How to Plan Your SF City Hall Wedding
May 12, 2025A full guide on how to elope in Carmel by the Sea and Monterey! Whether you’re hoping to say I do beachside or at a local scenic garden, Carmel and Monterey are beautiful coastal locations with vibrant landscapes. In the guide below, you’ll find all the must know details to help you plan your elopement in Carmel by the Sea or Monterey. Scroll through for more, or bookmark this page so you can come back to it again and again throughout the planning process.
Obtaining a Marriage License to Elope in Carmel by the Sea & Monterey
Whether you decide to elope in Carmel by the Sea or Monterey, the process for obtaining a marriage license is the same for either location.
Apply Online
If you want to get the process started, you can apply for a marriage license online, through this link. However, you will both still need to appear in person at the County Clerk’s Office within two weeks of submitting your request, or your request will be deleted.
Apply In-person
To apply in person at the County Clerk’s Office for your marriage license to elope in Carmel by the Sea or Monterey, you will need the following:
- A valid state driver’s license or state ID
- If you are presenting a valid state driver’s license or state ID that does not reflect your full legal name, you will also need to bring a certified copy of your birth certificate
- Payment of $95 for a non-confidential marriage license (cash, personal check, cashier’s check, or money order. Debit and credit cards are accepted but will be charged an additional transaction fee of $2.50)
- Or, a payment $100 for a confidential marriage license (cash, personal check, cashier’s check, or money order. Debit and credit cards are accepted but will be charged an additional transaction fee of $2.50)
County Clerk’s Office Location & Information
Monterey County Government Center Administration Building
County Clerk’s Office
168 West Alisal Street, 1st Floor
Salinas, CA 93901
Office Hours
8 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 5 pm (they are closed for lunch from 12 pm to 1 pm)
Monday through Friday, excluding Holidays & posted advance notice of closures
Marriage License Issuance Hours
8 am to 4:30 pm
Monday through Friday, excluding Holidays & posted advance notice of closures
Mailing Address
Monterey County Clerk
P.O. Box 29
Salinas, CA 93902
Phone:
831-755-5450
831-647-7741 (toll-free for the Monterey Peninsula)
Email:
CountyClerk@countyofmonterey.gov
Monterey Elopement Locations
So often, our couples choose to elope in Monterey because of the beautiful landscape and the near-perfect weather it offers year-round. In addition to the beautiful scenery, Monterey is also an outdoor playground that allows you to take long walks along the shore, go paddleboarding, or hop on a bike rental and take in the sights. Once you’ve made the decision to plan a Monterey elopement, you’ll need a location to host your vows. There is no shortage of stunning locations within Monterey that offer unforgettable views and beachfront access. Below are 8 amazing locations to elope in Monterey, CA, including locations conveniently located between Monterey & Carmel.
1. Point Pinos Lighthouse
The oldest, continuously operational lighthouse on the west coast, Point Pinos Lighthouse, has been a local staple since 1855. It’s a beautiful piece of history and a simple yet romantic setting for Eloping in Monterey, CA. In order to recite your vows at Point Pinos, you will need to make a reservation. You can find more information through the City of Pacific Grove’s website or by calling their wedding info line at 831-648-3134.
2. Lover’s Point
Lover’s Point Park is located at the end of 17th Street, right at the Southern end of Monterey Bay. In total, it encompasses over 4 acres of beautiful landscape. The park includes a gorgeous beach, featuring a small jagged coast, along with several other amenities for enjoying the area. It’s a highly sought-after location to elope in Monterey CA. Offering a serene setting for exchanging your vows and capturing your wedding photos.
Permit Requirements
If you’re planning a Lover’s Point elopement, you will need to obtain a permit & reservation online. Your combined permit & reservation offers a minimum of two hours of access to your site. However, you can add additional hours if needed.
