Hyatt Carmel Highlands Reviews
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![Tess]()
Tess Sent on 10/19/2022Amazing!
I had set my eyes early on for hosting my wedding at the Hyatt Highlands Inn and when I viewed it in person, I knew it was the one! We literally didn't even go tour the other venues, I was that sure. It had everything we wanted, amazing property and views, outside ceremony, inside reception, what more could you ask for?! :)
Meeting Jessica, Emily, Lauren and Caroline has been an absolute pleasure and they were all so easy to work with and made sure leading up to and on the day of that my wedding was perfect! Thank you for making our wedding day so special and memorable! We definitely could not have done it without you all and we will forever cherish this day!
Love,
The Sheard's
#readytosheardourlivestogether
#cheerstothesheardsHyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Tess,
Thank you so much for the sweet words - we loved working with you, your families and your planner! Your Wedding was BEAUTIFUL in our Oceanside Ballroom! I wish a lifetime of happiness for you both! xoxo
#readytoshreadlivestogether
Thank you,
Jessica Schmidt
Events & Catering Manager
Hyatt Residence Club, Highlands Inn
T +1.831.622.5461 M +1.831.250.3011
120 Highlands Drive, Carmel, CA 93923
hyattresidenceclub.com
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![Emily]()
Emily Sent on 11/18/2024Best Event Planning Team Ever!
One thing I really love about this venue is how much the location and building design speak for themselves. Many other venues have your reception in a large room that really is just a conference space. The ballroom at the Hyatt is beautiful with two huge fireplaces and a stunning view. You really don't need to worry too much about decor in a venue this gorgeous. The ceremony deck and its view are absolutely breathtaking. The bridal suite fit my bridal party of 8 and the makeup team perfectly. The only big issue with the venue is the amount of stairs. There is really no way to fully avoid stairs to the ceremony site and the rooms since the hotel was built in the early 1900s. They do have golf carts available for guest use but if you have folks in wheelchairs attending your wedding they may have some difficulty navigating the space.
Our guests really enjoyed the food at the venue. We had the Argentinian skirt steak as one of our appetizers and multiple guests came up to me during the wedding to tell us that it was one of the best things they had eaten in a while. Others also really enjoyed the ahi poke appetizer.
We truly had the most perfect wedding possible and it was largely in part to the two Emilys at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn. They are absolute rockstars and I would 100% work with them again if I could. -
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Anastasia Sent on 09/23/2024
Amazing Wedding!
I can’t thank Emily and Emily enough for the incredible job they did as our wedding coordinators at the Highlands Inn! From the very beginning, they were incredibly responsive, making the planning process feel seamless.
On the day of the wedding, their organization was outstanding. They kept everyone on schedule, ensuring that everything ran perfectly without a single issue. The servers, banquet team, and bartenders were all exceptional, providing top-notch service that made our guests feel pampered and well taken care of.
The venue itself was absolutely stunning! We used the outdoor gazebo deck for our ceremony, which provided a beautiful backdrop, and the wine room for our reception was simply enchanting. It created the perfect atmosphere for a magical evening.
With Emily and Emily's seamless coordination and the amazing team at Highlands Inn, we didn’t have to lift a finger—we were able to fully enjoy our special day without any stress. If you’re looking for coordinators who are not only skilled but also genuinely care about making your day perfect, I can’t recommend Emily and Emily highly enough! They truly made our wedding unforgettable. Thank you all for everything!Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
It was such a pleasure working with you through this beautiful journey! We were so happy you had the wedding of your dreams!! We wish you all the love in the world!!
Xoxo,
The Emilies -
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Taeya Sent on 12/29/2023
Highly Recommend Having your Wedding Here!
Emily, Caroline and Team are phenomenal to work with. We had a small 30 person wedding here which took place all on the deck on September 10th, 2023. All the staff, from every aspect, were so friendly and easy to work with. All of our guests were completely amazed by the views and how scenic the entire day was (truly everyone said it was the most stunning wedding they've attended). We live in the Seattle area, so planning out of state can be a bit nerve racking, however the team made it easy to ship day of items, and they completely helped manage and set up the day. If you go with this venue I highly suggest booking the large suite for the evening. After our wedding completed, our close friends all went back and hung out in the living room space and we made a fire, had beer and just all hung out. It was such a great way to finish out the day! Thank you for making our wedding so special!Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Thank you for this excellent review Taeya!
We had such a lovely time with your friends and family and it was fun watching you having fun! Come back to see us soon!
Caroline -
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![Nina]()
Nina Sent on 11/11/2023It was perfect!
We had such an enchanting wedding day here! The scenery set the perfect backdrop for our special day, Caroline, Clara and Emily were incredibly easy to work with, ensuring a seamless and stress-free planning process. We had a few back and forth regarding the guest counts, and they were super accommodating and thoughtful with us!
Our guests couldn't stop talking about the delicious food. Overall, a magical venue with an exceptional team that made our wedding truly unforgettable.Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Hello Nina & Miguel!!
I still can't get over how beautiful your wedding was!! Thank you so much for your kind words and we wish to see you soon to celebrate your anniversary!
Cheers!
Caroline -
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![Caitlin]()
Caitlin Sent on 11/10/2023Stunning venue, amazing support staff
We celebrated our intimate wedding at Hyatt Carmel Highlands in October, and loved every minute of the day. We toured the property in January and immediately knew it was the place for us. Our group was 16 people, and they allow a max of 20. The Gazebo deck could not be any more stunning, I don't think there is a more gorgeous place to get married. Our guests couldn't stop "oohing and ahhing."
