Franciscan Gardens 31815 Camino Capistrano • San Juan Capistrano • CA 92675


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Why You'll Love This Place

A Here Comes The Guide Wedding Venue Review
  • Tucked away in the heart of historic San Juan Capistrano, this hidden gem combines an enchanting Old World setting with a topnotch planning team. Throughout the process, you'll receive exceptional guidance and care from the experts at 24 Carrots, the region's premiere catering and events company, ensuring a spectacularly executed celebration.
  • Elegant wooden doors open onto the exquisite Spanish Courtyard, surrounded by lush gardens, vine-wrapped pergolas, and charming fountains, all illuminated by glowing bistro lights. Walls of greenery create a secluded feel, despite its central location just steps from California’s “Jewel of the Missions."
  • Originally constructed in 1920, the beautiful Ballroom showcases original brick walls, gleaming wood flooring, and open beamed ceilings draped with gorgeous modern chandeliers. Two on-site suites provide lovely settings for wedding party prep; each is fully outfitted with mirrors, stylish lounge furniture, and built-in bar areas.

Video

Video by Titus and Jocelyn Carlson.

Video by Intertwine Films.

Video by Youphoria Films.


PRICES: What's this going to cost?

Rental Fee
  • $4,500–10,000/event
  • Rental fee varies depending on:
    • Day of week
  • Rental fees include:

    • Access to the property from 10am–midnight on the wedding day
    • Flexible indoor & outdoor event layouts
    • Two getting ready suites, each with full length mirrors, mini-fridges, and storage space
    • Ballroom with historic exposed brick walls and chandeliers
    • 1-hour ceremony rehearsal
    • Menu tasting at 24 Carrots Catering & Events headquarters
    • Bistro string lights, lamppost lights, and landscaping lights
    • Tables, bentwood chairs, round sweetheart table, and circular archway
    • Ample additional parking in nearby City-operated lot (fees apply)
Package Prices
  • $100/event and up
  • Wedding packages include the venue rental, chairs, tables, and more.

Service Charge or Gratuity
  • 22%

COUPLES ARE ASKING: We've got answers

What's included when we book Franciscan Gardens, and what will we still need to pay for separately?

The rental at Franciscan Gardens in San Juan Capistrano gives you the Courtyard, the Ballroom and two getting-ready suites, with six hours of event time and vendor access from 10am. It includes bentwood chairs for up to 200, dining, cocktail and sweetheart tables, four wooden bars, a circular archway, bistro and landscape lighting, a one-hour rehearsal and a menu tasting. Plan separately for catering and bar service from 24 Carrots, linens, a dance floor, a wedding coordinator and the 22% service charge.

Can we have both our ceremony and reception at Franciscan Gardens, or will guests need to travel between them?

Yes. At Franciscan Gardens, the outdoor Courtyard, with gardens, vine-wrapped pergolas, fountains and bistro lights, seats up to 200, and the 1920 Ballroom, with exposed brick, wood floors and chandeliers, seats up to 180. Both can be used for your ceremony, cocktail hour or dinner, and the 24 Carrots staff flips the spaces to match your timeline.

If we already have vendors we love, can we bring them to Franciscan Gardens or do we have to use yours?

Yes, for many of them. At Franciscan Gardens, you can hire your own coordinator, photographer, videographer, florist, officiant, entertainment, photo booth, signage, decor and wedding cake. Catering, bar service, staffing, security and dining rentals come from 24 Carrots, though an outside caterer may be approved for traditional or cultural cuisine. Every vendor needs proof of insurance.

What should we realistically expect to spend on a wedding at Franciscan Gardens, and is there a minimum?

At Franciscan Gardens in San Juan Capistrano, the venue rental runs $4,500–$10,000, depending on the day of the week. Catering, bar service and rentals are booked through 24 Carrots Catering & Events and priced to your menu and guest count, and a 22% service charge is added. A complimentary tasting is included once you book.

How long do we get at Franciscan Gardens, and when does the music have to stop?

The venue rental at Franciscan Gardens includes six hours of event time. Events must end by 12am, indoors and outdoors, and everyone needs to be off the property within an hour, by 1am at the latest. Vendors can arrive as early as 10am, and live bands, DJs and amplified music are all welcome.

What's the backup plan at Franciscan Gardens if it rains on our wedding day?

If it rains at Franciscan Gardens, the indoor Ballroom becomes your backup, and your venue representative will help adjust the layout. Prefer to stay outside? You can tent the Courtyard through 24 Carrots' exclusive rental vendor. The Ballroom seats up to 180, or 200 for a cocktail-style reception.

What's the deposit and payment schedule at Franciscan Gardens?

To secure a date at Franciscan Gardens, you'll sign a catering and venue contract with 24 Carrots and pay 20% up front, or 50% if your wedding is within six months. Final guest counts, selections and the final payment are due 10 business days before the event. All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Is there a place to get ready at Franciscan Gardens?

Yes. Franciscan Gardens has two on-site suites, available from 10am on your wedding day. Both have full-length mirrors, a mini fridge, storage and lounge seating. The Getting Ready Room adds vanities and private restroom access, and the Billiard Room has a pool table and a large flat-screen TV.

GUEST COUNT: How many people can we have here? What’s the max capacity?

Indoors Outdoors
Ceremony Seated 180 200
Cocktails, etc. Standing 200 200
Reception Seated 180 200
Meetings Total meeting capacity for this venue is 200.


Venue Info & FAQs

OPTIONS: What kinds of events can we have here?

  • All-Inclusive
  • Outdoor Ceremony
  • Ceremony
  • Wedding Receptions
  • Outdoor Reception
  • LGBTQ+ Friendly
  • Rehearsal Dinner
  • Special Events / Parties
  • Business Functions / Meetings
  • Late Night

POLICIES: What are the food, alcohol, music, and other rules here?

Price

$$ • $$$

Catering

In-house

Alcohol

In-house

Amplified Music

Outdoors

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair accessible

Availability

Year-round, daily, until midnight.

STYLE: What’s the style and overall vibe of this venue?

Buildings & other settings available:

  • Banquet Hall / Events Facility
  • Garden
  • Historic / Landmark Building
  • Patio / Deck / Terrace

VIEWS: What kind of views does this place have?

Peep the views you’ll enjoy from this venue!

  • Fountain / Water Feature
  • Garden

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