Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park : SPECIAL EVENTS/FILMING
Special Event Permits
The Big Sur Sector allows various events at this park with an approved Special Event Permit. Events staged at this park are suitable for those wishing to have a low-key event in a rustic, outdoors location. This in the only park in the sector with "exclusive access" event sites. Special Events include weddings, elopements, receptions, rehearsal/welcome dinners, events that require the reservation of park facilities, events with vendors, etc.
"Standard" Special Event Permits may be issued for events at set event locations and/or for events with more than ten (10) people. “Elopement” Special Event Permits may be issued for elopement weddings of ten (10) people or less that take place at hike-in locations. You may apply for a "standard" Special Event Permit up to one (1) year in advance or an "elopement" Special Event Permit up to six (6) months in advance. Applications received forty-five (45) days or less in advance of the event date are subject to additional fees and restrictions. Applications received twenty-one (21) days or less in advance of the event date will not be considered.
Events are not permitted/allowed on any weekend dates (Friday-Sunday) the Friday prior to Memorial Day through Labor Day or on holiday weekend dates.
Large/Commercial Events conducted by for-profit and/or non-profit entities may occur with the approval of a Large/Commercial - Special Event Permit. Large/Commercial Event applications must be received at least sixty (60) days in advance of the event date in order to be considered.
Small, reoccuring hiking tours or art/photography workshops/classes conducted by non-profit or for-profit entities may occur with the approval of an Annual Special Event Permit. Applications for Annual permits received forty-five (45) days or less in advance of the first tour/workshop date are subject to additional fees and restrictions. Applications received twenty-one (21) days or less in advance of the first tour/workshop date will not be considered.
Contact the Special Event Permit Office at BigSurEvents@parks.ca.gov or call 831-667-0507 to obtain a Special Event Information Packet, check the calender for availability, obtain Large Event or Annual permit information, or to apply for a Special Event Permit.
Motion Picture and Still Photography Permits
All film shoots at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and all other California State Parks are required to have a valid film permit issued by the California Film Commission (CFC). The term “film shoot” refers to motion picture or still photography. The term “film” refers to analog (actual physical film) or digital media.
The Big Sur Sector permits “Simple” shoots on Monday-Thursday, non-holiday dates. “Complex” shoots are only permitted on Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday non-holiday dates. Film shoots are not permitted on weekends (Friday-Sunday) or on holiday dates. Additionally, film shoots may not interfere with any park programs or previously scheduled events.
"Styled shoots" or photography workshops do not qualify for a film permit and must obtain an a Special Event Permit. Large/Commercial and/or Annual Special Event Permit terms and conditions apply. See the Special Event Permit section above for more information.
Applications must be received at least two (2) weeks prior to first shoot date in order to be considered by the Big Sur Sector. Applications can be submitted online at the CFC’s website at www.film.ca.gov.
It is important for film makers and producers to note that RESTRICTION OF PUBLIC ACCESS IS PROHIBITED. Closed sets, nudity, pornography, profanity, loud music, or any obscene activities are strictly prohibited on State Park Property. Additionally film shoot are not permitted in any closed or roped off areas.
For more information about filming in a California State Park, including information on fees and the difference between a “complex” and “simple” shoot, please visit http://film.ca.gov/state-permits/parks-beaches/.
To check availability, contact the Film Permit Office at 831-667-0507 or BigSur.Film@parks.ca.gov.
To apply for a film permit with the CFC, please visit www.film.ca.gov
For information regarding filming outside of a State Park in Monterey County, please visit the Monterey County Film Commission's website at www.filmmonterey.org
More information: Film Production in California State Parks
Photograph courtesy of Sharon Pieniak