The Best Wedding Vendors in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

The Best Wedding Vendors in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

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1000+ Wedding Vendors in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

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Carmel Fields by Wedgewood Weddings 
Rating: 5.0 (27 reviews)
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA
  • Venue
  • Up to 250 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $9,295
  • Offer

Nestled along the dramatic cliffs and gorgeous white-sand beaches of the Central California Coast, Carmel Fields by Wedgewood Weddings boasts exceptional views across Monterey County. Choose from either the garden ceremony site set alongside Palo Corona Regional Park - an area of outstanding natural beauty - or head down to nearby Monastery Beach for a toes-in-the-sand beach wedding ceremony. Then, settle into your choice of elegant reception rooms, where the modern chandeliers and bistro lights provide a romantic glow guaranteed to make everyone feel the love.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides event staff
  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Provides setup and cleanup

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • On-site parking not available
  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
Awarded Best of Zola
“Ladies and gentlemen, if you are the person in your couple that is taking on the wedding planning, and contemplating this venue, look no further and book as soon as you can! I am a very meticulous and detail oriented person that brought in a ton of decor and the dream team here at Wedgewood placed it flawlessly. On the day of the wedding I did not receive one single call or email from the team and when I arrived at the venue, I was astonished at how beautiful everything looked. The wedding itself went off without a hitch. Our guests were so impressed by the food, cake, venue and the overall flow of the wedding. Alycia was our day of coordinator and she absolutely killed! She was a literal wedding angel. For reference, we went with the elite package and we extended our venue time until 11 PM. They were a dream to work with!”
Erika Q., 2 years ago
The Holly Farm 
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA
  • Venue
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $57,000

This is a special place. The moment you walk through the welcoming rustic gate and past a quintessential redwood barn, you enter a quiet, peaceful world of bird-song, the splash of water falling, tropical plantings of every conceivable varietal, winding paths, and cottages tucked away among exotic palms, banana, and ancient cypress trees. Abundant oak trees and giant prickly-pear cacti stand sentinel. Wooden benches and comfortably-cushioned, bent willow chairs in secluded, shady oases offer places to sit, to rest and to absorb the quiet. This spectacular private estate is a sanctuary, nestled along the Santa Lucia Mountain Range. Family-owned and operated, this expansive Carmel jungle hideaway was created exclusively for destination weddings or for those looking for a relaxing, retreat-style experience. Your closest family and friends gather to spend 2-5 nights together at your own private oasis, a hidden Shangri-la- your home base for days of celebration of love. All are welcome.

“My husband and I got married at Holly Farm in June 2024. We found the venue in October which gave us about 9 months to plan our wedding. Holly Farm made it relatively simple to piece together all the vendors due to their incredible and long lasting relationships. And while wedding planning is still stressful, what I didn't expect and was so very grateful for was feeling like I could hand everything over to them upon arrival for the wedding weekend and really feel like everything was in good hands (I did not have a wedding planner). I knew the venue was going to be beautiful but I did not expect to feel so at ease the entire weekend. I had the BEST time at my own wedding because the Holly Farm staff went above and beyond to take care of everything we could possibly need on our behalf. There was nothing they couldn't assist with. It was the most perfect weekend, and I could not recommend this venue more!”
Keerthi N., 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
Mambo Jumpers 
Rating: 5.0 (102 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Event extras
  • Rentals
  • +2 more
  • Starts at $500
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Mambo Jumpers is a family-owned event rental company proudly serving Hollister and surrounding areas. With over 7 years of experience, we help couples bring their wedding vision to life with beautiful, reliable event rentals and personalized service. From intimate celebrations to large weddings, our team handles delivery and setup so you can focus on enjoying your special day. We’re committed to making the rental process simple, dependable, and stress-free from your first inquiry through your wedding day.

