22 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® WEDDING GUIDE 2026-2027 VENUES The ceremony had just finished, but the bride and groom were not greeted by the joyous peal of bells. Instead, the growl of motorcycles—the powerful beasts used for racing—filled the air, as it had through much of the service. In the aftermath, children climbed and dangled from trees, occasionally shouting as a machine roared past. When it came to deciding on a wedding venue, only one location came to mind. The Corkscrew at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is the most famous corner in motorsports, the track is my favorite and my then bride-to-be—though unfamiliar with racing—was willing to go along. Ours is not the first wedding at the iconic course. Ceremonies have been held in the pavilion and in the stands. Raceway staff are even willing to allow services on the track, schedule permitting. For us, it proved to be an ideal spot. Although I wish it had been cars diving through the Corkscrew rather than motorcycles, they provided a distraction for the grandchildren, and the trees a place to play while we posed for photos afterward. (Note that it is easily possible to schedule a A Fun Activity More and more couples are defining experiences— from arcades to racetracks—as wedding venues. By Dave Faries The author and new wife crossing the finish line at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca as motorcycles roar by on the track. Not only are couples finding different venues for weddings, the trend is toward smaller and more casual events. Grandchildren crowd around the couple before sprinting off to climb trees or watch the action on track. Many couples now seek experiences and activities as wedding highlights. GIANINA HARRIS GIANINA HARRIS unusual-venues.indd 1 2/18/26 4:35 PM
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