3. Berwick Park
Another location we love to recommend for eloping in Monterey, CA, is Berwick Park. It’s a beach wedding location that offers exquisite views of the sea gently lapping over the shore, while you are joined in marriage to your person. In fact, Berwick Park is one big grassy acre that is between Cannery Row & downtown Pacific Grove. This area tends to attract fewer tourists and visitors than the other locations listed, making it an ideal location for you if you are seeking a secluded Monterey elopement experience.
Permit Requirements
If you plan on your Berwick Park elopement having tables, chairs, and amplified sound, then you will need to obtain a permit & reservation online. Your permit & reservation will cover a minimum of two hours, but you can add additional hours to your permit if needed.
4. Memory Garden
A public park with private use, Memory Garden, is available through the California State Parks Department. Located at 20 Custom House Plaza in Monterey, Memory Garden has space for a ceremony-only experience, or a ceremony and reception with 5, 8, or 10-hour time frames. Memory Garden is a courtyard-like setting featuring verdant greenery, a stone fountain, and a meticulously landscaped space for hosting your vows. The space is available during daylight hours only. Additionally, weddings are not permitted on holidays or holiday weekends. You can find rental rates and further details on obtaining your preferred wedding date a Memory Garden in Monterey through this link.
5. Stevenson Garden
Located at the historic Stevenson House at 530 Houston Street in Monterey, the Stevenson Garden is available for a Monterey Elopement. The garden is paved with walkways, lush flowers, and overflowing vegetation throughout. The setting is secluded, intimate, and romantic. The Stevenson Garden is also available through the California State Parks Department and offers use of its space in time blocks of 4 hours. You can find more details on obtaining a special event application to elope in Monterey, CA, at the Stevenson Garden through this link.
6. The Hotel Del Monte
The Hotel Del Monte is located within minutes of the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fisherman’s Wharf. They offer an outdoor space on Del Monte Beach for hosting your Monterey Elopement. However, this space is only available seasonally, from May 1st to September 30th. It features a dais perched just before the wooden stairway that leads to the ocean to frame your vows. Overall, this Monterey elopement location provides a laid-back beachy location for you to say I do against the shoreline.
7. Old Monterey Inn
The last location on the list of Monterey elopement locations is the Old Monterey Inn. They offer elopement packages to host your wedding, whether it’s just the two of you or you wish to invite up to 6 guests. Elopement ceremonies at the Old Monterey Inn are held in the garden between the hours of 11 am to 3 pm. Their elopement package also includes a two-night stay and engraved champagne flutes to celebrate your newlywed status.
8. The Sanctuary
Searching for a place to stay and elope in Monterey, CA? The Sanctuary is an exquisite resort and elopement location, all in one! The ceremony space at The Sanctuary is right on the sand of their private beachfront. You can plan your Monterey elopement as a ‘just the two of us’ experience, or you can invite anywhere from 10-50 guests. Your Monterey Elopement at The Sanctuary will be a toes-in-the-sand kind of day with the quiet call of the Pacific Ocean in the backdrop. Additionally, The Sanctuary offers fun add-ons for your elopement, such as oyster shucking classes!
Restaurants in Monterey CA for an After Elopement Celebration
Searching for amazing local restaurants in Monterey, CA? After you elope in Monterey, you’ll probably be searching for cute local places to celebrate. Whether your vibe is a cool place to have a drink, a restaurant that serves fresh seafood, or a fun spot to grab a slice, here are 10 amazing restaurants in Monterey, CA, for you to check out.
