Serra Cross Park

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Ventura Wedding Location
Brakey Road
Ventura, CA 93001
Contact: Catering Department, Jonathan's at Peirano's Restaurant & Catering
Phone: 805/223-5505
www.serracrosspark.org
Request a proposal for your event from Serra Cross Park

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Why We Like This Place

What California bride doesn't fantasize about getting married in a beautiful, natural setting with a sweeping ocean view? Yet for some couples, it seems that the right to gaze out to sea during their most important celebration is reserved for those with a lavish budget. Don't despair! You'll feel like you've landed on Easy Street when you learn about our latest discovery: Serra Cross Park, a hilltop aerie with a breathtaking coastal panorama, a modest price-tag, and a rich history.

It all started back in 1782. Shortly after Father Junipero Serra founded the San Buenaventura Mission, a large wooden cross was placed on a neighboring hillside as a guidepost for travelers. Over the years, the original cross and a series of replacements were lost to the elements, but locals never gave up. The current cross has stood atop its circular stone pedestal since 1941, and today the Serra Cross Conservancy and community volunteers are committed to maintaining and improving the park for everyone's enjoyment. Serra Cross Park also has a romantic legacy—throughout the years, countless couples have been married here, making this a particularly cherished piece of local heritage.

From a side-street behind Ventura's handsome City Hall, the short but sinuous drive to the park begins. Once you and your guests reach the top, expect wide eyes and open mouths as the awe-inspiring view unfolds. In one direction, a curve of beach embraces the crashing surf; in another, the Channel Islands are etched against a billowing stretch of blue; behind you are the multilayered contours of chaparral-cloaked hills. Taking it all in from your exalted perch, you're filled with a sense of humility and wonder—even reverence. For many, these powerful feelings are symbolized by the simple wooden cross, poised atop its stone platform.

It's on this small stage that you'll exchange your vows, with a filigree of olive trees and the watery vista in the background. Champagne toasts follow, and if you want to continue the party, you'll be treated to a magnificent sunset. As evening falls, the moon, the stars and the city lights set the horizon aglow. Reserve the park in the month of August, and you'll get the best seat in the house for a stunning fireworks display, courtesy of the Ventura County Fair! It's hard to imagine a more exhilarating finale than this exuberant, multicolored spectacle.

Events at Serra Park Cross are brought to you by Executive Chef Jason Collis of Jonathan's at Peirano's Restaurant and Catering. You're in good hands: A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, Jason honed his special event skills under Wolfgang Puck before purchasing Jonathan's in 2004. Team Jonathan's is dedicated to personal, detail-oriented hospitality. Though they're happy to customize your offerings, their event packages are plenty tempting. For example, the Barbecue Feast features cherry wood grilled Tri Tip, and gourmet accompaniments like Smoked Wild Salmon Mousse will impress even your fussiest foodie friends.

With its dramatic vantage, friendly pricing and enduring tradition, Serra Cross Park just might be the answer to your wedding prayers.

Capacity

Ceremony

Reception/Special Events

Meetings

Max. Seated Indoors: 0
Max. Seated Outdoors: 300

Max. Seated Indoors: 0
Max. Seated Outdoors: 300
Max. Standing Indoors: 0
Max. Standing Outdoors: 450

Max. Seated: 0

CEREMONY & EVENT/RECEPTION CAPACITY: The site holds 300 seated or 450 standing outdoors.

MEETING CAPACITY: Meetings do not take place at this location.

Fees & Deposits

The rental fee plus a catering deposit is required to reserve your date. The balance is due 30 days prior to the event. Site rental fees range $750–1,500 and vary depending on hours rented and type of event. Catering packages, which include basic rentals, site coordination, service staff and nonalcoholic beverages, start at $55/person. Tax, alcohol and service charge are additional.

Availability

Year-round, daily, 10am–10pm in set blocks of time.

Catering

Provided

Alcohol

Provided

Sites Uses

Ceremonies
Wedding Receptions
Special Events, Parties

Services/Amenities

Catering: provided
Kitchen Facilities: n/a
Tables & Chairs: through caterer
Linens, Silver, etc.: through caterer
Restrooms: not wheelchair accessible
Dance Floor: CBA
Bride’s & Groom’s Dressing Area: no
Meeting Equipment: n/a
Parking: large lot
Accommodations: no guestrooms
Telephone: emergency use only
Outdoor Night Lighting: access only, additional through caterer
Outdoor Cooking Facilities: BBQ CBA
Cleanup: through caterer
View: garden, landscaped grounds, panorama of coastline, hills, canyon and mountains
Other: site coordination

Amplified Music

Outdoors
w/ Restrictions

Wheelchair Access

Access Limited

Site Type

Banquet/Events Facility
Park
Church/Chapel/Temple

Restrictions

Alcohol: provided
Smoking: not allowed
Music: amplified OK outdoors with restrictions
Wheelchair Access: limited
Insurance: $1 million liability policy required
Other: security required for events

Contact: Catering Department, Jonathan's at Peirano's Restaurant & Catering
805/223-5505
www.serracrosspark.org
Email or request a proposal for your event from Serra Cross Park

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