Get Hitched at The Hyatt Monterey

Of all the romantic destinations across America, one of the most charming of them all is often overlooked. Monterey County, located on Central California’s Pacific coast, has an extended portfolio of awards and recognition for its gorgeous beaches, rich history, and stunningly timeless atmosphere. Yet, whereas other locations pride themselves on promoting the romantic nature of their cities, Monterey feels no need to boast. Despite their beaches getting named the “Best Place to Watch the Sunset,” their cities winning “Best Beach Towns for Romance,” and having their own romantically named Lovers Point, Monterey often peacefully and elegantly accepts the titles with grace, yet continues on without letting the recognition get to their head. It’s because of this and endless other factors that Monterey is one of my favorite locations in the world, a county in which the talents of John Steinbeck, Robert Louis Stevenson, Clint Eastwood and Frank Zappa equally love and have made their home. 

In this picturesque and passionate town founded on romance, its only fitting that Monterey is quickly becoming one of California’s top destinations for getting married. Couples are flocking for the opportunity to retreat at one of the county’s stunning beach destinations, gorgeous courtyards, and premier golf courses to enjoy all that this amorous location has to offer. If you’re looking for a fairy-tale location look no further than Monterey, especially the Hyatt Regency Monterey and Hyatt Carmel Highlands. 

During a recent stay at the Hyatt Regency Monterey, I had the privilege of having the associate director of catering Kendall Arch and catering manager George Romero provide me with a tour of all that couples looking to tie the knot can expect from saying ‘I Do‘ at their property. 

Located on the Del Monte Golf Course, the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa is ideal for couples desiring a California coastal wedding. In addition to having an unmatched location, couples can enjoy a variety of added amenities that Hyatt offers complimentary when booking a wedding at their resort including: a professional wedding specialist who will be there for you throughout the entire planning process, complimentary parking for yourself and guests, special group rates on luxury guest rooms and a complimentary honeymoon suite stay for the wedding couple!

There are over six suggested resort locations where guests can have everything from an outdoor sunset ceremony by the fire, to an elegant ballroom affair. My favorite locations I visited through the tour was certainly the gazebo overlooking the golf course and the President’s house.

As a fan of outside laid-back weddings, I was instantly drawn to the gazebo which I found to be a perfect location for more ‘upscale rustic chic’ weddings. The gazebo can hold around 20 people, although the patio around it can hold much more. Overlooking the gardens and gorgeous Del Monte golf course, the gazebo offers a romantic Monterey Bay setting perfect for intimate weddings. Bonus for evening affairs is a fireplace that adds both ambiance and a warm glow to the festivities! I absolutely loved this location, and the nearby activity section, complete with ping pong tables and other games makes for wonderful free entertainment for guests. 

For an intimate setting that can double as a gorgeous reception area, the President’s Suite is a luxurious location to tie the knot. Averaging at $1,000 for the rental (night included, but rates vary) this secluded escape is perfect for having a backyard ceremony by the pool, having a ‘celebrity-worthy’ reception, or simply, an extravagant location to rent out for the bridal party. Whatever your reason, there’s a lot to love about this suite. Not only does it come with a gorgeous master bedroom complete with Mac technology, but there’s a full living area, a beautifully appointed kitchen and dining room, and a truly splendid backyard. This Presidential Suite has been used for everything from celebrity retreats to business parties, and it would genuinely be a great addition (or add-on!) to any Monterey wedding. 

If you’re a fan of moderate cost yet upscale backyard weddings, the Presidential Suite can be the perfect option for entertaining both inside and out, preparing the food, and not having to worry about cleaning up after the guests the next day, although a generous tip to housekeeping is suggested. With ample parking, a secluded spot, and a reasonable price, the Presidential Suite is definitely worth looking into for your wedding decisions. 

The Hyatt Regency Monterey truly is a stunning resort and spa, and while the romance is present regardless of the occasion, it certainly makes for a wonderful destination for a central California wedding. For more information on their wedding locations, as well as pricing and contact information, visit the wedding portion of the Hyatt Regency Monterey’s website at http://monterey.hyatt.com