1. Sardine Factory
Cuisine | Elevated seafood and wine pairings
Vibe | Chic, eclectic
Location | 701 Wave St, Monterey, CA 93940
2. Crab House
Cuisine | Steak and seafood
Vibe | Waterfront pier views, relaxed
Location | 60 Fishermans Wharf #1, Monterey, CA 93940
3. Louie Linguini’s
Cuisine | Italian-inspired seafood
Vibe | Pierside with waterfront views, relaxed
Location | 660 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
4. Whaling Station Steakhouse
Cuisine | Dry-aged steakhouse
Vibe | Old school atmosphere
Location | 763 Wave St, Monterey, CA 93940
5. Estéban Restaurant
Cuisine | Spanish & Mediterranean fare
Vibe | Chic and relaxed with indoor outdoor (patio) seating
Location | 700 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA 93940
Places to Stay in Monterey CA
Whether you’re driving in or flying in, you’ll need places to stay when you Elope in Monterey CA. Monterey is filled with lavish hotels, historic inns, resorts, and hotels that provide easy access to local attractions. Below are 12 places to stay in Monterey, CA, for your elopement.
1. Victorian Inn
A boutique-style hotel that embodies the decor and ambience of the Victorian era. The Victorian Inn is located on Cannery Row and provides the tranquility of a coastal stay. Victorian Inn is conveniently located near McAbee Beach, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and all the locally loved shops and eateries Monterey Bay has to offer.
Learn more about staying at the Victorian Inn through this link.
2. Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
The Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa is perched high above the crashing shores of the Pacific Ocean. This oceanfront hotel offers guests a modern and luxurious stay with easy access to Cannery Row and Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Monterey Plaza Hotel also has a luxurious spa and on-site dining options.
Find out more about booking your stay at Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa here.
3. Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Nestled slightly further inland, you’ll find the Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay. Though it’s not located directly on the water, Portola is still within walking distance of all the fabulous amenities and sights that Monterey offers. Portola is pet-friendly and also has a spa on site, just in case you’re thinking about indulging in a couples massage during your stay!
Learn more about staying at Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay here.
4. The Monterey Hotel
Old world charm and modern amenities collide at The Monterey Hotel. This pet-friendly boutique hotel is a vibe all its own with convenient walking access to downtown Monterey. All the very best local attractions are just outside the doors of their Victorian facade.
To find out more about The Monterey Hotel, follow this link.
5. Seven Gables Inn
The Seven Gables Inn was originally a three-story mansion built in 1886. The ‘main house’ features six rooms to choose from, while the guest house, beach house, carriage house, and cottages offer additional suites and amenities. It’s a slice of historic charm with unforgettable views.
Learn more about booking your stay at the Seven Gables Inn through this link.
Elopement Packages Monterey CA
When it comes to elopement packages in Monterey, CA, we offer pricing that ranges from $1525 to $3155. Whether your beautiful coastal elopement in Monterey requires an officiant, photography, videography, flowers, and hair & makeup, or you find yourself in need of only an officiant and wedding photographer, we offer flexible packages with optional add-ons to suit every budget. You can find a more detailed view of our all-inclusive elopement packages for Monterrey, CA, at this link.
Carmel by the Sea Wedding Locations
Carmel is an ideal location for an elopement in CA, especially if you’re dreaming of a ‘just the two of us’ vibe. To elope in Carmel is to enjoy the diverse landscape. One that is beautifully scenic, with some of the best secluded coastlines that California has to offer. Couples often choose Carmel by the Sea wedding locations because the area is known for its own personal brand of charm. In Carmel, you’ll find delectable little bistros tucked into every corner with renowned dining experiences, historic architecture, and cozy cottages & inns for an all-encompassing Carmel by the Sea elopement experience.
Wondering when to elope in Carmel? There’s no denying, Carmel by the Sea is beautiful year-round. But we would advise that you plan your wedding before or after summer. The summer tends to attract high levels of crowds who flock to the parks and beaches. Making it less than ideal for an intimate elopement.
Wondering where to elope in Carmel? Below are 5 Carmel by the Sea wedding locations, including peaceful outdoor spaces, beaches, and parks. All with idyllic settings for you to say I do.
