I Do Details
Our most frequently asked questions.
We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help answer any inquiries you may have. However, we understand that every wedding is unique, and you may have questions not listed here.
We hope you find the answers to your questions here, but if not, please feel free to contact us directly to learn more about our garden wedding venue. We are excited to help make your wedding day an unforgettable experience!
Venue
Serendipity is situated at 12865 Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen, CA 92399, nestled in the picturesque community of Oak Glen. This area is renowned for its autumnal celebrations, such as apple, berry, and pumpkin picking, drawing thousands of visitors annually. Oak Glen’s scenic beauty offers a refreshing escape, with summer temperatures typically 10 degrees cooler than the nearby valley, making it an ideal setting for your forthcoming wedding.
Our maximum is 200 guests.
Do I count children in my guest count?
If the child requires a seat with a place setting then the caterers will charge for that meal. If the child is a lap child or toddler not requiring their own place setting then you do not have to count them in your guest count.
What is your minimum guest count?
Our package minimum starts at 100 guests. If you are looking at anything under that you will deduct $20 per person down to the desired guest count amount. Please note that we are not able to have any guest count lower than 50 people.
At Serendipity Gardens, we offer a variety of outdoor spaces for your special day. These include lush grounds spanning nearly eight acres, complete with trickling waterfalls and serene ponds to create a picturesque backdrop for your ceremony. Additionally, our cocktail terrace provides a beautiful setting for guests to mingle and enjoy the spectacular scenery from up high. Whether you envision exchanging vows amidst nature’s beauty or celebrating under twinkling café lights, our outdoor spaces cater to all your wedding needs.
In the rare event of inclement weather, our beautiful Barn is available as an alternative venue. Please note that the Barn is not included in the package price.
Yes, feel free to infuse your personal style into our space.
Ready Rooms:
Bridal Suite: We offer a large, beautifully decorated bridal suite available 2 hours prior to your event. It’s the perfect space for the bride and her squad to enjoy some pre-wedding fun.
Groom’s Suite: Your groom and his party will have access to a wonderful space, providing a sophisticated atmosphere to relax and enjoy some pre-wedding activities, including shooting some pool.
Extended Rental:
Cottage Rental: We also offer a beautiful Cottage for rent, providing access as early as 6:00 in the morning. This space accommodates bridesmaids, mothers, and grandmothers, with an adjacent Beauty Cottage for hair and makeup preparation.
Extended Rental Option: Yes, you can reserve the ready rooms for longer than 2 hours with an additional fee of $100 per hour. Please note that this is subject to availability, as we may host meetings, tours, or events in the mornings.
Beverages and Snacks:
Provided Amenities: In the bridal room, we provide appetizers and lemon water to ensure you and your party stay refreshed throughout your preparations.
We illuminate the outer perimeter of the reception area with strings of lights, which typically provide ample lighting for guests to enjoy the festivities.
Our dedicated team handles the setup and tear down of tables and chairs.
Table Choices:
Round Tables:
Ivory linens to the floor.
Brown chiavari ballroom chairs with ivory cushions.
Round tables measure 60 inches across.
Custom linens: 120 inch rounds.
Overlay: 90 inch round.
“Brown” Setup:
Long hand-built brown wooden tables with ivory runners.
Square tables with ivory tablecloths.
Burlap runners available.
Brown chiavari chairs with ivory cushions.
Ivory napkins.
Long tables: 12 ft in length.
“V” table: 8 feet on both sides.
Square tables: 6 feet by 5 feet with a drop of 30ʼ on the sides.
Dining Layout:
We recommend against creating your own dining layout as we have established layouts that work well in the area and with guest movement. You’ll receive appropriate layouts for your guest count in your SERENDIPITY PLANNING TOOLS EMAIL.
Included Table Settings:
Formal place setting includes:
Plate Chargers (gold, silver, rose gold, or brown rattan)
Ivory Stoneware
Water Goblets
Flatware
Cloth Napkins
No, but we are near many beautiful accommodations:
Khyra Beaucrest Ranch (Bed and Breakfast)
Address: 40335 Avenue Altejo Bella, Cherry Valley, CA 92223
Phone: (347)-227-5835
Email: [email protected]
Website: Khyra Beaucrest Ranch
Stone Oak Manor (Bed and Breakfast) (12 minutes away)
Address: 38433 Potato Canyon Road, Oak Glen, CA 92399
Phone: (909) 255-1384
Email: [email protected]
Website: Stone Oak Manor
Ayres Hotel (25 minutes away) – Pet friendly
Address: 1015 W Colton Ave, Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: (909) 335-9024
Website: Ayres Hotel
Morongo Casino Resort & Spa (20 minutes away)
Address: 49500 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230
Phone: (951) 849-3080
Hampton Inn & Suites (15 minutes away)
Address: 6071 Joshua Palmer Way, Banning, CA 92220
Phone: (951) 922-1000
Absolutely, ample onsite parking is available for you and your guests.
Planning
Your Event Manager serves as the “Day of Coordinator.” You’ll meet them on the day of your questionnaire meeting.