You are constantly supported by the Hyatt Carmel event team (3 incredible ladies!) from booking & payment, to planning the day, and coordinating vendors & music on the day-of. We are so grateful for Emily, Caroline, and Clara - thank you for being there for us on our big day. We added on additional passed appetizers and a champagne toast (at additional cost) - the food was delicious and gobbled up immediately! Plenty of gorgeous photo opportunities on-site and in Carmel / Big Sur (attached photos from Tatiana Scher Photography). It truly was the best day, and the venue & vistas are just incredible!Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Thank you for this beautiful review Caitlin! It was a pleasure to host you and your family and we all had an amazing time! We wish you endless amount of love!
xoxo
Caroline -
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![Sabrina]()
Sabrina Sent on 10/11/2023The most perfect wedding
We cannot thank the Hyatt Highlands enough for providing the most perfect day for our wedding. Truly everything from the ceremony on the gazebo deck, cocktail hour, dinner in the surf room, dancing, and a team of exceptional coordinators taking care of every need, the event was absolute perfection and we could not be happier. We also stayed in the most gorgeous hotel room next to the pool with an ocean view and enjoyed a lot of time in the hot tub. Our guests said it was the best wedding venue and party they have ever been to and we cannot wait to come back for our anniversary next year.
Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Thank you so much Sabrina! Your wedding was so magical, and you and Andy are the cutest couple! See you very soon for your anniversary!
Caroline -
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Gloria Sent on 09/07/2023
The perfect venue and the wonderful day!!
I still can remember the day my husband and I did the venue tour. It was a holiday weekend. The traffic was really bad. It took us 2.5 hours drive from the bay area to Carmel. I almost throw up when we were stuck in the traffic. But when I saw those cute flowers along side the mountain road and the wonderful ocean view. I immediately made the decision that it's my wedding venue and there can't be another place. The entire wedding day experience was wonderful. All the staffs are super nice, organized and professional for sure. They are definitely the experts! I really want to shout out to Caroline, Emily, and Clara. Thank you for your hard working before and during the wedding day! The food was amazing too. All the guest were super happy with the hors d'oeuvre, the dinner, and the drinks. Everyone was talking about how strong the spiritual cocktails provided lol! :) Long story short, highly highly recommended place to have your wedding! It's a absolutely stunning experience!
Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Thank you Gloria! Your wedding was soooo beautiful and special. We had a blast with your guests and vendors! Please, come back soon!!
xoxo
Caroline -
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David Sent on 09/02/2023
Amazing Wedding Overlooking Big Sur
After exploring numerous venues across the Bay Area, our journey led us to the Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn. We knew we had found the perfect spot for our wedding as soon as we saw the gazebo deck. The setting was nothing short of breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of the majestic Big Sur mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean.
The culinary delights served during the cocktail hour and reception were nothing short of extraordinary, leaving our guests with high praise for the overall ambiance and the exceptional meal.
However, the true highlight of our experience was the unparalleled support we received from the venue staff, Emily and Caroline. Their dedication went above and beyond, as they invested the time and effort to ensure that our wedding perfectly aligned with our dream vision. They collaborated seamlessly with our wedding planner and graciously accommodated last-minute adjustments.
Without reservation, we wholeheartedly recommend choosing the Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn as the venue for your wedding day. It is a place where dreams come to life, thanks to the exceptional staff and the stunning surroundings.Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Thank you David!! I'm crying tears of joy reading your review 😭! You two were amazing and you are the most organized groom I have ever met!! 😉
We hope to see you again very soon for some vacation time!!
xoxo
Caroline -
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![Sarah]()
Sarah Sent on 08/18/2023Best venue and team ever!
The highlands team were an absolute dream to work with! From the initial meeting and walkthrough to the day of, they were so helpful working with my planner, Confetti & Cocktails. Highlands has a gorgeous wedding deck with incredible views and they have multiple room options for the reception. Our intimate wedding has 20 people so we had the ceremony and cocktail hour on the gazebo deck and then had our reception on the restaurant patio. I was able to get ready in the bridal suite which overlooks the gazebo deck so I could watch the ceremony set-up. The food and drinks were amazing and got great feedback from guests. Overall it was the perfect venue for our big day. We luckily live close by and plan to visit often :) Thank you to the team! I would recommend a million timesHyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Thank you Sarah! Hosting your wedding was such a pleasure and our team had so much fun! Please, come back often for any and all occasions!
XOXO
Caroline -
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![Liz]()
Liz Sent on 07/30/2023Magical Day!
Getting married by the Pacific Ocean was a dream come true for us! We had the pleasure to work with the great team at Hyatt Carmel - Emily, Caroline & Clara, and all of our amazing vendors. Such a professional and thoughtful crew. I highly recommend this venue for couples with a shorter guest list like ourselves (e.g. less than 70). The view from the gazebo deck is stunning with flowers blooming all around the path leading to the deck.
My only caveat is on some summer days (such as our wedding day) the Northern California weather can be on the cloudy/misty side, even a bit chilly at lower 60 degrees, while on other days the sky is bright and sunny (the next day after our wedding, dah!). However on a positive note it is easier to get good pictures on a cloudy day :) To be fair it is the situation for the entire area and nothing specific to this venue - just make sure it is aligned with your expectation!Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Thank you so much Liz for all the kind words.! Your wedding was so perfect and your friends and family a pleasure to host! We hope to see you again soon for some vacation time!
xoxo, Caroline -
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![Georgi]()
Georgi Sent on 07/08/2023Dream wedding at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Our wedding at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands was even better than I imagined. The team of Emily, Caroline, and Carla was professional, responsive, helpful, and so fun to work with. They answered all our questions and helped us put together the wedding of our dreams. All three of these wonderful women were easy to work with and attentive the weekend of our wedding. They are a great team, and I am so grateful they were the ones helping us plan and execute our wedding.
