as much,” observes April Montgomery, owner of Links Club in Carmel. “They want an experience.” Links Club is a restaurantbar-golf establishment with several bays. With real equipment and digital courses, guests can play St. Andrews, Muirfield Village, even Pebble Beach. And, Montgomery says with a laugh, due to its layout, “Links Club has an aisle.” Like High Scores Arcade, the Carmel space routinely hosts parties associated with weddings, and Montgomery welcomes them all. “Sometimes we don’t know it’s a wedding,” Livernoche adds. “We just see a rental on the schedule. We don’t charge extra for weddings.” Monterey County became a wedding destination largely because of its resorts and natural beauty. So many outdoor areas have become notable spots to share vows that Brian Borgia of Weddings in Monterey and Elope in Monterey says, “I think everything is pretty ‘basic’ as far as lots of people using the locations we use.” He frames the word basic in quotes because it includes settings such as Point Lobos, Del Monte Beach in Monterey and Wedding Rock in Carmel. Yet there are still facilities that are lesser known, such as Monterey County Sheriff’s Posse outside of Salinas. Still, the trend is toward smaller venues with fewer guests, perhaps even without bridal parties and groomsmen. And that is leading more couples to favorite restaurants, gardens and other places with character, promising an experience for all involved. “You’re only doing it once, hopefully,” Montgomery says. “You want it to be cool and unique. There’s more to do than just talk.” And so more marriages start with the thwack of a golf ball hitting a simulator screen or the colorful buzzing and beeping of an arcade game. “People tend to be polite,” Livernoche notes. “They’re not playing Berzerk during the proceedings.” You can plan a wedding at WeatherTech Raceway during a break in the action. But cars or motorcycles tearing around, that gave our ceremony extra layers of dimension, making for a memorable day—or, rather, a memorable experience. VENUES MICHAEL DADULA 26 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® WEDDING GUIDE 2026-2027 “It’s not about their cable car... It’s about where their cable car takes you!” Since 1947, the World-Famous Shadowbrook has delighted generations of diners who come to celebrate special occasions or just to enjoy a fine meal in the atmosphere of Old-World charm and grace. Take the iconic red “Cable Car” and come discover the popular Rock Room Bar, a favorite with locals. WORLD FAMOUS - LOCAL FAVORITE 1750 WHARF ROAD ❤CAPITOLA ❤(831) 475-1511 shadowbrook-capitola.com @shadowbrook_restaurant @shadowbrook @shadowbrook_restaurant Shadowbrook_FP_VG25_KB.indd 1 6/16/25 9:52 AM “It’s not about their cable car... It’s about where their cable car takes you!” 26.indd 1 2/19/26 3:03 PM
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