The Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

The Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

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

Outdoor
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.

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., a year ago
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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
The Monterey Plaza does such an amazing job at communicating. Very detail oriented. They go above and beyond.
Lorinda Keller, 3 years ago
Quick responder
Fairview Laguna Seca 

5.0

Monterey, CA
  • Up to 200 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $5,000

Love is in the air at Fairview Laguna Seca! Fairview Laguna Seca is Monterey’s newest wedding venue, complete with a fully renovated banquet space, modern amenities, beautiful and contemporary décor, and several all-inclusive wedding packages designed to make your wedding a breeze. Situated in the oak-studded foothills of the Monterey peninsula Sunbelt region, Fairview Laguna Seca is your all-inclusive wedding retreat! Residents of the area and those looking for a destination wedding can enjoy a break from the Monterey fog as they enjoy amazing, picturesque views of rolling green hills that showcase a rustic, yet modern charm. Just a short drive from Carmel Valley, Big Sur, San Jose, and Santa Cruz; find your perfect wedding venue in just one visit!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Offers full-service amenities
  • All-inclusive venue packages

Venue considerations

  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Dance floor not included
  • Not wheelchair accessible
We had the absolute best experience with Fairview Laguna Seca! From the very beginning, Danielle was the reason we fell in love with the venue, her energy, warmth, and attention to detail made us feel so confident in our decision. When she transitioned out of her role, we were a little anxious, but then Melissa came in and completely blew us away. Melissa worked with us through the last 6 months of planning and was nothing short of incredible. She listened to every idea, every concern, and somehow made everything happen exactly how we envisioned it. She always made us feel heard, never overwhelmed, and her calm, organized energy was everything we needed. On the day of the wedding, she was a total rockstar. She kept everything running smoothly and still managed to check in with us, make us laugh, and reassure us that everything was under control. We honestly don't know what we would’ve done without her! Amber joined the team just days before the wedding, but you’d never know it. She was so on top of things and jumped right in like she had been with us the whole time. Matt was also amazing, he made sure the day flowed perfectly and kept everything on schedule without ever making us feel rushed. The food was delicious and there was so much of it, our guests are still talking about it! The bartending team was fast, friendly, and so easy to work with. Everyone from the Fairview Laguna Seca team went above and beyond to make our day feel special and stress-free. Our DJ, Ernesto, did an incredible job! He stuck to the vibe we wanted, played every request we had, and kept the dance floor going all night long. And the FLORALS … wow. D'Lily's absolutely nailed it. Every arrangement was stunning, fresh, and picture-perfect. They truly brought our vision to life. We can’t thank the entire Fairview Laguna Seca team enough. Our wedding was a dream, and it's all because of the amazing people who made it happen!
Andrea& Nayeli D., a month ago
Carmel's Hidden Gem Restaurant 
Carmel, CA
  • Up to 50 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,000

Tucked away in the heart of Carmel, this charming restaurant is perfect for an intimate wedding. The venue offers a warm, cozy atmosphere where guests can enjoy custom menus tailored to diverse tastes and dietary needs. The personal touches and attention to detail create a welcoming environment that feels like a home away from home. Whether you're planning a small gathering or a larger reception, Carmel's Hidden Gem Restaurant provides a unique dining experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has an intimate atmosphere
  • Provides setup and cleanup
  • All-inclusive venue packages

Venue considerations

  • Small venue, not ideal for a large guest lists
  • No dedicated areas for getting ready
  • No on-premises lodging options
Cella Restaurant & Bar 
Monterey, CA
  • Up to 75 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $4,275

Nestled in the heart of downtown Monterey, Cella Restaurant & Bar welcomes you to experience a culinary journey that embraces the abundance of the Central Coast. Our family-style meals are a celebration of community and connection, offering a bountiful spread that brings people together. From intimate company gatherings to joyous rehearsal dinners, our heated pergola and inviting dining room provide versatile space for any occasion. Whether you are seeking a charming atmosphere or considering a full buyout, we’re here to craft a unforgettable experience.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • Has a relaxed and casual vibe
  • Provides catering services

Venue considerations

  • No dedicated areas for getting ready
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
  • No on-premises lodging options
Fieldwork Brewing Company - Monterey 
Monterey, CA
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor

Fieldwork's Monterey Beer Garden is located in the Uptown Shopping Center. Monterey's generally mild and beautiful weather offers the perfect setting for enjoying a beer with friends in the outdoor beer garden. Visitors to our Monterey Beer Garden can expect an ever-changing tap list of fresh releases to enjoy by sampler flight or beer by the glass. Our Monterey Taproom is an excellent location for welcome drinks and events leading up to your big day! Private Event inquiries are fielded from the form on our website. Please visit our website's private events page to submit an event inquiry with our team.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Allows pets
  • Has a relaxed and casual vibe
  • Venue is completely outdoors

Venue considerations

  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • No on-site bridal suite
  • No venue-provided food services
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
Quick responder
Tipsy Putt 
Monterey, CA
  • Up to 400 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,000

Play and party to your heart's content at Tipsy Putt, an indoor mini-golf bar and restaurant venue with locations across Northern California. Whether it be wedding welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, bachelor/ette parties, or after parties - we are no strangers to celebrating new chapters. From mini-golf to cornhole, Tipsy Putt has an variety of activities for your most competitive attendees. With high-end facilities to match, your 10-300 guests are bound to have a blast as they celebrate you. We have a stylish sports bar with tables, chairs, and flat-screen TVs, as well as a vast selection of local craft beers and draft cocktails. Tipsy Putt also offers delicious, Mexi-Cali inspired, pub fare with individual ordering or catering options available. Hosting your wedding event at Tipsy Putt gives you plenty of support throughout the planning phase. From rentals to the sound, lighting, and equipment for games, our team will provide everything you need for your special occasion.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Full catering menu to choose from
  • Space for a large guest list
  • All-inclusive venue packages

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • Does not provide event staff
  • 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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