CEREMONY/RECEPTION

Serra Retreat

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Malibu Wedding Venue
3401 Serra Road
Malibu, CA
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Contact: Reservations
Phone: 310/456-6631
www.premierepartyrents.com/page.php?News=2

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Why We Like This Place

Perched on a coastal bluff high above Malibu, Serra Retreat is a community of Spanish Mission-style buildings that has been home to the Franciscan Friars of California for over half a century. Although this facility was once available only for retreats, the Franciscans have opened their gates to couples who wish to wed in a place of great natural and spiritual beauty.

Named for Father Junipero Serra, the retreat encompasses 26 acres of pines, eucalyptus, flowering gardens and untamed wilderness. Meditative walking paths meander throughout the estate, leading the thoughtful wanderer to contemplative spots such as the Shrine of Fatima or a peaceful wooden bench overlooking the headlands.

Although Serra Retreat offers any number of nooks, courtyards and gardens for ceremonies, two sites stand out as sensational: the Chapel and the Junipero Serra Gardens. If you’re leaning towards a traditional wedding, then the Serra Chapel will appeal to you. Designed in the round, with enormous windows set into every wall and blonde pine beams supporting a lofty ceiling, this hilltop sanctuary affords spectacular views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific. Overhead, light cascades through a cupola skylight, burnishing the Mexican- tile floor.

A short stroll away are the Junipero Serra Gardens, one of the most breathtaking sites we’ve seen. Here brides make their entrance via a Malibu-tile staircase, stepping out onto a grassy promontory awash in flowers and shaded by towering pines. A quaint cobbled path running around the perimeter of the point makes a perfect bridal promenade. Couples say their vows at the west end of the gardens in front of a tall crucifix and statue of Junipero Serra. Aprs ceremony, guests will naturally be drawn to the white stucco balustrade at the promontory’s edge, delighting in the dizzying 360-degree view of the eastern mountains, wooded canyons and the sea’s wide blue horizon.

While it is possible to host receptions in the Junipero Serra Gardens, your best bet is to stage festivities in the Bell Garden, closer to the hub of the retreat. Featuring an iron bell and cross, potted palms and intricate iron railings, this large sunny patio overlooks a bright blooming terrace garden. Indoor receptions can be held in the Mediterranean-style Serra or Dining Rooms, both of which provide views of the ocean and gardens. What’s nice about the Serra Room (which was once the chapel in the original 1920s home) is the colorful and ornate Malibu tilework, set inside handcarved wood frames along one wall of the room.

Although Serra Retreat is a Catholic retreat center, people of all faiths are welcome here; the Franciscans ask only that guests remain mindful of the quiet beauty and grace that embody the spirit of this lovely place.

Capacity

Ceremony

Reception/Special Events

Meetings

Max. Seated Indoors: 120
Max. Seated Outdoors: 120

Max. Seated Indoors: 120
Max. Seated Outdoors: 120
Max. Standing Indoors: 100
Max. Standing Outdoors: 120

Max. Seated: 250

CEREMONY & EVENT/RECEPTION CAPACITY: The site can accommodate 120 guests, maximum. The Dining Room seats 100 with room for a small dance area, the Serra Room seats 120.

Fees & Deposits

For weddings and social events, 50% of the rental fee is a nonrefundable deposit required to upon signing the agreement. Thel balance is due 60 days prior to the event. The site rental donation for ceremonies and receptions is $5,000 Site rental donations are tax deductible. Catering is provided by the Godmother of Malibu Catering Company. Dinners start at $65/person. Rentals, service staff, valet parking, security, alcohol, tax, and a 20% service charge are additional. Professional event coordination is required.

Availability

Year-round, Saturdays on a limited basis, Sundays 4–10pm.

Catering

Provided

Alcohol

BYO

Location Uses

Ceremonies
Wedding Receptions
Special Events, Parties
Business Functions/Meetings

Services/Amenities

Catering: provided by Godmother of Malibu Catering Company
Kitchen Facilities: n/a
Tables & Chairs: provided, extra charge
Linens, Silver, etc.: provided, extra charge
Restrooms: wheelchair accessible
Dance Areas: provided, extra charge
Bride’s & Groom’s Dressing Area: yes
Meeting Equipment: CBA, extra charge
Parking: large lot; valet with over 100 guests
Accommodations: no guestrooms
Telephone: pay phones
Outdoor Night Lighting: access only
Outdoor Cooking Facilities: no
Cleanup: provided
View: 360 vista of mountains, ocean, canyons and gardens with creek

Amplified Music

Indoors
Outdoors
w/ Restrictions

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair Accessible

Site Views

Canyon
Cityscape
Coastline
Garden
Hills
Mountains
Ocean/Bay

Venue Type

Banquet Hall/Events Facility
Church/Chapel/Temple
Garden
Retreat

Restrictions

Alcohol: provided; BWC only or BYO with corkage
Smoking: designated area, at Bell Tower only
Music: amplified indoors until 10pm, outdoors acoustic music or amplified with special arrangements until 9pm
Wheelchair Access: yes
Insurance: certificate required
Other: no rice, birdseed, glitter or confetti; decorations restricted; cannot pick garden’s flowers, children under 10 must be supervised

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