CONTENTS You found your person. Now what? A lot, actually. The big day is approaching. But don’t be too intimidated by that popular phrase for weddings. The day can be as big and small as you like (or what your budget allows). If you’ve picked up this guide, you’ve already achieved two of the most difficult parts of any wedding: choosing who you want to marry, and where you want said wedding to take place (Monterey County, of course). Monterey County is filled with iconic locations that seem made especially for weddings. Still, dig deeper and you’ll find there are plenty of overlooked spots that will make the day even more memorable. Wedding planners know this place like the back of their hand, so read more inside on some tips they have to make sure the day does go off with a hitch—at the altar. What is hip in wedding fashion, and what paperwork do you need to file, especially if your love has crossed borders? Read on. It’s time to sweat the details. Just not so much when it comes to the cake. It’ll be gone in an instant, anyway. -Erik Chalhoub INSIDE 14 Experts Weigh In 22 Against the Grain 28 Beyond Borders 32 Piece of Cake 38 Fashionable Grooms Founder & CEO Bradley Zeve Publisher Erik Cushman Project Editor Erik Chalhoub Editor Sara Rubin Features Editor Dave Faries Art Director/Production Manager Karen Loutzenheiser Contributing Writers and Copy Editors Sloan Campi, Celia Jiménez, Pam Marino, Agata Popęda, Katie Rodriguez, Luz Rimban, Aric Sleeper Photographers Michael Dadula, Evynn LeValley, Ryan Chard Smith Graphic Designers Annie Cobb, Lani Headley, Kevin Jewell Advertising Keith Bruecker, Diane Glim, George Kassal Business Development Director Keely Richter Cover Photo Michael Dadula The Best of Monterey Bay® is published by Milestone Communications, Inc., a California corporation. The entire contents are copyright 2026. No portion may be reproduced. 831394-5656. www.montereycountynow.com. EVYNN LEVALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY 12 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® WEDDING GUIDE 2026-2027 Photo: Soiree by Simone The Perfect Place for your Perfect Day Church of the Wayfarer Lincoln Street & Seventh Avenue Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea (831) 624-3550 Church OfTheWayfarer.com churchwayfarer_1-6v_WG23_KPR.indd 1 2/16/23 11:42 AM 12.indd 1 2/19/26 16:03
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