On top of having a very accommodating and supportive events team, the Hyatt Highlands is stunning venue. I always envisioned getting married along the ocean in the Monterey/Carmel area. When we started looking, we were blown away by the venue and views at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands. We got married on the deck, surrounded by views of the Pacific Ocean and Big Sur. Our ceremony was gorgeous and the pictures are a beautiful keepsake of our wedding. Our reception was upstairs in the Oceanside Ballroom, again with breath taking views of the ocean. Our guests could not stop talking about the venue we chose and how beautiful it was. The food and beverage service was excellent as well!
My wedding was my favorite day ever, and we could not have picked a better venue with a better team than the Hyatt Carmel Highlands! Thank you for making our wedding a dream come true!Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Georgi, it was such a pleasure working with you and Michael. I can't believe this was already a month ago! What a beautiful day and family you have! Please, come back for your endless anniversaries! XOXO
Caroline -
![Sarah]()
Sarah Sent on 10/30/2022August Wedding
Loved this venue and especially the team of coordinators! Had the perfect day with all their help!!Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Thank you so much Sarah!
It was such a pleasure to host your wedding! Please, come back soon with your hubby!
XOXO,
Caroline -
![Xiaojing]()
Xiaojing Sent on 08/19/2022Perfect venue for a ocean view wedding
Let me start by saying how much I love the ocean view of Hyatt highlands inn.
I've always prefer an oceanside wedding, while beach wedding might get to messy with all the sands, it is perfect in Hyatt highland inn where the deck oversees the beautiful waves.
In addition to all that, the staffs there are super nice. All those ladies from this venue, Jessica, Lauren, Emily and Caroline are very responsive and helped us navigating through difference choices and very flexible when we have to make amendments to plans that was "finalized".
We could not have a better wedding in any place else :)Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Xiaojing and Xinjie,
You were the BEST and so easy to work with. We love you forever and for always! Please come and visit again soon! -
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![MarkInaws]()
Markinaws Sent on 07/19/2022Amazing views, great team, wonderful wedding
My wife and I loved having our wedding here. The views are unbeatable and the surrounding area is filled with beauty. We wanted to have a wedding by the water and looked into multiple venues throughout our research. We are both very glad we chose this one because it not only had the best views, it was also reasonably priced compared to some of the other ocean front options. The gazebo deck and the ballroom provide great ways to enjoy the view so you never feel too far from the ocean throughout the entire event.
Besides the views, the food was excellent as well. There is a large variety of options to choose from and our guests only had good things to say about the food and hors d'oeuvres.
Lastly, Jessica and her team were a pleasure to work with. They were supportive and communicative throughout the entire process. I highly appreciate everyone's work and can safely say that it culminated in the event of a lifetime!Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
I love this - thank you for the sweet words you two! We can't wait to see you back for you year anniversary!
Thank you,
Jessica Schmidt
Events & Catering Manager
Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn
120 Highlands Drive, Carmel, CA. 93923 USA
Office: +1 (831) 622-5461
Work Mobile: +1 (831) 250-3011
Email: Jessica.Schmidt@VacationClub.com
www.hyattresidenceclub.com
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Lisa Sent on 06/22/2022
Best View, Best Team, Best Venue!!
I have nothing but amazing things to say about the team at Hyatt Highlands Inn at Carmel-by-the-sea! Jessica, Lauren, and Emily are the best event team you can have. The whole planning process for our mini-wedding went so smoothly. They communicated with us throughout and always responded promptly. We did the tour onsite with Emily and immediately said yes to this venue. The private panoramic ocean views off the sunny deck and beautiful garden immediately checked off all of our boxes. We choose the elopement package because we were having less than 20 people and this package included everything you needed: bridal suite starting at 9AM, 1.5 hrs of ceremony time, 3 hors d'oeuvres + server, add on champagne toast, welcome table, cake table and chairs! We did our reception dinner at the Sardine Factory in Cannery Row and had time to go off with our photographers off highway 1 for golden hour cliffside pictures. A lot of the elopement ceremonies at other venues only were available during the weekday and also had multiple ceremonies the same day, but not Highlands Inn! We were able to secure our day for our June wedding on a Saturday on the sunniest and clearest day of the weekend. They only do one wedding a day so we had the whole space to ourselves for our special day! The team checked on us while we were getting ready and were great about updating us when the vendors arrived and were always available if we needed anything. The vendor list they provided us and wedding checklist helped us out so much during our wedding planning phase and it couldn’t have gone any more smoothly. We were so happy with our microwedding on a beautiful June day. I’m already recommending this venue to my 2022/2023 brides!Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Hi Lisa,
You are too sweet and thank you for the kind words! You two had beautiful weather and hopefully created many memories! Come back next year for your year anniversary and we'll do something special for ya!
xoxox -
Jessica Schmidt
Events & Catering Manager
Hyatt Residence Club, Highlands Inn
T +1.831.622.5461 M +1.831.250.3011
120 Highlands Drive, Carmel, CA 93923
hyattresidenceclub.com
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Sweetzelle Sent on 05/20/2022
Couldn’t Have Asked for More
My husband and I could not thank Jessica, Lauren and Emily for making our special day perfect! We have never been to Carmel before, but when I found this place I just fell in love. The view is beautiful and what makes it even more better are the people that helped us throughout. Not only were the wedding coordinators were great, but the overall staff are amazing. I did not have to worry about anything at all—although it was only an intimate wedding with 20 guests, not once did we stress and the communication when we were planning was awesome. Thank you to sir Ruffy as well for taking care of us while we stayed there. Over all the best experience and we are hoping to come back for our wedding anniversary! -
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![Lindsey]()
Lindsey Sent on 05/18/2022Worth Every Penny
I am STILL trying to find the words that summarize just how special our wedding day was… blissful, effortless, perfect all come to mind. Aside from the setting itself being downright picturesque, Emily, Jessica and Lauren were BEYOND helpful in bringing my casual/classy vision to life. The girls went above and beyond to ensure that we had the most exceptional day of our lives. They truly exceeded all of our expectations. They were organized, prompt, attentive and had a way with setting your mind at ease, that even the most minor of details would be taken care of. I was skeptical in the beginning to spend the amount requested, but if I had to do it all over again (I wish I could relive that day to its entirety), I would absolutely, 10000 times over, without a single hesitation. This venue, the staff, the entire experience from start to finish was worth it’s weight in gold… and then some. -
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A3F7Cfbba43Abd1879C55234A3C13944548E0801 Sent on 05/02/2022
The most stunning, memorable day
We started planning our wedding a year and a half in advance, and had a very specific idea of what we wanted with a California coast backdrop. The Hyatt Carmel Highlands holds a special place for me and my family as we went on a special trip there when I was young, so I was excited to see it again. When my husband and I visited back in fall 2020, we were blown away by the stunning gazebo deck, and it was quickly a frontrunner for where we wanted to say “I do.”
