There may be no stretch of coastline on earth more cinematic than the drive from Monterey through Carmel into Big Sur. Cypress trees leaning over turquoise coves, golden ranch valleys, cliffs dropping into the Pacific — couples travel from around the world to marry here, and the films practically shoot themselves.
I'm Minh Pham, a Bay Area wedding videographer who films regularly on the Monterey Peninsula. From ranch weddings in Carmel Valley to intimate cliffside elopements in Big Sur, I create story-driven films that carry the feeling of this coast — the light, the wind, the sound of the ocean under your vows.
Big Sur elopements are a specialty: small, personal, and deeply emotional. If you're planning to exchange vows on a cliff at sunset with only your closest people, I'd love to be the one who films it.
Coastal filming demands real preparation — wind on the cliffs will ruin vow audio without the right mics, and the marine layer changes the light hour to hour. I bring wind protection for audio, scout ceremony sites in advance, and build timelines around the coast's famous golden hour so your film gets the best this coastline offers.
Yes — the Monterey Peninsula is about two hours from my Bay Area base and I film there regularly. Contact me for a quote; I'll include any travel details up front so there are no surprises.
Elopement film packages start at $2,500. Most Big Sur elopement couples choose 4–6 hours of coverage — ceremony, portraits along the coast, and a cinematic highlight film.
Yes — after filming along this coast I know the pullouts, private estates, and venues that work at each time of day (and which ones require permits). I'm happy to share suggestions once I know your vision and guest count.
I live in Vacaville, California — in Solano County between Napa Valley and Sacramento — and film weddings across Northern California and Arkansas.
Per my contract, wedding and elopement films are delivered within 6-8 weeks, and I share sneak peeks along the way.
I limit bookings to 20-25 weddings a year and often book 1-2 years out — popular fall and late-spring Saturdays go first. If your date is closer than that, reach out anyway; openings do come up.
Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in the Bay Area, California (2026)
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