By Joel Reyes, Elopement Photographer
Last updated: March 2026

Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey sit just north of Big Sur along California’s Central Coast. Together they offer a different flavor of coastal elopement: charming village streets, iconic cypress trees, world-class golf courses as backdrops, historic missions, and some of the most beautiful beach coves in California.

If Big Sur is the wild, dramatic option, Carmel and Monterey are the refined, romantic option. Many of my couples combine both: ceremony in Carmel, adventure portraits in Big Sur. It’s a 30 minute drive between the two.

Best Elopement Locations in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel River State Beach

The most popular elopement beach in the Carmel area. Multiple coves offer privacy and stunning backdrops.

• Stewart’s Cove: Dramatic cliffs surround a sandy beach. Accommodates up to 100 people. The most photographed cove in Carmel.
• Monastery Beach: Wide and scenic with fewer crowds. Known for powerful waves (don’t wade in).
• Middle Beach and Riverside Beach: Connected beaches with a spacious feel. More protected than the exposed coves.
• Hidden Cove: Tucked away from the main beach. Intimate, sheltered, surrounded by rock formations. Up to 50 people.

Permits: Required through California State Parks. Contact the Monterey District.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Often called “the crown jewel of the California State Park system.” Point Lobos offers cypress groves, hidden coves, tide pools, and some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the state.

Note: Point Lobos is a nature reserve with stricter rules than a standard state park. Ceremony permits are limited and highly regulated. Contact the park directly for availability.

Best for: Couples who want an elopement set in what feels like a nature documentary.

Lover’s Point (Pacific Grove)

A scenic rocky point with sandy beach and panoramic views of Monterey Bay. Easy access, parking nearby, and a mix of rocky outcrops and sand.

Best for: An accessible, low-key ceremony with beautiful ocean views. No hiking required.

17 Mile Drive

The famous scenic road through Pebble Beach passes Lone Cypress, the Ghost Tree, and several dramatic coastal viewpoints. While you can’t set up a formal ceremony on the road, it’s a stunning route for portraits during your elopement day.

Note: There’s a gate fee to enter 17 Mile Drive unless you’re dining at one of the Pebble Beach restaurants (which waives the fee).

Carmel Mission (San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission)

Founded in 1770, the Carmel Mission is one of the most beautiful Spanish colonial missions in California. The courtyard and gardens offer a historic, romantic backdrop.

Best for: Couples who want a religious or historically significant ceremony site.

Carmel Beach

The main beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea. White sand, cypress trees framing the shoreline, and a direct view of Point Lobos in the distance. Sunsets here are stunning.

Permits: Contact the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea for beach ceremony permits.

Best Elopement Locations in Monterey

Memory Garden (Custom House Plaza)

A public garden in downtown Monterey managed by California State Parks. Available for private events by reservation. Charming, intimate, and surrounded by historic buildings.

Reservations: Through California State Parks. Minimum 2 hour reservation.

Monterey State Beaches

Several beaches along Monterey’s coastline are available for elopement ceremonies:

• Roberts Beach: Near The Tides Hotel. Easy access, laid-back vibe.
• Marina State Beach: Expansive dunes and wide beach. Quieter than Carmel beaches.
• Salinas River State Beach: Remote and private. Beautiful for couples who want solitude.
• Moss Landing State Beach: At the mouth of Elkhorn Slough. Wildlife rich and unique.

Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf Area

The historic waterfront district offers colorful buildings, ocean views, and a lively atmosphere. Not a traditional ceremony location, but great for portraits and post-ceremony celebration.

Carmel and Monterey Elopement Permits

Permit requirements vary by location and jurisdiction:

California State Parks (Carmel River State Beach, Point Lobos, Monterey State Beaches):

• Special Event Permit required
• Contact the Monterey District of California State Parks
• Fees vary by location and group size

City of Carmel-by-the-Sea (Carmel Beach, city parks):

• Contact City Hall for beach and park ceremony permits
• Phone: (831) 620-2000

City of Pacific Grove (Lover’s Point):

• Contact the city recreation department for permits

Private venues (hotels, restaurants, estates):

• No public permit required, venue handles everything

Monterey County Marriage License

You’ll need a marriage license before your ceremony. In California:

• Both partners must appear in person at a County Clerk’s office
• Monterey County Clerk: 168 W. Alisal Street, Salinas, CA 93901
• Phone: (831) 755-5041
• License fee: approximately $90
• No waiting period. License is valid immediately and good for 90 days.
• No blood test or residency requirement.
• California marriage licenses are valid statewide.

Tip: Get your license a few days before your elopement if possible. You can also obtain it the morning of if needed, but the Clerk’s office is in Salinas (about 20 minutes inland from Monterey).

Where to Stay

Carmel-by-the-Sea

• La Playa Hotel: Historic, elegant, walking distance to Carmel Beach.
• Cypress Inn: Boutique hotel co-owned by Doris Day’s estate. Pet friendly and charming.
• Hofsas House: Family run, affordable, with an ocean view sundeck.

Monterey

• InterContinental The Clement Monterey: Waterfront luxury on Cannery Row.
• Portola Hotel and Spa: Downtown Monterey, near Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Casa Munras Garden Hotel and Spa: Historic hotel with a garden setting.

Pacific Grove

• Asilomar Conference Grounds: A State Parks property with lodging among the dunes and Monterey pines. Unique and affordable.

Best Time to Elope in Carmel and Monterey

The timing advice is similar to Big Sur:

• September through November: Best weather. Warm days, clear skies, golden light.
• April through May: Wildflowers and green landscapes. Occasional morning fog.
• Summer: Fog is common in Monterey Bay, often burning off by afternoon.
• Winter: Quieter, dramatic skies, and the easiest time to get permits and reservations.

Combining Carmel and Big Sur

Many couples elope with a two location day:

Morning or early afternoon: Ceremony in Carmel (Carmel Beach, Stewart’s Cove, or a venue in town).
Late afternoon into sunset: Drive 30 minutes south to Big Sur for adventure portraits at Garrapata State Park.

This gives you the best of both worlds: the charm and convenience of Carmel for the ceremony, and the dramatic wild beauty of Big Sur for the photography. I plan this exact two location day for couples regularly.

Ready to Plan Your Carmel or Monterey Elopement?

I know this stretch of California coastline as well as anyone. I’ve photographed elopements at nearly every location mentioned in this guide, and I handle all the planning, permits, and logistics for my couples.

If you’re thinking about eloping in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, or the surrounding area, I’d love to hear about it.

[Start Planning Your Elopement →]

Related Guides

• How to Elope in Big Sur: The Complete Guide
• Garrapata State Park Elopement Permit Guide
• Best Big Sur Elopement Locations

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Joel Reyes is an elopement photographer and filmmaker based in California, available worldwide. He photographs elopements throughout Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey, Santa Cruz, and the California coastline.