Garden Wedding Venue in Vista, CA
Elegant Wedding Venue in Vista, CA
Garden
Full Alcohol
250
Starting at $5,500
Our blank canvas wedding venue is the perfect setting for couples who are looking to celebrate their love in a picturesque garden that features lush greenery, blooming flowers, and natural beauty!
Our 30,000 sq. ft gated property includes beautiful waterfalls and private gardens. It is also equipped with state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment, allowing you to immerse yourself in the spiritual experience of your wedding fully.
Discover More about River Garden
Our experienced wedding venue team will work closely with you to ensure that your wedding is a truly memorable and meaningful experience. We also have a list of recommended vendors that we work with regularly to make sure that you will have the best possible experience.
- 200 Fruitwood Folding Chairs (microwedding gets 50 chairs)
- 200 Cross Back Chairs with Ivory Cushions
- 20 8’x40″ Farm Tables
- 20 72″ Inch Round Tables
- 6 36″ Cocktail Tables
- 6 Space Heaters- $25 per tank of propane
- 8 Umbrella’s
- 2 Mobile Bars
RIVER FAMILY CHURCH MINISTRY BELIEFS AND VALUES
River Garden is a part of the ministry of the River Family Church located in Vista, California. As a subset and a community church ministry, we are bound to the bylaws of the Pentecostal Church of God (PCG), which is the denomination we are affiliated with.
To learn more about the River Family Church, please visit our website here.
Pastors Matthew and Amy Stoehr began their journey of pioneering The River Family Church and its ministry extensions when they came to Vista 35 years ago, committed to God’s will, and trusting Him to build His Church. At that time, they were excited about how God’s love and Word would touch families and nations, and through the years God has continued to lay out a blueprint of expansion, building relationships and seeing lives transformed.
Seven years ago, the Stoehrs responded to a clear leading to build a beautiful garden haven on the field adjacent to their church building. The football field size property, off HWY 78 in the heart of gorgeous, sunny Vista in North San Diego County, had long been the home of gophers and weeds, but with God’s grace, much prayer, and the collaboration of a special team of people, blueprints were penned, permits obtained and work was begun to create what is now River Garden Weddings and Events. The building of River Garden has been no less than miraculous. It has been a journey of prayer, God’s provision, and the collaboration of many special people to create the covered grass area, exquisite water features, unique walls and gates, covered conservatory and fireplace, gorgeous trees and lush flowers and vine landscaping that make up what the venue is today. Most of all, the space has been consecrated to God and committed to His purposes. That is why people experience God’s presence, peace, and joy as they enter the beauty of River Gardens. It is a regional gathering place for all ages for weddings, memorials, prayer and worship events, community events and Bible studies. The River Family Church has its weekly services at River Gardens. It is open during the week for people to come and enjoy.
The Stoehrs and their team are especially passionate about the institution of marriage, and in building strong families, and they are excited that River Garden is a place that couples can begin their journey together with a very special wedding experience. We are committed to having a thoughtfully curated space that will be a wonderful beginning for couples and their families. We have partnered with an excellent management company, Common Sense Events, and some of the best vendors in Southern California to help create a timeless and beautiful experience for all. Additionally, River Garden partners with a local regional ministry called The Relationship Resource, which provides premarital and ongoing marriage counseling, resources, classes, and ongoing events throughout the year to fortify marriages and families. These services are offered to every couple who is married at River Garden. We are committed to operational excellence, putting our couples and guests first and to superior customer service reflected in all we do. The wonderful River Garden wedding team is committed to serving every couple with personalized care and professionalism.
A unique aspect of River Garden is that it is an extension of the ministry of The River Family Church, coming under the umbrella of its mission statement and beliefs. Additionally, The River Family Church is a congregation belonging to the Pentecostal Church of God denomination of Southern California and is governed by the bylaws of the organization, which state that marriage is a sacred union ordained by God between a naturally born man and woman. Officiants of all weddings must be ordained ministers, licensed by the state of California, and must go through an approval process by completing a brief application.
PRIVATE & CORPORATE EVENTS
The entire River Garden property is your blank canvas to create a memorable private event for your family and friends or a motivating retreat for your team. All of our spaces are included in your booking. We look forward to helping you create an inspiring event!
Venue Spaces That
Shine
I Do Details
Our most frequently asked questions.
