at Church of the Wayfarer

A bride and her party entering the church

Your perfect wedding
starts here...

Church of the Wayfarer is a beautiful facility with historic significance in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. From the colorful gardens to the quaint, wood-paneled sanctuary, your Carmel wedding at Church of the Wayfarer will be surrounded by beauty and tranquility.

Please read on for more information about the areas within the Church and on the grounds that will be available to you on your wedding day.


The Bride's Room

A bride and attendant in The Bride's Room

When you have your wedding at Church of the Wayfarer you will enjoy the use of our Bride's room, which is large enough for the Bride to have her hair and make-up done and to enjoy some time with her bridal party.

The Groom's Study

The wood-paneled Groom's Study

Our Groom's Study/Library is a quiet, peaceful space for the lucky man to gather his thoughts before his big moment.

The Sanctuary

A wedding party in the sanctuary

The antique-walnut paneled sanctuary here at Church of the Wayfarer seats 200 guests. The center aisle is 61 feet in length from door to alter, 4.5 feet wide (3.10 wide with aisle candelabra).

There are 6 altar candles and 12 side candelabras which will be lighted by our staff.

The Garden

The fountain backed by plants in The Master's Garden

Our verdant garden, with its colorful flowers, quaint brick paths and lovely arbors, is a gorgeous location to hold an outdoor ceremony.

It's also a wonderful place to take photographs, and for friends and family to gather after the joyous occasion.

Parking

Street view of Church of the Wayfarer showing parking spaces

Carmel-by-the-Sea is charming and quaint. Residents here enjoy walking to the post office and stores.

Church of the Wayfarer has no off street parking (except two spaces we can reserve for the wedding party). Your guests should plan to walk a block or so when they arrive. As they do so they will enjoy seeing the trees and charming cottages.

The Nursery

A view of the nursery room

We welcome children at Church of the Wayfarer. For your convenience we have nursery facility.

You are responsible to hire any needed childcare personnel.

The Bell

The bell in the church's steeple

Our church has a huge bell in its steeple that you can ring following the ceremony to tell all of Carmel the good news of your commitment to each other.

Pets

Pastor Norm holding a small dog

Carmel is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the U.S. At the Church of the Wayfarer we know that pets are "part of the family."

We welcome our animal friends and encourage you to include your beloved pets in your special day.

Things to consider...

The city of Carmel does not allow the throwing of rice, birdseed, confetti, glitter or flower petals outside the church. Guests may blow bubbles to celebrate the couple.

Smoking and alcohol are prohibited on Church property. We thank you for respecting this beautiful space.