9 Fabulous Monterey and Carmel Venues for an Elopement or Small Wedding
Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur (and all the gorgeous scenery this romantic area is known for) has an almost magnetic attraction for destination weddings—especially intimate ones. Whether you dream of exchanging vows a deux among the redwoods, indulging in a luxury getaway, or celebrating with your besties at an affordable hotel, each of the venues we've highlighted will help you experience all that this stunning region has to offer.
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Carmel, California
Venue Superpowers:
Cliffside Ceremonies
All-Inclusive
Upscale Elopements
Fab Features: historic hotel perched on a cliff overlooking the Big Sur Coastline • ceremonies on the open-air redwood deck with panoramic views of the Pacific • customized menus prepared with fresh and sustainable local fare by award-winning chefs
Catering: In-housePrice: $$ • $$$
Fairview Laguna Seca
Monterey, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Mid-Century Modern
All-Inclusive
Affordable
Fab Features: outdoor ceremonies framed by lush views of forested hillsides and rolling green fairways • newly expanded banquet room and patio capture those incredible vistas for a celebration with modern flair • budget-friendly, all-inclusive wedding packages give you more for less
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
The Sanctuary Beach Resort
Marina, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Exclusive Beachfront
Weekend Weddings
Savory Coastal Cuisine
Fab Features: luxurious seaside escape nestled between the hills of Carmel Valley and the Marina Dunes • ceremonies on the scenic beachfront deck are followed by a celebration overlooking the coast • gourmet cuisine delights your friends & family, and a star-filled evening sky creates a magical ambiance • be lulled to sleep by the sound of crashing waves in a choice of plush cottages or villas
Catering: In-housePrice: $$ • $$$
Bernardus Lodge & Spa
Carmel Valley, California
Venue Superpowers:
Idyllic Setting
Romantic Rose Garden
Seasonally-Inspired Menus
Fab Features: it's an Old World-meets-Monterey-style resort • exchange vows under a classic stone pergola adorned with flowering vines • the elegant Meritage Ballroom impresses with a 22-foot vaulted ceiling and wrought-iron chandeliers
Catering: In-housePrice: $$ • $$$
The Quail
Carmel Valley, California
Venue Superpowers:
Sprawling Setting
All-Inclusive
Resort Activities
Fab Features: lakeside ceremonies overlook tree-covered hills • a variety of indoor and outdoor event spaces can accommodate weddings of all sizes • the Peninsula Ballroom boasts three walls of windows that showcase the spectacular surrounding
Catering: In-housePrice: $$
Los Laureles Lodge
Carmel Valley, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Historic Charm
Romantic Elopements
Luxurious Private Home
Fab Features: a relaxed vintage lodge in sun-dappled Carmel Valley • hold your intimate wedding at Hill House, a private home with a hillside deck • say your vows beneath the largest oak, with guests seated in the shade on reclaimed wooden pews
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Hilton Garden Inn Monterey
Monterey, California
Venue Superpowers:
Affordable
Octagon-Shaped Ballroom
Poolside Soirees
Fab Features: intimate ceremonies on a petite lawn • octagon-shaped ballroom with multiple windows framing treetops and a peek-a-boo bay view • open-air dining and cocktails on the Poolside Terrace
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Church of the Wayfarer Garden Weddings
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Venue Superpowers:
Historic Charm in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Peaceful Sanctuary
Intimate Landscaped Gardens
Fab Features: quaint historic chapel in the heart of charming Carmel-by-the-Sea with a warm, welcoming vibe • the verdant gardens are studded with quaint brick paths and lovely arbors • the beautiful and peaceful sanctuary boasts 18th-century hand-carved walnut wainscoting, stained-glass windows, and an ornately carved altar
Catering: BYOPrice: $
Gathering Ground
Carmel Valley, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Organic Farm
Exclusive Use
Glamping Dressing Suite
Fab Features: exquisite rustic venue nestled amid the hills of Carmel Valley • celebrate on a gracious ceremony circle and dining terraces surrounded by panoramic mountain views, wildflower-laden meadows, and wide-open skies • rentals include exclusive use for you and your loved ones on the wedding day
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $ • $$
BONUS
BONUS
Don’t miss this private & picturesque ranch retreat in nearby San Benito County!
Bar SZ Ranch
Paicines, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Bespoke Weddings
Cabins & Glamping
Destination
Fab Features: over 2,200 beautiful acres surrounded by soaring mountain peaks to create a bespoke wedding experience--including an event barn • accommodations for at least 26 guests in deluxe Hilltop Ranch House and a 3-bedroom Log Cabin plus glamping + camping create a unique destination wedding experience • optional upgrades include animal experiences, archery and hike/bike trails
Catering: BYOPrice: $ • $$
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