12 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® WEDDING GUIDE 2025-2026 TRENDS From the moment one says “Yes” to an engagement, it’s off to the races for a couple to answer the seemingly simple question: How do we want to celebrate? In many ways, gone are the days of the traditional wedding, with the industry evolving into an era where the planning options are endless— moving beyond conventional paths and into creative, personalized arenas. Many couples nowadays are forgoing a large celebration altogether, opting to elope privately or consider only having a wedding party to mark their union. Weddings today are more expensive than ever, especially in California where they can easily reach into the tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of dollars depending on location, floral arrangements, dining and duration. In 2023, Monterey County hosted 2,674 weddings, ranking the county 161st out of 3,109 nationwide, averaging at over $40,000 per wedding, according to the Wedding Report, a research company that tracks wedding industry statistics. While we know weddings are influenced by so many factors—cost being the main driver for many, and perhaps a loosening of societal pressures about how weddings should look—what trends are emerging as we head into 2025? Micro and Courthouse Weddings The “small” wedding is here, and with sustained popularity. Every plate, seat and drink adds up, and the more New Traditions From micro to the casual, weddings are trending toward the intimate. By Katie Rodriguez EVYNN LEVALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY RYAN CHARD SMITH
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