FAQs

Question

When and where are shuttle pick-ups on Saturday?

Answer

Please be on time! Shuttles depart *EXACTLY* at these times and will not wait for guests! 5:05 - Carmel Plaza- Ocean Ave (between Junipero & Mission Street) in Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea 5:20 - Bernardus Lodge 5:30 - Carmel Valley Ranch 5:40 - Hidden Valley Inn 5:40 - Carmel Valley Lodge Shuttles will be on standby throughout the evening to take any guests who wish to depart early, with final departures at 10:00pm.

Question

When and where are shuttle pick-ups on Sunday?

Answer

Please be on time! Shuttles depart *EXACTLY* at these times and will not wait for guests! 2:40 - Carmel Plaza- Ocean Ave (between Junipero & Mission Street) in Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea 2:55 - Hidden Valley Inn 2:55 - Bernardus 3:15 - Carmel Valley Ranch 3:30 - Carmel Valley Lodge All shuttles will be on standby throughout the evening to take any guests who wish to depart early. At 10:00pm, shuttles will depart for both Running Iron and hotels. Shuttles will loop from Running Iron to hotels until 1:00am.

Question

Is there parking at the venue?

Answer

Yes, there is parking at Holman Ranch if you prefer to drive. If you do, please have a designated driver; the Valley roads are dark and winding.

Question

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea the same as Carmel Valley? Which should I stay in?

Answer

They are not the same! Carmel Valley and Carmel-by-the-Sea are about 15-20 minutes apart. Carmel Valley is home to some of California's amazing wineries and vineyards (and is usually about 15 degrees warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea!). Carmel-by-the-Sea is the beach town down the road: think ocean, restaurants, shops, and tasting rooms. While all of the wedding festivities will take place at Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley, we'll have transportation provided from both Carmel Valley and Carmel-by-the-Sea! One note, wherever you choose, Ubers are available but aren't always easy to come by, so you may want to plan to either have a car or stay central to wherever you'd like to spend your days!

Question

When should I arrive?

Answer

Our Welcome Party is Saturday, September 2, 2023-- the evening before our Wedding Ceremony and Reception on Sunday, September 3, 2023. Feel free to arrive anytime before then (we've listed some of our favorite things to do on the 'Things to Do' page if you're looking to extend your stay!)

Question

What’s the weather like in Carmel in September?

Answer

Known to locals as the "secret season," September is the sunniest time of the year in Carmel! This time of year brings warm, clear days and cool nights, and is one of the best times to visit. Packing layers and bringing a light jacket is recommended!

Question

Can I bring my kids?

Answer

Unfortunately, we won't be able to accommodate any children outside of immediate family. We hope you can make it a date night and celebrate with us!

Question

How do I get to the wedding events? Will transportation be provided?

Answer

Transportation will be provided both Saturday, September 2nd to the Welcome Party and back, as well as Sunday, September 3rd to the Wedding and back. On Sunday, there will be rounds of shuttles returning directly from Holman Ranch to hotels, as well as to the after party and then to hotels later in the evening! We will have shuttles running from a meet-up point in Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea as well as from/to various hotels throughout the Valley. Please see the FAQs about shuttle times/stops for each day!

Question

Will the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception take place indoors or outdoors?

Answer

Again, September is the "secret season" in Carmel, so we'll be spending the entire evening outdoors! It should be a beautiful summer day and a cool night, so please dress accordingly.

Question

I have an allergy, anything I should know?

Answer

If you have a gluten, dairy, or other food allergy, please be sure to let us know with your RSVP. Holman Ranch has beautiful flora, but that also means there are some bees in certain areas. If you have a severe bee allergy, please make note.

Question

What else is there to do in the area?

Answer

There's so much to explore in Carmel and the surrounding area! Check out all our recommendations on the 'Things To Do' page.