The Best Beach & Waterfront Wedding Venues in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

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5 Wedding Venues in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Beaches, waterfront settings
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Fairview Crystal Springs 
Rating: 3.7 (3 reviews)
  • Up to 250 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor

Fairview Crystal Springs eases the worry of planning, with four specially designed wedding packages. Our all-inclusive wedding packages are designed based on our most popular selection of services, however out wedding experts are ready to sit down and custom design your event based on your vision for your dream day! All of our wedding packages are 100% customizable, so schedule an appointment today to tour our venue and sit down for a free consultation. Whether you dream of a grand gala or an intimate gathering, our team is here to ensure that every detail of your special day is tended to with the utmost care and attention of detail. We can accommodate groups as small as 50 and up to 250 guests, so not matter the size, we are ready to be a part of your wedding day.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Handles all cleanup logistics
  • Provides event staff

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No free parking
  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
“Fairview Crystal Springs was an absolute dream venue for our wedding! From the moment we first reached out, the team - especially Lindsey and Abbie - were incredibly responsive, quick to help, and went above and beyond to make our day magical. The venue itself is truly stunning, with beautiful grounds and an amazing crew that handled any issues we had with such care and ease. Everything felt seamless and the final result was absolutely breathtaking - I couldn't have asked for a better team or experience! The Fairview Crystal Springs team made our dream wedding a reality, and I would highly recommend them to any couple looking for an amazing venue with an even more amazing crew.”
Angela M., 6 months ago
Monterey Marriott 
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Monterey, CA
  • Up to 450 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $18,000

Discover the Peninsula from Monterey Marriott. Situated along the waterfront overlooking Monterey Bay, our inviting hotel offers a premier blend of location and services designed to make your stay special. Unwind in peaceful rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the Bay or downtown. Savor fresh, locally-sourced cuisine at our restaurant, relax by our outdoor pool or visit our 24-hour gym. Take advantage of our partnership with the adjacent Monterey Conference Center, where our combined venues boast over 56,000 square feet of exceptional spaces for all of your corporate events and social galas. No matter which venue you select, our hotel's expert team will be there to ensure every detail is exactly as you imagine.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Bridal suite on site
  • Multiple event spaces
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No free parking
“We used Monterey Marriott our hotel block and the venue for our farewell brunch the day after our wedding. The staff were super accommodating, patient, and kind with our hotel block. They added more rooms when we needed them. Handled our many requests and accommodation needs from our guests. They were so kind and celebratory. They made us feel really care for and special. We hosted our farewell brunch in their Characters space and they extended us so much kindness and flexibility. They handled a miscommunication about our event timing with ease and pivoted on the spot. The food was delicious, we did a Build A Break spread of pastries, breakfast sandwiches, bagels, fruit, coffee, and juice. It fed our estimated 50 guests perfectly. It was a wonderfully private space for our guests to come and say their goodbyes! Overall, we highly recommend the Monterey Marriott as a hub for your wedding weekend!”
Molly K., 15 days ago
Portola Hotel & Spa At Monterey Bay 
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Monterey, CA
  • Up to 180 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor

Celebrate your day to remember amidst the coastal elegance of Monterey’s Portola Hotel & Spa. Hold an intimate ceremony in Historic Memory Garden or dance the night away in a spectacular grand ballroom. Reflecting unparalleled modern coastal luxury, Portola features coastal-inspired guest rooms and modern amenities, including a luxurious day spa, exceptional dining, a craft brewery, and thoughtful service. With a variety of coastally inspired event spaces and a range of budget options, Portola can accommodate all your wedding festivities from rehearsal dinners and brunches to spa days and welcome events, say “I do” at Portola Hotel & Spa.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All-inclusive venue packages
  • Both indoor and outdoor options

