Carmel Valley, CA- There’s almost no one you can trust more to tell you all about the intricacies and details of a wedding venue more than a wedding photographer. With our attention to detail and how observant we have to be to catch those once in a lifetime moments, we see everything! So let’s dive right into it and talk about Carmel Fields.
Location, Location, location
Carmel Fields is located in the stunningly beautiful Carmel Valley not 5 minutes from Highway 1 and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Yes, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Valley are different. This is perfect for couples that want to get married at Carmel Fields but don’t want to sacrifice photos at the beach.
Before their wedding began, the couple actually wanted to do their first look on the cliffs overlooking the ocean which was a fantastic idea! They began their day overlooking the crashing waves and ended it dancing in Carmel Valley. Doesn’t that sound amazing?
Moments before they saw each other for the first time on their wedding day.
And then that first look!
This was so much fun and helped give them a variety of locations for photos on their wedding day. I mean, why not go all out? This day is for you!
The bottom line is that Carmel Fields is within 15 minutes of several prime beach locations to take photographs at. Some of them are State Beaches which require a photography permit to legally shoot there but that’s information for another blog. So don’t think you have to give up on beach photos by getting married in the valley!
The grounds surrounding your ceremony never fail to impress.
2. Palo COrona Regional Park
If you’re a couple that absolutely loves photos and can’t take enough of them, this venue might be the one for you. Not only is it a short drive away from the ocean, but it also butts up against Palo Corona Regional Park. You can literally walk off the property and down the trails into the park. This is exactly what my most recent couple wanted to do after they took family photos at the venue.
That’s the venue in the background.
So pretty!
The yellow mustard was really blowing up that time of year (early May) which helped make their photos really colorful. Personally, as a wedding photographer, I really like to include nature and the surroundings in my images to really give a sense of place. Also, you’re getting married in a beautiful place for a reason. I want to show that!
I definitely recommend fitting some time into your wedding day schedule to walk around the trails of Palo Corona Regional Park. In this examples we spent maybe 30-40 minutes taking pictures here before they were back to the reception.
3. Your Grand Entrance
Your grand entrance to the reception should be amazing and a sight to remember which Carmel Fields does a really nice job with. The reception room is very large and can seat up to 270 I believe. So imagine 270 people awaiting you as you and your shiny new spouse come striding into the room as sparklers go off on either side of you!
That’s what I call an entrance!
But the thing you need to know here is that just behind the couple on the wall is the unsightly fire extinguisher and fire alarm. The on site coordinator did a really great job explaining to the couple and myself that as you walk in you need to keep left so you can block those objects with your body from my point of view. This couple absolutely nailed it without trying but it’s definitely something to be aware of.
Final Thoughts
Overall I think this property is a really great place to host your wedding day. The on site ceremony location is very pretty and they have this amazing tree right behind it that was perfect to take family photos under your ceremony has ended. They also have a bridal suite as well as a groom suite that is just down the hill from the alter. I have no complaints shooting there and it has always been run very smoothly. Would recommend.
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John Ruddock is a professional photographer based in Salinas, CA. John grew up on the coast in Half Moon Bay and has spent over 30 years on the beautiful California central coast. He photographs weddings, engagements, families, sports, and landscapes from Half Moon Bay to Big Sur. Contact him today to book your session! You can also buy prints of his best images right here.