“From our first conversation with Mambo Jumpers, we knew we had found the right team for our wedding. They kept us informed every step of the way and answered our questions quickly, which made planning stress-free. When they arrived on our big day, they set up the decorative tent in a timely manner. The cross back chairs really gave the whole set up the touch of elegance it needed. Definitely recommend.”
Faviola R., 22 days ago
3Klicks Photobooth 
Rating: 5.0 (102 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Event extras
  • Photo booths
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
  • Offer

Why Choose 3Klicks Photobooth? At 3Klicks Photobooth, we turn moments into memories with a modern, customizable photo experience that fits any event. Our luxury DSLR setups and our packages are designed to match your vibe and budget. As a licensed, insured, and passionate team, we bring professionalism, creativity, and fun to every celebration. With us, you’re not just booking a booth—you’re getting a team that cares about making your event unforgettable.

“So many good memories captured, easy to operate too!”
Kristine T., a year ago
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Afrang Media Productions LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (56 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photographer
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Afrang Media Productions - Wedding Photography Services At Afrang Media Productions, we specialize in capturing the enchanting moments of your wedding day with a unique blend of artistry and professionalism. Our passionate team of photographers is dedicated to telling your love story through stunning imagery that reflects your personality and style. From candid shots to beautifully posed portraits, we create a seamless narrative of your special day. With years of experience and a keen eye for detail, we understand the importance of each fleeting moment. Our approach is both unobtrusive and engaging

“Afrang Media Productions LLC provided excellent service for our wedding photography. Their work was truly top-notch! The photographers were very friendly and professional, arriving on time and efficiently setting up without us even noticing they were there. All the special details and moments dear to us were captured in the highest quality, going above and beyond my expectations. I highly recommend Afrang Media Productions LLC for your wedding photography needs.”
Bob R., a year ago
Quick responder
JBQAV 
Rating: 4.9 (40 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • DJ
  • Starts at $995
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

JBQAV is an audiovisual rental business serving the Bay Area and beyond. Now offering DJ/Emcee services too! We strive to achieve excellent customer satisfaction! JBQAV has been consistently providing excellent service to our valued clients since 2012.

“We didn't want a DJ for our wedding since it was more of a banquet and less than a party. We basically asked for speakers and some microphones, and Jaron provided us with exactly that! Delivery and pickup was very simple. Communication was amazing, and he made sure we didn't have to worry about anything, including how to operate the tech!”
Amanda T., 6 months ago
Quick responder
JeLau Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (37 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $6,500
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Hi, I'm Jenn Petty. I'm a wedding photographer based in Monterey, California and I travel worldwide capturing all people's love stories. I believe in equality, representation, and being kind to everyone. I believe in promoting self-love, confidence, body-neutrality, and general badassery into each of my clients. You don't need to always love your body or the way you look because that's just not realistic. But you shouldn't let it hold you back from enjoying life because you're so amazing and so so much more than your weight

“JeLau Photography was an absolute dream to work with for our wedding day. From the very first time we spoke, the owner Jen was so helpful, direct, and kind - making the entire process leading up to the big day smooth and stress-free. On the day itself, Jen kept me feeling calm and on schedule, and made every moment fun and enjoyable. The quality of their work is truly outstanding - the photos are absolutely beautiful and captured the perfection of our special day. Jen is an amazing person which makes her amazing to work with, and we are so grateful to have had her as our wedding photographer. We couldn't recommend JeLau Photography more highly!”
Shelby T., 2 years ago
Quick responder
HSLE Production Group 
Rating: 5.0 (36 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • DJ
  • Starts at $1,195
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

HSLE Wedding Entertainment creates unforgettable celebrations through personalized planning, premium entertainment, and a seamless experience from "Yes!" to the last dance. We're more than DJs—we're your trusted entertainment partner, helping every moment flow effortlessly while creating memories you and your guests will cherish for a lifetime.