What put the venue over the edge was the events team. We first met with Jessica, who was enthusiastic, organized and genuinely nice, which we hadn’t encountered at any other venue we researched. Working with Emily and Lauren was equally awesome - they all seem to really love their jobs, and made it their mission that our big day ran as smooth and memorable as possible. I am a meticulous planner and had many, many questions throughout the process for the staff, and each email I sent was answered thoroughly and in a timely manner, which we really appreciated.
In addition to the stress of the pandemic, the Big Sur Marathon was happening on the morning of our wedding. It became a logistical puzzle for our wedding party and vendors, as there were very limited times they could arrive at the venue. The Hyatt team helped us work out a plan, and Jessica got to the venue bright and early on our wedding day to open up the bridal changing room, get pastries and coffee set up, and keep me updated throughout the morning about our vendors.
Jessica went above and beyond when our officiant, who is one of our best friends, was nervously trying to prepare on the steps of the hotel entrance. She whisked our friend into a quiet, ocean view room and listened to her practice, giving her tips and pointers, and helping put her at ease.
The ceremony, cocktail hour and reception were all amazing, and my husband and I can’t stop replaying all the moments over and over together. The Hyatt team really brought our vision to life, and allowed us to have fun on our wedding day, to focus on our friends and family, and of course, on each other. Highly, highly recommend hosting your wedding here! -
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Luisa Sent on 04/23/2022
Elopement package
Hyatt Carmel highlands was the perfect location! Jessica & her team are truly amazing. They definitely eased our nervous, the handle everything & everyone perfectly. Beyond grateful for them! -
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![Lyza]()
Lyza Sent on 02/09/2022Our elopement was everything we wished for
Despite living 5+ hours away, coordinating with Jessica, Emily, and Lauren was so easy as they communicated very well through email. We had a walkthrough via video call to view the location, and everything else was organized through email, even connecting us with a florist for our round arch. They were very professional and efficient, and were so helpful and responsive during our wedding day. The elopement package was customizable and we got everything we wanted for our small, simple wedding for a great price. Not to mention the view, which is EVERYTHING! Absolutely stunning. A dream come true!Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Hello Lyza,
We appreciate the sweet words and so happy to have been a part of your special day. Wishing you all the best!
xoxo,
Lauren
The Highlands Inn -
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![Nancy]()
Nancy Sent on 12/14/2021Elopement in 2021!
I recently had my "elopement" wedding on December 2nd, 2021 and the events team (Jessica, Lauren, and Emily) were absolutely wonderful to work with. They made the booking process extremely easy and communication was consistent during the pandemic. The venue is beautiful and would definitely recommend visiting or booking a weekend at the hotel. We also booked all of our wedding vendors from their preferred vendor list, which we absolutely loved. This was definitely an experience that we will cherish for a long time. -
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Kayla Sent on 11/19/2021
Valdes Wedding 11.13.21
Wow. I still can’t believe I had the opportunity to get married at such a beautiful location on a million dollar day. Thank you to Jessica, Lauren and Emily, we had the wedding of our dreams. Not only did Danny and I have the night of our lives but we left knowing our entire family had a memorable weekend. The beauty of the venue will get you to Carmel, but the service from the events team will make your wedding dreams a reality. Anyone looking for a reason to have an event at Carmel Hyatt Highlands, don’t think twice! I can’t thank you guys enough, it was a weekend we will never forget. -
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![Rebecca]()
Rebecca Sent on 11/15/2021You want this team on your wedding day
Yes, the views are amazing. Yes, your photos will be incredible. And for sure, your guests will ooooh and aaaah as they walk in.
BUT, you will spend (likely) months planning and working with your vendors before your wedding date. You work with your venue the most as you make decisions, and this team is quite simply incredible. Jessica, Emily and Lauren are responsive, professional and know the business. And they are FUN - we will miss working with them :)
I scouted so many venues before we selected the Highlands, and it was the clear choice due to the views and the team. They made it so much easier to plan a wedding, even during covid, because this team is ON IT. No question I asked was silly, they were clearly organized, we never wondered when they were going to respond to us (because they were that fast!) and they even shared ideas / stories from other weddings that helped me think thru our own wedding plans or gave me ideas.
We had several guests, including my mom, who expressed concerns over covid. Jess and her team listened to our worry as the hosts as we shared these concerns, made us feel heard, and did everything she could to make our guests feel comfortable and safe. As the wedding got closer, the forecast was looking very rainy - in fact, we (thankfully) narrowly missed a HUGE storm that rolled through the area. Leading up to our wedding day, Jess checked in frequently, and even shared videos of the sun beautifully shining there despite the forecast saying it was raining! She touched base with me the day before and even morning of, to discuss contingency plans. Thankfully we didn't need them - but I appreciated how prepared and flexible the team was and their communication style!
