Botanical Bliss: Crafting Your Ideal Garden Wedding at the Enchanting Edward-Dean Museum — The Double Knot | Certified Planners | Weddings and Events

Mollie Jane Photography; Edward Dean Museum & Gardens

Looking for a unique hidden gem for your Southern California garden wedding? We have one for you! The Edward-Dean Museum is nestled in Cherry Valley and is the ultimate garden setting for your Spring, or Summer, or Fall garden wedding. It has everything from manicured gardens a newly renovated banquet room with a patio and spacious bridal suite for all your event needs. There is a place for every event here no matter what your style is.

Unveiling the Edward-Dean Museum

With 16 acres of space to explore, at the Edward Dean Museum & Gardens, you can have the best of both worlds if you want an outdoor Southern California garden wedding with a safe back up option just in case the weather takes a turn. The Edward Dean Museum & Gardens is perfect for any occasion with indoor, outdoor, and covered space options. The manicured outdoor Kay Plaza features a garden with a quaint gazebo flanked by a covered patio space called the Pavilion and an incredible bridal suite to boot. Situated only steps away, the Kay Ceniceros Banquet Hall is their newly renovated indoor reception space. On top of that, they also boast an incredibly manicured outdoor garden setting with a larger gazebo in the Legacy Rose Garden. The hardest part will be deciding on your favorite spot! But rest easy knowing that you and your event will have all the spaces to yourself and your photo shoots will have sooo many options!

Seasonal Splendor in the Gardens

The great part about having a Southern California wedding is that you can celebrate during any season! If you choose the Spring, you will be surrounded by fresh flowers and greenery at the Edward Dean Museum and Gardens but be on the lookout for Spring showers and be ready with tents or umbrellas. That time of year, the Koi Pond will be teeming with life and begging to be captured by your photographer. However, if you like the sunshine, then Summertime might draw you in, and in that case, you should hold the ceremony closer to sunset so you can party late into the evening to avoid that warmer afternoon sun. Or, if the milder temperatures of Fall are your favorite, then select that time of year and the gardens will be sporting gorgeous Fall colors to compliment your day, but don’t forget to grab a few outdoor heaters to keep your guests warm in the chill of the night. Lastly, if Winter is your favorite season, the gardens can host your ceremony outdoors in the Southern California afternoon sun, and then you can retreat into the banquet hall for a warmer weather-protected celebration.

Ceremony Magic in the Museum Gardens

Where is the best place to hold your ceremony at the Edward Dean Museum and Gardens? There are so many options! Our favorite is the Legacy Rose Garden as the gazebo provides an impressive backdrop to your nuptials and it is surrounded by a gorgeous manicured rose garden. Or, you could choose to have your ceremony in the Kay Plaza, or in the Pavilion if the weather turns and you need to be covered. No matter what, the Museum and gardens have you covered with plenty of backdrops and fresh air for your guests.

Garden Inspired Reception Spaces

With nature and floral blooms surrounding you in the gardens at the Edward Dean Museum & Gardens, you will not need to add a lot of decoration. Add simple lanterns, or lower floral arrangements to accent your tables. This couple used a combination of baby’s breath bouquets and lanterns to add variety. Your guests will thank you for keeping it simple so they can conversate with the guests across their table. In 17 years of planning and coordinating, we have never had a guest complain about centerpieces being too small… only that they are too big and in the way. So, save your centerpiece money for the honeymoon!

Illuminating the Night in Garden Splendor

But how do you create a comfortable space in a garden at night? We absolutely love the ambiance of adding market lighting in the Kay Plaza for sure! Add some candles in the centerpieces and you are good to go! If you are in the Legacy Rose Garden, you will not need to add much (or anything at all) as the existing park lanterns provide all that you need for a romantic evening in the garden. You could also consider adding some uplighting in the trees and gardens surrounding your reception for a pop of your wedding colors. It’s the ultimate subliminal decor that will truly make your reception feel extra special.

The Edward Dean Museum and Gardens provides a hidden gem with romantic settings and timeless qualities for you and your guests to explore. We highly recommend checking out the museum while you are there too! They truly are a magical garden escape for your Southern California Garden Wedding. Let us know if we can help you plan yours so you can truly sit back and enjoy every moment!