Awarded Best of Zola
“HSLE Production Group did an amazing job preplanning to executing. Flawless communication when it came to planning and choosing songs. We truly appreciate everything they provided for speakers, wireless mics, dance floor light decor top notch, and keeping the vibes high throughout the whole wedding. Excellent MC skills. Know how get your wedding audience hyped and informed. Our dance reception was an absolutely blast. There set up of dance floor lights was stellar. DJ Scott is an amazing DJ. He knows how to keep the party rocking. We recommend HSLE for your wedding DJ or party.”
Esperance V., a month ago
Quick responder
Affordable Chef Services LLC 
Rating: 4.3 (30 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Caterer
  • Starts at $26
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Whether you're searching for a caterer for a dinner party, birthday, anniversary, wedding reception, holiday, company picnic, or other event, personal Chef Mark Gallagher of Affordable Chef Services of Santa Cruz can custom cater a menu just for you. Our highly trained professional staff have the experience and passion to cater your special event.

“Our anniversary has just passed by. My husband and I smile and so cherish our wedding day. Even though I've a large amount of experience putting on big events, since this was my wedding day, I was quite anxious. Mark and his helpers arrived early. He immediately asked me how we wanted everything done and then executed my vision perfectly—the setup was flawless, the food was wonderful, and they cleaned up completely without us having to lift a finger. What impressed us most was how seamlessly they worked with all the other vendors to make sure everything came together. Mark is clearly experienced. I felt so taken care of and could actually enjoy our wedding and reception instead of worrying about the details. We'd absolutely recommend Affordable Chef Services. We have such a lovely memory of our big day!”
Shirley Treanor G., 2 months ago
Deanna Prichard Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (30 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $1,950
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

In 2020, I took a leap and left my 9-to-5 job to pursue my passion for photography full-time. Now, as a dedicated wedding and lifestyle photographer, I’m thrilled to capture the special moments that mean the most to you. I take pride in delivering high-quality photos and genuinely enjoy being part of your big day. Based in Aptos, I also serve the surrounding areas of the Monterey Bay region, and I’m always ready to travel wherever your love story takes us!

Awarded Best of Zola
“Deanna was truly the most amazing photographer for our wedding! Neither my husband nor I had ever taken professional photos before, and to be honest, we’re both pretty awkward and camera-shy. But from the moment we booked her, she made the whole experience feel effortless. She even offered an engagement session, which helped us get comfortable in front of the camera. By the end of it, we were blown away by how beautiful the photos turned out—far beyond what we had imagined! On the wedding day, Deanna was more than just a photographer; she was a calming presence amidst all the excitement and nerves. Her ability to guide us through poses felt so natural—never forced or uncomfortable. She has such an incredible eye for capturing genuine moments, and the photos reflect that in every frame. Deanna didn’t just document our wedding; she became a friend along the way. I can’t express how much we appreciate her talent, kindness, and professionalism. We’re already looking forward to working with her again for future milestones and photo sessions. Thank you, Deanna, for capturing our special day so perfectly—we couldn’t have asked for more!”
Christy K., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Claire Coordinates 
Rating: 5.0 (28 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Planner
  • Offers 5 services
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

How to tell you about me in a short paragraph? Ok, here we go - born & raised in Australia, recently American. Currently Aus-Merican. Wife to Spencer (2016), Mum/Mom to Reed (2020), and Milo (2023).  Big fan of a latte in the morning and a French75 on special occasions. An avid listener of audiobooks, podcasts, Taylor Swift, my 'Theatre Mix' playlist on Spotify, and early 2000's pop and, occasionally, 2010's emo. A repeat watcher of Bridgerton, New Girl, The Good Place, The Righteous Gemstones, VEEP, & Ted Lasso.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Claire played such a big role in our perfect wedding day. We planned a simple DIY wedding with minimal decor. She was so helpful from our first consultation call. There were things we didn't know to consider or how to find, and she was so willing to offer recommendations and suggestions. Closer to the wedding, she managed our vendor communications and big day timeline. She is honest, organized, innovative, and so thorough. One of the letters on our Mr & Mrs sign broke and she glued a cute tiny bow over the letter with eyelash glue! We appreciated Claire so much. On top of managing our timeline, wedding party, family, hired staff, last minute changes, and very drunk people, she truly prioritized what we (the bride and groom) valued. Also, she protected our peace during the whole day and kept us safe throughout the night. We could not have done our wedding without Claire and truly recommend her to everyone!”
Maxie, 7 months ago
Quick responder
Brothers Ranch 
Rating: 5.0 (24 reviews)
Watsonville, CA
  • Venue
  • Up to 350 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $9,000

