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Weddings

About

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.

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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?

Dessert
Server(s)

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

House Beer
House Wine
Open Bar
Specialty Beer

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

2

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

5

Describe your venue:

Hotel

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
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
Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors
Pet Friendly
Wifi

What catering services do you offer?

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

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
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?

Altar/Arch
Chairs
Dance Floor
Furniture
Lighting
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

Reviews of La Playa Hotel

This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

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La Playa is highly recommended by multiple reviewers for weddings. The staff is praised for their exceptional service and attention to detail, making couples feel special and ensuring a seamless experience. The property is described as unbelievable and perfect for a spring wedding, with a beautiful garden for the ceremony and cocktail hour, and a terrace for the reception. The food is highly acclaimed, with guests saying it's the best they've had at a wedding. While the venue is not cheap, reviewers felt it was completely worth it for the amazing experience.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

La Playa is highly recommended by multiple reviewers for weddings. The staff is praised for their exceptional service and attention to detail, making couples feel special and ensuring a seamless experience. The property is described as unbelievable and perfect for a spring wedding, with a beautiful garden for the ceremony and cocktail hour, and a terrace for the reception. The food is highly acclaimed, with guests saying it's the best they've had at a wedding. While the venue is not cheap, reviewers felt it was completely worth it for the amazing experience.

Carmen
Carmen Sent on 06/30/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Great experience, amazing food

The entire La Playa staff/team was amazing and helpful to make this past weekend incredibly special for my wife and myself.

Everyone from Sammy, Dana, Ian, Kathleen, Primo, Claudia and the rest of the staff provided great service and made everyone's experience enjoyable. The food and drinks were amazing and the property was unbelievable and perfect for a Spring Wedding. Our guests complimented that they ate the best food of any wedding they've attended. The hotel staff was so attentive to us and our guests during our stay with constant offerings of iced coffee, champagne and anything else we could think of. Weddings are pricey, but when staff go the extra mile, it is worth it!!
L
Lauren Sent on 01/12/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Above and Beyond

We had to move the venue 3 days before the event! Let’s just say that every T was crossed and every I was dotted. Exceptional help!
S
Sarah Sent on 05/29/2022
5 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!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

19
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2011 Winner

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

La Playa Hotel frequently asked questions

La Playa Hotel 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 Hotel includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Dessert
  • Server(s)
The bar service starting price at La Playa Hotel includes:
  • House Beer
  • House Wine
  • Open Bar
  • Specialty Beer
The space offered by La Playa Hotel for wedding events is known for:
  • Hotel
La Playa Hotel offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
La Playa Hotel offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
La Playa Hotel offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Accommodations
  • Bar Services
  • Catering Services
  • Clean Up
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Outside Vendors
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wifi
La Playa Hotel offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Altar/Arch
  • Chairs
  • Dance Floor
  • Furniture
  • Lighting
  • Tables
La Playa Hotel is recommended by 89% 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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