Sara and Michael wed on the lush, green, and historical grounds of Club Del Monte at Monterey's Naval Postgraduate School. The bride walked down the aisle in a strapless gown, elegant veil, and stately tiara.
The cold weather was not enough to keep the adoring couple from taking gorgeous beach photos. The bride, wrapped in a fur shawl, smiled alongside her doting groom. As the sun went down, the couple posed for beautiful pictures before the Spanish citadel-inspired building.
After the nuptials, Sara and Michael enjoyed a glowing reception that included hours of dancing in the elegantly decorated hall. Friends and family members swayed and twirled to their favorite songs before dining and watching the newlyweds cut the cake.
The Venue
Club Del Monte at Monterey's Naval Postgraduate School was once known as the most elegant seaside resort in the entire world. Today, you can wed your beloved on the grounds.
Wedding Ceremonies at Club Del Monte
Guests arriving at the venue may be greeted with delicious cocktails and the inviting Quarterdeck Lounge. The lounge offers 30-foot ceilings and lovely wooden beams. Guests can also enjoy the expansive windows overlooking the estate.
Next, guests can venture out to the Peacock Lawn, a favorite ceremony spot. Couples often wed on the 25 acres of gorgeous lawn, surrounded by cypress, pine, and oak trees. The spacious garden offers ample seating and views of the manicured hedges. Ceremony seating is available for up to 400 guests.
Wedding Photos at Club Del Monte
The combination of greenery and sand allow for unique wedding photography opportunities. The building itself, built in the 1880s, is also a showpiece, providing an elegant backdrop for wedding photos. With the right timing, you might even be able to catch a snapshot of a peacock.
If you are planning an art deco wedding, these grounds and the building are perfect, especially with the addition of sun-lit rooms perfect for capturing those special moments.
Wedding Receptions at Club Del Monte
Catering is available at Club Del Monte, and couples should take note that the on-site vendors are the only ones allowed. Newlyweds speak highly of the elegant meals offered at receptions, which include fresh local fruits and vegetables and customizable menus. If you add seafood to the menu, you can bet it is fresh from the nearby Monterey Fisherman's Wharf. Alcohol is also provided by on-site vendors.
The Barbara McNitt Ballroom is a large reception hall for receptions. The room offers ample space for dancing and dining. Between all the different rooms, seated receptions can hold up to 600 people and standing receptions can hold up to 1,000 people.
For smaller parties, guests often gather on the La Novia Terrace, which is filled with sunlight and perfect for a cocktail hour before the reception. The room is connected to the La Novia Room, which is incredibly intimate and elegant.
The El Prado Banquet Room is perfect for mid-sized groups, offering a historical and grand meeting place. This room is adorned with large chandeliers and sconces to provide a stylish, photo-ready appearance.
A bridal dressing room is available to couples at an extra fee. This room allows the bride and bridal party to prepare for the ceremony so that they can look and feel their best for the big day.
Keep in mind that the Club Del Monte is situated on a military base, meaning that you must create an access list for your guests to ensure that everybody you invite is able to arrive in time for the ceremony.
When planning your nuptials, make sure to begin calling Club Del Monte early. It can take several weeks and even months to secure an appointment to come view the grounds for yourself.
Club Del Monte at Monterey Naval Postgraduate School Wedding