Jessica, Emily and Lauren think of everything, even things I did not prepare for. As one example, they handed me a brush when I walked in VERY wind blown from my first look photo sesh at the coast. They saved half of the polaroid film we brought for the reception, leaving half out for guests pre wedding & at happy hour (ensuring we had fun photos throughout the night, not just at the beginning). Minor details I wouldn't have thought of, but didn't even need to because they were on top of it! We didn't have one hiccup on our wedding day, and I know it's because we had this team supporting us and coordinating all vendors, guests and logistics in the background!
Additional pros: the food is delicious and the bartender makes great cocktails. This venue simply is the best and we would 100% book the same place. Our wedding was the best day of our lives and we know that hosting it here was a huge part of that. -
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![Megan]()
Megan Sent on 10/17/2021Our Perfect Day
My now husband and I loved having our wedding at the Hyatt Highlands! In terms of location, the Central Coast has always had a special place in our hearts. Carmel is absolutely gorgeous, even on an overcast or rare rainy day. The property speaks for itself. It is extremely well kept and is full of greens, flowers, and foliage. The staff at the Highlands were great! Everyone was professional yet friendly, organized, and respectful. The staff responded to calls/emails efficiently and addresed each one of our concerns. We planned our entire wedding during the height of the pandemic. Although this was stressful, the staff made it as seamless as possible and we felt like we were on a team each step of the way. Finally, there is a strong network where numerous local vendors are very familiar with the property which does make it much easier and practical to plan your wedding, even if you do not live in the Carmel area.
Our own wedding highlights
- we got tons of compliments on the food (which I feel is rare for many other weddings/venues)
- for florals, we stayed local and chose Florals by Reina and we couldn't have been happier!
- we chose DNA entertainment for sound/dancing/lighting and again, couldn't have been happier!
Some practical advice:
- invite your guests early as there are limited hotel options in Carmel for those having to travel
- if you have more than 70-80 guests, strongly consider hiring an additional wedding planner, especially if you do not have enough time or initiaive to nail down those nitty gritty details on your own -
![Ian]()
Ian H. Sent on 10/15/2021incredible
Hyatt Carmel Highlands was the PERFECT place for our wedding. the coordinators (Lauren, Emily, Jessica) were the absolute best. The always answered the phone or email asap whenever we had questions. They made our special day so simple. The venue is stunning. We did our reception in the wine room and it was gorgeous. The deck where the wedding was gorgeous. I couldn't think of a better location and staff to make our wedding day so great. Thank you! -
![Kristina]()
Kristina Sent on 10/02/2021Absolute Perfect Day
Working with the team from Hyatt Carmel Highlands was amazing from start to finish. When covid hit our wedding plans changed they were able to help us plan an amazing wedding. The venue itself is gorgeous but the wedding team went above and beyond to handle all the details from start to finish. We planned the wedding from 2 states away and the team was always super responsive in answering all of our many questions. They made sure everything ran smoothly the day off the wedding and we had an absolute perfect day! -
![Katrina]()
Katrina Sent on 09/27/2021Breathtaking venue
The Hyatt Carmel Highlands was the absolute perfect venue for what we wanted for our wedding ceremony. My husband and I wanted something intimate but also with a spectacular view which is exactly what we got.
First off, they connected us with Reina for flowers and she did an amazing job at making our set up beautiful but also simple and affordable. We also had hors d'oeuvres and a champagne toast which was perfect. The guests were raving about the steak!
On the actual day of our wedding, Lauren and Emily went above and beyond to make everything seamless. I am typically a control freak but these two gave me confidence and I was finally able to enjoy the day. To top it off, I had a polaroid guestbook and these two made sure to snap some shots and encouraged guests to sign the book. We now have these memories forever. I am so grateful to have had such an amazing team and we will remember this special day for a long time!Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
So happy for you both! Thank you for the thoughtful review and allowing us to be a part of your special day -
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![Leanna]()
Leanna Sent on 08/04/2021Awesome Venue!!!
The Hyatt at Highlands Carmel was amazing! From the breathtaking views to the incredible wedding planners, our day was absolutely perfect. Jessica, Lauren, and Emily were there for us the entire way through the planning process. They were extremely helpful and there to answer all our questions. All three of them were so easy to work with and made our wedding day stress free. They are all very organized and paid attention to every detail on our special day. They saw our vision and brought it to life the day of the wedding. It was the most special day for us and we are so grateful we had our wedding there. I highly recommend this for your wedding ceremony and reception! -
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![Brianna]()
Brianna Sent on 06/24/2021Amazing Experience!
After a long year of trying to figure out what to do with our wedding we had to reschedule, we decided to elope. When searching for locations we came across Highlands Inn.
From start to finish the staff at Highlands Inn were spectacular in helping us plan our elopement. They were very responsive and helped us coordinate everything and keep us on track the day of. I couldn’t have asked for a better staff or location to work with. Highly recommend!Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Thank you for allowing us to be apart of your beautiful day! We wish the best for you two and hope to see you again soon for your one year anniversary!
Cheers,
Lauren Tuck
Sales and Events Assistant
Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn
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Seo K. Sent on 05/23/2021
Stephanie & Scott's Elopement
Hyatt Highlands is the most beautiful venue I've seen for small weddings in Monterey.
The location is so scenic, and I was extremely happy to be able to have our wedding right next to the Carmel/ Big Sur coast.
Emily, Jessica, and Lauren were all so helpful down to every little detail and questions I had for them. Hyatt also works with many vendors in Monterey, so it was super easy to get recommendations for anything you needed. Definitely would recommend 10/10!!! -
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Jennifer Sent on 04/27/2021Amazing Intimate Wedding!
