Carmel California Wedding Guide
The Best Wedding Venue’s in Carmel Ca
Growing up in the Carmel/Monterey area, I’ve been able to experience all the uniqueness the beach towns have to offer! From a beach day with the fam to wine tasting and dinner with the hubs, Carmel and Monterey have activities for everyone to enjoy. I want you to walk through the quaint streets and experience the European village architecture that has inspired my hometown making each building completely individual. Come explore my home, Carmel, and Monterey, for your California elopement.
The Best Local Wedding Venue’s in Carmel California
From spacious ceremony lawns to riverbed nuptials, Gardener Ranch is a great Carmel Valley elopement destination. Monday through Thursday the ranch opens up its property for elopements. Sheltered by large oak and sycamore trees, the venue offers six different intimate spaces to say ‘I do.’
Exotic palms, towering bamboo, luscious banana trees, and sweetly scented blossoms surround Holly Farm, an elopement venue in Carmel Valley. At Holly Farm, the staff wants each guest to feel like their top priority; no other events will be planned on your elopement day because they want to focus on meeting your needs. Throughout the seven-acre property, there are multiple intimate areas to exchange vows. November to March is the best time to book elopements at this property.
Holman Ranch has unique spaces throughout its 400-acre estate. The property overlooks Carmel Valley Hillside offering stunning views for your elopement photography. There’s also an adorable courtyard for intimate photos with a rustic backdrop. Elegant yet charming, the estate will have anything you need for your Carmel/Monterey elopement photography.
Joullian Vineyards : wild and rustic blank slate in the Carmel Valley. Mountain views, vineyard escapes and a beautiful canvas to make your own. You will need to source your own table scapes, chairs and all other aspects of your day but with these epic views its worth it.
Airbnb Venues
Mediterranean-inspired architecture, Hacienda House is a beautiful 6 bedroom, 4 bath villa. Settled on a boutique 20-acre winery in Salinas, you can relax, rest, and celebrate all in this masterful home. The listing boasts as a venue to celebrate important events amongst their stunning orchard trees. For just $1,471/night, you can have the Carmel/Monterey elopement of your dreams. If you’re looking for something more intimate and more cost-effective, try renting out their Vineyard House for $357/night.
Book Serene Redwood Retreat w/ modern comfort if you’re looking for a romantic, rustic, elopement in the redwoods. The host of this Airbnb listing is also an event planner and loves when couples use the home for their forest elopements. The surrounding coastal redwoods make for a beautiful, tranquil backdrop for elopement photos. At $228/night, you can rent this studio for a charming Carmel/Monterey elopement.
Ronda is an ultra-modern 4 bedroom 4.5 bath home in Del Monte Forest. This home is the perfect venue if you’re looking for a non-traditional, modern location to exchange vows. Monterey pine and cypress trees surround the property offering seclusion during your stay. This listing is a part of Airbnb luxe which means you have a plethora of amenities to choose from to heighten your stay: housekeeping, driver, butler, chef, and spa services. For $3,571 you can have a lavish place to stay and a sleek spot for an elopement.
Get a good night’s rest after partying with your wedding crew.
In adorable Seaside, The mermaid bungalow is a quaint space for two. It’s a charming vintage home with new appliances such as the cutest little Smeg fridge. There’s outdoor seating with a grill and fire pit for your pleasure. An added bonus, you’re super close to a trail that leads straight to the beach. For $174/night, the bungalow is a great place to stay during your Carmel/Monterey elopement.
Serene sanctuary with ocean views is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath home in Carmel offered at $395/night. With stunning views of the pine trees and ocean, you can sit on the couch enjoying the roaring fire and sun setting through large floor to ceiling windows. You’ll feel completely removed from Carmel’s tourism as the home is tucked in a private neighborhood. The home is the best mix of modern finishings with charming decor.
The Pocket Residencies is an exclusive boutique hotel in the heart of Carmel. Each space has high-end finishings to enjoy such as their lavish heated flooring, top of the line kitchen appliances, and relaxing steam room. The Residencies are two apartments available for booking with the option of renting out both apartments for $2,000. The property’s entertainment is unbeatable: presentation screen fit for golf simulation, games, and movies, full bar, gourmet outdoor kitchen, and poker table. To add to your experience, in-room dining or private catering can be provided by The Pocket, a fabulous new restaurant next door. If the residencies are booked, The Pocket is still worth stopping by for a delicious meal and lively atmosphere.
It’s time to eat!
The only way to achieve a proper cheese plate is by visiting The Cheese Shop. They have more cheese than you can possibly imagine, or eat, and you’ll always leave the shop with great options as their knowledgeable cheesemongers will never lead you astray. Just around the corner is Rise + Roam, a great bakery to buy yourself some fresh bread and a slice of pizza to hold you over until it’s cheese platter time.
Cowgirl Winery is a great winery to visit while in Carmel Valley. While chickens roam the property, you can enjoy a nice glass of wine with an even better slice of pizza from Corkscrew cafe. If you can’t be torn away from the winery’s bocce ball courts, Corkscrew can deliver your slice straight to the courts.
The best place for an entertaining dining experience has to be Dametra Cafe in Carmel. Their adorable older chefs come out to the diners and bellow songs in Greek. Fresh and flavorful mediterranean plates await!
With outdoor seating, Cultura is the perfect spot to enjoy queso, steak salad, and margaritas to pair. The menu has been crafted to offer ancestral Oaxaca, Mexican flavors with a California flare. Creative mezcal cocktails are also up for grabs at this inviting restaurant.
Akaoni hands-down offers the best no-frill, fresh sushi in Carmel. While the service could be improved, it’s a place I’ve revisited many times because the quality of the food is unbeatable.
Aubergine The Restaurant tucked in L’Auberge, a newly renovated hotel in Carmel, is a one Michelin star fine dining experience. Their innovative eight course tasting menu changes daily, always offering fresh ingredients in a creative new way. While the ambience might not be overwhelming, the meal will be one you won’t forget.
Don’t forget your elopement team!
Contact my favorite vendors in the area to create your perfect Carmel/Monterey elopement.
Flora Gibson Photography: @floragibsonphotography
Layers Cakes: 8316551544 // INFO@LAYERSCAKE.COM
Parker for small cakes: 831.643.0300
Officiant Denise Adkins: 831-277-7501
Fleur de Soleli: (831) 656-0455 // info@fleursdusoleil.com*
*Order the Flora Boho Bouquet and get my special elopement bouquet*
Other hotels worth checking out
Carmel -
Mission Ranch - Clint Eastwoods spot, tennis center, sheep, downtown location.
Cypress inn- iconic and historic hotel, situated right down town.
Thinking of heading to Big Sur after your Carmel wedding?
Big Sur-
T ree bones- south coast. really fun yurts on the coast, I totally recommend the sushi make a reservation.
Deetjens - funky, no cell service , great breakfast and an authentic Big Sur Experience.
Ventana- the most lux of the bunch, i’ve always wanted to try their japanese baths!
Ready to book your Carmel &
Monterey elopement photographer?
I thought so.
For my pin obsessed ladiesss:
I’m Flora, your Carmel elopement photographer and guide. Let me show you my favorite local spots and plan your perfect day!
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