The Ruth Bancroft Garden

Raw space venue

The venue will provide just the space. You’ll bring in your own caterer and vendors.

Full wedding (ceremony and reception) pricing

Starting at $2,500

Guest capacity

Up to 150 seated guests

About this venue

We are a non-profit, Member supported organization nestled in the suburbs of the East Bay. The Garden itself is the foremost example of garden design with climate-resilient plants. Consequently, it is known as one of the finest dry gardens in the world. The Garden displays an expansive collection of plants that Ruth collected for over 60 years; many of which were in gallon-sized pots or smaller. As a result, every season offers something new in the Garden and visitors find themselves in awe of the boldness, beauty and longevity of Ruth’s hard work! The Garden’s mission is to preserve, promote, and enhance Ruth Bancroft’s world-class collection of water-conserving plants displayed in her exceptionally designed garden for the education, inspiration, and enjoyment of the public.

Seated guest capacity

1-150

Venue type

Parks, Gardens

Venue setting

Indoor
Outdoor

1552 Bancroft Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598

Our event spaces

The Ruth Bancroft Garden

Host Your Special Day at the Garden

The location you select for your special day should reflect your unique style and personality. Ruth’s Garden represents a love of nature, consideration of the environment, and an independent spirit to explore and grow. Nestled in the suburbs of the East Bay Area, the Garden offers a combination of outdoor and indoor settings for your guests, and the mature trees, succulents, cacti and blooming California native plants provide a stunning backdrop to help make your wedding day unforgettable!

Guest capacity

Up to 150 Seated

Up to 150 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Cocktail hour, Other

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed and casual”

The Great Room

A beautiful blank canvas, the Great Room is a versatile space that transforms easily to match any vision.

The Great Room is a modern, airy space with high vaulted ceilings and striking architectural accents. Warm ring pendant lights add an inviting glow for both daytime and evening events. Large windows fill the room with natural light and showcase garden views. With its clean lines, neutral palette, and spacious floor plan, it offers a flexible blank canvas for any style. Whether elegant, minimalist, or boldly decorated, the Great Room can be transformed to perfectly reflect your unique vision.

Guest capacity

Up to 102 Seated

Up to 130 Standing

Square footage

1,472

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Wedding shower, After party

Included in this room:

- Dimmable lights - Fans - Air conditioning/heat - Wall-mounted projector (rental fee) - Microphone (rental fee)

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

The Ruth Bancroft Garden

Host Your Special Day at the Garden

The location you select for your special day should reflect your unique style and personality. Ruth’s Garden represents a love of nature, consideration of the environment, and an independent spirit to explore and grow. Nestled in the suburbs of the East Bay Area, the Garden offers a combination of outdoor and indoor settings for your guests, and the mature trees, succulents, cacti and blooming California native plants provide a stunning backdrop to help make your wedding day unforgettable!

Guest capacity

Up to 150 Seated

Up to 150 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Cocktail hour, Other

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed and casual”

The Great Room

A beautiful blank canvas, the Great Room is a versatile space that transforms easily to match any vision.

The Great Room is a modern, airy space with high vaulted ceilings and striking architectural accents. Warm ring pendant lights add an inviting glow for both daytime and evening events. Large windows fill the room with natural light and showcase garden views. With its clean lines, neutral palette, and spacious floor plan, it offers a flexible blank canvas for any style. Whether elegant, minimalist, or boldly decorated, the Great Room can be transformed to perfectly reflect your unique vision.

Guest capacity

Up to 102 Seated

Up to 130 Standing

Square footage

1,472

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Wedding shower, After party

Included in this room:

- Dimmable lights - Fans - Air conditioning/heat - Wall-mounted projector (rental fee) - Microphone (rental fee)

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

Available services that can be provided by The Ruth Bancroft Garden

Services & amenities

Clean up
Dressing room / Bridal Suite
Event rentals
Event staff
Lighting/Sound
Pet friendly
Set up
Wheelchair accessible
Wifi

Transportation & access

Self parking - free
Wheelchair accessible

Rentals

Linens
Sound / AV
Standard Chairs

Reviews

Rating: 5.0

5.0 out of 5

2 reviews

S
Sahar
Rating: 5
•May 18, 2026
Loved our Ruth Bancroft Wedding!
The Ruth Bancroft Garden was the perfect setting for our wedding day. Tim'mya and her team were responsive, kind, and genuinely invested in making sure everything went smoothly. When unexpected rain threatened our outdoor ceremony, they worked quickly to help us adapt without any stress or frustration. The garden itself is absolutely breathtaking—it felt like we were transported somewhere far away instead of staying in the Bay Area. What impressed us most was how accessible they made their services and how transparent they were throughout the planning process. We couldn't have asked for a better venue or team to help us celebrate our marriage.
A
Amelia
Rating: 5
•Jun 30, 2025
A Truly Stunning Venue
The Ruth Bancroft Garden is such a stunning venue. We booked it without seeing it in person and it turned out to be even more beautiful than we imagined. The team is great and super experienced with weddings. Overall, would definitely recommend!

All rentals are a flat fee. The rates depend on several factors, including the type of event, date, rental period, guest count, and staffing needs.

•Exclusive access to all spaces beginning at 4PM. •1-year complementary membership to the Garden beginning on your wedding day. •Use of RBG tables and black foldable chairs (80): (10) 66-inch round tables (15) 6-foot tables (15) 5-foot tables (10) 4-foot tables (8) cocktail tables •2-5 Event Assistants. Their responsibilities include setting up and breaking down chairs and RBG tables, assisting with parking, and directing guests. • 1-hour rehearsal

We have a list of preferred caterers, but you may use your own full-service caterer with prior approval from the Events Manager. Outside caterers must hold a current Health Services Permit, and any caterer who has not previously worked at RBG is required to tour the venue in advance. Please note that onsite cooking is only permitted in designated areas and is not allowed within the Garden itself.

The renter is allowed to provide their own alcohol but must have an RBS-certified bartender for your entire event. • No self-service or free pouring is allowed. • No bottles of liquor can be on the tables at any time. • Wine, beer and mixed drinks are permitted. However, we do not allow shots. • No alcohol is permitted in the parking lot at any time.

We do not offer soft holds. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure your date, a signed contract and a non-refundable $1,500 deposit are required. This deposit will be applied toward your total balance.

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