Bringing Your Own Coordinator: Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own “Day of Coordinator.” Your Event Manager will collaborate with them to ensure smooth coordination.
Decoration Assistance: Unfortunately, our team is unable to assist with decorating. Please arrange for a decorating team or inquire at the office for our preferred professionals.
Of course, you’re welcome to bring in your own wedding planner to complement our services.
While the fastest turnaround we’ve achieved is three months, most couples book a year in advance to secure their preferred dates.
Yes, a rehearsal is included in the rental fee to ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day.
Sound and Noise Ordinances:
We adhere to sound and noise ordinances to ensure compliance.
There are no other restrictions on music or entertainment, allowing us to curate the perfect atmosphere for your event.
Reception End Time:
All receptions at Serendipity end at 10:00 pm.
This policy is in accordance with noise ordinances in the county.
Certainly! You can have a ceremony rehearsal on-site to ensure that every moment of your special day is picture-perfect.
Certainly, we offer the flexibility for you to customize your wedding experience.
Yes, tables and chairs are included to ensure your convenience.
At Serendipity, we take pride in our ability to cater to a diverse range of wedding styles. Whether you envision an elegant affair, a modern celebration, a woodsy retreat, a romantic soirée, or an outdoorsy gathering, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life. Our location serves as the perfect canvas for couples to customize their wedding day style according to their unique preferences and dreams. With our versatile offerings and attention to detail, we strive to create an unforgettable experience that reflects the individuality and love of each couple.
Miscellaneous
Pets are welcome at Serendipity, but we do ask that a pet liability form be signed for the safety and comfort of all guests.
Sparkler Exit Policy:
Yes, you may have a sparkler exit at Serendipity. However, as we are in a high fire danger area, this must be organized carefully to ensure the safety of your guests and our surroundings.
Please inform your coordinator at your Questionnaire Meeting if you’d like to include a sparkler exit, and she will discuss our procedures with you.
Important Note:
If you choose to have a sparkler exit, please be aware that your last song must end at 9:45 PM to allow time to line everyone up and complete the exit by our 10:00 PM end time.
Bar & Catering
Menu Options:
We offer a three-course menu at Serendipity. Please refer to our website for the detailed menu.
Outside Food:
Outside food may be allowed in some cases. Please inquire for further details.
Vegetarian/Vegan Option:
Yes, we provide vegetarian and vegan options. Please indicate your preferences on your wedding questionnaire, and we will provide you with a quote.
Gluten-Free Option:
Our dinner menu is primarily gluten-free, with the exception of the dinner roll served on the side.
Appetizers:
Appetizers are included in our offerings.
Beverages:
Included beverages are iced tea, lemonade, and water. Coffee is served with your cake.
Children’s Meals:
Children are served the same meals as adults; we do not provide a separate children’s menu.
Buffet Style Service:
Yes, we offer buffet-style service included in the package price. Our setup includes a double-sided buffet. Guests go through the buffet line once, and we may leave it open for an additional 15 minutes for seconds if there is extra food.
Plated Service Upgrade:
You have the option to upgrade to a sit-down, plated service. We offer two plated dinner options:
$5 per person upgrade, which combines the salad course with the main entrée.
$12 per person upgrade, including a separate salad course followed by the main entrée.
Yes, this is allowed in certain circumstances.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own alcohol to Serendipity for your event. Our bar service fee is $500.00, which includes a beautifully designed outdoor bar, bartender, bar setup and cleanup, as well as glassware for wine, beer, champagne, and your signature cocktail. Additionally, we offer corking and tray passing services for your signature cocktail, champagne, and/or apple cider, as well as the service of your beer and wine. However, for liability reasons, we are unable to allow outside bartenders.
You do not need to provide any security for your event, but you are welcome to do so if you prefer. Corking your champagne is included in the bar fee, and our servers will pour it into champagne flutes and tray pass it to each guest. Wine and beer are served directly from the bar. We card anyone who appears to be under 35 years of age, including the bridal party, so please ensure your family and friends bring valid ID.
As a private event with your own alcohol, we strictly prohibit underage drinking. You may bring your alcohol 3 hours prior to your event and should place wine and beer behind the bar, while champagne should be stored in the cooler behind the fence in the service area. We allow wine coolers, hard lemonade, beer in kegs, wine, champagne, and up to 3 different signature cocktails. You can bring 2 full kegs (15.5 gallons each) or 4 pony kegs (7.5 gallons each), though we recommend kegs for a more elegant presentation.
During the cocktail hour, your signature cocktail will be tray passed on the Cocktail Terrace, where it will be served premixed by you and brought ready to pour. The cocktail hour begins immediately following the ceremony.
Our kitchen is not open to outside caterers. All food brought from off site, needs to be brought ready to serve.
Yes, we have a curated list of preferred vendors to assist you in planning your perfect day.
Day Of
You can access the venue on your wedding day three hours prior to the start of your event.
Your event time at Serendipity is limited to seven hours, which includes both the duration of the event itself and the time needed for set up and clean up.
Yes.
