Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my guests enter
early in order to view the whole garden?
A: The public may stay in the garden until 5:00 pm.
For this reason, evening ceremonies cannot begin until 5:15 p.m. or
until 5:30 p.m. Guests may enter prior to the reservation time if you
make arrangements in advance with the Wedding Office to pay their admission
fee.
Q: How can my elderly
guests get to my ceremony site?
A: Descanso has wheelchairs available for your guests,
if requested in advance. Friends or family should be available to push
the wheelchairs for the guests needing assistance. Shuttle transportation
will be provided for Boddy House locations.
Q: Can I hang fairy
lights in the rafters of the Rose Garden Pavilion?
A: The lighting in the pavilion is bright enough that
fairy lights are not very effective. Also, all decorations are put up
no more than one hour before the reservation time, and must be removed
within 30 minutes after the event.
Q: How late can my party
run?
A: Parties must end at 10 pm. A few minutes before 10 p.m. your coordinator
will notify the musicians to begin any special music for the last dance.
There is a 30 minute grace period for removing gifts, centerpieces,
decorations and other belongings.
Q: Can we come in extra
early for our photography?
A: No. Descanso is a very popular place for wedding
photography. Only a limited number of photo shoots can take place at
a time. We have reserved the afternoon on your wedding day for your
photo shoot. Other photographers may be booked for the morning or early
afternoon shoots. In addition, a changing room would not be available
early, nor will your coordinator be on site prior to the designated
3:15 p.m. start time.
Q: How many people can
fit at one of the 60" round tables used for reception dining?
A: Eight to ten people per table.
Q: Can I have my wedding
photos taken at Descanso Gardens even if I'm not getting married there?
A: Yes. Please see our photography-only guidelines.
Q: Can I have a horse
and carriage?
A: Yes, but you must notify the Wedding Office in advance.
With the sensitivity of our site, it is imperative that we have prior
communication with the carriage company.
Q: Can I have my own
coordinator and not use Descanso's?
A: You are more than welcome to have your own coordinator,
in addition to Descanso's coordinator. We suggest that your private
coordinator concentrate on pampering the the bride and allow our coordinator
to do the on-site activities, as she is familiar with Descanso and its
policies. For more information on the services provided by Descanso's
Wedding Coordinator, see Fee Schedule or contact
the Wedding Office.
Q: How do I know what
length to get for my aisle runner?
A: The aisle for each ceremony is determined by the
starting point of the procession and is at the discretion of each client.
You should know, however, that Descanso does not recommend the use of
aisle runners. We have found that when placed over grass or other natural
surfaces, they hide the natural contours of the land and may cause problems.
In addition, fabric runners tend to crumple after only a few people
have walked across them, and occasionally a high-heeled shoe may go
right through! We suggest that you use bows and/or small flower bouquets
attached to the chairs to decorate you aisle.
Q: Will I need additional
lighting in the Rose Pavilion?
A: The pavilion has sufficient lighting for evening
events. If you review the venue section of our wedding site you can
see a photo of the pavilion at night. If you have additional guest tables
placed on the adjacent lawn, we suggest that your centerpieces include
some type of candle (covered in glass) or lantern.
Q: What exactly is amplified
sound?
A: Amplified sound is anything that uses electricity
to increase the volume of sound (speakers, microphones, etc.). Descanso
is located in a residential area so we ask our wedding clients to join
us in respecting our neighbors by using unamplified music only for all
receptions other than those in Van de Kamp Hall.
Q: What if it rains?
A: We always leave the decision to the couple whether
to hold their ceremony as planned or to move to covered/indoor site.
If the weather is questionable, our site coordinator will be in close
touch with the couple on their wedding day.
