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Asilomar Conference Grounds

Pacific Grove Wedding Location
800 Asilomar Avenue
Pacific Grove, CA 93950

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Description

If we were to describe a dreamy oceanfront property, situated in one of California’s most exclusive and beautiful communities, a place where all your guests could spend the night, where you could get married on the beach, and where services are incredibly affordable, would you believe us?

We hope so, because we’ve found a real place that has all of the above enticements and plenty more. We’re talking about Asilomar, an extraordinary retreat and conference grounds which are part of the California Parks system. For over 90 years, it’s been a peaceful getaway situated amidst towering Monterey pine trees, and set against a dramatic backdrop of windblown dunes, rocky shoreline and sand beaches. Asilomar’s founders originally envisioned a place that would refresh the spirit and restore the soul, and that’s exactly what you get.

Asilomar means "refuge by the sea," and for anyone who’s spent a bit of time here, just hearing the melodious name conjures up beauty, tranquility and relaxation. This is an environment where everyone feels not only welcome, but spiritually uplifted. Leave your Palm Pilot and laptop at home—as soon you walk through Asilomar’s stone entry posts, you’ll feel a transition take hold. The pace slows down and your senses have time to sharpen: smell the salt tang in the air, listen to the low rumble of waves, touch the sand with your bare toes, and watch the sun sink below the water’s edge. Your senses will also appreciate the rustic Arts and Crafts aesthetic that defines Asilomar’s historic character. Clustered buildings, mostly a combination of wood and stone, are designed to blend into the surrounding landscape. In keeping with the goal to bring people back in touch with the simplicity of nature, guestrooms have no phones or TVs.

Founded in 1913 as a YWCA regional summer camp and conference facility, Asilomar comprises some 107 lovely acres, including 35 acres of beach and dunes. Of the sixteen original structures, twelve remain, all designed by Julia Morgan, California’s first licensed woman architect and the designer of legendary Hearst Castle. Since its founding, Asilomar has been a haven for family and friends, and a retreat for workshops and conferences.

Merrill Hall, the largest structure, is a gem, from the Craftsman-style detailing to the distinctive banks of wooden doors that open onto outdoor patios. The 60-foot-high vaulted ceiling is graced by arched wood trusses that echo the curve of the room’s windows. A hardwood floor, stone fireplace and a large stage add to the room’s versatility. From Merrill Hall’s patios, guests have views of the ocean. Need more indoor choices? There are 39 additional event spaces, many of which have vaulted wood ceilings, board-and-batten walls, stone fireplaces, patios, and views of forest, dunes or ocean. Patios, decks and a large barbecue area, protected by a stone-and-glass wind barrier, provide outdoor opportunities (especially for rehearsal dinners!).

Getting married at Asilomar is a particularly joyful experience. It’s one of the only sites on the Monterey Peninsula where you can tie the knot on a sand beach. There’s also the Meadow, a grassy area shaded by large cypress and pines. Indoor ceremonies take place in the Chapel, a 1915 Morgan-designed structure with hardwood floors, redwood walls and ceiling, and large windows overlooking nearby dunes.

Asilomar is a comfortable and tranquil place. And although nearby activities (such as world-class golf, tennis, fishing, whale watching, wine tasting, shopping and dining in nearby Carmel, Monterey and Pacific Grove) might be tempting, you and your guests may actually prefer to stay at Asilomar and experience the gift of "balance, health, harmony and happiness," just as the facility’s founders intended.

Capacity

Ceremony	Reception/Special Events	Meetings
Max. Seated Indoors: 200 Max. Seated Outdoors: 200	Max. Seated Indoors: 200 Max. Seated Outdoors: 100 Max. Standing Indoors: 600 Max. Standing Outdoors: 250	Max. Seated: 600
CEREMONY CAPACITY: There are several small rooms which hold 10–100 seated guests. The Sand Beach, Chapel, and Meadow areas hold 200 seated, each. EVENT/RECEPTION & MEETINGCAPACITY: Space Seated Standing Theater-style Seascape 120 180 — Merrill Hall 200 600 600 Fred Farr Forum 80 180 150 20 Smaller Rooms 10–70 — 10–100 Chapel — — 200

Fees & Deposits

For events, a deposit equal to the room rental fee is required. The anticipated event balance and a guest guarantee are due 7 working days prior to the event. Room rental fees range $150–1,000. Wedding entrées run $22–40/person. Alcohol, tax and service charge are additional.

Availability

Year-round, daily.

Catering Provided Alcohol Provided Sites Uses Ceremonies Wedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners On-Site Accommodations Services/Amenities Catering: provided, no BYO Parking: large lots Kitchen Facilities: n/a Accommodations: 313 guestrooms Tables & Chairs: provided Telephone: pay phones Linens, Silver, etc.: provided Outdoor Night Lighting: CBA Restrooms: wheelchair accessible Outdoor Cooking Facilities: no Dance Floor: hardwood floors Cleanup: provided Bride's Dressing Area: CBA View: ocean, dunes and forest Meeting Equipment: CBA, extra fee Other: event coordination

Music Indoors w/ Restrictions Wheelchair Access Wheelchair Accessible Site Views Coastline Forest/Wooded Area Golf Course Fairways Ocean/Bay Panoramic Restrictions Alcohol: provided, beer and wine only Wheelchair Access: mostly yes Smoking: outside only Insurance: not required Music: amplified OK indoors until 10pm

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