Venue considerations

  • No on-site bridal suite
  • No free parking
“We had our wedding at the Portola Hotel & Spa this past July. The ballroom was beautiful, the food selection was fantastic and even with my dietary restrictions, I had plenty of great options. There was also plenty of parking, which made things easy for our guests. The banquet and catering team were incredibly helpful and professional. They worked closely with our wedding planner and vendors to make sure everything went smoothly and it really showed on the big day. The downtown Monterey location was perfect, making it easy for my wife and me to continue the celebration with an after-party just a few steps away A tip for anyone staying overnight: ask for a harbor view. It’s absolutely worth it. My wife and I enjoy waking up to such an incredible view. We couldn’t have asked for a better place to celebrate. Highly recommend.”
Robert, 6 months ago
Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn 
Rating: 1.0 (1 review)
Carmel, CA
  • Up to 150 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor & indoor

Envision saying your vows under the setting sun, the fresh sea air caressing your hair as you proclaim your love on our Wedding Deck. Weddings become unforgettable when they take place at Hyatt Carmel Highlands at Big Sur. Our ceremonies take place on an open-air redwood deck, surrounded by glass, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Celebrate your special moments surrounded by a truly picturesque setting.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Flexible event spaces
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site
  • Has a chic vibe

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No built-in audiovisual options
  • On-site parking not available
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Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa 
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Monterey, CA
  • Up to 260 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

Fall in love with timeless beauty of the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. Our historic oceanfront retreat on Cannery Row is a picture-perfect backdrop for weddings and bridal events. Offering sweeping oceanfront views in every direction and warm, personalized service, our classic coastal hotel will captivate your guests with its turn-of-the-century romance and irresistible setting. Let your imagination take flight. From first visit to last dance, allow our professional wedding planners to custom curate your perfect celebration, tapping a trusted team of premier vendors, including photographers, florists, musicians and wedding officiants. We also stand ready to delight your guests with unique-to-Monterey experiences, including wine tasting tours in Carmel Valley, and bike trips along scenic Monterey Bay.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Offers full-service amenities
  • Full catering menu to choose from

Venue considerations

  • No on-site bridal suite
  • Does not allow pets
  • Best for events with big guest lists
Awarded Best of Zola
“Our wedding company, Weddings in Monterey, has been a part of weddings as an officiant and photographer for the past twelve years. The Monterey Plaza is one of those venues that makes you feel very comfortable from the moment you start working with them. As a vendor, we are greeted, introduced to the team/other vendors, and given clear direction. There is no shortage of staff and ceremony areas are set up well in advance (no last-minute setting up of chairs/staging/sound system). They have always been true professionals and that is very helpful on a day that can be somewhat stressful.”
Brian Borgia, 5 years ago

Location flexible? Discover venues near Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Bello Vita Venue
Visalia, CA
Quick responder
Historic Seven Sycamores
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Ivanhoe, CA
The Darling Hotel
Visalia, CA
Quick responder
Redwood Ranch in Three Rivers
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
Three Rivers, CA
Offer
The Woodlands
VISALIA, CA
Watermill Grove | Events at Koetsier
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Visalia, CA
Ridge Creek Dinuba Golf Club
Dinuba, CA
Quick responder
Kingsburg Ranch
Kingsburg, CA
The Grand 1401
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Fresno, CA
Quick responder
Fresno Fields by Wedgewood Weddings
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
Fresno, CA
Offer
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The Pines Resort
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
Bass Lake, CA
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Buena Vista Event Center
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Madera, CA

Event types for wedding venues in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

About wedding venues in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Carmel by the Sea stands out as one of California's most sought-after wedding destinations thanks to its stunning coastal beauty, rich artistic heritage, and charming village atmosphere. You'll find an impressive range of venues throughout this special pocket of the Monterey Peninsula; everything from the rustic charm of Holman Ranch's barn settings to Tehama Golf Club's Mediterranean-inspired spaces with breathtaking panoramic views. If you're planning something more intimate, L'Auberge Carmel in downtown offers a boutique hotel setting perfect for celebrations with up to 60 guests.

