Monterey Special Events
Special Events - Monterey District
Monterey District provides spectacular locations for special events such as weddings, reunions, music events, festivals, corporate, and athletic events. We provide multiple backdrops for your events including overlooks with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean to large white sandy beaches.
Information
If you are interested in having an event located in one of our parks, please review our Special Event Terms and Conditions Information. There you can ensure that our locations would be a good fit for your special event and then fill out the form below.
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Carmel River State Beach
Carmel River State Beach is located south of the city of Carmel. The beach offers scenic views, sandy beaches, and rocky bluffs overlooking Carmel Bay. Specific event locations within Carmel River State Beach include Stewart’s Cove, the river mouth and lagoon adjacent to the parking lot at Carmel and Scenic Drives, the Rock Out-cropping, Middle Beach, and Monastery Beach.
Memory Garden
Walk through the Memory Garden's rustic arched gate and enter a world of the past. One of historic Monterey’s “secret gardens”, the classic Mediterranean-style Memory Garden was designed in 1927 by Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr. The Memory Garden provides a large plaza space surrounded by graceful arched walls, flower-filled garden beds, and is shaded by four picturesque, 75 -year old magnolia trees. A Spanish-tiled fountain burbles at the center of this garden, providing a serene touch to festivities taking place within these adobe walls.
Smaller Gardens
Events hosted in Monterey State Historic Park's historic gardens– "Monterey's best kept secret" - will come as a beautiful surprise! Due to Monterey's mild climate, flowers can be found blooming much of the year. Some of the gardens contain fountains you can make a wish in while others have arbors and quaint walkways bordered by abalone shells or wine bottles. The gardens come in sizes from a few planters to a few acres. These gardens are often hidden by walls or are tucked away off the beaten path. If you are planning a smaller event this may be the place for you!
Custom House Plaza
Custom House Plaza is a large, open venue located in the heart of downtown Monterey. Events include outdoor markets, craft fairs, car shows, cultural festivals, and a seasonal ice rink.
**Event fees wavied for Nickleback**
Pfeiffer Big Sur Events
The Big Sur Sector allows various events at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park with an approved Special Event Permit. Events staged at this park are suitable for those wishing to have a low-key event in a rustic, outdoors location. Special Events include weddings, elopements, receptions, rehearsal/welcome dinners, events that require the reservation of park facilities, events with vendors, etc. This in the only park in the sector with "exclusive access" event sites.
Pfeiffer Big Sur Campfire Center
The rustic amphitheater is surrounded by oak woodlands with a stand of redwoods providing the background for the stage. This location can accommodate a maximum of one-hundred-fifty (150) people with a standard permit and up to twohundred-fifty (250) people with a Large Event Permit (additional fees and conditions apply). This site is ADA accessible.
It is important to note the following: o Decorations permitted at this site are strictly limited. See page 13 for details. o Alcohol is not permitted at this site. o Food and drink, except for water, is not permitted at this site. o In the afternoon, the seating area is in full sun. Plan accordingly. o A large campfire ring is available for use by permit only. See page 16 for details. o Park staff monitor(s) are required for all events at the Campfire Center. The fee for one (1) Park Aide monitor is included in the site fees listed below; however, additional monitors (Park Aide or Ranger) may be required. This is determined on a case-by-case basis. o A Certificate of Liability Insurance is required for all events held at the Campfire Center.
Pfeiffer Big Sur Group Picnic Areas
The Group Picnic Areas are located at the end of the Day-Use Road, surrounded by oak woodlands with some scattered redwoods. Events at these sites can accommodate a maximum of one hundred (100) people with a standard permit. These ADA picnic areas are adjacent to parking lots 3 and 4. Only Group Picnic Areas A & C are available for reservation/permit. Group Picnic Area B is not available for reservation/permit. Restrooms and trash/recycling receptacles are within walking distance to the Group Picnic Areas. Each Group Picnic Area has at least one (1) water spigot. All picnic tables in the Group Picnic Areas are fixed-in-place and cannot be moved. The Group Picnic Areas are for daytime events only. Events at these locations may only occur between the hours of 9 AM to sunset and must be completely cleared and vacated by sunset (See page 15 for sunset times). Evening/night events are not permitted at these sites. Events with alcohol, caterers/vendors, or with more than fifty (50) people are prohibited at the Group Picnic Areas on holidays/holiday weekends. All events are prohibited at the Group Picnic Areas on Fridays-Sundays and holiday dates from the Friday prior to Memorial Day through Labor Day.