Rehearsal Dinner

Il Fornaio - Carmel

Welcome Party

La Playa Hotel

Wedding Day

After Party

Our Wedding

Nearby Airport Options

Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) — Approximately 15 minutes from downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. This is a smaller airport that would likely require a connection from the east coast. Airlines that fly into Monterey include: American, Alaska, United, Frontier, and JetBlue. San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) —Approximately 1.5 hours from downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. Sometimes prices are better flying into San Jose than San Francisco. Most major airlines fly into San Jose and Delta flies direct from Atlanta. It is an easy drive down Route 1. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) — Approximately 2 hours from downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most major airlines fly into San Francisco. There is not much difference between flying into San Francisco and San Jose. If you're deciding between these two airports, we recommend going with the better price and flight times for your party.

Recommended Accommodations

While we will not be offering a room block, please see our recommendations below:

Although we don’t have a reserved room block at this location, it is where our wedding will take place. To accommodate our guests, our family has held rooms at La Playa at their special Black Friday rate ($445/night). If you’d like to reserve a room, please contact McKenzie or Zack for assistance. Cost: $$-$$$

Not walking distance to venue, however prices look great ($350/night) and newly renovated. 

Carmel Mission Inn

Cost: $

Cypress Inn

Cost: $$$

L'Auberge Carmel

There are countless amazing Airbnb/VRBOs for rent: <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/a/stays/Carmel-by-the-Sea--California--United-States?mlamenities=true&amp;c=.pi0.pk475441696_41645801025&amp;localized_ghost=true&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADz55LmOfb3G5-60wW7RDDizLMt2k&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAr7C6BhDRARIsAOUKifg9jNIr8pA9TBmlOhrm-rMWQIJzFLt0EBHRr06IRbCOM6iLV93XnwkaAn_lEALw_wcB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Airbnbs in Carmel-by-the-Sea</a><a href="https://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/california/central-coast/carmel-by-the-sea" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">VRBOs in Carmel-by-the-Sea</a>

Airbnb/VRBO

Getting Around

We recommend renting a car and/or sharing with a few other people. Ubers/Lyfts are not as common in Carmel as they may be in a major city. Getting an Uber or Lyft in the evening will be even harder. We are working on securing transportation for the wedding day. If transportation is needed to or from an airport, please let us know and we can work to coordinate rides between guests.

Travel

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

Walk Downtown Carmel

Walking around downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea is a must! We love wandering through charming boutiques and discovering hidden courtyards nestled between shops. Each store offers something unique, from handmade jewelry to cozy home goods. Our favorite spot for coffee is Carmel Valley Roasting Co or Stationary, perfect for a quick recharge while soaking in the town's artistic vibe!

17-Mile Drive

17-Mile Drive on California’s Monterey Peninsula is a stunning coastal road with rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and the iconic Lone Cypress. Along the way, enjoy turquoise waves, sunlit forests, and seals on the shore, with each turn revealing new, unforgettable views—from Pebble Beach’s famous golf course to golden Pacific sunsets. Driving the 17-Mile Drive requires an entrance fee of $11.25 per vehicle (If you're feeling unethical, say you're eating at The Bench they'll waive the fee).

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos, just 15 minutes from Carmel, is one of our favorite activities in the area! This coastal gem features flat to moderate hiking loops, stunning ocean views, and abundant wildlife. Wander through cypress groves, spot whales and seals, and enjoy scenic trails with panoramic vistas. Be sure to arrive early and consider parking on the road to avoid $10 fee.

Drive Highway 1 Towards Big Sur

Driving to Big Sur along Highway 1 is an unforgettable adventure with breathtaking coastal views. Stop at Garrapata State Park and Pfeiffer Beach to explore trails and hidden waterfalls. Don’t miss the iconic Bixby Bridge for stunning photos! For a delicious meal with a view, visit Nepenthe Restaurant. While June often offers beautiful weather, be ready for potential cloud cover. Please make sure you have a full tank of gas before making this drive.

Fairytale Cottages

Carmel-by-the-Sea is filled with whimsical fairytale cottages that feel like they’re straight out of a storybook! We love wandering the streets to admire the unique architecture and charming details. You can either stop by the local library for an official map of the fairytale houses or simply stroll through the neighborhoods and stumble upon these enchanting gems. It’s a delightful way to experience the magic of this picturesque town together!

McKenzie & Zack

McKenzie & Zack

Registry