Monterey, California, perfectly fits the NorCal beach wedding bill. More specifically, the new Monterey Beach Hotel is truly worthy of your destination wedding consideration. Close your eyes and imagine a beach destination wedding. Your mind likely conjures images of warm sandy beaches, tropical breezes, and a sweet cocktail served in a coconut. But beach weddings are more than the sum of these aforementioned parts. In fact, we’d like to propose an alternative beach wedding vision: rugged coastline, cool salty winds, and craft cocktails served in an upscale lounge.

Prime Location for a California Coast Getaway

Conveniently located less than 10 minutes from Monterey Regional Airport, you’ll discover Monterey Beach Hotel. The property was first developed in the 1960s but recently underwent a full-scale renovation as a new member of the esteemed Tribute Portfolio. The hotel now epitomizes coastal California chic with its prominent use of natural woods, earth tones, and warm textures. However, the original building’s architecture provides a charming, retro flair.

Once you step through the Monterey Beach Hotel’s front doors, you’re met with unobstructed ocean views via floor-to-ceiling windows that run the length of the hotel’s lobby lounge and bar. It feels as if you’re stepping onboard a ship. Perhaps what this hotel does best is completely immersing its guests in the world-famous Monterey Bay. In fact, you’ll see guests perched on the hotel’s oceanfront balconies throughout the day, spotting migrating whales and various wildlife just offshore. It’s a literal whale “Where’s Waldo,” and a sighting is virtually guaranteed. The bay is inescapable here; there are gorgeous ocean views from every common area, and the sound of the surf is nearly overwhelming. For the full front-row experience, be sure to book one of the hotel’s Oceanside Rooms, where a step out your door brings you face-to-face with the water.

The Monterey Beach Hotel’s prime location is so rare that it’s one-of-a-kind in Monterey County. Guests and locals alike can truly dine and relax mere steps from the sand, something that’s been seriously missing from this strip of the California coast. While the hotel’s living room-like lobby lounge is the heart of the interior, it’s the many outdoor decks, known as Tidewater, that are the highlight of the property’s exterior. It’s the ideal place to watch the sunset and curl up next to a fire pit with a glass of wine. Speaking of wine, every guest at the Monterey Beach Hotel gets a daily $25 credit to use at the Lobby Lounge’s popular wine wall. You can self-serve from a selection of local wines, each handpicked by local vintner Ian Brand of I. Brand & Family.

The hotel’s wine wall is the perfect example of the efforts this member of the Tribute Portfolio is making toward immersing itself in the local community. Nearly everything, from the artwork and wine to the fresh bread and high-end meats, is sourced from within Monterey County. Nowhere is this thoughtful touch and California coastal cuisine better highlighted than at the hotel’s signature restaurant, The Lantern Room. When hosting a destination wedding, it’s always a good idea to immerse your guests in your chosen destination, and Monterey Beach Hotel has done the hard work for you.

Variety of Wedding Venues

Not only does Monterey Beach Hotel provide its guests with unparalleled access to the ocean, but it also owns the stretch of sand running the length of the property. This means they can host weddings with minimal fuss and plenty of coastal flair. It is important to note, however, that while the beach is technically privately owned, it is still publicly accessible per California state regulations. For receptions and formal events, Monterey Beach Hotel offers a variety of venues. The hotel’s oceanfront decks can accommodate up to 80 guests, and the lovely Del Monte Ballroom can ideally accommodate up to 300 guests for seated dinners.

Soak in the Scenery

You can’t visit Monterey, California, without getting outside to explore. There’s the iconic, scenic drive down the historic Highway 1 to Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur. The charming village of Carmel-by-the-Sea is ideal for upscale shopping and a refined lunch or brunch at restaurants like Stationæry. Nature and wildlife fanatics will love hiking in Big Sur or kayaking in the Elkhorn Slough Reserve (seal and sea otter sightings are guaranteed!). Wine connoisseurs should check out Folktale Winery — the only winery on the Monterey Peninsula that boasts a tasting room, vineyard, and bottling center on-site. Monterey shouldn’t just be a draw for nature enthusiasts but also for wine lovers. Monterey County is the second-largest producer of grapes in California and is best known for its cooler-climate varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It also offers a more accessible and laid-back tasting experience than its famous wine-country neighbors to the north.

If you’re in search of a world-renowned and ruggedly beautiful location for your destination wedding, you should seriously consider Monterey. It will immerse you and your guests in the wonders of Mother Nature, while boasting upscale surfer style and fabulous California coastal cuisine.

Images by Ron Starr and Chelsea Loren