Spread over 25 acres of gardens, The Brothers Ranch features palms, tropical flowers, and bamboo that helps transport couples and their guests to another place. This lush landscape serves to enhance a couple’s wedding theme and is complete with a refurbished courtyard and barn. The Brothers Ranch has multiple ceremony and reception areas to choose from, both inside and out. In addition, there is a bar, full kitchen, and designated dressing rooms, along with the sensory-indulging gardens. Up to 400 people can gather at this venue. Soon-to-be-weds can choose their own caterer to be approved by the ranch, allowing the pair to customize their day to their tastes and preferences. Parking is available, with overflow as well. There is only one event planned per day, and the couple has the day before and after the event for setting and cleaning up. The staff is eager to help couples achieve the wedding day they have always wanted!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor for celebration
  • Unique barn setting
  • Both indoor and outdoor options

Venue considerations

  • No all-inclusive dining options
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • Couple must handle cleanup and setup
“Seriously the hottest up-and-coming venue in the entire Monterey Bay area - where the beautiful and unique grounds are only the surface! Every aspect of the venue has been carefully thought out to accommodate the wedding party, guests, and vendors perfectly. The tropical foliage of the ceremony lawn offered a stunning backdrop for our vows (plus the sweet scent that wafts from nearby strawberry fields). The reception area was the perfect size and layout for our guests to eat, drink, play games, and dance throughout the night - cozy but spacious at the same time. Brothers Ranch was so beautiful and so well designed that we really didn’t need many of our own decorations. Also a huge plus for us was having access to the space for the entire weekend (Friday-Sunday) so we had plenty of time for setup and we didn’t have to worry about cleanup at the end of our wedding night! But the true heart of this venue is Jessie and Jonathan Brothers. More gracious hosts than venue owners, they helped us every step of the way to have an amazing and stress-free wedding. They both went above and beyond running around the whole weekend handling all of the little details to provide a seamless experience for us and our guests, from giving golf cart rides between the reception and ceremony spaces to rolling out heaters after sundown. So a big thank you to Jessie and Jonathan and definitely book Brother Ranch - the best venue in all of Monterey Bay for an amazing, beautiful, stress-free, and super fun wedding!”
Kelsey O., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Noelle Mosolf Super 8 Films 
Rating: 5.0 (21 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Videographer
  • Vintage style
  • Starts at $5,500
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
  • Offer

I began using super 8 film 10 years ago to document my family’s life and I was immediately hooked. I have always loved getting film developed and returned, and super 8 film is a magical, mini time capsule.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Noelle was the greatest. A total professional who delivered the goods. Only book with her if you want all of your friends and family to gush over your wedding film. The biggest slam dunk of our wedding day, would recommend 1000 times out of 1000. *not written with ZOLA AI slop.”
Bill C., a year ago
Quick responder
Luxury Floral Designs 
Rating: 5.0 (19 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Welcome. Karla has been an artist for as long as she has been alive. It all started when she was in preschool and thought that painting another pre-school student with paint was fun. Unfortunately, she got sent home that day, but the artist in her was born! Working with flowers, and making events beautiful for her clients, has provided Karla with an outlet that is very fulfilling for her. It creates a balance, and zen for her, which fills, balances, and feeds her soul.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Where do I begin? Karla listened to me and understood the spirit of my wedding, including really helping me clarify what I wanted in the florals. She also helped by giving me reference photos that helped me visualize it better. Her work actually exceeded my expectations. It pulled everything together, which was important to me because I had an eclectic theme.”
Mary C., a year ago
Quick responder
Event’s With Jules 
Rating: 5.0 (17 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Planner
  • Offers 4 services
  • Starts at $2,800
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Jules has an affinity for nostalgia, Design and a good party. with a background in art and design, she loves lots of color and loves a design challenge. She’s an instinctive connector who loves to bring people together in and out of her professional life, and that led her to event planning. When she’s not planning an epic event you can find her on an Adventure with her husband and daughter or at an estate sale in the Bay Area. she loves hunting for treasures, jumping into water and is a dancing queen

