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Weddings

About

A hidden gem. Tucked away in the heart of historic San Juan Capistrano, Franciscan Gardens features elegant wooden gates, a blossoming garden, and a beautiful backdrop for intimate weddings and special events.

ABOUT THE VENUE

Franciscan Gardens is an enchanting and inviting special event venue located in beautiful San Juan Capistrano. Located steps from California’s “Jewel of the Missions,” the venue offers a private, secluded environment for weddings, social gatherings, and corporate events.

The Spanish courtyard is tucked behind elegant wooden doors that open to a blossoming garden, with fountains, vine-wrapped pergolas, and bistro lights strung throughout. Originally built in 1920, the venue’s indoor ballroom displays the buildings’ original brick walls and wood flooring while modern and elegant crystal chandeliers adorn the ceilings. The rustic and charming 5,000 square foot property features romantic indoor and outdoor spaces, along with two on-site suites and signature service from 24 Carrots Catering & Events.

AMENITIES & RENTAL INCLUSIONS

(2) Getting Ready Suites that include full length mirrors, mini fridge, and plenty of storage space

- Getting Ready Room includes vanities and private restroom access

- The Billard Room includes a pool table and large flat screen tv

Historic 1920’s brick walls and iconic chandeliers in the Ballroom

Tables and bentwood chairs for up to 200 guests

Round sweetheart table and circular archway

Bistro string lights, lamppost lights, and landscaping lights throughout the property

One-hour rehearsal booked upon availability

Menu tasting at 24 Carrots Catering & Events headquarters

Flexible indoor and outdoor event layouts

Access to the property from 10am to 12am on the day of your event

Unlimited photo opportunities located within walking distance

Ample adjacent parking in City operated parking structure (additional fees apply)

CAPACITY

The Courtyard (outdoor)

- 200 seated guests

- 200 guests for cocktail-style reception

The Ballroom (indoor)

- 180 seated guests

- 200 guests for cocktail-style reception

ABOUT 24 CARROTS

24 Carrots is a full-service experiential caterer and hospitality group committed to creating elevated culinary events with personalized service, offering you peace of mind and a remarkable journey. Serving Southern California for over 20 years, our approach is simple: We hold ourselves to exceptionally high standards because you deserve the absolute finest.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

No

Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
Tables

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Cake Cutting

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

2

Describe your venue:

Ballroom
Garden
Historic Building
Loft

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Bar Services
Catering Services
Clean Up
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms

What catering services do you offer?

Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Family Style
Hors d'oeuvres
Outside Cake
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What event items are available?

Altar/Arch
Chairs
Dance Floor
Furniture
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February

Reviews of Franciscan Gardens

This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

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Franciscan Gardens is a beautiful, tranquil venue with lush walls, string lighting, a fountain, pergola, and a renovated bridal suite. The professional, communicative staff made planning and the wedding day seamless. Catering is highly praised, vendors coordinate well, and the walkable location with nearby parking is convenient, though it’s near a busy street and train tracks.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Franciscan Gardens is a beautiful, tranquil venue with lush walls, string lighting, a fountain, pergola, and a renovated bridal suite. The professional, communicative staff made planning and the wedding day seamless. Catering is highly praised, vendors coordinate well, and the walkable location with nearby parking is convenient, though it’s near a busy street and train tracks.

Madeleine
Madeleine Sent on 05/28/2026
5 out of 5 rating

A Dream Come True

I truly can't imagine getting married anywhere else after our absolutely perfect day at Franciscan Gardens. It is a beautiful, tranquil space managed by an honest to goodness dream team of professionals who know how to turn ideas into pure magic. Their communication, attention to detail, and organization made our wedding planning experience so easy. We felt completely taken care of on the big day and our guests were thrilled from start to finish. Thank you, thank you, thank you to FG and the amazing people who made our wedding a dream come true!
S
Sijing Sent on 10/03/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Dreamy Venue

Franciscan Gardens is an amazing venue! The setup is absolutely gorgeous with the greenery covering the high walls, the string lighting, the fountain, and the pergola. The food was catered by 24 Carrots and it was extremely delicious. Elizabeth, Anna, Nasime, Nicole were who I worked with and they were very communicative and easy to work with. They are clearly professionals who are experienced in this field. They were very easy to work with and were very kind when I would have to make adjustments. The location is also fabulous. It's on a walkable street so there's bars, restaurants, boutiques, etc. all within walking distance. There's also a parking lot right next to it so your guests can just park there for the wedding (I believe $2/hr or $20 for the whole day). It's a also 30 minute drive to SNA airport, and there's numerous hotels within walking distance or close driving distance - very convenient for guests. It's a very popular wedding venue, so many of the wedding vendors have previously worked with Franciscan Gardens - my vendors were all experienced with the venue and worked seamlessly with one another. It is on a busy street and near the train tracks so just be aware of that. They also just renovated the bridal suite and it is SO gorgeous. It looks amazing for the getting ready photos. In terms of pricing - I feel like it's pretty comparable to other OC venues. I felt that the base pricing is very reasonable, it's more of a matter of how many add-ons and extras you want, that's where it really starts to get pricey. Overall great experience! Pair the venue with some nice florals and it is truly a dream! We added hanging wisteria courtesy of Ruffle Effect and it was gorgeous.

