Franciscan Gardens


Guest capacity

Up to 200 seated guests


About this venue

Franciscan Gardens is an enchanting and inviting special event venue located in beautiful San Juan Capistrano. Located steps from California’s “Jewel of the Missions,” the venue offers a private, secluded environment for weddings, social gatherings, and corporate events. The Spanish courtyard is tucked behind elegant wooden doors that open to a blossoming garden, with fountains, vine-wrapped pergolas, and bistro lights strung throughout. Originally built in 1920, the venue’s indoor ballroom displays the buildings’ original brick walls and wood flooring while modern and elegant crystal chandeliers adorn the ceilings. The rustic and charming 5,000 square foot property features romantic indoor and outdoor spaces, along with two on-site suites and signature service from 24 Carrots Catering & Events.


Our event spaces

The Ballroom

Historic Elegance

The expansive indoor space boasts exposed brick walls, beamed ceilings, gorgeous wood floors, and crystal chandeliers that create the perfect elegant backdrop for events.

Guest capacity

Up to 180 Seated

Up to 200 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, Elopement, Other

Guests often feel this space is

“Luxurious and chic”

The Courtyard

A Charming Hideaway

Step into the exquisite Spanish courtyard, tucked behind elegant wooden gates, with overhead café lighting, bubbling fountains, lush greenery, and romantic white mini-string lights beautifully draped in the surrounding trees.

Guest capacity

Up to 200 Seated

Up to 200 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, Elopement, Other

Guests often feel this space is

“Luxurious and chic”

The Ballroom

Historic Elegance

The expansive indoor space boasts exposed brick walls, beamed ceilings, gorgeous wood floors, and crystal chandeliers that create the perfect elegant backdrop for events.

Guest capacity

Up to 180 Seated

Up to 200 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, Elopement, Other

Guests often feel this space is

“Luxurious and chic”

The Courtyard

A Charming Hideaway

Step into the exquisite Spanish courtyard, tucked behind elegant wooden gates, with overhead café lighting, bubbling fountains, lush greenery, and romantic white mini-string lights beautifully draped in the surrounding trees.

Guest capacity

Up to 200 Seated

Up to 200 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, Elopement, Other

Guests often feel this space is

“Luxurious and chic”


Available services that can be provided by Franciscan Gardens

Services & amenities

  • Bar services
  • Catering services
  • Clean up
  • Dance floor
  • Dressing room / Bridal Suite
  • Event rentals
  • Event staff
  • Liability insurance
  • Service staff
  • Set up
  • Wedding cake services
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Wifi

Transportation & access

  • Self parking - free
  • Self parking - paid
  • Wheelchair accessible

Rentals

  • Barware
  • Chiavari Chairs
  • China
  • Flatware
  • Glassware
  • Lighting
  • Linens
  • Standard Chairs

Reviews

Write a review
Rating: 5.0

5.0 out of 5

2 reviews

  • AC

    Allison C.

    Rating: 5
    Apr 13, 2025

    Bride

    Franciscan Gardens was absolutely incredible! The most stunning venue I have ever seen. We got married there in April and the entire Franciscan Gardens team was an absolute dream to work with. They made the whole process so easy and so magical. Would 1000% recommend anyone to use this venue.

  • CL

    Christine L.

    Rating: 5
    Nov 20, 2024

    Above and beyond service at Franciscan Gardens!

    From the moment I stepped into Franciscan Gardens, I knew it was my perfect wedding venue! Elizabeth and her team were very kind and each encounter was full of shared excitement. As someone who is detail oriented and enjoys event planning, I was continuously amazed by the care and thoughtfulness throughout my entire wedding planning process. The venue itself is dreamy and charming, full of lush greenery and romantic lighting, offers flexible options for indoor or outdoor ceremonies and receptions, includes two spacious getting ready rooms for the wedding parties, and elegant details throughout each space. Franciscan Gardens and 24 Carrots exceeded our expectations in every way, and I would highly recommend to anyone planning a wedding or special event!


Real couples who got married at Franciscan Gardens

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All indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the property are exclusively available to you during your event, including: the Courtyard, the Ballroom, and (2) Getting Ready Suites. The outdoor Courtyard and indoor Ballroom can both be utilized for ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner receptions with 24 Carrots staff flipping any spaces based on your itinerary. The Courtyard can seat up to 200 guests, and the Ballroom can seat up to 180 guests. Please talk with your venue representative about suggested layouts based on guest count and preferences. The (2) Getting Ready Suites are available starting at 10am the day of your event.
Yes, the venue includes a wheelchair lift, and both the Courtyard and Ballroom are accessible at street level.
Yes, rest assured that your guest count can increase up to venue capacity or reduce by 10% of your signed, initial contract. For example, if you sign the 24 Carrots contract for 100 guests, your contract allows changes to as low as 90 guests. Final guest counts, final selections, and the final payment are due 10 business days prior to your event date.
Not to worry! Our indoor Ballroom is a beautiful alternative option in the case of rain or inclement weather. Your venue representative will work with you to adjust and create alternative event layouts as needed. If you prefer to tent the outdoor Courtyard, please speak with your venue representative for tent rental options through 24 Carrots’ exclusive vendor.
You are welcome to bring in your own vendors for wedding coordination, photography, videography, florals, officiant, entertainment, photo booth, select specialty rentals, signage, decorations, wedding cake, and specialty desserts. Every vendor must provide proof of insurance as required in the Venue Rental Contract.
Yes! Tastings are one of our favorite parts of the planning process and are complimentary after booking and signing your venue and catering contracts. Private tastings are hosted at the 24 Carrots corporate offices in Costa Mesa and are recommended 4-6 months prior to your event date. If your event has not been booked yet, a tasting fee applies but will be credited towards your initial deposit upon booking. Additional guests will be charged a non-refundable tasting fee.
events@franciscangardens.com 949.248.1586 FranciscanGardens.com