“I put so much care, hope, and, admittedly, pressure on Jules and her team to deliver the day-of coordination for our wedding, and she did not disappoint. Throughout the planning process, Jules was a constant source of calm. She was always willing to step in when needed, a great person to bounce ideas off of, and incredibly honest about what was realistic in terms of time and scope. I am a very detail-oriented person and handed over a 21-page PDF covering styling, seating, scheduling, inventory, and approximately a million other details (truly over the top!), and Jules executed everything to the highest degree. She took all of those details seriously while also being honest with me about what was and wasn’t possible. When the scope of work changed, she was transparent and communicative, and we were able to bring on additional assistants to make sure everything got done. Most importantly, Jules gave me the ability to actually relax and enjoy my wedding day. I knew I was in good hands, and I was able to be fully present and enjoy every minute instead of worrying about logistics. She went above and beyond in every way, and I truly could not recommend Jules and her team more highly!”
Erin R., 2 months ago
Quick responder
Mission Vineyard Ranch 
Rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
San Juan Bautista, CA
  • Venue
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $4,000

Mission Vineyard Ranch is a family-owned wedding and event space where elegance and intimacy meet California beauty and history. Located on a working ranch in San Juan Bautista, we are just 40 minutes south of San Jose, 30 minutes east of the coastal towns of Santa Cruz, Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, and on the doorstep of a historic Mission town, a wine trail, and an array of outdoor recreation areas.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Picturesque garden backdrop
  • Venue is completely outdoors
  • Has a sophisticated vibe

Venue considerations

  • No dedicated areas for getting ready
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
  • No on-site guest accommodations
“The setting is spectacular. We had 80 guests who came from all over and we had a beautiful October evening wedding. We were married in the driveway overlooking the San Juan Valley and Gablan Mountains, had our reception in the courtyard, and dinner by the pool. We brought in our own vendors (caterers, dj, photographer, florist) and MVR was very accommodating - always there to help, but not in the way. Our guests really enjoyed the town of San Juan and access to the Monterey Penninsula. We made a weekend of it! Best day ever.”
Melanie T., 7 months ago
GemHidden gem
Autumn Marcelle Design 
Rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $10,000
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
  • Offer

Autumn Marcelle Design is a Full-Service Wedding & Event Florist serving the San Francisco Bay Area, Carmel, Napa Valley & Santa Barbara. From luxury, deeply-personalized weddings to stylish corporate events, we are curating a vibrant experience and designing every occasion with care, intention and refinement for our clients around California. We work closely with you to embrace and enhance your vision, translating it into a visual masterpiece through maximalist floral design and curated styling.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Autumn Marcelle Design was an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding. From the very beginning, their communication was efficient, knowledgeable, and creative. They were so dedicated and driven to bringing our vision to life, and the quality of their work was truly exceptional. Autumn and her team basically polished the entire event, making all the designs flow seamlessly and cohesively. I had seen Autumn's work at my sister's wedding, and I knew right away that she was the perfect choice for us. She was an absolute rockstar, following up directly if I went silent to ensure all our expectations were met. Not only did Autumn meet our expectations, but she delivered the most perfect arrangements, identical to the example photos we had booked. Thank you Autumn Marcelle Design for making our fairytale wedding come true!”
Mia B., a year ago
GemHidden gem
Amanda Jenelle Makeup and Hair 
Rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Starts at $350
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
  • Offer

I've been a HMUA for a little over 14 years, worked in the big city (LA) and now back in my hometown raising our 2 littles doing what I love most! I've worked all over the industry! I'm a licensed esthetician and really have found my happy place here with all my beautiful brides! I still love working on sets, all sorts of events but there's just something about being there for someone on their big day that never gets old. I've been a bride myself and can attest to the overwhelming mix of emotions that come with planning such an important day. SO I'm here to ease a bit of that for you as your day of artist! xoxo Amanda

