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Descanso Beach Club
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1 Descanso Canyon Road
Avalon, CA 90704
Contact: Catering Department
Phone: 310/510-7428
www.visitcatalinaisland.com
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Why We Like This Place
If your wedding fantasy involves sipping mai tais on the beach, but you don’t have the wherewithal to go to Hawaii, then come to Descanso Beach Club, a little slice of paradise on Catalina Island. This idyllic haven is less than an hour from the mainland by ferry or private boat; visitors disembark in Avalon, which is more laid-back beach village than tourist metropolis—there are no cars, no malls, and not one single billboard! A scenic ten-minute stroll takes you to Descanso Beach, a peaceful curve of shoreline that the club calls home.
With such a sublime locale, it’s no surprise that this bar and grill is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Beachfront weddings are equally popular on the club’s Terraced Lawn, a series of four spacious grass plateaus sloping down towards the water’s edge. Ceremonies are held on the lower terrace: tiki torches and ribbons mark the aisle, and couples say their vows atop a wooden stage against the backdrop of the azure ocean. The upper terraces have already been set for your reception, and when the DJ or band starts to play, the stage doubles as a dance floor.
Though weddings are traditionally evening events, luncheon receptions take best advantage of the club’s views and refreshing atmosphere. Sailboats lean into the wind, sea birds feed in the ebbing tide, and the balmy weather ensures sunny dispositions. You’re surrounded by lush greenery and slender palms, whose languorous fronds sway in the warm breeze. With the boundless Pacific Ocean stretching out in front of you, the urban hustle and bustle feels a million miles away. Some people liken the setting to the picturesque coves of the French Riviera, while for others it’s reminiscent of the Big Island. Why not let your imagination run wild, and enhance the natural elements with your own creative touches? Decorate the stage with exotic potted plants and sheer, jewel-toned panels; or string Chinese lanterns across the stage, and give each guest a mutlicolored parasol. Tables topped with market umbrellas provide a crisp café-style look; or dress the tables with upscale linens and luminarias for a sophisticated soirée.
Whatever you envision, the club’s event pros are eager to help; they’ve got the scoop on local vendors, as well as lodging and transportation. They’ve also got you covered when it comes to culinary matters. The club’s banquet menus are both varied and reasonably priced. And if you don’t see what you want, just ask! The most requested bill of fare is the Descanso Luau Buffet, with such tropical taste treats as "Kahlua Pig Smoked in Hawaiian Ti Leaves" and "Macadamia-Crusted Mahi Mahi with Coconut-Scented Rice." Add a little steel drum music and let yourself be swept away by the intoxicating island ambiance!
One more benefit of a destination wedding on Catalina: you and your family and friends are in such close proximity for the weekend that you end up spending quality time with each other; and since everyone is in a vacation state of mind, the mood is relaxed and lighthearted. By celebrating at the Descanso Beach Club, you’re inviting your guests to share a true Catalina experience.
Capacity
Ceremony |
Reception/Special Events |
Meetings |
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Max. Seated Indoors: 0 Max. Seated Outdoors: 120 |
Max. Seated Indoors: 0 Max. Seated Outdoors: 200 Max. Standing Indoors: 0 Max. Standing Outdoors: 300 |
Max. Seated: 0 |
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CEREMONY CAPACITY: The Terraced Lawn area holds 120 seated guests. |
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Fees & Deposits
The venue rental fee is required to reserve your date. The balance is due 1 month prior to the event. Rental fees start at $2,000 (1–50 guests), $2,500 (51–200 guests) and $3,000 (201–300), and vary depending on space rented. Meals range $45–75/person. Tax, alcohol and a 20% service charge are additional.
Availability
May–October, daily, noon–11pm.
CateringProvidedAlcoholProvidedBYO w/ Corkage Fee Sites UsesCeremoniesWedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Rehearsal Dinners Services/AmenitiesCatering: provided, no BYOKitchen Facilities: n/a Tables & Chairs: some provided Linens, Silver, etc.: some provided Restrooms: wheelchair accessible Dance Floor: provided Bride's Dressing Area: CBA Meeting Equipment: no Parking: large lot Accommodations: no guestrooms Telephone: pay phone Outdoor Night Lighting: CBA Outdoor Cooking Facilities: BBQ Cleanup: provided View: panoramic view of ocean and coastline Other: AV equipment |
Amplified MusicOutdoorsw/ Restrictions Wheelchair AccessAccess LimitedSite ViewsCanyonCoastline Hills Landscaped Grounds Ocean/Bay Panoramic Site TypeWaterfront/Beach LocationBanquet/Events Facility Waterfront Facility RestrictionsAlcohol: provided or BYO with corkage feeSmoking: outdoors only Music: amplified OK outdoors with restrictions Wheelchair Access: limited Insurance: liability required |
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310/510-7428
www.visitcatalinaisland.com
Email or request a proposal for your event from Descanso Beach Club
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