Abbie & Liam’s
Wedding Weekend
November 6-7, 2026
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Events
11.5
Rehearsal Dinner
By Invitation Only
6:00 PM
Terry's
Formal Attire
11.6
Aloha Friday
6:00 PM
Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Aloha Attire Appreciated
11.7
Ceremony & Reception
3:00 PM
La Playa Hotel
Black Tie Optional
Stay
Carmel-by-the-Sea has many great places to stay at a variety of price points.
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We have a room block at La Playa Hotel. If you choose to stay elsewhere, we recommend staying in Carmel-by-the-Sea at one of the many hotels that are a short walk to La Playa Hotel. Please note, we will not be providing transportation.
Camino Real & 8th Ave.
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921​
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For reservations please use the booking link or call (800) 582-8900 and reference the Drobnick/Gaarder-Feingold Wedding block for special rates.
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Other Recommended Hotels ​
Carmel Beach Hotel – $$$
Le Petit Pali at 8th Ave – $$
Stillwell Hotel – $
Travel
Carmel-by-the-Sea is located on California's scenic Monterey Peninsula, about 120 miles south of San Francisco. If you are traveling by car, Highway 1 is now completely open. Enjoy the view and drive safe!
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If you need to fly, please see information regarding air travel.
Monterey Regional (MRY)
The closest airport to Carmel-by-the-Sea (~15 minute drive). Rideshare is available at MRY to travel to Carmel-by-the-Sea, but may be limited. Reservations are recommended.
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San Jose Mineta International (SJC)
~1.5 hour drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Rideshare is available, but renting a car is recommended.
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San Francisco International (SFO)
~2.5 hour drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Renting a car is recommended.
Activities
There is much to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea, from world-class restaurants to inspiring hikes! A few of our favorites are listed here.
Restaurants
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La Bicyclette - for exceptional food in a cozy atmosphere (reservations reccomended)
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Rise & Roam Bakery and Pizzeria - for a pastry, coffee, slice of 'za before a stroll through town
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Carmel Belle - for brunch or lunch
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Hog's Breath Inn - for a drink and a burger (and maybe a Clint Eastwood sighting!)
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Casanova - for classic French and Italian in a cottage
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Hikes, Golf, Activities
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Stroll down Scenic Rd.
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Discover downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea (The Cheese Shop; The Cottage of Sweets; Wally's)
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Golf at Pacific Grove (budget friendly)
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Golf at Pebble Beach (invite Liam, please)
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Drive down 17 Mile Drive to experience Pebble Beach without needing a tee time (there is a gate fee but is reimbursed if you dine at an outlet on property)
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Explore Point Lobos Reserve (~10 min drive
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Hike in Big Sur (~40 min drive)
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Educate yourself at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
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Bodysurf at Carmel Beach, wetsuit recommended
FAQs
Can I bring a plus one?
Unfortunately, due to venue constraints, only those formally invited on the wedding invitation can be accommodated. We appreciate your understanding.
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Are children invited?
While we love your little ones, we have decided to keep our wedding limited to adults only.
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What should I pack for the weekend?
In addition to a positive attitude and underwear, make sure to pack your layers; the Northern California coast can be a bit chilly in November.
Please see below for additional details for event-specific attire:
Welcome Party: Aloha Friday! Think colors, florals, aloha shirts (especially Spooners)
Ceremony & Reception: Black tie optional. Gals, tea-length or full-length dresses are appreciated. Guys, if you own a tuxedo, dust it off; if you do not, a darker suit will work just fine! ​
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Is the ceremony indoors?
The ceremony and cocktail hour will both be outside. Dinner and dancing will be indoors.
Is there parking available?
While La Playa Hotel does not provide parking, street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. We recommend walking if you are staying in Carmel-by-the-Sea or using a rideshare service.
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What happens after the band stops playing?
The party continues! After the band stops at 10:00pm, we invite you to join us for drinks at Bud's at La Playa Hotel. For those adventurous souls, the party will continue from there with a procession to a bar in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea (~8 min walk).
