North America

Carmel-by-the-Sea California

Plan a vow renewal in Carmel-by-the-Sea California

The destination guide

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming and romantic one-square-mile village nestled along California's dreamy Central Coast.

Where every day is a work of art

Set your sights on romance in this European-style beach town and leave the world behind. Rated the “#3 Best City for Romance in the World” by Travel+Leisure, Carmel-by-the-Sea offers world-class dining, walkable wine tasting, stunning sunsets, and awe-inspiring natural beauty to set the mood. One of the most popular things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea explores and wanders around the hidden nooks and crannies of this picturesque village. At just one square mile, Carmel is one of the most easily explored and friendly coastal California towns. And when it’s time to rest, there's no more heavenly place to anchor your stay than in a charming hotel, inn, or B&B, combining upscale service and amenities like chilled champagne and chocolates upon arrival.

Foodie Paradise

First-class restaurants. Acclaimed executive chefs. Award-winning wines. All this adds up to one of the west coast's top destinations for foodies. In fact, you can choose from more than 50 locally owned-and-operated restaurants, all with a passion for crafting incredible meals that make use of the bounty of fresh produce and seafood in the Monterey Bay area.

Best Time to Visit

Carmel-by-the-Sea delivers a Mediterranean climate and experiences moderate weather all year long, with temperatures ranging from 57 - 65 degrees. Known as the secret season, fall's sunny mornings and warm afternoons are cooled by ocean breezes in the evening, giving way to cool clear nights. Winter, though mild, offers an occasional shower. Spring provides cool, sunny weather before the summer fog rolls in. Summer mornings deliver a foggy marine layer blanketing the coastline, which usually clears by the afternoon.

Getting Married in Carmel

It's only natural that couples would want to sanctify their union at the “greatest meeting of land and sea.” For conventional ceremonies, consider one of Carmel's many churches. For a classic, say “I do” in the wedding gardens at La Playa Carmel. And for fun, go barefoot on Carmel Beach, where a city permit allows for wedding ceremonies. Whichever style and venue you select, your wedding in Carmel-by-the-Sea will be a fairy tale come true.

Carmel Beach requires a permit for any on the beach wedding - even if it is just for two people. The fee is about $700. There are no arches, tents, canopies, or umbrellas allowed on the beach. This beach has beautiful sand and beautiful beach views. Carmel Weddings has worked with the city of Carmel since 1981, ensuring that both the city and the wedding parties are satisfied with the event.

This office issues marriage licenses ONLY if both parties are at least 18 years of age. If either of the prospective parties are under 18 years of age, click licensing under 18.
A blood test is not required.
Both parties to the license must appear together, in person, with proof of age and identification. A valid state driver’s license, state identification, or passport is acceptable alone; however, a temporary driver’s license, military ID, immigration card, school ID, or employment ID is acceptable only along with a certified copy of the birth certificate. If you are presenting a valid state identification, or driver’s license which does not reflect your full legal name, please be prepared to present a certified copy of your birth certificate.
If either party has been granted a divorce within 90 days of applying for a new marriage license, a certified copy of the final divorce must be presented at the time of issuance. A divorce judgment is not final until the date the marital status terminates. A marriage license cannot be issued if your divorce is not final. The date of the final judgment must be prior to the date a new license is issued.
A Registered Domestic Partnership (RDP) need not be dissolved prior to the issuance of a marriage license if the parties to the RDP and the parties to the marriage license are identical. If you have obtained a Withdrawal of Domestic Partnership within 90 days of applying for a marriage license from someone other than the person you are applying for a marriage license with, a stamped filed copy of the Withdrawal of Domestic Partnership must be presented at the time of issuance.