violet!

[Gypsy]

Hi hon. Where are you having your wedding? I saw your post about the highlands inn, then finding someplace more reasonable. Do you mind telling me where you booked?

Thank you,
Layla

 

[violet02]

Whoops sorry I just saw this....

We rented a house in the Carmel Highlands right on Highway 1, on the oceanside. It's one of three houses that own that stretch of private beach. You have to go down a pathway to the beach though. Anyways, the house is in the process of being remodeled since it was just purchased but they are allowing two weddings a year there. The ceremony will be on a lawn with a fountain and the tented reception on the other side of the house in a cleared area.

Renting the house gave us and our families a place to stay (the house sleeps 12 in beds and up to 18 otherwise) as well as allow us to bring in caterers and our own alcohol. We have the house for a week too and it also comes with a hot tub! The only rule is to end by 9pm due to the noise ordinance in the area. Otherwise we can do whatever we want pretty much. We're doing a beach bonfire the night before for example! It would up being cheaper than somewhere like the highlands.

Here's some photos.

This is the front of the house, it will probably be less jungly in the fall... hard to see it, but the inside is gorgeous.

 

[violet02]

Side/back of house towards the ocean.... (this view is with your back to the ocean area)... this is where the ceremony will be. The deck is where the cocktails will be served afterwards. There's a gazebo behind you in this shot where the ceremony will be held. This view is towards where the guests will be seated.

 

[violet02]

Here''s a photo of the beach. There''s a very limited ocean view from the lawn and it''s not super easy to get down to the beach but it comes with the house and is private. We may go down there to take photos after the ceremony.

 

[Gypsy]

WOW! That is a DREAM wedding location! Lucky you! I can''t wait for your wedding pics!

 

[violet02]

We got VERY lucky. Our wedding planner found it for us. Renting private residences are totally the way to go if you can find one you like. A lot of planners have connections to do that. The wedding day site fee was $3k. House rental is separate charge but we''re all staying there for a week with a large group.

 

[Gypsy]

The site fee was only 3K! And you get to choose your caterer and buy your own alcohol? *Passes out*

Okay. I''m genuinely green with envy. But VERY happy for you! Looks amazing.