I 100% recommend having your intimate wedding ceremony at Carmel Highlands. From my first phone call with their coordinators I was greeted with positivity and help navigating a small wedding during covid. They were incredibly responsive to all phone/email communication, planning with them was so stress free. Our wedding day was more than we imagined, the coordinators handled all the details from small to big (decorations, music, navigating our guests, and fluffing my dress!!). The bridal room was decorated with small details and we all felt taken care of while getting ready. Overall, it was the perfect wedding with 20 loved ones around us and the staff at Carmel highlands went above and beyond to make our day stress free. -
Shelbie Sent on 04/13/2021
Perfect elopement
My husband and I couldn't have found a more peaceful and beautiful place to say "I Do". This location and their staff were so helpful in making sure that we had everything ready. I can not express how thankful we are to have such an amazing location. Lauren, Emily and Jessica were all so incredible about planning the details and making sure that nothing was missed or left out. Even during the midst of COVID they were able to help me have the perfect wedding day.Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Shelbie,
Thank you for your sweet words, we are happy to hear that your day was a dream come true! We look to having you back next year for your year anniversary!
Jessica Schmidt
Events & Catering Manager
Hyatt Residence Club, Highlands Inn
T +1.831.622.5461 M +1.831.250.3011
120 Highlands Drive, Carmel, CA 93923
hyattresidenceclub.com
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Ellen Sent on 03/30/2021Perfect for a romantic elopement
My wife and I first reached out to the event's team to plan for a post-COVID wedding for our families and were only just toying with the idea of an elopement. When Jessica walked us through the space where the ceremony is held we were completely blown away and knew we had to have the big event there and decided on the call to go forward with the elopement. The space was perfectly positioned to see the beautiful coastline, and the event team was so incredibly helpful during the process. Weddings aren't supposed to be stress free, right? By some miracle, ours was and this team made it happen. Would highly recommend!!Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Ellen,
Thank you for the sweet words and we loved being apart of yours & Meredith's special day! We can't wait to have you ladies back next year for your anniversary! xoxox
Thank you,
Jessica Schmidt
Events & Catering Manager
Hyatt Residence Club, Highlands Inn
T +1.831.622.5461 M +1.831.250.3011
120 Highlands Drive, Carmel, CA 93923
hyattresidenceclub.com
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Carrie Sent on 03/27/2021
The Perfect Elopement
Our elopement at Hyatt Highlands at Carmel was perfect! Jessica could not have been more responsive and helpful leading up to our day. The vendors she put us in contact with were phenomenal. The officiant, Brian, and photographer, Heidi, were so warm and kind that they felt like wedding guests and the flower circle arch done by Reina was exactly what I had envisioned. You could not ask for a more stunning setting overlooking the ocean. The day of went smoothly with Emily and Jessica helping with details and making everything so relaxed. We are so grateful to have found this perfect venue for our special day!Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Carrie,
Thank you for the such sweet words and allowing us to be apart of this special day for your family! We are so happy for Sofia & Austin and cannot wait to have them back next year for their anniversary!
Thank you,
Jessica Schmidt
Events & Catering Manager
Hyatt Residence Club, Highlands Inn
T +1.831.622.5461 M +1.831.250.3011
120 Highlands Drive, Carmel, CA 93923
hyattresidenceclub.com
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Qian Sent on 03/04/2021Really exceptional experience
This is a delayed review, we had our wedding in early December 2020. The entire process from planning to the wedding day was smooth. The entire team, especially Jessica and Lauren, were very professional and friendly. They helped a lot to solve issues and arranged everything perfectly. Like everyone, we were very busy on the wedding day and did not have time to take care of everything (not even for ourselves); Jessica and Lauren were running around and made sure there was no problem.
I would definitely recommend this venue and the team.Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Hi Qian,
Thank you for the sweet words! We appreciate you including us in your special day! We hope to see you next December for you year anniversary!
Thank you,
Jessica Schmidt
Events & Catering Manager
Hyatt Residence Club, Highlands Inn
T +1.831.622.5461 M +1.831.250.3011
120 Highlands Drive, Carmel, CA 93923
hyattresidenceclub.com
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Lisa Sent on 12/18/2020The literal best
The property alone speaks for itself as a breathtaking venue. When I wasn't staring at my new husband, I was watching the waves crash off the nearby cliffs. As far as the wedding, Jessica Schmidt was a complete dream from day one. She was responsive to emails and made sure I knew what was going on the entire time. On the day of, she always knew what I needed before I did and she immediately jumped in to help, but was never overbearing. I had made paper flowers with wire stems and just handed her some flowers and wire cutters to make into a boutineer. Her look said that she had it handled and then she ran over and pinned it on the groom. She continued to make sure we had everything we needed during our stay at the hotel and I cannot wait to come back. I couldn't have asked for a better wedding and felt so relieved to be in such good hands. I can't recommend this beautiful dream come true enough.Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Hi Lisa,
You are the sweetest! It was my pleasure and I am beyond thrilled that I could be apart of your special day! See you in a year for your year anniversary!
Thank you,
Jessica Schmidt
Events & Catering Manager
Hyatt Residence Club, Highlands Inn
T +1.831.622.5461 M +1.831.250.3011
120 Highlands Drive, Carmel, CA 93923
hyattresidenceclub.com -
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Jackelyn Sent on 11/17/2020Beautiful intimate venue
Wow! Where do I begin. Lauren and Jessica were amazing on our wedding day and all the days leading up to it. They were super responsive and able to answer all the questions we had. Due to covid this was my third attempt at planning my wedding and we decided on this intimate “elopement” site. Due to Covid, of course we still had some last minute changes but Jessica and Lauren were still so accommodating and gave us great suggestions. We ended up taking pictures all morning along the Big Sur coast and then after the ceremony we had a beautiful intimate dinner in close by downtown Carmel. Let me just say that this venues view is incredible and makes everything worth it!! Even though it was a bit overcast, we still had the incredible overlook view which I’ve always dreamed about. This venue is definitely a great choice for an intimate wedding or elopement. I’d definitely recommend and trust that this team will make your day beautifulHyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Awww thank Jackelyn for the sweet words! Lauren and I had such a great time with you two and your whole family! Your mini In N Out Photoshoot was adorable and creative! We wish you all the best and can't wait to have you and Kamren back for your year anniversary!
