits. Whether you’re planning a surprise proposal in Big Sur or a boudoir session in Monterey, I create timeless images with an editorial edge.

  • My style is a blend of documentary and editorial, capturing authentic moments.. I focus on natural light, moody edits and creating a relaxed atmosphere.

  • Planning a proposal on the coast? I provide location guidance, permit advice, and stealthy coordination to help pull off the perfect surprise. Learn more about Big Sur proposal photography or Carmel proposals.

  • My Big Sur elopement photography packages are custom-tailored and include location scouting, styling, and permit support—so you can focus on your love story, not logistics.

  • Most boudoir shoots take place in my Cannery Row studio, but I also offer select outdoor sessions. Explore my Monterey boudoir packages or Carmel boudoir experience.

  • Spring and fall offer the best light and mild weather, but Big Sur is beautiful year-round. Visit my engagement photography page for tips, inspiration, and available packages.

  • Yes! I offer personal branding sessions that highlight your story, style, and purpose. View my branding and portrait photography services for entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals.

  • Many Big Sur locations require permits, and I help you navigate that with ease. Whether you're eloping or planning an engagement session, I’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on the moment.

See my latest work here.

Want to make your proposal unforgettable? ✨ If you’re dreaming of something more than just “Will you marry me?”—this one’s for you. I’ve put together 10 creative and romantic ideas to help you make your surprise p
She said yes 💍✨ Tuesdays proposal was a dream✨ Overlooking the rugged coastline of Carmel, this surprise proposal couldn’t have been more picture-perfect. Ocean views, golden light, and a love story unfolding right on the cliffs—truly a
💍 Planning a surprise proposal? Feeling overwhelmed, nervous or just want it to be perfect? Swipe through for my top tips to plan a proposal your partner will never forget, from choosing the right location to pulling off the surprise. Planning to
Still dreaming about this magical evening in Big Sur with these two and their sweet pup, Koko. 🐾 We started our session down on the beach, where the golden light danced on the waves and Koko ran through the sand like it was her job. Then we made ou
Yesterday I turned another year older—but I was too busy soaking up sunshine, salty air and a soul-refreshing afternoon at Pfeiffer Beach followed by the dreamiest sunset dinner at Ventana to make a post. This past year, like the few before it