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

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

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

Beaches, waterfront settings
100-150 guests
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Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa 

5.0

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, 4 years ago
Monterey Marriott 
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
Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn 
Carmel, CA
  • Up to 150 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor

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

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

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

California offers an incredible 840 miles of coastline, 3,000+ wineries and ancient redwoods for your wedding day. When you choose the Golden State, you're getting exceptional natural lighting for your ceremony across diverse settings from Mediterranean coastal zones to alpine mountain backdrops. Each region has its own distinctive character that can perfectly match your vision.

What Makes California Wedding Venues So Special?

Northern California's Napa Valley welcomes you with rolling vineyards and Spanish colonial architecture where intimate wine cave ceremonies create unforgettable moments. Head to Southern California and you'll find oceanfront venues like Duke's Malibu where you can exchange vows with the Pacific stretching out behind you while enjoying fresh coastal-inspired cuisine. Palm Springs offers dramatic desert venues with mountain backdrops and striking midcentury modern architecture that photographs beautifully.

How Much Do Wedding Venues in California Cost?

Wedding venues in California typically run between $9,600 and $11,700 which aligns nicely with the national range of $6,500-$12,000. This represents about 18% of your total wedding budget. Your overall costs will vary based on guest count:

  • 50 guests: $26,190
  • 100 guests: $43,692
  • 150 guests: $60,141
  • 200 guests: $74,836
  • 250 guests: $89,530
  • 300 guests: $104,224

Which California Venues Are Fully Accessible?

The Griffith House features wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout its Spanish-style grounds including the private ceremony lawn and separate preparation spaces for couples. You might also consider Holman Ranch Sunstone Winery and Villa del Sol d'Oro though you'll want to directly confirm their specific accessibility features when you visit. Accessibility options have improved greatly across California venues in recent years.

When Should You Book Your California Wedding Venue?

October leads venue inquiries in California with couples typically booking venues about 13 months (400 days) before their wedding date. If you're dreaming of a Northern California wine country wedding during peak season you'll want to book up to 18 months in advance. Southern California venues offer more flexibility especially during winter months when you can still enjoy beautiful weather while potentially securing better rates.

Where Can You Find Exceptional Culinary Experiences in California?

La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla delivers impeccable service with menu options from lobster bisque to perfectly prepared steak. You'll love Vibiana in Los Angeles with its chef-driven menus served in a stunning restored cathedral setting. Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park offers Michelin-star fine dining while Bali Hai Restaurant serves authentic Polynesian cuisine with breathtaking views overlooking San Diego Bay. California's culinary scene truly elevates the wedding experience.

How Do California Wedding Costs Break Down?

VendorAverage Cost% of Total (150 guests)
Venue$10,66518%
Catering$8,53214%
Florists$7,82113%
Bar Services$6,82611%
Photography$4,7648%
Wedding Planners$4,8358%
Videography$4,3097%
Hair & Makeup$6001%
Cake & Desserts$8181%

Which California Venues Offer Enhanced Remote Participation?

Parq Event Center in San Diego features state-of-the-art sound LED screens and projection walls that support advanced streaming capabilities for guests who can't attend in person. You'll find Exchange LA and Wing Tip in San Francisco offer flexible spaces that adapt beautifully for innovative tech integration. These can include virtual reality experiences interactive live streaming and 360-degree cameras that make remote guests feel like they're right there with you. Technology has transformed how we can include loved ones from anywhere in the world.

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