Thank you,
Jessica Schmidt
Events & Catering Manager
Hyatt Residence Club, Highlands Inn
T +1.831.622.5461 M +1.831.250.3011
120 Highlands Drive, Carmel, CA 93923
hyattresidenceclub.com
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Ashley Sent on 10/12/2020
Perfect venue for our small ceremony
Our original plan was to save money by finding a spot on the beach or cliff side and hold a small elopement. We looked for over a year to find the perfect spot and the stress was overwhelming. Turns out it’s a lot harder to just elope in a random spot than you might think! So, in early August 2020 we booked the Hyatt Highlands Inn for our ceremony which was held on Thursday, October 8, 2020. With just a few quick months to plan our small ceremony, Jessica and Lauren, the event coordinators, helped create the perfect ceremony I had imagined. The team was easy to work with, vary responsive, always open to my ideas and available to make them work, and most importantly stress free! The ceremony was held on the gazebo, which is more like a deck because it does not have a cover. The area is beautiful surrounded by ocean and garden views. Booking this location was the best decision and allowed us to have so many more options to create a memorable experience.
Our ceremony consisted of 7 guests, our officiant (a friend of ours), photographer, and a laptop streaming the service for family who attended virtually. We provided our own speaker, laptop, lazy Suzan for the laptop, and music. Once the ceremony was about to begin, Jessica and Lauren took control over the laptop and music so we could enjoy the ceremony.
We booked the Bridal Changing room which we used for about 5 hours. This was a nice place for myself, the bride, to get ready in. Lots of natural sun light, ocean views, and it is located right near the gazebo where the ceremony was held.
For our alter, we used the venues preferred vendor, Floral Designs by Reina. This was convenient because the two companies already had a working relationship which allowed for a smooth set up. We spent about $800 on floral which included the bouquet, alter, and set up/delivery fees.
Prices:
Mid-week ceremony on gazebo (1.5 hours) - $1,000
Bridal suite (half day) - $250
Taxes - $98.09
Floral - $827
Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
You are the sweetest! Thank you for allowing us to be apart of your beautiful day! We wish the best for you & Bruce and look forward to hosting you for your Year anniversary!
xoxoxo
Jessica & Lauren -
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Fanny Sent on 08/02/2020Our Amazing Wedding at Carmel Highlands Inn
After covid-19 had completely disrupted our original June wedding plans and with so much up in the air for when large groups would be allowed to gather again, we started looking for venues to host an elopement-style wedding but still make our wedding day one to remember forever.
Enter Carmel Highlands Inn and their incredible events team. We primarily worked with Jessica, their events and catering manager, and throughout the entire process, she was understanding, flexible, and professional. Because of the pandemic, our new wedding was constantly in a state of flux, yet Jessica was willing to work with us through the back and forth and design a package that was perfect for our needs. Leading up to the wedding, she worked with our vendors to make sure everything was in place for our big day and constantly checked in on us to make sure we were set. However, probably the most impressive thing was on the actual day of our wedding - we were amazed at how she single-handedly pulled everything together and took care of any worries we had. Every single detail - from the beautiful ocean-side overlook to even the lemonade and the chimichurri skirt steak hors d'oeuvres, which our guests were absolutely loving - were perfect. Looking back, Jessica and the Carmel Highlands Inn team were a huge reason why our wedding day worked out so well under such crazy circumstances, and we'd 100% recommend reaching out to them if you're also either (a) planning a wedding during these hard times, or (b) reading this after everything has passed, in which case we can't even imagine the possibilities Jessica and her team can create for your wedding.Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Fanny & Kevin,
Thank you for the sweet & kind words! The events team and I were blessed to have created such a beautiful & romantic day for you two! COVID couldn't stop your day & the love you two share!
XOXO
Jessica Schmidt
Events & Catering Manager
Hyatt Residence Club, Highlands Inn
T +1.831.622.5461 M +1.831.250.3011
120 Highlands Drive, Carmel, CA 93923
hyattresidenceclub.com
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Kaitlyn Sent on 07/23/2020July elopement
The Hyatt Carmel Highlands really made our July 18th 2020 elopement a day we will remember forever. The elopement package we chose had so much to offer with a lot of flexibility. We were really able to make our day exactly how we wanted. Jessica and Lauren were a pleasure to deal with. We were never left in the dark with the excellent communication in the months, weeks, and days leading up to our special day.
The venue’s ambience is amazing. The views of the Big Sur coast line from the Gazebo where our ceremony was held were truly breath taking. The lobby and surrounding areas offered so many opportunities for our beautiful photo shoots and made lasting memories with our guests. The ceremony area was private and we felt as if we were the only ones there.
The staff was excellent, helpful, and knew exactly what they were doing on the day of. Our guest’s after the ceremony made sure to let us know we chose an excellent venue with great staff, they were impressed. It really put us at ease to know our only job that day was to get married and enjoy our time with our guests. The hors d’oeurves were delicious and we loved the bar setup, just made the day that much better.
I cannot thank Jessica, Lauren, and the whole Highlands staff for their over the top effort and commitment to us, our guests, and our special day! We will be returning for our yearly anniversaries!
