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Couples' Choice Awards

Won the Couples' Choice Awards thanks to recommendations from couples on Weddingwire.com.
  • 2011

La Playa Carmel

$25k - $42k For 100 Guests
Up to 130 guests
Availability
Responds within 24 hours

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About

On WeddingWire since 2009

La Playa Carmel is the premier wedding venue located in the oceanside village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Our staff provides unparalleled service amongst one of the most iconic backdrops the Monterey Peninsula has to offer. We are honored to host couples, their family and friends for unforgettable celebrations in this splendid setting.

Facilities and Capacity

La Playa Carmel offers a wide variety of venues infused with glamour and old-world ambiance. The Courtyard features the captivating atmosphere of our award-winning English gardens with more than 600 varieties of flowers. Flanked by these marvelous gardens, the La Playa Patio is a wonderful outdoor space for small gatherings amidst turn-of-the-century architectural details. Indoors, the Pacific Room and Terrace feature amazing views of the California coastline. A fire pit and heaters are situated within the Terrace for the comfort of guests. The Garden Room offers magnificent ocean and garden scenery while the historic Fireside Room is suitable for intimate events indoors.

Services

We are proud to provide the following services: Ceremonies & Receptions; Elopements & Mini Matrimonies; Engagement Parties; Bridal Luncheons; Rehearsal Dinners; Farewell Brunches and Guest Accommodations.

Intimate Weddings & Elopements

Whether you wish for a luscious garden setting, a terrace with ocean views or historic indoor surrounds, you are sure to find an atmosphere that’s perfect for you!

Our Elopement Package is available for events with a guest count of 10 or fewer.

Catering & Cuisine

Our culinary team has earned a reputation for enhancing event cuisine with fine dining sensibilities. Skilled chefs will strive to provide you with a feast worthy of your special celebration. Select from our meticulously designed event menus which offer a diverse array of dishes, or customize a menu tailored to your tastes.

Accommodations

Experience charm and romance amidst the sights and sounds of the Pacific. La Playa Carmel features 75 guest rooms with spectacular ocean, garden or estate views. Reflecting a sophisticated beach cottage style, each hotel room is as unique as Carmel itself.

History

Originally designed in 1905 by an artist for his wife, La Playa Carmel has a remarkable history. In 1917, Agnes “Alice” Signor obtained the manor, transforming the seaside estate into a high-end boarding house“The Strand.” In 1940, additional rooms were added, turning the intimate inn into a full-service destination hotel. In 1968 Carmel legend, Howard "Bud" Allen introduced several amenities — including a full-time bar. In 1983, Steve Jobs unveiled the Macintosh computer prototype at La Playa Carmel.

Acquired by Classic Hotels & Resorts in 2012, modern touches have since been added while being careful to preserve the historic significance of this California landmark.

*Please note, a Day-of Wedding Coordinator and/or Wedding Planner is required for Ceremonies and Receptions at La Playa Carmel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$500

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Chairs
China
Clean Up
Flatware
Glassware
Linens
Parking
Set Up
Tables

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Server(s)

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Champagne Toast
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

5

Describe your venue:

Historic Building
Hotel

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Covered Outdoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Accommodations
Bar Services
Catering Services
Clean Up
Event Rentals
Pet Friendly
Wifi

What catering services do you offer?

Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Family Style
Hors d'oeuvres
Outside Cake
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
Liquor License
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What event items are available?

Audio Equipment
Centerpieces
Chairs
Dance Floor
Decor
Lighting
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

April
May
June
July
August
September
October

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
November
December
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18 Reviews

Write a review
Rated
4.4
out of 5.0
Recommended by 88% of couples
  • Quality of service
    4.5 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.3 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.4 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.4 out of 5 rating

17 User photos

  • S
    Sarah M. Married on 05/15/2022
    5 out of 5 rating
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    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating

    15 person wedding

    Our wedding was absolutely perfect. The staff at La Playa really make you feel special and pay attention to every detail. We had a smaller wedding with just immediate family, and it was just perfect. They made some suggestions as the day got closer and it made things even better than before. We love this place and our family cannot stop talking about how spectacular it all was. Cannot wait to come back!

