Wedding Photography and Videography Trends for 2025
Dreamy Wedding Venues in Carmel by the Sea for a Fairytale Celebration
Carmel-by-the-Sea feels like it was designed by a hopeless romantic who got lost in a dream and decided to build a town from their imagination. This tiny coastal village on California’s Monterey Peninsula is all about storybook cottages, misty ocean views, and cobblestone streets leading to secret gardens. If you’re looking for wedding venues in Carmel-by-the-Sea that transport you straight into a fairytale, you’re in the right place. In this post, as part of our wedding venue ideas and tips, we’ll be covering some of our favorite wedding venues in Carmel by the Sea.
Why Carmel-by-the-Sea is the Perfect Wedding Destination
What makes this town so special? It’s not just the dramatic cliffs or the gentle lull of waves. Carmel is intimate yet grand, rustic yet polished. You could get married on the sand, in a vineyard, or in a historic inn once frequented by Hollywood legends.
For couples working with a wedding planner, and I suggest doing so, finding the perfect wedding venue at Carmel by the Sea is a dream. From elegant oceanfront estates to charming garden courtyards, the town offers stunning locations that cater to every wedding style.
The best part? The weather behaves like a well-trained best man—cool, collected, and rarely causing trouble. Even in summer, Carmel doesn’t succumb to California’s infamous heat waves, making it a prime location for an outdoor ceremony without melting your guests.
Enchanting Wedding Venues in Carmel by the Sea
1. Oceanfront Elegance: La Playa Carmel
If Gatsby threw a wedding, he’d book La Playa Carmel. This historic mansion, originally built in 1905 as a gift from an artist to his wife (romantic much?), overlooks the Pacific and oozes old-world charm. Think lush gardens, Spanish-style architecture, and an ocean breeze that acts like nature’s own confetti cannon.
Our Experience: I once covered a wedding here where the couple surprised guests with a sunset champagne toast on the terrace. As the sky turned pink, a live guitarist played “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and suddenly, there wasn’t a dry eye in sight. It’s the kind of moment that makes you believe in fate—or at least the magic of a good venue.
Watch this video by the Uncommon Weddings to get a glimpse of a stunning wedding at La Playa Carmel:
2. Carmel Beach: A Dreamy Seaside Ceremony
If you’ve ever imagined saying “I do” with sand between your toes and the Pacific as your backdrop, Carmel Beach is your dream come true. Just check out this Pinterest page for some proof 🙂 Unlike other crowded California beaches, this one feels intimate, almost secret. You won’t find commercial boardwalks or neon signs—just the raw beauty of nature.
Our Experience: A barefoot bride, a groom in linen, and the soft hum of waves—pure magic. One couple even had their dog serve as the ring bearer. He made it halfway down the aisle before deciding the seagulls were more interesting, but hey, that’s what makes beach weddings unforgettable.
Watch this video by Love Unique Studio for a beautiful wedding at Carmel Beach:
3. Fairytale Gardens & Vineyards: Mission Ranch
Mission Ranch is the kind of place that makes you want to write poetry. Rolling meadows, grazing sheep, and an inn once saved by Clint Eastwood—yes, that Clint Eastwood. It’s rustic, romantic, and has a view that stretches all the way to the sea.
Our Experience: The last wedding I covered here had a reception under the stars, with twinkle lights wrapped around ancient oak trees. The guests danced on the grass, and at midnight, the bride and groom ran through a sparkler tunnel. It was like a scene from a Nicholas Sparks novel—minus the tragic ending.
Watch this video by Outlive Creative for a lovely wedding at Mission Ranch in Carmel by the Sea:
4. Folktale Winery & Vineyards: A Storybook Setting
Since I lived in France for a while, and I love vineyards – this is one of my top favorite wedding venues in Carmel by the Sea. There’s something undeniably romantic about vineyards. Maybe it’s the rolling hills, maybe it’s the wine. Folktale Winery has both in abundance. With European-inspired architecture and a setting straight out of a fairy tale, this venue feels like stepping into a dream.
Our Experience: A couple once opted for a wine-blending ceremony instead of a unity candle. They mixed two different reds to create their “marriage blend” and then shared a toast. It was symbolic, personal, and let’s be honest—way more fun than lighting a candle.
Watch this video by Kurtela Video Productions for a lovely wedding at Folktale Winery & Vineyards:
5. Elegant Estate & Boutique Inns: L’Auberge Carmel
L’Auberge Carmel is for couples who love the idea of an intimate, luxurious wedding. The European-style inn, with its ivy-covered walls and secluded courtyard, feels like a secret escape from the modern world.
Our Experience: One of the most stunning elopements I covered took place here. The couple dined under a canopy of string lights with just eight guests, savoring a Michelin-starred meal. No big party, no elaborate decor—just love, laughter, and really good food.
Watch this reel to get a glimpse of the place:
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6. Rustic & Nature-Inspired Venues: Holman Ranch
Holman Ranch is where rustic elegance meets Carmel’s natural beauty. The stone hacienda, the rolling vineyards, the distant hills—it’s the kind of place where love stories feel legendary.
Our Experience: A bride once arrived on horseback, and it was the most cinematic entrance I’ve ever seen. The sun was setting, casting everything in gold, and for a moment, it felt like we’d been transported to another era. Pure magic.
Watch this video by Matter Video for a lovely wedding at Holman Ranch in Carmen:
7. Santa Lucia Preserve: A Hidden Forest Haven
For couples who want total privacy, the Santa Lucia Preserve offers an exclusive escape. Hidden in 20,000 acres of protected wilderness, it feels like a wedding set in an enchanted forest.
Our Experience: The ceremony took place in a redwood grove, with sunlight filtering through the towering trees. The couple read handwritten vows, birds chirped at all the right moments, and guests whispered that it was the most beautiful wedding they’d ever seen.
Watch this stunning video to get a glimpse:
Unique Wedding Experiences in Carmel
Beyond the venue, Carmel offers experiences that turn weddings into full-fledged adventures. Horse-drawn carriage rides through town? Check. Wine and cheese tastings? Absolutely. Post-wedding brunch at a café with ocean views? Essential.
And for the ultimate grand finale, nothing beats a sunset photoshoot along Big Sur’s rugged cliffs. I once watched a bride, veil billowing in the wind, standing on a cliff’s edge while the Pacific roared below. It was the kind of moment that gets printed in magazines.
Tips for Planning Your Carmel Wedding
- Best Time to Get Married: Spring and fall offer mild weather, golden light, and fewer tourists.
- Local Vendors: Carmel has incredible florists, planners, and photographers who know how to make magic happen.
- Guest Accommodations: Boutique inns, luxury resorts, and charming B&Bs make staying here an experience in itself.
- Marriage License: You’ll need a California marriage license, for more details read this.
Say “I Do” in a Place Straight Out of a Storybook
If your wedding vision includes sweeping ocean views, storybook gardens, or vineyard toasts under twinkle lights, then Carmel-by-the-Sea is calling. It’s more than just a destination—it’s a mood, a feeling, a fairytale waiting to be written. I hope our list of top favorite wedding venues in Carmel by the Sea helped you a bit to give you an idea. And if you need proof? Just look at the couples who came before you, standing hand in hand, promising forever in a place that feels like it was made for love.