1. Carmel River State Beach
If you dream of a Carmel by the Sea elopement set against the crashing waves of the shore, Carmel River State Beach has a beautiful yet intimate setting for your wedding ceremony. In total, the beach is one mile long. It features a lagoon which was formed by the Carmel River. It’s an unbelievably picturesque setting featuring idyllic views of jagged rocks, lush greenery, and knolls off in the distance. If you do decide to elope in Carmel at Carmel River State Beach, your vows will be filled with the backdrop of the glittering turquoise waters. Making it a romantic location to capture unforgettable memories of your beach wedding in Carmel, CA.
Permit Requirements
Elopements taking place at Carmel River State Beach with more than 75 guests in attendance will require a permit; elopements with smaller-sized guest lists do not.
2. Carmel Beach
Searching for more locations to host a beach elopement in Carmel, CA? Carmel Beach is hands down one of the most quintessential beaches on the coast. If you close your eyes and picture an iconic California beach, Carmel Beach offers everything you could possibly imagine. Blue-green waters, white sand, greenery set back away from the shore, and views in every direction. If you want to elope in Carmel with your furbaby by your side, you’ll be happy to know the beach is also dog-friendly! Making Carmel Beach a dreamy location to say I do.
Permit Requirements
Elopements taking place at Carmel Beach with more than 75 people in attendance will require a Beach Event Permit. If your elopement includes a guest list of over 100, then you will also need to obtain a Development Permit through the Community Planning and Building Department.
3. Wedding Rock Carmel
Have you heard of Wedding Rock in Carmel? It’s a beautiful location within Carmel River State Beach that is perfect for an intimate elopement. The specific location is known as Carmel Meadows, but often referred to as Wedding Rock. The location directly overlooks the rugged coastline, but it’s nestled high above the sands, providing you with the most remarkable views of the roaring Pacific, while you recite your vows. Wedding Rock is by far one of the most unique Carmel by the Sea elopement locations. It’s perfect for couples who want to enjoy an ocean view, minus the sandy shores.
4. Garrapata State Park
Stretched across over 6 miles of beach at Carmel by the Sea lies Carrapta State Park. The park features several trails and allows dogs on the beach at Gate 19, which is located at the sound end of the park. This stunning state park is another gorgeous beach wedding location in Carmel, CA. It offers breathtaking views in every direction, with the ability to capture your wedding photos on the shore or one of the many secluded trails located within the park.
Permit Requirements
You will need to obtain a permit for your Garrapata State Park wedding ceremony. This can be done by contacting the California State Parks Office – (Monterey District) office directly at 831-624-3407 or by emailing them at fwilson@parks.ca.gov. Please keep in mind that a permit for getting married at Garrapata State Park does not allow tables, chairs, arches/arbors, or any music that is amplified.
Restaurants in Carmel, CA to Celebrate After Your Elopement
Whether your Carmel by the Sea elopement is just the two of you or you plan on inviting a crew along, you’ll need a fabulous place to celebrate after your vows! Carmel by the Sea has a wonderful selection of vibey restaurants with fabulous menus. Each restaurant has its own unique take on the dishes they offer, and it’s all served up in a distinguished setting. Below are 11 restaurants that would make fabulous celebration locations to check out, after you say I do. You can find a breakdown of what each one offers, along with their menu and address, in the list below.
