Wedding Venues in Carmel By The Sea

A Helpful Guide to Wedding Venues In Carmel-by-the-Sea

Why Choose a Carmel-by-the-Sea Wedding?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is among the most picturesque destinations in California. Its turquoise waters and heavenly beaches run on for miles, lining the coastline of the Monterey Peninsula. This city is a can't miss spot for lovers and lovers of nature's beauty alike. Its serene atmosphere and charming accommodations add a romantic fairy-tale feel to any wedding. 

Reasons to Choose Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Wedding Venues

• Breathtaking Scenery– Nowhere offers a better backdrop than CBTS’s colorful beaches, cottage-style housing, historic venues and living woods of cypress.

• Mild Weather– Its temperate climate makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies.

• Charming, Intimate Atmosphere– Quaint and unique buildings and a vibrant community work in harmony to give CBTS a welcoming small-town vibe.

• Variety of Venues– While it offers historic venues, resorts, hotels, and vineyards, its cottages are truly its crown jewel, making it a location unlike any other.

• Proximity to Monterey and Big Sur– There’s always something to do and somewhere to go. Aside from nearby attractions, CBTS also offers breathtaking courtyard tours, local community itineraries, and a cultured art scene. 

• High-End Dining and Accommodations– Home to luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and Michelin-starred restaurants, you and your guests will be well taken care of in this seaside town.

Considerations:

• Higher Costs– Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its exclusivity, which can mean expensive venue fees and high accommodation costs.

• Limited Large Venues– While perfect for intimate weddings, couples looking for grand ballrooms or large-scale venues might find fewer options.

• Strict Regulations– Carmel has strict regulations celebrations are required to follow. They can affect everything from noise to duration. 

• Seasonal Tourist Crowds– Being such a beautiful location, it tends to fill up with appreciative tourists, which can affect hotel availability and pricing.

Typical Inclusions in Carmel-by-the-Sea Wedding Packages

Most wedding venues in Carmel-by-the-Sea offer comprehensive wedding packages that often include:

• Venue Rental– Ceremony and reception space. These can have views of the sea, be located in fairy gardens, or on grassy lawns filled with blooming flowers.

• Catering & Bar Service– Many venues provide in-house catering with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and seafood specials.

• Event Coordination– Venues may provide on-site coordinators to help with planning and logistics.

• Decor & Rentals– Basic arrangements from furnishings to drapery and even florals.

• Photography & Videography Recommendations – Carmel is home to talented photographers familiar with capturing its scenic beauty. Venues may have them on staff or have a retainer, from which you may choose. 

• Guest Accommodations– Many resorts and inns offer room blocks for wedding guests, making planning easier and more convenient.

• Music & Entertainment– Some venues include sound systems and personnel, while others require external vendors.

Carmel-by-the-Sea vs. Other Nearby Wedding Destinations

In comparison to Monterey, Carmel-By-The-Sea is a smaller city, more intimate but providing fewer venue variety at a higher cost.

Big Sur, on the other hand, offers dramatic cliffs and luxury resorts. Sharing a similar coastal beauty, Big Sur comes at a steeper price than CBTS with a more limited array of guest accommodations.

More affordable with a higher influx of tourists is Santa Cruz. Sharing a similar landscape of open forest, its woods comprise beautiful redwood instead of Cypress, however, it unfortunately lacks the fairytale charm that leaves one in awe of CBTS.

Tips & Strategies for Booking a Carmel-by-the-Sea Wedding Venue

1. Book Early– Carmel is a beautiful destination with abundant charm. It is no wonder venues fill up months in advance, to avoid the waitlist, book early.

2. Consider Off-Peak Seasons– Fall and winter weddings offer fewer crowds and better pricing without sacrificing the area’s beauty. 

3. Check Permit Requirements– If your heart is set on a beach or outdoor wedding, ensure you obtain the necessary permits. For indoor weddings, it is best to understand the venue’s codes and regulations.

4. Plan for Transportation & Parking– Carmel is a walkable town, meaning parking can be limited and roads further from the main city can be narrower. Ensure you and your guests have adequate means to get around. 

5. Work with Local Vendors– Working with local vendors ensures a smooth experience.

6. Visit in Advance– Seeing the venue in person will help with planning and decor decisions. It also never hurts to visit CBTS.

7. Budget for Additional Costs– Factor in fees for permits, transportation, and vendor restrictions when budgeting.

Final Thoughts

A wedding in Carmel-by-the-Sea is often a fairytale affair. Its beautiful gardens and verdant scenery make it a dream location filled with tranquility and serenity. While it may necessitate a quieter or shorter ceremony— for those taking place in the evening, the location will surely leave you and your guests with lasting memories to cherish for a lifetime. Like any other ceremony and location, it requires careful planning, albeit with a higher budget. For cost considerations, venue comparisons, individual service vendors, and more, contact Breezit to streamline your wedding planning process and get you the fairytale wedding of your dreams.