quieter time.) Over the past few years, those in the wedding industry have noticed a trend toward smaller, more casual ceremonies held at unusual locations— galleries, schools, abandoned quarries, even video arcades. High Scores Arcade in downtown Monterey features classic arcade video games from the 1980s. It has hosted a few wedding parties, but no unions of couples so far in its three years. But the older location in Alameda has been the scene of several marriages. “Twenty years ago this wouldn’t have been considered,” says Shawn Livernoche, who co-owns High Scores Arcade with his wife Meg. He attributes the phenomenon to a younger generation, and those in the wedding industry agree. Martha Stewart, for example, sees growing interest in venues that have personal appeal for the couple. There is also the matter of cost, with less expensive locations leaving more wallet space for food and drinks for young couples. Coverage of trends in Vogue adds an additional impulse. The popularity of locations that have become known as wedding destinations can nudge couples off the beaten aisle. There are a number of resorts and facilities in Monterey County that offer elegance and an elite level of service—Bernardus Lodge and The Quail in Carmel Valley, Monterey Plaza Hotel and the Intercontinental in Monterey, Asilomar Hotel in Pacific Grove, Hyatt Carmel Highlands on the road to Big Sur. Other locations beckon, as well. Beach weddings are common, as are gatherings at parks, Lovers Point in Pacific Grove being quite popular. Even golf courses—Pebble Beach Golf Links is obvious, but Seaside’s Bayonet and Black Horse has sweeping views. Such locations are on many bucket lists. “The newer generation is not doing the traditional church wedding With Lovers Point in Pacific Grove long considered one of the most popular venues, celebrations that take place among the trees in Big Sur, on the beaches or at establishments that open their doors to events are considered by wedding consultants to be the norm for Monterey County. But now couples are also turning to unexpected locations, such as arcades. EVYNN LEVALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY MICHAEL DADULA 24 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® WEDDING GUIDE 2026-2027 LionverPsaPciofiinc tGrove Consistently Voted Best Place to Get Married in Monterey County The romantic City of Pacific Grove offers breathtaking coastal locations for wedding ceremonies at Lovers Point Park, Berwick Park and at the historic Point Pinos Lighthouse. Contact the Pacific Grove Recreation Dept. for reservations and permits. City of Pacific Grove Recreation (831) 648 - 3134 • 302 16th St., Pacific Grove www.cityofpacificgrove.org PGRec_1-3h_WG23_dg.indd 1 2/14/23 3:26 PM 24.indd 1 2/19/26 3:02 PM
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