Skip to main content
Weddings

Attributes highlighted by couples

Quality catering
Guests comfort
Amenities

About this vendor

Sherry Michelson Hernandez
Sherry Michelson Hernandez
Sr. Catering and Special Events Manager

No business details yet

41 years in business

We speak English, Spanish and Tagalog

Small team (2-10 members)

el PRADO Palo Alto - formerly known as Garden Court Hotel - is a wedding venue located in Palo Alto, California.

Facilities and Capacity

Our intimate size means that your event will have the undivided attention of our wedding and event planners, who will see to every detail to realize your vision. To complement our sophisticated, light-filled indoor wedding venues, we offer enchanting outdoor space that takes full advantage of Palo Alto’s beautiful weather. Our open-air interior courtyard and central fountain create a lovely ambiance and a private world in the center of everything. At dusk, the gardens sparkle to life with thousands of twinkling lights. Each indoor space has an adjacent outside balcony or patio offering the perfect blend of indoor-outdoor flow for your gathering.

Services Offered

Framed by elegant Spanish Colonial architecture and bright, European-chic interiors, el PRADO bridges the romance of the past with contemporary style and sophistication. One of downtown Palo Alto’s only luxury boutique hotel offers a unique and inspiring backdrop for your wedding or special event.

FAQ

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

No

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

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$1,000

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$1,000

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
China
Clean Up
Event Planning
Flatware
Glassware
Linens
Set Up
Tables

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

Cake Cutting
Dessert
Server(s)

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$50

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Open Bar

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

5

Describe your venue:

Ballroom
Hotel

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
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Accommodations
Bar Services
Catering Services
Clean Up
Event Planner
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors
Pet Friendly
Wifi

What catering services do you offer?

Buffet
Cocktail Reception
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
Limited Bar
Liquor License
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What event items are available?

Audio Equipment
Centerpieces
Chairs
Chair Covers
Dance Floor
Drapery
Lighting
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Valet
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

July
August
September
October
November
December

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
April
May
June

Still have questions?

Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!

Wedding couple

Reviews of el PRADO (formerly known as Garden Court Hotel)

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

Review summary

Powered by AI

El PRADO is a highly recommended venue for weddings, with multiple guests praising the charming ambiance, stunning courtyard and patio, and exceptional service. The event coordinator, Sherry, and director of events, Jesse, received high accolades for their professionalism and attention to detail throughout the planning process and on the day of the event. Guests were impressed by the delicious food, beautiful aesthetics of the venue, and the dog-friendly atmosphere, making it a fantastic choice for couples looking for a hidden gem in Palo Alto.

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.

El PRADO is a highly recommended venue for weddings, with multiple guests praising the charming ambiance, stunning courtyard and patio, and exceptional service. The event coordinator, Sherry, and director of events, Jesse, received high accolades for their professionalism and attention to detail throughout the planning process and on the day of the event. Guests were impressed by the delicious food, beautiful aesthetics of the venue, and the dog-friendly atmosphere, making it a fantastic choice for couples looking for a hidden gem in Palo Alto.

Weddingwire
4.8/5 37 reviews
Google
4.5/5 426 reviews
Emily
Emily Sent on 08/15/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Great Venue

We had our 90-person wedding at el PRADO, and our guests loved the charming ambiance of the venue! The food and drinks were great as well. A special shoutout to Sherry, our event coordinator, for going above and beyond to address our questions and concerns along the way!
Z
Zach Sent on 07/19/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful Wedding Venue in Bay Area

el PRADO absolutely exceeded our expectations!

So many of our guests (family AND friends) told us el PRADO was beautiful. Our moms specifically were wow'd by the opening of the ballroom at the end of the cocktail hour, and our foodie relatives loved the food! (which means a lot as they can be very... critical).

Sherry took great care of us through all the planning, and both her and her staff were flawless and flexible in their day-of execution. We were able to fully immerse ourselves in the celebration with our guests, which means so much to us.
Jeff
Jeff Sent on 11/18/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Awesome Hidden Gem

We were looking for a perfect indoor venue near Palo Alto for our wedding of ~125. We decided to have both the ceremony and reception on-site and we could not have been happier.

We were so lucky to find el Prado and be able to work with Jesse. Our experience was incredible -- from the best reception food ever (for real), to the quaint vibes of the hotel, to Jesse's guidance and help in the planning process, we could not be happier.

If you're looking for a hidden gem in Palo Alto, check this place out!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

37
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2012 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2011 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2010 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2009 Winner
illustration message review

Are you interested?

Real Weddings

Vivek & Jasmine
45 photos · 11/23/2021
Maria & Mark
94 photos · 10/12/2019

Team

Jesse Bresnahan
Jesse Bresnahan
Director of Events
Sherry Michelson Hernandez
Sherry Michelson Hernandez
Sr. Catering and Special Events Manager

Professional Network & Endorsements

Jim Vetter Photography Jim Vetter Photography Wedding Photographers

I love shooting at the Garden Court Hotel in Palo Alto! The staff is highly professional and their clients are treated with the kind of care you'd expect from the best of hotels. Downtown Palo Alto is charming and has great little spots all over for making unique wedding photos. The courtyard at the hotel is stunning and looks amazing at night. You really have to check it out!

Andria Lo Photography Andria Lo Photography Wedding Photographers

Garden Court Hotel is a charming gem in Palo Alto. The rooms are updated and tastefully modern, yet the courtyard has an Old World feel. At night the courtyard looks extra lovely with lamp posts and stringed lights. Wonderfully romantic spot for a wedding and the staff here takes excellent care of you!

In Full Bloom In Full Bloom Wedding Florists

GCH is my favorite venue to do business with; not only is the entire staff a dream to work with because of the team spirit & kindness, I just love the atmosphere. I feel like I'm in another world in Europe, especially w/ the amazing dishes they serve. I've been here as part of networking groups/ guest at weddings & parties & also as the floral designer working for clients weddings & parties. The whole gamut & I always leave with a very satisfied heart. Oh- I've also delivered flowers to the room of the brides & just love the room decor! What an awesome hotel in the heart of Palo Alto!!!

Map

Location

Schedule a visit

Get an in-person vibe check and have your questions answered in real time.

Wedding couple

Why use Weddingwire to message vendors?

  • Messaging our verified vendors on WeddingWire is complimentary, safe, and secure.
  • Effortlessly manage vendor communications and planning details in one centralized location.
  • Our mobile apps ensure you can stay connected with vendors anytime, anywhere.
  • For customized pricing and package information, messaging the vendor directly is the quickest way to get the details you need.
View next Hotel Weddings

Other vendors in San Francisco for your wedding

Wedding Venues