Planning a Private Estate Wedding – Pros and Cons

A private estate wedding is not ideal for everyone, especially if there are guest counts of over 300 and late night requests to name a few challenges.

I had my wedding at a private property in Malibu, California.  As my husband and I exchanged our vows, we watched three dolphins jumping in and out of the water.

Our company has been renting homes and producing events at private properties for over 15 years.  Additionally, we plan events at hotels, country clubs and venues and there are big differences.  Hopefully, this blog will help you navigate the waters before you sign any agreements.

PROS –

• Unique – a wedding at a private home is different.  Since most owners can only do a few per year, you and your guests will have access to stunning properties that they would normally not have access.
• Photography – your photographer will have different options on where to shoot from ocean backdrops, swimming pools to gardens to staircases.
• Privacy – there will be only one wedding onsite and it will be yours.  Unlike a hotel or country club, you and your partner will be the only couple taking photos and saying their vows. In addition, you won’t have to be concerned about uninvited guests watching your ceremony.
• Catering – you will be able to choose from several caterers instead of using the in-house caterer.  We require that all caterers be licensed and insured, but that has never been an issue for our clients.
• Creativity – you will be able to create your own design from the ceremony to the dinner reception.
• Load-in and Load-out – since there won’t be a wedding before and after your wedding, this gives your event professionals more flexibility. Unlike a hotel, where you are sometimes given a very tight turnaround for setup and strike.

CONS – 

• Budget – if you are on a strict budget, we do not recommend having your wedding at a private estate.  Since everything must be brought onsite.  Your caterer will want a full kitchen (ovens, stoves, prep tables, etc.) and most homeowners don’t have a kitchen big enough or want to have a catering crew cooking and serving a dinner for 150 people in their kitchen.
• Party end-time – most estates will have an end-time much earlier than a hotel or country club.  If you want your party to go until 2 am, a private estate is going to be challenging due to neighbors and city ordinances.
• Bathrooms – some homeowners have restrooms that you may use, however the majority of our homeowners will want you to bring them in.  Costs can range from $1100 to $4000. These are not the ugly ones you see on construction sites.  We have been using portable restrooms from day one and they are very nice with wood floors, wood doors, tiled vanity sinks, music and attendants.
• Parking – this use to be more complicated, but with Uber and Lyft we see a better flow for guests.  Our clients set up an account with a code for their guests and don’t have to be concerned with guests drinking and driving.
• Planning – having a private estate wedding requires planning with a professional event and/or wedding planner. Since we do this all the time, for us it is second nature on what do to and how to handle situations. However, for someone who has never done this type of event before, it can be stressful or it can cost additional money if they make the wrong decision.
• Weather – if you are having your wedding at a private home and the weather is an issue, you may have to bring in a tent if the home does not have a ballroom.
• Power – we always recommend a generator, especially when there is power being drawn for a band, catering and lighting. Our professionals guide us and we rely on their expertise.

For more information or if you would like our assistance with finding the right property for your wedding or special event, please call our office at 310-994-7789.