PC: Cassy Smith Photography
L
Lizzy Sent on 07/30/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Best Wedding Venue

We got married at Franciscan Gardens on July 20th and couldn’t be happier with our experience. The venue, staff, and catering were all phenomenal. Elizabeth and Nasime made the planning process a breeze, always incredibly professional and communicative. Believe what you read about the food - 24Carrots catering truly is the best! One of the hardest decisions we made was deciding on our menu items after the tasting - everything was so delicious! And on Wedding Day, guests were commenting not only on how beautiful the venue was and how amazing the food was, but also how friendly and helpful the staff were. We truly had the best experience with Franciscan Gardens and could not recommend this venue more!
Andrea
Andrea Sent on 09/21/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Dream Day!

Josh and I were SO pleased with our wedding at Franciscan Gardens! They were so helpful and attentive at all times. The whole team and staff made our event seamless and flow perfectly. Our dream came true!!!
C
Chelsea Sent on 10/04/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Best Venue!

Not only was the venue incredibly beautiful, but Melissa Keller was so helpful and went above and beyond anything I could have expected. She was so quick to respond and answered every question we had. The staff at the venue was so on top of it as well on the wedding day. King (the bartender) was so much fun and we received so many compliments on how great he was! Can't recommend this venue enough!
Ariel
Ariel Sent on 12/11/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Speechless Venue - It was Amazing!

We've been signed with them for 4 years since we planned ahead and COVID pushed it even further and every step of the way they nailed it. Melissa and Kayleigh were rock stars and made sure everything was put together for us and everyone said it was the best wedding they had ever been to. Thank you for everything!!
Samantha
Samantha Sent on 07/24/2021
5 out of 5 rating

The perfect wedding!


I fell in love with this venue the minute we saw it. It was our dream venue and it was the best night. Melissa and Kayleigh helped us a lot with everything and were so patient with us planning from another state. They made video calls with us and answered SO MANY of my emails with copious questions. Through it all they stayed so pleasant and professional!
The courtyard was beautiful and the guests fell in love as well. We had 115 people and there was more than enough room for us to dance, chat, whatever! The cocktail hour inside was beautiful as well, with the chandeliers and brick accent wall!!

Can't say enough great things about Franciscan Gardens! It will forever hold a special place in our hearts!
Katy
Katy Sent on 07/23/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Venue was perfect

Venue was beautiful, good as wonderful. The responsiveness of the team up to the day was great. I couldn’t recommend enough. So happy I did my wedding here.
Eric
Eric Sent on 03/27/2020
5 out of 5 rating

We love Franciscan Gardens!

My name is Eric and I own an entertainment company by the name of Extreme DJ Service. Franciscan Gardens is a preferred venue that we have had the privilege of working at for many years. If you are looking for an beautiful unique space along with great food and professional service... look no further, FG is the place. We highly recommend the venue and their staff.

Eric Morales
Extreme DJ Service
A
Anna Sent on 11/12/2018
5 out of 5 rating

Delicious Catering and Great Staff

The moment we walked into Franciscan Gardens, I knew this was the place we would be getting married! My now husband was very kind in letting me take the reins in most of the planning, and I wanted to have a garden feeling outdoor wedding. The tall greenery of this venue is breathtaking and once the lantern lights go up, the centerpieces glowing, it was honestly the most perfect setting. Melissa and Haley were both very helpful and instrumental on helping us get everything finalized and making revision after revision to the contract. The final meeting to pick all of the little details went really smoothly, they were there for the taste testing, and made sure to answer all of our questions and concerns along the way. As far as the catering… We still have people telling us this was the best steak they had ever had at a wedding! During the tasting we were suspicious how they could make all of the food taste as delicious as it did for just the two of us for over 100 people but I must say that it was (all bias aside) probably the most delicious menu ever! The catering and bartending staff was perfect and even dedicated one waiter to the bride and groom for the whole evening to keep us boozed up and partying all night without having to stand in line for a drink or a bite. Thank you everyone!!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

84
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2014 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2013 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

12 Endorsements
Oh Lovely Wedding Oh Lovely Wedding Wedding Photographers

Such an adorable Orange County venue! Always a pleasure documenting beautiful events here! Great staff, great location!

Lucero Photography, Inc. Lucero Photography, Inc. Wedding Photographers

Franciscan Gardens is a first class wedding venue. I have had the pleasure to work at this location and they do an amazing job. I highly recommend them to anyone that is planning a wedding.

Click Chicks Photography Click Chicks Photography Wedding Photographers

This is such a pretty venue, and so close to some of my favorite photo spots: The San Juan Mission and the Los Rios District of San Juan. Your photos are sure to be great! And, the food will be divine as the property is owned by 24 Carrots Catering. You can't go wrong choosing Franciscan Gardens!

Map

Franciscan Gardens frequently asked questions

Franciscan Gardens includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Chairs
  • Tables
Franciscan Gardens includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Cake Cutting
The space offered by Franciscan Gardens for wedding events is known for:
  • Ballroom
  • Garden
  • Historic Building
  • Loft
Franciscan Gardens offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Franciscan Gardens offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
Franciscan Gardens offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Bar Services
  • Catering Services
  • Clean Up
  • Event Rentals
  • Get Ready Rooms
Franciscan Gardens offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Altar/Arch
  • Chairs
  • Dance Floor
  • Furniture
  • Tables
Franciscan Gardens is recommended by 94% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.7 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.8 in average response time, 4.8 in professionalism, 4.7 in quality of service, 4.7 in flexibility and 4.7 in value.
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