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Get Married Outdoors · Carmel-by-the-Sea · Carmel
Here's exactly how to get your permit, what it costs, and what to expect — from the Our Little Wedding team.
The Quick Answer
Permit Office
Apply for a Beach Event Permit through the City of Carmel Community Activities Department
City of Carmel as of Jul 2026
Capacity
Up to 100 guests
Micro wedding context — intimate ceremonies
Permit Required
Yes
Apply for a Beach Event Permit through the City of Carmel Community Activities Department: communityactivities@ci.carmel.ca.us or (831) 620-2020. Permit page: ci.carmel.ca.us/event-permits.
Lead Time
4–8 weeks minimum
The Permit Process
Here's the exact process — sourced from official permit offices and verified by the Our Little Wedding team.
Apply for a Beach Event Permit through the City of Carmel Community Activities Department: communityactivities@ci.carmel.ca.us or (831) 620-2020. Permit page: ci.carmel.ca.us/event-permits.
City of Carmel as of Jul 2026Permit fee: $211 for a standard Beach Event Permit. A permit is required if (a) any paid service provider is involved — caterer, coordinator, officiant, photographer, or any vendor regardless of group size — OR (b) total guest count exceeds 75 people. Small elopements with no vendors and under 75 guests do not require a permit.
City of Carmel Beach Event permit rules as of Jul 2026Groups of 100 or more (including all event staff) also require a Coastal Development Permit from the City of Carmel Community Planning and Building Department — contact the city for the current fee.
City of Carmel as of Jul 2026Ceremonies must be held on Scenic Road beach south of 10th Avenue. No tents, canopies, or arches on the beach. No DJ or live bands; sound equipment limited to a 25-foot radius. Alcohol permitted on the beach (not on streets, stairs, or bluffs) between 7 AM and 10 PM. The beach is public — you cannot cordon off an area.
From the Team
Things the permit office won't tell you — from the Our Little Wedding team and couples we've worked with here.
OLW tip
Carmel Beach is one of California's most reliably gorgeous ceremony spots: white sand, cypress trees framing the bluffs, turquoise water. It photographs beautifully in any light.
OLW tip
Small elopements here (just the two of you + officiant) often don't require a permit at all — one of the few places in California where that's true. Ask us if your setup qualifies.
OLW tip
Dogs are allowed off-leash at Carmel Beach — which is charming, unless you don't want a golden retriever photo-bombing your ceremony. Know your risk.
Our top recommendations from the team for celebrating nearby.
Aubergine at L'Auberge Carmel
Michelin-starred tasting menu, intimate and perfect for a post-ceremony dinner
5 min walk from the beach
Vesuvio
Romantic Italian, Carmel-by-the-Sea, private dining room available
8 min walk
Real Weddings
Our Little Wedding has planned intimate ceremonies across Carmel. More wedding stories from Carmel Beach are coming soon.
Browse real wedding storiesFrequently Asked Questions
You found the perfect spot. Now let's make it happen.
Our micro wedding package starts at $4,500 for up to 10 guests. We handle everything — from the paperwork to the last dance.
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