1. Carmel’s Bistro Giovanni
Cuisine | Italian
Vibe | Cozy and intimate bistro
Location | Between 5th &, San Carlos, 6th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
2. Carmel’s Hidden Gem Restaurant
Cuisine | Fresh seasonal menus with local ingredients
Vibe | Patio setting with indoor & outdoor seating
Location | Between 4th and, Mission Street, 5th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
3. Grasings
Cuisine | Modern American & seafood crafted with locally sourced ingredients
Vibe | Clean & classic, indoor & outdoor (patio) seating
Location | NW Corner of Mission and, 6th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
4. Seventh & Dolores
Cuisine | Steakhouse & seafood with a rotating seasonal menu
Vibe | Funky and modern with indoor and outdoor (patio) seating
Location | 7th Avenue &, Dolores St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
5. Flying Fish Grill
Cuisine | Inventive seafood dishes of the East & West Coast
Vibe | Romantic and intimate
Location | 7th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
Best Places to Stay in Carmel by the Sea
Searching for the best places in Carmel by the Sea? Even if you are traveling somewhat locally to elope in Carmel, staying nearby will make things smoother on the day of your wedding. Staying nearby will provide you with a dedicated place to get ready the morning of your elopement. It’ll also give you a place to unwind when you go from wedding vows to after after-elopement celebration. In the list below, you’ll find 14 of the best places to stay in Carmel by the Sea. From historic inns to five-star hotels and hotels within walking distance of the beach, we’ve listed them all below.
1. Villa Mara Carmel
Beachy, boho, and the embodiment of California Coastal. Villa Mara is one of the best places to stay in Carmel by the Sea. It’s a 16-room luxury boutique hotel nestled in the Carmel Point neighborhood of Carmel-By-The-Sea. The property is newly remodeled and features a spin on typical overnight accommodations with a residential-inspired point of view. But, heads up, it’s also an adults-only hotel. However, this intimate boutique hotel is just a stroll away from Carmel Beach. Making it a must-see when you elope in Carmel.
Learn more or book your stay at Villa Mara Carmel here.
2. Cypress Inn Carmel-by-the-Sea
Those sweet four-legged fur babies of yours are welcome to join your stay at the Cypress Inn in Carmel by the Sea. The Inn features an atmosphere that is comparable to “village ambiance” with easy access to all the local beaches, restaurants, and shopping that Carmel by the Sea has to offer. Cypress Inn pairs old-world hospitality with modern comforts for a relaxing and romantic stay during your elopement in Carmel.
Learn more or book your stay at Cypress Inn in Carmel by the Sea at this link.
3. Tickle Pink Inn
With unobstructed ocean views, Tickled Pink Inn is nestled among the terrain along the coast of Carmel. It is cozy, romantic, and the perfect retreat to experience during your Carmel by the Sea elopement. The Tickled Pink Inn offers rooms and cottages, with amenities such as ocean spa tubs, an outdoor garden & and a complimentary bottle of bubbly upon your arrival. They also have a private cottage available if you want to enjoy solitude for an elopement turned honeymoon experience during your stay.
Find out more about the Tickled Pink Inn, or book your stay at this link.
4. Candle Light Inn
To elope in Carmel is to immerse yourself in the local landscape. Undeniably, Carmel by the Sea is filled with enchanting inns that are warm, inviting, and ideally suited for newlyweds. The Candle Light Inn is comfy and cozy, with walking distance to dining, boutique shopping, galleries, and Carmel Beach. Rates are flexible, and their outdoor patio and fireplace is an ideal location to enjoy a glass of wine while you unwind from your daily adventures.
Find more information about booking your stay at the Candle Light Inn here.
5. Carmel Mission Inn
Sleek, modern, and just a tad funky, the Carmel Mission Inn has a fun and festive atmosphere. It’s definitely made for couples who elope in Carmel with a heavy side of fun. The inn is pet-friendly and has on-site dining, a fabulous outdoor pool, and an outdoor courtyard made for conversations and relaxation. The Carmel Mission Inn is also committed to sustainability and takes measures throughout its property to ensure each step forward is one towards a cleaner environment.
More information on booking your stay at Carmel Mission Inn can be found at this link.
Carmel Elopement Packages
When it comes to Carmel elopement packages, we offer packages ranging in price from $1525 to $3155. Whether your beautiful coastal Carmel elopement requires packages that cover an officiant, photography, videography, flowers, hair & makeup, or you just need an officiant and photography, we offer the flexibility to select packages with optional add-ons. You can find a more detailed view of our all-inclusive Carmel elopement packages at this link.
