Here are some frequently asked questions to help in your planning:


When do you host weddings?

The Walnut Grove is available for weddings on Friday's, Saturday's, and Sunday's during the months of April to the middle of October. Because we only host one (1) event a day, the property is available for you to schedule your wedding at any time during the day, up until 10:00pm, but a typical timeline is 4:30pm to 10:00pm (4:30pm ceremony, 5:00pm to 6:00pm cocktail hour, and 6:00pm to 10:00pm reception).


What is your facility fee?

For 2011 events, our base facility/site fee is $2,750.00 for up to 250 guests. For Saturday events, there is an additional fee of $5.00 per guest. For 2012 events, our base facility/site fee is $2,950.00 for up to 250 guests with the additional fee of $5.00 per guest for any Saturday events as well.


What does the facility fee include?

The base facility/site fee includes 5.5 hours of actual event time. Additional hours are available and are billed as overtime. The facility fee also includes use of the bride's house and grounds for getting ready and photos two (2) hours prior to the start of your ceremony. It also includes a one (1) hour rehearsal. Rehearsals may be scheduled the evening before, morning before, or possibly even two nights before your wedding depending upon the availability of the ranch. Scheduling of rehearsals (placing your rehearsal date on the master calendar) begins 8 to 12 weeks prior to your event date.


Can I bring in my own caterer?

In order to help provide our customers with the highest level of customer service during their wedding experience, we work exclusively with Command Performance Catering Group (www.cpcatering.com). We are sorry for any inconvenience but outside catering is not permitted (other than cake/desserts are OK). Command Performance has created three (3) catering packages to assist our Bride's and Groom's in the planning of their special day. In addition to the packages and menu items included, the Chef's at Command Performance prepare thousands of unique specialty dishes derived from all types of cuisine using only the finest quality of authentic ingredients. Command Performance also specializes in elaborate cooking display-station receptions, exciting theme-wedding receptions, and all types and combinations of menu items and service packages. Your options are endless. They would be delighted to have an opportunity to sit and customize a menu, wedding and service plan suited to each and every Walnut Grove Bride and Groom so that your wedding day is not only memorable…but also unique.


How Early Can We Arrive To Get Ready / How Late Can We Stay / Can We Hire A Band?

The facility is available two (2) hours prior to your ceremony for use of the bride's house and grounds for pictures. How late into the evening can our event go? The Ventura County Noise Regulations require us to have all music off by 10:00pm. We are sorry but no live bands or live amplified music is permitted during the reception. Can I hire a band for my wedding reception? You may hire a guitarist, harpist, string quartet, etc. for your ceremony music and/or cocktail reception but, due to the Ventura County Enforced Sound Ordinance, we do not allow bands or live amplified music during the evening hours of your reception (typically 6pm to 10pm). Please know that we provide a reception sound system, free of charge, to be used by your selected D.J. for your wedding reception. Your D.J. will need to provide his/her playing equipment such as CD's, Mixing Boards, etc. Please note your D.J. will need to provide a sound system for your ceremony or you may chose to rent our Ceremony PA System for $100.00 if your D.J. cannot supply you with one.


Are there restrooms?

Unlike many outdoor venues in the area, our restroom facilities are not portable. They are enclosed in a separate building with running water, soap and towels provided.


Are the leaves on the trees year round? Do they change color?

In the fall, typically late November (when we are not open for events), the leaves on the walnut trees fall and do not return until the spring. We typically start to see the leaves returning in early/mid May, and fully leaved by the end of the month, first part of June.


When are tours available?

There isn't an office onsite so private tours are provided by appointment only. This allows us the opportunity to focus on you and the details of your wedding day. Tours usually last 45 minutes to an hour. Please call Michele at (805) 558-8279 or email her at info@walnutgroveweddings.com to schedule an appointment.