GoodEye PhotographyBrowse locations & photos
Check availability
Big Sur · Monterey · Carmel · Big Sur

Alila Ventana Big Sur

Also known asVentana Big Sur
Resort · Redwoods · Cliffs · Adults-Only

Adults-only cliffside resort in Big Sur with a redwood-flanked meadow and an ocean overlook deck. Private and quiet.

Layout

Where we shoot, on a map

Tap to zoom
FilterAll photosCouplesPortraits
Layout·

Alila Ventana Big Sur hasn't been shot for portraits yet — most clients come here for couples work. Switch to "All" to see everything.

From the photographer
Chris Schmauch
by Chris Schmauch, owner of GoodEye Photography

Adults-only cliffside resort in Big Sur with a redwood-flanked meadow and an ocean overlook deck.

Adults-only cliffside resort in Big Sur with a redwood-flanked meadow and an ocean overlook deck. Private and quiet. The full property is available for elopement bookings — they handle the venue side of the logistics.

The Full Guide

Alila Ventana Big Sur

The Pitch

Adults-only cliffside resort in Big Sur with a redwood-flanked meadow and an ocean overlook deck. Private and quiet. The full property is available for elopement bookings — they handle the venue side of the logistics.

What to expect

The lay of the land

Footwear
Anything works. Paved paths, lawns, and indoor-adjacent locations throughout. Heels are fine; expect to walk between spots.
Best Time of Day
Late afternoon through golden hour for the warmest light. Many resort settings have indoor and outdoor options — we can pivot if weather shifts.
Best Season
Year-round. Indoor options as backup means we shoot in any weather. Spring and fall give the cleanest outdoor light.
Weather
Multiple indoor/outdoor options means weather rarely blocks us. Plan around heat in summer (75–95°F midday).
Privacy
On-property use, often coordinated with the venue. Expect other guests in shared areas but most sessions find quiet pockets easily.
Drive times

Getting here

Carmel-by-the-Sea10 min
Monterey15 min
Big Sur35 min
San Jose1 hr 15 min
San Francisco2 hr
Approximate, off-peak driving.
Worth knowing

A few things about Alila Ventana Big Sur

  • Parking is on-property and close to the photo locations.

  • West-facing — chase the last hour of sun through blue hour, especially clear winter evenings.

  • Exposed — wind picks up in the afternoon. Bring layers + a hair-tie if it's a coast cliff.

Also known as

Alila Ventana Big Sur also appears as Ventana Big Sur.