A Luxury Wedding at La Playa Hotel in Carmel CA
Savannah and Gabe did it all right: an opulent wedding filled with charm, sweet moments, soft light, and a crazy, fun party. And as a California wedding photographer, I won’t be getting over their venue anytime soon. La Playa Hotel was seriously the most gorgeous spot for these two to say “I do.” Picture old-world Italian charm with a breeze from the Pacific, all at a venue that actually makes it easy to plan a wedding. Keep reading to take a deep dive into the wedding venue, plus get tons of inspiration from this gorgeous wedding day!
La Playa Hotel: An Overview
Like I said, this venue? Jaw-dropping. If you’re picturing a wedding that has a European destination wedding feel without having to deal with the stress of traveling, La Playa Hotel in Carmel, CA is the one. It feels like you’re stepping out of California right into the romance and history of Italy, and I’m absolutely obsessed. Here’s an overview of the venue, so that you can see if it’s a perfect match:
They offer all-inclusive packages, so that you can have the kind of wedding where you can actually relax, sip champagne, and not run around putting out fires.
They offer a package for a wedding weekend, because I know you want the fun to last more than just one day!
You can choose an elopement or an intimate wedding package if you’re wanting more of that cozy, small wedding feel with just your favorite people.
There are on-site accommodations for up to 75 guests that are cozy and just as gorgeous as the rest of the hotel, so you can keep your loved ones close all weekend long!
They have indoor and outdoor options so that the weather doesn’t ever have to be a concern. You just sit back and relax, because La Playa has you covered.
They do require a day-of-coordinator to make sure everything goes off as smoothly as possible without you ever having to get involved. That’s a win-win! A coordinator is always a must.
La Playa Hotel can host up to 130 guests, which is a perfect size to include your favorite people without getting too stressed out about a huge wedding.
The Venue Options at La Playa Hotel
When I say that every single inch of this venue is absolutely beautiful, I’m not exaggerating. There are three main spaces, and honestly, they’re so hard to choose between. On the bright side, you truly can’t go wrong with any of them!
The Courtyard: For the Romantic Wedding
This courtyard really is as magical as it looks. And yes, I cried behind the camera during the ceremony. But really, the garden setting underneath string lights makes for the perfect outdoor wedding for the couple dreaming of a romance-filled day.. It feels fairytale-esque here, surrounded by the blooming flowers and stunning architecture, all in a place where you can smell the ocean breeze. Can you say dreamy?
Most wedding ceremonies at La Playa Hotel are held here, and for good reason. The courtyard fireplace as a backdrop brings a sense of luxury to any ceremony, and is so gorgeous that it could stand alone and make a statement without any decoration (though Savannah and Gabe did their setup so well).
La Playa Patio: For the Intimate Wedding
A covered patio is perfect for an intimate wedding dinner or for a cocktail hour. Overlooking the gardens through gorgeous arches gives an Italian feel that you just can’t find anywhere else, and allows the light to frame the area beautifully, making this patio one of my favorite spots for couples who want intimate, editorial portraits without a ton of onlookers.
This is also a great space for a quaint cocktail hour! It lets the guests get out of the sun for a bit while still being able to enjoy the outdoor views that La Playa Hotel brings.
The Pacific Room and Terrace: For the Coastal Wedding
The Pacific Room practically hands you the ocean on a silver platter. You get those soft coastal breezes and golden light flooding in like it was custom-made for your wedding day. This indoor/outdoor pairing makes the perfect space for a wedding reception. It’s effortlessly gorgeous and a blank slate for you to make your wedding mark on, with white rustic walls and large windows that flood the room with natural light.
It’s popular for wedding receptions for this reason. Couples love to put their own spin on it! Savannah and Gabe went for a simple, elegant look for their reception and nailed it. They had a dance floor in the middle (and trust me, I’ve seen couples go full-send on that dance floor), white and green table settings, and candles accenting beautifully, and it was straight out of a dream.
Inspiration for Your La Playa Hotel Wedding from Savannah and Gabe’s Wedding Day
Two words to describe this day: effortless luxury. The whole day felt like a breath of fresh air while still looking like it was straight out of a magazine. No rushing, no stress, just pure love and excitement. Everything felt romantic, from the flower petal-lined aisle to the way the light hit like it was a paid actor!
I truly couldn’t be happier for these two, and I’m so appreciative of all the vendors that brought their vision to life!
Coordinator: Atlas Design Studios
Florals: Amy West Floral
Makeup: Jacqueline Banuelos
Spray Tan: Golden Glow
DJ: Sinclair Sound
Kaybebe Photography | California Wedding Photographer
I hope that Savannah and Gabe’s perfect day gave you all the inspiration, and that the guide to planning a wedding at La Playa Hotel in Carmel CA was helpful! If your next step for wedding planning is looking for a luxury wedding photographer who will capture your day organically and artfully in a way that really tells the story of your day, you can inquire about booking me right here. I’ll be sure to get you those wedding photos that feel intentional, emotional, and true to who you are, all while being someone who’s right there fixing your veil, calming your nerves, and quietly cheering on your love.
Looking for more wedding inspo? Check out these blogs:
How to Plan a Destination Wedding: Tips From a Destination Wedding Photographer
A California Wedding Photographer’s Guide to Planning a Wedding at Switzer Farm
A Chalet View Lodge Wedding (Featuring the Best 2026 Wedding Trends)