We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help answer any inquiries you may have. However, we understand that every wedding is unique, and you may have questions not listed here.
We hope you find the answers to your questions here, but if not, please feel free to contact us directly. We are excited to help make your wedding day an unforgettable experience!
Venue
River Garden Wedding venue is conveniently located in Vista, CA between the 5 & 15 Freeways, with easy access for guests. We are 35 minutes from the San Diego airport and just 5 minutes from the Palomar airport.
For seated events, such as weddings, the maximum capacity is 250 guests. For standing-only events, such as cocktail receptions, the maximum capacity is 350 guests. We ensure ample space for your guests to comfortably enjoy your special day amidst our lush gardens and stunning landscapes.
Our venue boasts lush gardens, 10 water features, mature trees, covered patios, and a Pavilion Lawn Venue with 7000 sq. ft. of turf. Additionally, we have a Conservatory, a covered garden atrium that seats 200+ guests, perfect for ceremonies or receptions.
Yes, we understand the importance of planning for unexpected weather conditions. Our covered Conservatory provides a beautiful alternative for ceremonies or receptions in case of inclement weather.
Absolutely! We encourage couples to bring their own decor to personalize their wedding space. Our blank canvas venue allows for creative freedom, so feel free to bring your vision to life.
Yes, we offer a spacious Bridal Suite where you and your wedding party can prepare for the big day in comfort and style.
We offer a variety of lighting options to enhance the ambiance of your wedding day, including outdoor string lights, fairy lights, and accent lighting for a romantic atmosphere.
Our dedicated team will take care of the setup and tear down of tables and chairs, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day without any added stress.
While we do not offer overnight accommodations on-site, we are conveniently located within 5 miles of 8+ hotels and resorts, making it easy for you and your guests to find comfortable lodging nearby.
Yes, we offer parking for 200+ cars on our property, ensuring convenience and ease of access for you and your guests.
Planning
No, we do not have an on-site coordinator. However, we provide assistance and guidance throughout the planning process to ensure your wedding day runs smoothly.
Yes, you have the option to hire your own wedding planner, bringing your vision to life with the expertise of a professional who understands your unique style and desires.
The timeline for planning a wedding at our venue can vary depending on your preferences and availability. We recommend booking your date well in advance to secure your preferred date and allow ample time for planning and coordination.
Yes, the rehearsal is included in the rental fee. We understand the importance of a smooth and well-coordinated ceremony, and our team will be there to assist you during your rehearsal.
We do not allow live music or bands at our venue. However, we do offer DJ services from our preferred vendor list. Our preferred DJs are familiar with our sound equipment and the rules of the venue, ensuring seamless coordination and optimal sound quality for your event.
By booking a DJ from our preferred vendor list, you can rest assured that your entertainment needs will be met with professionalism and expertise.
Certainly! You can have a ceremony rehearsal on-site to ensure that every moment of your special day is picture-perfect.
Yes, you can host your ceremony and reception at different locations on our property. We offer versatile spaces, including outdoor gardens, covered conservatory, and Pavilion Lawn , allowing you to customize your wedding day to your preferences.
Yes, tables and chairs are included in the rental fee. We provide a variety of seating options to accommodate your needs and preferences.
We specialize in creating personalized and unique wedding experiences tailored to each couple’s vision. Our venue can accommodate a variety of styles and themes, from romantic garden weddings to charming outdoor celebrations.
Miscellaneous
At River Garden Weddings & Events, we welcome well-behaved pets to join in your celebration, but we kindly ask that you discuss your plans to include pets with our team beforehand to ensure that all necessary arrangements are made.
Yes, we do allow them at our venue, but with some restrictions to ensure the safety of all guests and the preservation of our beautiful surroundings. We ask that sparklers are used responsibly and only lit in designated areas where they will not pose a fire hazard or cause damage to the property.
Bar & Catering
River Garden Weddings & Events does not provide in-house catering services. However, we do allow couples to bring in their own food and beverage vendors to cater their event.
Yes, you are welcome to bring in your own caterer to provide food and beverage services for your event. We believe in giving couples the flexibility to choose vendors that best suit their preferences and needs.
Yes, you are permitted to bring in your own alcohol for your event. We ask that you discuss any specific regulations or requirements regarding alcohol service with our team to ensure compliance with local laws and venue policies. All alcohol must be served by an approved licensed and insured bartending company.