-David and Kaitlyn HendricksonHyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Thank you Kaitlyn & David for allowing us to host your special day at the Carmel Highlands Inn! It was such a beautiful ceremony & day in Carmel, Ca! We can't wait for your 1 year Anniversary!
With love,
The Events Team at Carmel Highlands Inn -
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Katherine Sent on 04/15/2019The wedding of my dreams
I don’t know where to begin with this review. I planned my wedding sight unseen from Illinois. From my first inquiry to the last glass of wine, my wedding was more beautiful and classy than I could have ever imagined. Gabriella was incredibly responsive and was genuinely excited to respond with each petty email I bugged her with. The pictures do not do this venue justice. (And look how beautiful the pictures are). The level of service we received during our small reception was more than I could have asked for. We were spoiled and doted on. What a perfect place. We’ll be returning for our anniversaries!!!Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
Katherine, thank you so very much for allowing us to be apart of your special day! It was such an honor to become a staple in your and Craig's story. We look forward to seeing you next March to celebrate your first wedding anniversary!!
Love Always,
Sheena & Gabriella -
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Julie Sent on 11/04/2013Absolutely stunning views, and the service was off the charts. Everyone at Hyatt Carmel Highlands was all about accomodating us and our guest as if we were royalty. At the reception, the server would periodically check in with us at appropriate times (not excessive and would be soft, professional, and quick about it) to make sure we were doing alright...was there anything we needed. One of our guest shared with us that they had asked for the vegetarian entree (off menu) and to their pleasant surprise, even her salad came out without the bacon pieces that the others at her table had. This is just one example of how dialed in the service was that whole day/evening. We stayed an extra day at the hotel. They kept the top of our cake in their kitchen, bringing a piece out to us the next evening served in their lounge, again storing the rest for further instructions. The one thing to be aware of, though, is that we cycled through 3 different people due to "turnover" over the almost one year of planning for this event. This was not an issue for us as we had an outside wedding planner who was our point person for keeping things on track. However, if you are relying on the person assigned to you at Hyatt, be sure to keep good notes since the person you start with may not be the person who is serving you at the wedding. I should mention that each of the three, though, were all exceptionally nice to work with and eager to serve and accomodate us. Katherine Gammer was the one who was there at the end. Our planner shared that she felt Katherine was very knowledgable and great to work with as well. Oh, and to top it off, their accounting discovered that we had made one too many payments (thousands of dollars over) and called us to arrange to put back on our card - honorable, trustworthy. Note, we looked at a lot of places before settling on this location and have to say without a doubt this was the absolute best choice for what we wanted for our wedding weekend.Hyatt Carmel Highlands's reply:
We are so happy you enjoyed the the wonderful location and our friendly, professional service on your special day! We take pride in caring for all the details so you may sit back and enjoy your event. Thank you so much for the wonderful review and we hope you visit us again soon. -
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Jeanine Sent on 01/07/2010We couldn't imagine choosing any other location to get married. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The hotel was featured as one of the Top 10 places to vacation in the world. The service and amenities are excellent. Unlike other wedding venues, our wedding coordinator, Lindsey, treated us like a King and Queen and this treatment continued through the remainder of our planning and the day of our wedding! Our guests were impressed by the location and the service. The planning was an enjoyable experience of picking out our vendors and finalizing details with our coordinator. We would recommend this venue for any couple looking to get married including an ocean view and a back up plan for inclement weather. (although the weather is beautiful every time we've been there) -
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Kayce Sent on 05/29/2008It really is one of the most phenomenally beautiful places I've ever been. There are pictures on our wedding website (https://www.weddingwire.com/gregoryandkayce), and you should look!! The view is spectacular and the rooms are amazing. Kristi (who is mentioned in the other reviews) is no longer with Highlands, but when she left Jeri stepped up, took over, and did an excellent job. The entire staff is very attentive and responsive. The day-of coordination they provide is a life saver, and they were great with helping us to plan along the way. We LOVED our vendors, most of whom were chosen from the Highland's recommended list. The food was incredible, and I felt like we were very well taken care of. It's *the perfect* spot for a wedding, and I can't wait to go back! -
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Bianca Sent on 10/07/2019Beautiful venue and delicious food!
The most beautiful wedding venue! Our friends got married here a few years ago and we loved it so much we booked it our own wedding. We had 75 people in the surf room and it was perfect for dinner and dancing. Emily, our point of contact at the venue, was very helpful and kind. She was very responsive (even during busy wedding season) and worked closely with our planner which helped me and my family relax. Not only was there a stunning view and perfect weather, the food was so fresh and by far our favorite part of the evening. We had so much fun and everything went so smoothly! The day after the hotel staff helped pack up all of our supplies and load our truck. We are so happy with our experience :) -
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Sarah Sent on 10/16/2010We recently had our wedding ceremony at Highlands Inn and it was amazing! From the beautiful views to the amazing staff we were very well taken care of. Between the time that we booked Highland's Inn as our ceremony location to the wedding day the wedding consultant for our wedding changed. However, it was seemless and everything went wonderfully.
The balcony is a beautiful place to get married, with its high elevation overlooking the ocean and Bird Cove (Point Lobos State Park) it is one of the most beautiful spots in Monterey. In the summer the walkway is filled with wild flowers and is beautifully kept. It is also a private location on the property, so guests are not always walking by.
For the balcony we only paid $1000 for the rental, but the food it was over $100 per head and didn't include a lot. This rental is about average for Monterey and we loved the location, however the food was way above our budget so we decided to have our reception at Tarpy's Roadhouse (see review). Also, if you have your whole wedding at Highlands Inn you have to use only the vendors on their preferred vendor list.
Negative Note: There are a lots of steps to get down to the wedding area so be aware if you have family members that have difficulty walking. No wheelchair access.
Also, the room we rented for our honeymoon suite did not have a working tub.
Are you interested?
Are you interested?