The Best Retreat Wedding Venues in Carmel, CA

The Best Retreat Wedding Venues in Carmel, CA

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1 Wedding Venues in Carmel, CA

Lodges, retreats
250-300 guests
GemHidden gem
The Holly Farm 

5.0

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.

I always highly recommend Holly Farm for so many reasons. In additional to feeling intimately in the tropical forest, you will be surrounded by love. Erin and Ryan reflect their hearts in everything they do. When you’re here, you’re family. Accepted, loved and supported which is exactly what matters when choosing where to hold your special weekend.
Holly Shankland , 2 years ago

Location flexible? Discover venues near Carmel, CA

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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