Frequently Asked Questions
Can we bring in our own caterer?
Yes, you may bring in a caterer of your choice, with approval!
Loma Vista also has an amazing list of recommended catering ranging from farm-to-table, organic, local, sustainable, high-end cuisine to food trucks, a smoke-house bbq-trailer and mobile woodfired pizza oven!
Are we required to have a planner? Can we bring in our own?
All weddings except for the 2 hour elopement package are required to have a professional planner who offers services for at least the month leading up to the wedding.
We are excited to offer in-house planning services! Please inquire about our planning package. Clients are welcome to bring in a third party planner, as long as they are professional, certified, and insured.
Will there be a venue representative of Loma Vista on premise for the wedding?
Yes. Our Venue Manager will take care of all venue needs but does not assist in personal planning or wedding coordination unless planning services are booked.
The Venue Manager will also be present at your final walkthrough and rehearsal and will facilitate and oversee the set-up of all venue-supplied furniture and equipment.
What is your alcohol policy?
Loma Vista allows clients to bring in their own beer, wine, and hard liquor, with no corkage fee. If alcohol is to be consumed on the premises, clients are required to use in-house bartending services for the serving of alcoholic beverages.
The amount of bartenders needed will depend on your guest count. (1 bartender per 50 guests). Optional add-ons include the creation of an individually tailored signature cocktail menu with a certified mixologist.
Are there onsite accommodations?
Although we are not a hotel, we do offer select accommodations for a small number of guests. The venue’s prep areas can be converted into accommodations or “glamping” experiences for up to 10. There is a two night minimum and reserving the accommodations are based upon availability. The available spaces include the Nuptial Yurt and Midcentury Trailer. These units would be booked separately from the wedding packages.
Where can people stay in Big Sur?
In Big Sur, we have high end resorts, Post Ranch and Ventana. Both are only a two minute drive from us! For cabin and inn accommodations, there is the Big Sur River Inn, Fernwood Campground and Resort, Ripplewood Resort, and Glen Oaks. Big Sur Lodge, which is located in Pfeiffer State Park, can accommodate more guests and offers room blocks if you have an element of your weekend there, such as a rehearsal dinner. For our more adventurous guests, there is plenty of camping!
Do guests stay in Carmel or Monterey?
Absolutely! Carmel and Monterey are only 30-40 minutes away and have more options for accommodations than Big Sur.
Staying in Carmel or Monterey creates another dynamic element to your destination wedding, allowing your guests to experience two of California’s most desirable gems in one weekend. The special wedding day will be focused in Big Sur, with a scenic drive down the coast and a curated experience for your guests, in nature. The following day, Carmel and Monterey offers the opportunity for brunching, strolling the village, shopping, visiting the aquarium, and more. Access to these activities may be nicer for day(s) before or after the wedding in which guests are left up to their own devices.
One of the California Coast’s draws is the scenic drive from Carmel to Big Sur. If staying in Carmel or Monterey, the ride to the venue becomes a wonderful and enjoyable part of the day’s experience.
How much do we need to supply in terms of decor?
Because we are a garden venue, not much is needed besides preferred table decor, florals and candles! You are more than welcome to bring in more, as long as it’s removed upon completion of the rental window.
What Rentals do you have in-house? Are they included in the venue fee?
All in-house rental items are an inclusive offering for all of our packages! Our in-house rental offerings include 10-seater farmhouse tables, folding chairs (mahogany with a cream cushion), sweetheart and dessert tables, assorted lounge areas, rugs for ceremony space, aisles, and dancing, fire pits and heaters, as well as lawn games.
Do you allow for a rehearsal?
Yes, we include a one-hour rehearsal period the day prior to your event, at the discretion of Loma Vista Gardens.
What are the time blocks and time restrictions?
Full Day Packages are 10 hours; Micro-wedding packages are 8 hours, and can start or end at your choosing. Loud amplified music ends at 9:00 PM in the Coastal Zone. After 9PM, music must be turned to 50 decibels. For those wanting to party late into the night, a silent disco in the forest can be a fun and unique option.
What other charges can we expect?
There are no other venue fees if all rules are followed. No cake-cutting fees or corkage fees! Add ons for labor would include bartender services and parking attendants.
Who sets everything up?
Loma Vista Gardens will set up everything that the venue provides. If clients utilize our in-house rental offerings, such as our farmhouse dining tables and ceremony and dining chairs, our staff will set up all items before the rental window begins so everything is ready upon the start of the rental period, allowing maximum time for the client’s personal set up (decor, florals, etc) and maximum time for their wedding!
If outside rentals are brought in, they need to be set up within the provided rental window. All items supplied by an outside rental company will be the responsibility of the vendor or client.
How many ceremony areas do you have?
All areas of the garden can be utilized for each element of your wedding depending on your preference! Please visit the “Galleries Tab” to see the different areas and examples of how each space can be set up. There, you will also find a site map to give you a bird’s eye view of the layout.
Do you allow dogs or other pets?
Definitely! All pets must be leashed and their waste of disposed properly.
How do we hold a date?
To hold a date, a 50% deposit must be received. The second 50% is due 6 months prior to the event.
What is the damages / holding deposit?
The damages deposit is a fully refundable deposit to cover any unforeseen damage to the property or our amenities. It is around 20% of the total site fee, and is due three months prior to the event date..
What time of year is the nicest in Big Sur?
Generally, Big Sur is temperate and mild year round, and doesn’t have typical seasons. Our rainy months are December to February, which fall in our “off season”. Rain throughout the rest of the year is infrequent, but can happen.
What is the plan if it were to rain?
Multiple areas of the gardens can be tented. Bistro lighting and patio heaters underneath will create a cozy and romantic atmosphere. Some clients utilize tenting as an aesthetic choice, regardless of weather. The client pays for the tenting directly to the vendor who provides it.
Are there areas we can get ready in?
Yes. The Nuptial Yurt is a large multipurpose space. The bride(s), groom(s), or their wedding party can use this space to get ready or have a private area, pre-ceremony. For the other partner, we have a vintage midcentury trailer.
Are you ADA accessible?
Yes. All of our levels have ramps and ways to get there that do not involve stairs. However, we are in the forest and most of our ground is natural: dirt, gravel, and grass. Our ADA bathrooms are located just outside the gardens and are shared with the rest of the property.
How many bathrooms are there?
There are two private bathrooms available to the wedding guests. Larger weddings of 100+ will need to rent additional high end restrooms to be brought in.
Do we need insurance?
Yes. Clients are required to get General Liability (and Alcohol liability if alcohol is to be consumed). We recommend cancelation coverage should something unexpected arise. Recommended websites for affordable policies can be found in our recommended vendors list, and information about who to name as the ‘additional insured’ will be noted in the contract.
Are you the Big Sur Bakery?
No. Loma Vista is the entire property. We’ve been around since the 1920s. The Big Sur Bakery, established in 2001, is located on the grounds of Loma Vista. Although we share a parking lot, our spaces are separate and unique.
What is the booking process?
Once a date has been set, a contract will be created detailing rules and regulations, timing, and payment schedule. Once signed, clients send the deposit payment. The date is not reserved until payment is received. All deposits are non-refundable.
Can we schedule a tour?
Please submit a tour request through the contact form on the home page.
