Monterey County Weddings
Your dream wedding is located in Monterey County. Whether you’ve fantasized about your special day taking place on a beach with the blue sea as the backdrop, on a hillside overlooking vineyards, on a spacious chateau’s estate, a world famous golf course, or in a historic California mission, it’s all possible. Everywhere in Monterey County is steeped in authentic romantic experience, creating an idyllic and relaxing atmosphere that you and your guests will remember fondly for years to come.
Why Monterey County?
Monterey County is one of the most romantic places on Earth. No matter where you wed, your special day will be surrounded by some of the world’s most breathtaking scenic beauty. You could have a traditional picturesque ceremony in California’s most historic cathedral, or a cliff-top hang gliding vow exchange adventure above the West Coast’s most beautiful wilderness! It’s up to you.
Start your life together with a lavish week-long celebration at one of the country’s top-rated resorts — or with a simple ceremony and reception that will leave you with plenty in your budget after the honeymoon’s over. Your wedding will be surrounded by an air of relaxation and infused with Monterey County’s authentic romantic atmosphere.
The ocean will provide a scenic backdrop for your wedding, but so will our verdant vineyards, our rolling hills and our hidden gardens. Torn between exchanging your vows barefoot on a white sand beach and enjoying a lavish reception at a top winery? Come to Monterey County, and you can do both.
Your Year-Round Wedding Destination
Monterey County’s mild climate ensures that your wedding will be beautiful whether you marry in June, January, or sometime in between. The area’s high season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The weather is especially exquisite from Labor Day through the New Year and you may feel like you have the entire area to yourselves.
Guest Activities
Guests will revel in the scenic beauty, fine food and wine and rich history of Monterey County. If your family and circle of friends are outdoor enthusiasts, they’ll find plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking and more. Golf addicts can play 18 holes at some of the top courses in the world, including the legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links. Foodies and wine lovers can spend days touring the vineyards, farms and fine restaurants throughout the region.
Everything You Need Is Here
Monterey County has some of the premier wedding venues in the world. Local caterers use the freshest ingredients from the bountiful Salinas Valley to fulfill your guests’ every gastronomic fantasy, while florists assemble arrangements from local flowers and foliage that complement both the bride’s beauty and the dramatic landscapes of the region. Looking for the perfect soundtrack to your special day? Choose from a number of talented professional musicians, bands and DJs.
Make a dramatic entrance or exit and transport your wedding party in style with a vintage car, limo or shuttle from one of the region’s transportation companies. From the first kiss to the last dance, most couples want to document the wedding festivities, and Monterey County offers photographers and videographers who will artfully capture those happy moments for eternity.
Marriage Requirements
Marriage licenses can be obtained from the County Clerk at the County Government Administration Building in Salinas, on the first floor of 168 West Alisal Street. The bride and groom must appear together with appropriate identification. The cost is $75 (out-of-state checks and credit cards not accepted). The office is open Monday through Friday from 8am-4:30pm, closed Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. The license is valid in any California county for 90 days. If you are already California residents, you can obtain the license in your home county in advance—just don’t forget it!
Monterey County Clerk
Monterey County Courthouse
240 Church St, Rm 203
Salinas, CA
831-647-7906
Wedding Planning Assistance for a Stress-Free Wedding
We’re in the business of making your wedding easy! Contact Anne Auburn at the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 831-657-6422 or by email at anne@mccvb.org; she will work with you to plan the perfect wedding.
The weeks leading up to a wedding should be full of joy and celebration for the bride and groom, rather than a frenzy of dealing with niggling details. Monterey County’s experienced event planners will take care of every last detail, creating an idyllic romantic experience that will last for years in the minds of all celebrants.
Sign up for
Order a Free Visitors Guide
Get Here