    La Playa Carmel's reply:

    Hi Sarah and Joseph,
    It was such a pleasure getting your special day all set! Wonderful to hear our team created the perfect day for you both.

    Cheers!
    kris
  • Z
    Zoe K. Married on 08/13/2020
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Responsiveness
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
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    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating

    Fabulous & Charming

    Very charming place. Great staff. Sammy and Jehan were a pleasure to work with and quickly responded to our wishes. The Venue has so many wonderful photo areas. Our Ceremony was held in front of the fountain with the Beautiful Bride (Zoe) walking from the top of the Garden stairs to the Fountain.

    La Playa Carmel's reply:

    Gorgeous couple and such a pleasure to work with you. Glad we could bring some happiness in such a crazy time.
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Awards

18
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2011 Winner

Team

Dana  Deminna
Dana Deminna
Director of Catering and Events

Dana is a seasoned event professional who has experience with several venues on the Monterey Peninsula. She will be certain to listen to you so as to understand your vision of the perfect wedding weekend. By doing so, she will be able to show you all we can offer to help you and your planner create a special, unique event.

This may start with a fun and down to earth Rehearsal Dinner and Welcome Party at Brophy's Tavern, complete with Game Room and Private Event Loft. Then focus on the main event with a Ceremony in the Courtyard and Reception in our Pacific Room and Terrace, complete with ocean views. And, finally ending with a Farewell Brunch in our Garden Room overlooking the grounds and the scene of your beautiful wedding from the night before.

Professional Network & Endorsements

4 Endorsements
Denise Adkins Weddings Denise Adkins Weddings Wedding Officiants

beautiful place. cant wait until it reopens

Every Last Detail Wedding & Event Coordination Every Last Detail Wedding & Event Coordination Wedding Planners

For a touch of the Mediterranean without the airfare, visit La Playa Hotel. Richard and Megan are a pleasure to work with and the hotel staff are very accommodating. All of my brides have always enjoyed their wedding day at La Playa and I always enjoy watching my couples and their families soak in all that La Playa has to offer. Patty Speirs, Executive Coordinator Every Last Detail Wedding & Event Coordination www.eldweddings.com

Fleurish Floral Designs Fleurish Floral Designs Wedding Florists

The La Playa hotel is one of my favorite venues. The location is historic and quaint with beautiful gardens and personal service. The staff is always helpful and friendly. If you are looking for a romantic garden setting for your wedding, make sure you talk to the La Playa hotel

Map

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Request a visit
Camino Real at 8th Avenue Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
831 293 6100
800-582-8900
Location of (La Playa Carmel)

La Playa Carmel frequently asked questions

La Playa Carmel includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Chairs
  • China
  • Clean Up
  • Flatware
  • Glassware
  • Linens
  • Parking
  • Set Up
  • Tables
La Playa Carmel includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Server(s)
The bar service starting price at La Playa Carmel includes:
  • Champagne Toast
  • House Liquor
  • House Wine
  • Limited Bar
  • Open Bar
  • Premium Liquor
  • Signature Drink
The space offered by La Playa Carmel for wedding events is known for:
  • Historic Building
  • Hotel
La Playa Carmel offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Covered Outdoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
La Playa Carmel offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
La Playa Carmel offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Accommodations
  • Bar Services
  • Catering Services
  • Clean Up
  • Event Rentals
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wifi
La Playa Carmel offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Audio Equipment
  • Centerpieces
  • Chairs
  • Dance Floor
  • Decor
  • Lighting
  • Tables
La Playa Carmel is recommended by 88% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.4 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.5 in quality of service, 4.5 in value, 4.4 in flexibility, 4.4 in professionalism and 4.3 in average response time.

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