What types of events can be hosted at the garden?
Descanso is a great place for all kinds of events including dinners, receptions, holiday parties, corporate retreats, conferences, meetings, and weddings. Descanso is a public garden so please note that times and dates are limited based on programs and operating hours. We have indoor and outdoor spaces available.
How much does it cost to rent a space?
Prices vary depending on event type, venue and other specifics.
Can I bring my own food for my event?
Flora Events is the exclusive and onsite caterer for all events at Descanso Gardens. Bringing in outside catering or food is not an option.
Is there a cutoff time by which special events need to be wrapped up?
Out of respect to our neighbors, all events must conclude by 10pm. Rentals are very limited when we are open to the public.
The garden is open to the public every day (except Dec. 25) from 9am-5pm, with extended hours in the spring and summer.
What’s included in my wedding rental fee?
- Detailed meetings with our events experts
- One-hour rehearsal at your ceremony site
- Bridal room for dressing
- Admission at 3pm for photography
- Standard tables and chairs*
- Dance floor
- Liability insurance for you and your guests
Note:* Upgraded tables, chairs, and other rental items are available through our preferred vendors.
Can I make a marriage proposal at Descanso Gardens?
You’re more than welcome to propose at the gardens! However, we don’t offer any special accommodation or package for marriage proposals. This means we don’t allow any props, décor, or music in the gardens along with your marriage proposal. You’ll need to purchase admission tickets for all guests involved in your marriage proposal. Keep in mind that we’re unable to reserve any space at Descanso Gardens for proposals, which means that other garden guests and members may be in the area during your proposal. If you want to bring a professional photographer, please review our photo policy.
Can my event or wedding run alongside Carved or Enchanted Forest of Light?
We are unable to accommodate any weddings or events during the run of Carved and Enchanted Forest of Light. Carved and Enchanted are heavily attended and separate ticketed events that take up the entire garden grounds and parking lots.
Can I hold a holiday party with tickets to Carved or Enchanted
Our Maple and Birch facilities, located in the Courtyard, are available for evening rentals from 4–7pm before the Carved and Enchanted events. Tickets for Carved and Enchanted must be purchased separately and are not included in the rental price. Catering is a separate charge from the venue rental.
Do your event spaces have AV support?
We can provide a projector screen and cart, but cannot provide a projector. You are welcome to bring/rent your own projector. We have easels, a whiteboard, and a podium that may all be available. Please coordinate with your Special Events representative before the day of the event about the equipment you’ll need. WiFi is available in rental spaces, however may be limited.
Are photo permits only available from 9am–2pm? Can I get an evening permit?
Events and weddings booked at Descanso Gardens are given priority photo permits after 3pm. If no wedding or other event is booked on the specific date you’re planning, we may be able to extend the photo permitted time period up until 30 minutes prior to the garden closing. Please contact photography@descansogardens.org for all non-commercial photo permit questions.
Is garden access included in the cost of my room rental?
Yes, admission to Descanso Gardens (not including Carved and Enchanted) is included with a room rental for all event guests. Admission is only available from the beginning of your event start time up until the scheduled garden closing time. You won’t have access to your booked room after the scheduled event time on your rental contract. Evening indoor room rentals (when available) do not give access to the garden.
Can I bring decorations for my event?
Some types of decorations are allowed. All decorations must be freestanding (tabletop, self-standing photo backdrop, etc.) or use existing nails or hooks already in the venue. No additional nails, tape, or hooks may be added to the walls or ceilings. ‘Command Hooks’ are not allowed.
Can I bring an outside cake or dessert to my event?
Outside desserts or cakes may be brought in for your event. However, we ask that you coordinate with the catering team beforehand. Cake-cutting fees may apply.