Awarded Best of Zola
“Amanda and her team (Laura) made my wedding day and whole experience beyond special. She is one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met and was such a calming presence on a day where nerves were high. For both my trial and day-of, she pulled off exactly that I described and I have never felt more beautiful in my life. She absolutely killed it for me and all of my bridesmaids and our makeup was still looking fabulous until 2 AM. I highly recommend trusting Amanda with your wedding day hair and makeup.”
Macie W., a year ago
Quick responder
DJ Shazam - DJ & Entertainment 
Rating: 5.0 (14 reviews)
  • DJ
  • Starts at $4,000
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Your vibe at it's full potential. Based in Santa Cruz, CA, DJ Shazam fuses eclectic playlists with seamless production to give modern, multi-cultural couples a dance-floor story they’ll talk about for years—without the planning stress. Please see DJ Shazam up-to-date and in action on his Instagram: djshazam_sc

Awarded Best of Zola
“DJ Shazaam was incredible and absolutely made this event. He DJ’d a kids-and-parents Minecraft rave birthday party and created the perfect balance of fun for both children and adults. The dance floor was full the entire time. His mixes and mashups were playful, high energy, and age appropriate, and his professional setup sounded great in our dome space. He has a fantastic personality and was a joy to work with. I highly recommend him for kids parties, family events, and community celebrations where you want everyone dancing together.”
Alisa, 9 months ago
GemHidden gem
Event By Dawn 
Rating: 5.0 (13 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 2 services
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

At Event by Dawn, I’ve spent over 10 years helping couples bring their wedding dreams to life. I’m here to guide you through the planning process, making it as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. I love working closely with you to create a day that reflects your unique vision, and I’m happy to tailor my packages to fit your budget and needs. From start to finish, I’ll ensure your wedding day is seamless, personal, and unforgettable.

“Long story short: hire Dawn!! Dawn coordinated our wedding at Waterfall Lodge and we could have asked for a more supportive, collaborative, knowledgeable, detail-oriented, caring person to coordinate our day. From the start, communication was easy and Dawn was very responsive, transparent, and helped us create a wedding that aligned with our goals, values, and budget. She provided us with tons of resources to help us execute our day - sample timelines, layouts, vendor lists, tips and tricks, and more (in addition to lots of email communication and very thoughtful meetings leading up to our big day). Our wedding day was truly a dream - better than we could’ve ever imagined - and I strongly believe it is largely in part because Dawn (and the rest of our vendor team that mostly came from Dawn’s recommendations) was so on it. We were 100% present for our wedding and at peace knowing Dawn was in charge of our day. From the bottom of my heart and top of my brain, I couldn’t recommend Dawn more!! Thank you, Dawn, for helping us create the most perfect day to celebrate our love. :)”
Maris P., a year ago
Quick responder
Laurel Thomsen - Solo Violin, Duos, Trios, Ensembles 
Rating: 5.0 (12 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Ceremony only
  • Starts at $750
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

The perfect celebration requires a flawless, musical atmosphere tailored to the unique energy of your day. Trusted by discerning couples, luxury wedding planners, and elite organizations - including Apple, Citi Bank, Hitachi, and APEC - since 1998, I have crafted sweet, spirited, soulful soundtracks for thousands of events across the California Central Coast and Bay Area. Performing exclusively with a dedicated circle of my dearest friends and musical colleagues - including a rare, near telepathic musical and creative partnership with my husband - we bypass impersonal agency rosters to deliver a warm, intuitive performance your guests will be talking about for years to come.

“Laurel was communicative and worked with me patiently too book a date while we were still looking for a venue! We knew we wanted this violin and guitar duo right away. They had a great repertoire of songs, including some newer contemporary Christian songs which we built our ceremony with! Thank you for being nice and professional.”
Minh-Thy, 7 months ago
Quick responder
Picturist Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (12 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,850
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

My style of photography is rooted in photojournalism, influenced by the fine arts. The result is creative, clean, and crisp wedding photography that’s romantic, emotional, and lively. I transform your wedding day mementos into personalized works of art while also capturing subtle yet powerful expressions as they naturally unfold.