Liability Coverage:
$2 million / $2 million
Medical Payments: $10,000
Property Damage Deductible: $1,000
Hosted Liquor Liability: Included in Wedsure policy
Waiver of Subrogation: Checkbox to include in policy
Cancellation / Postponement:
Coverage recommended at least the total of the Serendipity contract.
Additional categories/amounts recommended:
Loss of Deposits: $2,500 or amount you feel necessary
Photographs & Video: $2,500 or amount you feel necessary
Special Attire: $2,500 or amount you feel necessary
Jewelry: $2,500 or amount you feel necessary
Gifts: $2,500 or amount you feel necessary
Rented Party Supplies: $2,500 or amount you feel necessary
Professional Counseling: $2,500 or amount you feel necessary
Additional Insured:
Serendipity Garden Weddings
Address: 12865 Oak Glen Rd, Oak Glen, CA 92399
Policy Cost:
Depending on the amount of your coverage, your policy cost will range anywhere from $550 to $650 total. Please note that adding more coverage will increase the cost.
Music must conclude by 10 pm.
Logistics & Activities
ONT (Ontario International Airport) in California is the closest international airport to our venue.
Explore the Oak Glen Preserve, a nature and wildlife preserve offering hiking trails, picnics, and streams.
Visit Riley’s Farm, a historical site featuring working apple orchards, Civil War programs, and a restaurant.
Experience Snowline Apple Orchard, known for its 118-year-old apple shed, apple cider donuts, and winery.
Enjoy activities at Riley’s Apple Farm, including apple and berry picking, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and cornfields.
Discover Oak Tree Mountain, a 14-acre family fun park offering mile-high apple pies, an ice cream parlor, shops, and more.
Explore North Cork Vineyards and Winery.
Dine at Oak Glen Steakhouse, a sports bar and steakhouse.
Visit Morongo Resort and Casino for spa treatments, shopping, casino games, and dining options.
Take a trip to downtown Palm Springs for additional shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences.
Absolutely, there are plenty of hiking trails and outdoor activities nearby for you and your guests to enjoy.
Oak Glen Preserve: Offers various hiking trails through scenic landscapes and oak woodlands.
Los Rios Rancho: Features trails that wind through apple orchards and offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Yucaipa Regional Park: Offers multiple trails for hiking and walking, with options for different skill levels.
Wildwood Canyon State Park: Located nearby in Yucaipa, this park offers several hiking trails with varying difficulties and stunning views of the San Bernardino Mountains.
Bogart Park: Offers trails for hiking and walking amidst oak trees and along the banks of the San Timoteo Creek.
Absolutely! You can schedule a tour of the venue to experience its beauty firsthand. We also offer virtual tours for couples who are out of state, allowing you to explore our stunning location from the comfort of your own home.
Booking & Payments
To reserve your wedding date, please complete our contract information form and schedule your booking appointment. This will ensure that your desired date is secured for your special day!
Yes, a retainer of $5,000.00 is required to secure your date.
The retainer is due at your booking appointment to secure your date. Future payments are typically scheduled 12 months, 8 months, and 4 months from your event date. Any additional upgrades are paid in full at your final planning meeting.
What forms of payment do you accept to secure my date?
The initial deposit is $5,000.00. You can now pay your booking deposit via Quickbooks, when you come in and sign your contract. Your payment will post immediately. This holds your date with our venue, as well as all our vendors.
Are initial deposits and future payments refundable?
Once we hold a date for you all deposits and subsequent payments are non- refundable.
What are my payment options?
We generally split the remaining balance into three (12 months prior – 40%, 8 months prior – 40% and 4 months prior – 20%,), four (18 months prior – 27%, 12 months prior – 27%, 8 months prior – 26% and 4 months prior – 20%,), or five payments (5 payments of approximately 20% 24 months,18 months, 12 months, 8 months, and 4 months prior). The number of payments are determined by how far in advance you are booking your date. All payments are due on the first of the month. For example if your wedding is May 15, 2025, your payments would be due May 1, 2024, September 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025. However, we are happy to customize your payments upon request.
What forms of payment do you allow?
We do our payments through Quickbooks. You will use your routing and account number and it comes from your checking/savings account as an ACH memo. Payment by credit card can be arranged through Quickbooks as well, however there is a 3% fee.
Can I mail my payment?
All payments are made by check via Quickbooks online. Please do not mail in payments.
What if I am late on a payment?
Please let us know right away if you encounter any problems with payments.
Can I make changes to my contract?
Under certain circumstances we could authorize a contract change. This would require a $50 change fee due to bookkeeping fees.
Happily Ever After
If this sounds like your dream wedding, take the next step.
Are you ready to start planning your dream wedding? Our expert team will guide you and ensure every detail is taken care of, so you can focus on enjoying your special day.
Contact our team to ask questions, check date availability, and schedule a tour. Come see the magic for yourself. Let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime!
Kind Words
“It’s safe to say, we are in love with Serendipity, its amazing team, and everything they have to offer. They deserve 100 stars and so much more!“