River Garden Weddings & Events does not have a dedicated catering kitchen but we do have a prep area on-site. We can provide recommendations for local catering companies that are equipped to handle food preparation and service at our venue.
Yes, we do have a preferred vendor list that includes reputable vendors who have experience working at our venue and are familiar with our policies and procedures. While you are welcome to choose your own vendors, we are happy to provide recommendations from our list if needed.
Day Of
Access to the venue on your wedding day depends on the package you choose. For our River Garden Day package, full venue rental allows access from 10am to 10pm (Monday to Saturday) or 12pm to 10pm (Sunday). For Private Events, access is for 4 hours, and for Memorials, access is for 5 hours.
The duration of venue use depends on the package you select. For River Garden Day, you have a full 12-hour rental period. Private Events are allocated 4 hours, and Memorials are allocated 5 hours. Additional hours may be available upon request and subject to availability.
Yes, River Garden Weddings & Events carries liability insurance to ensure the safety and security of all guests and vendors during events hosted at our venue.
For all events, the party must conclude by 10pm. Private Events and Memorials are typically limited to the 4-hour and 5-hour durations specified in the package.
Logistics & Activities
The closest international airport to River Garden Weddings & Events is the San Diego International Airport (SAN), located approximately 35 minutes away by car. It offers convenient access for out-of-town guests traveling to your event.
Vista, CA, and its surrounding areas offer a variety of attractions and activities for guests to enjoy. Some recommendations include exploring the vibrant downtown area with its shops and restaurants, visiting nearby beaches such as Carlsbad or Oceanside, or exploring local attractions like the Wave Waterpark or the Alta Vista Botanical Gardens.
Yes, Vista and its surrounding areas are known for their scenic hiking trails and outdoor recreational opportunities. Some popular hiking spots include the Guajome Regional Park, Brengle Terrace Park, and the Alta Vista Gardens. Guests can also enjoy activities like biking, golfing, or simply taking in the beautiful scenery.
Scheduling a tour of River Garden Weddings & Events is easy! Simply contact our team through our website or give us a call to arrange a convenient time for your tour. During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore our stunning venue, discuss package options, and ask any questions you may have about hosting your event with us.
Booking & Payments
To reserve a date for your wedding at River Garden Weddings & Events, simply reach out to our team to check the availability of your desired date. Once confirmed, we will guide you through the booking process and assist you in securing your chosen date.
Yes, a 35% retainer is required to secure your wedding date at our venue. This retainer serves as a deposit and ensures that your chosen date is reserved exclusively for your event.
The retainer is due at the time of booking or shortly thereafter to secure your wedding date. Our team will provide you with specific details regarding the payment process and timing.
Yes, there are additional fees associated with hosting your event at River Garden Weddings & Events. These fees are outlined in detail in our contract and may include:
Day of event insurance: Couples are required to purchase day-of-event insurance to ensure coverage for their wedding day. The cost of this insurance will vary depending on the insurance provider and coverage options.
Administrative fee: We charge an administrative fee, which is a flat fee based on the package you select. This fee covers administrative costs associated with coordinating your event and ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
Add-on hours for the day of the wedding: If you require additional hours beyond the standard rental period, we offer add-on hours for the venue or bridal suite at a rate of $250 per hour.
Arch Rental: If you would like to rent an arch for your ceremony or reception, there is an additional fee of $100.
Lawn games Rental: We offer lawn games such as corn hole, Jenga, checkers, and connect four for rental at a fee of $100. These games are included in the rental fee and provide additional entertainment for your guests.
The final payment for your wedding at River Garden Weddings & Events is typically due 30 days before your event date. Our team will provide you with specific details regarding the final payment deadline and payment process well in advance to allow ample time for preparation.
Celebrating Love: Heartfelt Testimonials
"It's so beautiful, the staff is so kind, & it really feels like a hidden gem vista."
Kennie L.
Happily Ever After
If this sounds like your dream wedding, take the next step.
Are you ready to start planning your dream wedding? Our expert team will guide you and ensure every detail is handled, so you can focus on enjoying your special day.
Contact our team to ask questions, check date availability, and see our pricing. See the magic for yourself and let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime!