Awarded Best of Zola
“I worked with Danieka a couple of years ago at a wedding and had a wonderful experience! She is organized, personable, very easy to work with, and made my job as a wedding coordinator easy. Her work is stunning and her turnaround time is impressive. I would absolutely recommend Danieka!”
MaKenna Holst, 5 years ago
Quick responder
Oceanlight Weddings 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $1,995
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
  • Offer

Oceanlight Weddings is a wedding photo and video company dedicated to capturing elegant, emotional, and timeless love stories. We focus on creating beautiful imagery that feels natural, romantic, and true to each couple’s personality, from the quiet intimate moments to the biggest celebration of the day.

“We had twelve bridesmaids and groomsmen combined, and I was honestly worried the group photos would take forever and turn out awkward. This photography team organized everyone so efficiently and kept the whole process light and fun, which made a huge difference in how natural everyone looked. Despite the size of our wedding party, every single photo turned out polished and full of genuine laughter. I've already recommended them to two of my other bridesmaids who are getting married next year.”
Danielle W., a month ago
GemHidden gem
Paige Events 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 4 services
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

We are a small but mighty team of event professionals who simply love making your life easier. Whether you’re a hands-on couple with a locked-in vision, or you prefer to delegate most of the decision-making, we offer the guidance you need to create the wedding or event you have been dreaming of.

Awarded Best of Zola
“If you’re getting married, you have to book Paige Events! I got married in September 2025 — one of the busiest wedding months, especially in California — and Paige Events went above and beyond to help me plan the most perfect wedding weekend. They are incredibly organized, kind, and helpful throughout the entire process. They always made sure my opinions were heard and offered thoughtful options that perfectly matched my vision. My wedding had 300 guests, and even with that many people, the day felt completely seamless. I’m someone who usually worries about timelines, but I didn’t have to think twice about where I needed to be or what was happening next — they were always two steps ahead, anticipating every detail. Their vendor recommendations were spot-on, and every Zoom call with the team was a joy. They genuinely listened, made me feel heard, and always left me laughing by the end of each meeting. As organized as I am, I truly don’t think my wedding would have come together anywhere near as perfectly without them. Paige Events is an amazing team, and I can’t recommend them enough to anyone looking for planners they can truly trust to make their wedding dreams come to life.”
Sydnie S., a year ago
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Camille Mattish Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

The best way to reach me is through my website - Camille Mattish Photography - the circle button under my Profile photo. I'm Camille, and I live in Salinas. I'm married to David Redshaw, who is one of my second photographers. I am a portrait, wedding, and event photographer in Salinas, CA. I graduated with a minor in photography, studying the mechanics of photography in studio, lighting, hand-retouching, and posing. I absolutely love taking photos that are unique to the individual and would love to help you capture those special moments so you can cherish them forever. And I'm not just your photographer, I'm your friend too, so let's just have fun and take beautiful photos :)

“From our first conversation with Camille, we knew we had found the right photographer for our wedding. She was responsive and genuinely listened to what we wanted, then went above and beyond by helping us finalize our timeline and creating a family shot list template that made photos run like clockwork. Camille and her entire team brought professionalism and warmth to our day, making us feel relaxed and comfortable the whole time. The photos are stunning—every detail captured perfectly. We couldn't have asked for better service or results. Highly recommend Camille Mattish Photography to any couple planning their wedding.”
David, a month ago
Quick responder
NarBear 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photographer
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
  • Offer

Hi, I’m Grant, the photographer behind NarBear. The name? I love narwhals and bears. A very scientific branding process. I photograph weddings in Monterey, Carmel, San Jose, San Francisco, and San Luis Obispo. My style is timeless, romantic, and natural—with enough direction to make you look incredible without turning your wedding into a photoshoot. I personally edit every delivered image. No batch processing or cookie-cutter presets. Just real moments, beautiful light, and photographs you’ll love decades from now. My one wedding collection includes up to 10 hours of coverage, a 24-hour sneak peek, and a complimentary engagement session at Asilomar State Beach. Tell me about your plans. I’d love to hear your story.

