The Best Retreat Wedding Venues in Carmel, CA

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2 Wedding Venues in Carmel, CA

Lodges, retreats
Quick responder
Venture Retreat Center | Redwood Wedding Venue 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Up to 175 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $7,000

Tucked away on twenty acres, Venture offers sweet ceremony spots, glamping accommodations for your guests, and plenty of room to regale and relax. There are lots of ways to stay, weekday, weekend, hosted lodging, custom configurations. Gather your guests and get planning to create the whimsical, woodsiest, most wildly authentic wedding of your dreams!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Venue is completely outdoors
  • Has a relaxed and casual vibe
  • Raw space for complete customization

Venue considerations

  • No free parking
  • Does not provide event staff
  • Dance floor not included
Everything about our experience with Venture was genuinely terrific from start to finish. A team of hard-working people who are willing to help with anything that they are able to. Communication was top-notch throughout the entire process, and the kindness exemplified by everyone who works there could not be overstated. The location is not only beautiful, but the positive energy one feels when walking around and staying on site is so powerful! I knew it was where I wanted to get married the moment I got out of the car on my first visit. Prior to visiting venture, we had looked at several other locations and had done a ton of online research. Many other venues were outrageously priced, even at a base cost, with basic amenities being additional costs. On top of being more expensive from the jump, the environments offered were not nearly as beautiful and fully realized as Venture. The newly built kitchen is stunning and so functional! All of the bathrooms with flushable toilets, electricity, and outlets made my less nature oriented guests feel very comfortable. Overall, everybody had a fantastic time, and every need my husband I had throughout this process was more than met. You will not regret spending time here at Venture Retreat Center, whether that’s for your wedding or just to book a stay for an escape from stressful life. Book with Venture, your heart will be happy! 3
Jordan, 10 months ago
GemHidden gem
The Holly Farm 
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA
  • 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

About wedding venues in Carmel, 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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