What Makes Carmel Wedding Venues Uniquely Special?

The wedding venues in Carmel seamlessly combine dramatic natural backdrops with distinctive character you won't find elsewhere. The area's unique microclimate often creates morning fog that burns away just in time for midday ceremonies creating that perfect lighting photographers love. You'll be amazed by places like Folktale Winery where sunset views filter magically through rows of vineyards. La Playa Hotel showcases beautiful Spanish-style grounds while Quail Lodge gives you incredible versatility with rustic barn settings alongside sophisticated ballrooms and meadows all in one location so you can create different moods throughout your celebration.

How Much Should You Budget for a Carmel Wedding?

Weddings in Carmel reflect the premium nature of this gorgeous coastal destination. The costs here run substantially higher than the national average where venues alone typically range from $6,500 to $12,000. For your planning purposes here's what you might expect:

Guest CountEstimated Total Budget
50 guests (small ceremony)$26,449
100 guests$44,123
150 guests$60,734
200 guests$75,572
250 guests$90,410
300 guests (large wedding)$105,248
For a typical 150-guest Carmel wedding your major costs will likely include venue at $10,771 (18% of budget), catering around $8,617 (14%) and florals at approximately $7,899 (13%). Bar services usually run about $6,894 (11%) while photographers and wedding planners each take about 8% at $4,811 and $4,883 respectively. Videography typically costs around $4,352 (7%) with bands or DJs at $1,717 (3%). Hair and makeup services average $606 (1%) and cake/desserts about $826 (1%).

Which Venues in Carmel Offer Exceptional Culinary Experiences?

Folktale Winery creates unforgettable dining experiences by partnering with talented local chefs who can customize your event menu to highlight the region's incredible flavors. You'll love how Carmel Valley Ranch focuses on locally-sourced ingredients throughout their comprehensive packages that showcase the best of California cuisine. For a truly luxurious experience Bernardus Lodge & Spa offers exquisite farm-to-table dining in an elegant setting. If you're drawn to seafood La Playa Carmel specializes in local ocean-to-table cuisine served in a romantic downtown atmosphere that your guests will talk about for years.

When Should You Book Your Carmel by the Sea Wedding?

October sees the highest demand with most couples booking their venues about 16 months (471 days) ahead of time so you'll want to plan accordingly. Summer brings reliable sunshine for your outdoor ceremony but also peak tourist crowds and higher prices. Fall offers that magical golden California light along with lower hotel rates for your guests. Winter can be surprisingly lovely for more intimate weddings with many venues offering heated outdoor spaces or cozy indoor alternatives that still capture Carmel's special charm without the crowds.

What Accessible Wedding Venues Can You Find in Carmel?

The Griffith House features well-designed wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout its beautiful Spanish-style grounds including a private ceremony lawn and separate preparation areas for your wedding party. Holly Farm located nearby offers wheelchair accessibility across its various event spaces perfect for both outdoor ceremonies and receptions. Carmel Fields by Wedgewood Weddings provides serene settings for your special day though you'll want to confirm specific accessibility features directly with them to ensure they meet your needs.

How Can Remote Guests Participate in Your Carmel Wedding?

While Carmel venues primarily focus on creating magical in-person experiences locations like La Playa Hotel and The Quail Lodge can work with specialized AV vendors to create interactive remote experiences that go beyond simple streaming. You might consider platforms like Lovecast or Wedfuly that offer integrated chat and guest engagement features to help everyone feel included. Make sure your photography team knows to capture special moments specifically for virtual guests and consider creating custom welcome packages you can send to remote attendees so they feel part of your celebration regardless of distance.

Carmel by the Sea stands out as one of California's most sought-after wedding destinations thanks to its stunning coastal beauty, rich artistic heritage, and charming village atmosphere. You'll find an impressive range of venues throughout this special pocket of the Monterey Peninsula; everything from the rustic charm of Holman Ranch's barn settings to Tehama Golf Club's Mediterranean-inspired spaces with breathtaking panoramic views. If you're planning something more intimate, L'Auberge Carmel in downtown offers a boutique hotel setting perfect for celebrations with up to 60 guests.