“We honestly could not have asked for a better wedding photographer. From the very beginning, Grant made us feel comfortable, relaxed, and genuinely excited about the entire process. He paid attention to every detail, helped guide us naturally when needed, and somehow captured moments we didn’t even realize were happening. The photos turned out absolutely incredible — timeless, emotional, and beautifully edited without looking overly filtered or artificial. Every image feels like a piece of our story. Family and friends have not stopped complimenting them. What stood out most was how much he truly cared about giving us an amazing experience, not just delivering photos. He went above and beyond throughout the day and made everything feel effortless. If you want someone who is creative, professional, laid-back, and genuinely talented, NarBear Studios is the photographer to book. These are photos we’ll treasure forever.”
Mellissa S., 5 months ago
Quick responder
Kassandra Thomsen Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,999
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

I never saw wedding photography in my future. I was supposed to be working in LA on big movie sets! But life has a funny way of giving you exactly what you never asked for and making it even better than you could ever dream of. So here I am—a super chill and really fun wedding photographer waiting to have the best platonic three-way you could ask for!

“Kassandra Months later, I am still stunned by Kassandra's artistry and professionalism. I was looking for a photographer who would capture the beauty of the day and make it special without it feeling posed or contrived, classy and simple, but emotional. She is a true master of light, composition, and people. Without a long list of required poses, she caught the moments and images I didn't know would be among my most cherished. On her professionalism, I cannot say enough. During the consultation phase, she was generous with her time and responsive. She kept in contact in the time leading up. Took initiative to coordinate with our coordinator and venue. My beach wedding was on a day the beach was PACKED. I'd expected lots of extras in the background. Nope. Thanks to her flawless editing, it looked as intimate as it felt. Despite this, she timely delivered the sneak peek and the photos (I didn't expect for A WHILE given the amount of work she put in). An aside on her as a person, she is a joyful light of a human that added to the love fest that was my wedding day.”
Amber L., 12 days ago
GemHidden gem
Emi Reese Events 
Rating: 4.9 (9 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 6 services
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Hi, I’m Emi Reese! A wedding planner who loves turning your vision into a day that feels perfectly you. From timelines to tiny details, I handle it all so you can relax and truly enjoy every moment. My goal is to make your day stress-free, beautiful, and full of joy. A celebration you’ll remember forever.

“Emi is a kind, thoughtful, and sweet wedding planner who knows how to make your day exactly what you want it to be. She is quick to communicate, beloved by vendors, and has studied under some of the most well respected wedding planners in the industry. She has ample expertise and experience within the Bay Area and will make sure your guests, whether local or visiting, feel loved and cared for. Every detail will be precisely executed and every special moment savored. Can’t recommend her enough!”
Natasha, a year ago
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Midnight Picnic 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 5 services
  • Starts at $3,600
  • Serves Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Every decision offers an opportunity for reflection and collaboration with your beloved. I help couples navigate planning a huge event while staying focused on the goal of celebrating your union and commitment to one another. I work with my clients to craft customized weddings that tap into the magic of your love story, align with your values, and deepen your connection to one another.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Literally do not have words for the professionalism, attentiveness, care & love that pours out from Mischa and her team. I have worked with many planners (as a wedding florist myself) but there is an extra je ne sais quoi that Mischa harnesses and provides for her couples that is just beyond special. You can trust that by hiring Midnight Picnic, everything is going to run smoothly, your vendors will be well informed, your guests will be treated like royalty and you, as the couple (or host) will be able to enjoy your event with full presence. The beauty that is created and held when Midnight Picnic is running the show is nothing short of magical and I would recommend this team to anyone who is looking for a planner who can meet you where you are, guide you on your wedding journey and execute flawlessly!”
Naomi I., a year ago

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