Villa Mara Carmel is a hotel destination wedding venue in CA, United States, hosting 20 to 150 guests in the $$$ price range, reached from Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), 45 minutes. Best months: June, July, August, October.
Villa Mara Carmel
Guests arrive at Villa Mara Carmel to sweeping coastal views and the sound of waves below, a Carmel-by-the-Sea hotel where the ceremony takes place steps from the Pacific.
About Villa Mara Carmel
Guests arrive at Villa Mara Carmel to sweeping coastal views and the sound of waves below, a Carmel-by-the-Sea hotel where the ceremony takes place steps from the Pacific.
The property accommodates your entire wedding party under one roof, eliminating logistical headaches and creating genuine moments between celebrations.
With 4.9-star ratings across platforms, this venue has hosted 200+ destination weddings since opening.
Ask about a date.
Choose a day from the calendar.
Nothing is reserved until the venue confirms. A first note comes back within two business days.
We had the most wonderful experience at Villa Mara Carmel during our wedding weekend. From the moment we arrived, their team provided exceptional support and made everything feel seamless and special.
Kiana Navarro · read the whole review on Google →Capacity, rooms and facilities
Getting there
- Nearest airport
- MRY, 45 min by carAisle estimate
Venue highlights
- Oceanfront location at 2408 Bay View Ave with unobstructed Pacific views
- On-site accommodation for 80+ guests across hotel rooms and suites
- Licensed for ceremonies on multiple terraces; largest holds 150 guests
- Full-service hotel amenities including spa, restaurant, and concierge
The wedding season
A sample wedding weekend
See the day-by-day outline+
Use this as a starting point and adapt it to your bookings and guests.
- 3:00 PMGuest arrival and check-in; welcome reception with wine and appetizers on oceanfront terrace
- 6:00 PMRehearsal on ceremony terrace with officiant
- 2:00 PMBride/groom preparation in suite; guest welcome and seating begins
- 3:30 PMCeremony on oceanfront terrace; cocktail hour with photos
- 5:00 PMReception: dinner, toasts, dancing in ballroom until 11:00 PM
- 10:00 AMFarewell brunch; guest checkout
Costs and booking details
- Getting there
- MRY · 45 minutes
Guests fly into Monterey Regional Airport.
- Typical total
- $35,000–80,000Aisle estimate
Gratuity and taxes not included.
See the full figure+
$35,000–$80,000 for 75 guests, 2-night stay
- Ceremony fee
- $2,500–4,500Aisle estimate
A one-time licence and setup fee, paid to the venue.
See the full figure+
$2,500–$4,500
- Reception
- $125–250 / headAisle estimate
A seated dinner with wine and service, by headcount.
See the full figure+
$125–$250 (food and beverage)
- Room rate
- $200–600 / nightAisle estimate
A standard room in the wedding window. Group rates on request.
See the full figure+
$200–$600 per room
- Weather window
- June – August, October
The 4 months the weather is kindest. Weather does not indicate whether a date is available.
- Direct line
- (831) 624-6433
Answered by the venue in local hours.
Questions about the venue
Can we host both ceremony and reception at the venue?+
Yes. Villa Mara Carmel offers oceanfront terraces for ceremonies and multiple indoor/outdoor reception spaces. Most couples use the seaside terrace for vows and transition guests to the main hall or garden pavilion for dining and dancing.
How many guests can stay on property?+
The hotel accommodates approximately 80 guests across its rooms and suites. Additional guests can book nearby hotels within Carmel-by-the-Sea, located within 1-3 miles of the venue.
What's included in the venue fee?+
The ceremony venue rental includes access to oceanfront terraces, tables, and basic linens. Reception packages typically include the space, table settings, and bar service; catering is priced separately through the hotel's culinary team.
What's the weather like for outdoor ceremonies?+
The hotel provides heated outdoor spaces and covered areas year-round. Winter weddings are popular but cooler (50–60°F).
Could this be your venue?
Ask about your plans, pricing and availability. You do not need a fixed date yet.
Still deciding? Elena is Aisle’s AI wedding planner. Give her a month and a guest count and she will forecast the budget, work out how your guests would travel, and put a first plan on paper. No account needed.
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Sources and booking notes
Confirm your dates, guest numbers, room arrangements and inclusions with the venue before booking. An enquiry does not reserve a date. Figures labelled Aisle estimate are modelled from regional rates and public sources; they are not venue quotes.