Wedding couple cutting cake

The Basics

Up the coast from San Diego in the surfy seaside town of Carlsbad, Cape Rey Carlsbad is that rare California resort directly across from the beach. So in addition to the kind of wedding photos destined for framing, you can pretty much count on a ceremony with ocean panoramas and lighting provided by the Pacific sunset. This self-contained Hilton Resort property satisfies just about every vacationer’s yen: paddle boarding, surfing, and kayaking; a pool with shady cabanas; a full spa; and all the romantic walks on the beach you can squeeze into a day. The onsite wedding supervisor reports that most bridal parties don’t wander too far afield.

Wedding Details

Cape Rey prides itself on offering packages meant to be fully customized. So although there is a Signature Package with such amenities as a fruit-infused water station, open bar, a three-course dinner, and a dance floor, you’re invited to throw it out the window and start from scratch. Instead of a large cake, you’re given the option of small cake for cutting, along with a table of mini sweets—the salted crunchy caramel bars are a home run. Cape Rey commits to just one wedding a day, so you’ll never encounter a rival bridal party. Best of all, each of the event spaces comes with an adjacent terrace for cocktails with an ocean breeze.

Keep In Mind

If you’re looking to save some major bucks, the brunch package is a great value and a relaxed way to celebrate. And for guests who want a more affordable staying option, Cape Rey’s sister property, Hilton Garden Inn Beach at Carlsbad Beach, is just over a mile away—and shuttle service is free.

Wooden dining table by the ocean at sunset

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