Top Carmel Wedding Venues
As a Carmel wedding photographer, I’ve worked all over the Monterey Peninsula. I wanted to share my experience and opinion of the best Carmel wedding venues for couples looking for the right venue for their wedding. If you are on the hunt for the perfect venue, you know there are so many amazing places to tour. I recommend making a list of your top five and booking tours over a long weekend. Keep your guest experience in mind- where will they stay? How will they get to the wedding?
I’ve included wedding venues in both Carmel Valley and Carmel-by-the-Sea that I’ve personally photographed at. I hope you enjoy this guide, and would love to chat about your wedding plans if you are looking for a local Carmel wedding photographer.
Bernardus Lodge, Carmel Valley
Bernardus Lodge and Spa is renowned for a reason. It has everything you need for a classic Carmel Valley wedding. Your guests can stay on property, it has an amazing on-site restaurant that will cater your wedding, and the wedding locations are stunning. My favorite is the Rose Garden for your ceremony and reception (super private), and the lawn for your cocktail hour.
What I love about this venue: A photographers dream- so many picturesque locations to photograph at. I love the vineyard and olive trees for sunset, and the lavender garden for portraits of you and your partner.
Want to see more? Check out this Bernardus wedding blog post here.
Stonepine Estate, Carmel Valley
Stonepine Estate is a 400 acre wedding venue tucked against the foothills off Carmel Valley Road. It features a stunning old world mansion with ponds, hedge mazes, and gardens that are perfect for a California-meets-Europe wedding vibe. What I loved about photographing a wedding here is you have everything you need onsite. From accomodations to multiple venues for rehearsal dinner and after parties, it is convienent for you and your guests.
What I love about this venue: It feels like you are in total privacy, as you cannot see any other homes, roads or people from the venue. It is true luxury.
Holman Ranch, Carmel Valley
One of the most historic Carmel wedding venues, Holman Ranch sits up in the hills of Carmel Valley. It boasts stunning views, dyamnic celebration spaces, and century old buildings with massive full growth trees everywhere. It is a totally private full service venue, with acres of olive trees, vineyards, and stone buildings. A limited amount of guests can stay on property for the weekend.
What I love about this venue: The light up in the Santa Lucia mountains is so soft and pretty, and the background of all the old stone building lends such charm to your photos. I recommend taking a golf cart up to the vineyards for sunset photos, and then stopping at the massive oak tree.
Want to see more? Check out this Holman Ranch wedding blog post here.
Tehama Golf Club, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Tehama Golf Club holds a special place in my heart. Everytime I photograph a wedding there, and see the evening fog rolling over the Monterey Bay against a golden sunset- it just hits. If you tour Tehama, you will see that it is special. The views are amazing, and it has one of my favorite things during a wedding- no cars, roads, or home in the background. Just beautiful, rolling hills.
What I love about this venue: Everything is in one place. You can bus your guests in, and the ceremony, reception and dancing are all close by. Plus the access to the grounds are amazing for sunset couple portraits.
Want to see more? Check out a Tehama Golf Club blog post here.
Carmel Mission Basilica, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Built in 1791, the Carmel Mission Basilica is one of California’s most beautiful mission. As far as a dramatic wedding photograph, you can’t beat a portrait in from of it’s massive wooden doors. Another obvious old world vibe, this Carmel wedding venue is perfect for the couple looking for a traditional wedding ceremony. If you chose to have your ceremony here, I recommend two photographers, as there are no side aisles. I put one photographer on the side up front, and stay in the main aisle to capture it all.
What I love about this venue: The staff is amazing and keeps your ceremony on time and easily choreographed. You also get the opportunity to go back to the alter of the church for indoor portraits, as well as use the courtyard for family and bridal party portraits after your ceremony. For a wedding reception after the fact, I recommend the nearby Mission Ranch (see below).
Carmel Valley Ranch, Carmel Valley
Carmel Valley Ranch is a massive resort and wedding venue right off of Carmel Valley Road. It features golfing, vineyards and proximity to the rest of the Monterey Peninsula. If you are looking for a venue with tons of oak trees and a classic ‘Napa’ look, this venue is for you! All of your guests can stay on site in the luxiourious suites, and you can choose from the many wedding spaces to host all of your events at. Plus, this venue is warm- you won’t worry about the fog rolling in.
What I love about this venue: You have everything you need on site, from winding paths through vineyards to massive oak trees. Your guests will love being able to hike the grounds as they explore.
La Playa, Carmel-by-the-Sea
In the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea sits La Playa hotel, which moonlights as one of the most popular wedding venues. Couples love the dark and moody bar, ocean views, and Italian courtyard for the ceremony. Don’t forget to head inside for some flash photography on the curved staircase and private alcoves.
What I love about this venue: Charm charm charm. And your guests will love staying the heart of Carmel and being able to walk to Carmel Beach every morning.
Mission Ranch, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Mission Ranch has the views! It sits against an open field with sheep and the Pacific Ocean in the background. It features a modern cabins for your guests, and famous restaurant where you can sometimes get glimpses of Clint Eastwood, and multiple wedding locations on property. If you want a more relaxed wedding vibe, you’re going to want to check this venue out. Plus, it is right in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
What I love about this venue: It’s got the perfect rustic Carmel charm. The dancing barn is so fun, and who doesn’t want sheep in the background of their wedding ceremony?
Want to see more? Check out this Mission Ranch blog post here.