What Makes Carmel Wedding Venues Uniquely Special?

The wedding venues in Carmel seamlessly combine dramatic natural backdrops with distinctive character you won't find elsewhere. The area's unique microclimate often creates morning fog that burns away just in time for midday ceremonies creating that perfect lighting photographers love. You'll be amazed by places like Folktale Winery where sunset views filter magically through rows of vineyards. La Playa Hotel showcases beautiful Spanish-style grounds while Quail Lodge gives you incredible versatility with rustic barn settings alongside sophisticated ballrooms and meadows all in one location so you can create different moods throughout your celebration.

How Much Should You Budget for a Carmel Wedding?

Weddings in Carmel reflect the premium nature of this gorgeous coastal destination. The costs here run substantially higher than the national average where venues alone typically range from $6,500 to $12,000. For your planning purposes here's what you might expect:

Guest CountEstimated Total Budget
50 guests (small ceremony)$26,449
100 guests$44,123
150 guests$60,734
200 guests$75,572
250 guests$90,410
300 guests (large wedding)$105,248
For a typical 150-guest Carmel wedding your major costs will likely include venue at $10,771 (18% of budget), catering around $8,617 (14%) and florals at approximately $7,899 (13%). Bar services usually run about $6,894 (11%) while photographers and wedding planners each take about 8% at $4,811 and $4,883 respectively. Videography typically costs around $4,352 (7%) with bands or DJs at $1,717 (3%). Hair and makeup services average $606 (1%) and cake/desserts about $826 (1%).

Which Venues in Carmel Offer Exceptional Culinary Experiences?

Folktale Winery creates unforgettable dining experiences by partnering with talented local chefs who can customize your event menu to highlight the region's incredible flavors. You'll love how Carmel Valley Ranch focuses on locally-sourced ingredients throughout their comprehensive packages that showcase the best of California cuisine. For a truly luxurious experience Bernardus Lodge & Spa offers exquisite farm-to-table dining in an elegant setting. If you're drawn to seafood La Playa Carmel specializes in local ocean-to-table cuisine served in a romantic downtown atmosphere that your guests will talk about for years.

When Should You Book Your Carmel by the Sea Wedding?

October sees the highest demand with most couples booking their venues about 16 months (471 days) ahead of time so you'll want to plan accordingly. Summer brings reliable sunshine for your outdoor ceremony but also peak tourist crowds and higher prices. Fall offers that magical golden California light along with lower hotel rates for your guests. Winter can be surprisingly lovely for more intimate weddings with many venues offering heated outdoor spaces or cozy indoor alternatives that still capture Carmel's special charm without the crowds.

What Accessible Wedding Venues Can You Find in Carmel?

The Griffith House features well-designed wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout its beautiful Spanish-style grounds including a private ceremony lawn and separate preparation areas for your wedding party. Holly Farm located nearby offers wheelchair accessibility across its various event spaces perfect for both outdoor ceremonies and receptions. Carmel Fields by Wedgewood Weddings provides serene settings for your special day though you'll want to confirm specific accessibility features directly with them to ensure they meet your needs.

How Can Remote Guests Participate in Your Carmel Wedding?

While Carmel venues primarily focus on creating magical in-person experiences locations like La Playa Hotel and The Quail Lodge can work with specialized AV vendors to create interactive remote experiences that go beyond simple streaming. You might consider platforms like Lovecast or Wedfuly that offer integrated chat and guest engagement features to help everyone feel included. Make sure your photography team knows to capture special moments specifically for virtual guests and consider creating custom welcome packages you can send to remote attendees so they feel part of your celebration regardless of distance.

What other Carmel-by-the-Sea vendors will I need?

What other wedding venues are nearby?

What other wedding services are nearby?