Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
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 $7,000
Packages
Prices start at $900
Guest capacity
Up to 250 seated guests
About this venue
From outdoor ceremonies surrounded my manicured, lush trees and florals, to elegant evening receptions, the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum is an unforgettable venue. A hidden gem in the heart of San Diego's historic Balboa Park, the garden is a truly unique and ethereal venue. The garden features authentic Japanese architecture, multiple koi ponds and waterfalls, bonsai, cherry blossom trees and wisteria arbors. For full-scale weddings, 'mix and match' your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception locations; every wedding is unique. The Lower Garden provides both indoor or outdoor spaces for dancing and dining. Our daytime Minimony package is perfect for couples looking to hold a small ceremony at the garden and have the benefit of all the garden's photo op spots, with a reception elsewhere.
Our event spaces
Lower Garden Courtyard
An open-air haven where natural beauty frames every vow
This area, located right outside the Inamori Pavilion, is a great spot for outdoor events. The Pavilion Courtyard also serves as the main site for ceremonies. Ceremony: 250 / Seated Reception: 160
Guest capacity
Up to 250 Seated
Up to 250 Standing
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Elopement, Wedding reception, Engagement party, After party, Other
Guests often feel this space is
“Warm and Cozy”
Included in this room:
-Dressing room / Bridal Suite -Event staff -Pet friendly -Wheelchair accessible
Room cost
Included in total venue pricing
Inamori Pavilion (Waterfall Side)
Beautiful authentic Japanese architecture; the room is open-air and has a flow with the Lower Garden Koi Deck and a view of a waterfall and koi pond.
The Inamori Pavilion is an indoor space with an outdoor feel, perfect for receptions. The location could also work great for a ceremony as well. Area includes a deck for guests to walk around, enjoying the gorgeous scenery and waterfall. Seated Reception: 200 (+30 if no dance floor) (+50 if Ceremony off-site) Cocktail Reception: 300 Ceremony: 250 (Room can be divided in half for small events)
Guest capacity
Up to 140 Seated
Up to 250 Standing
Guests often feel this space is
“Luxurious and Chic”
Included in this room:
-Dressing room / Bridal Suite -Event staff -Pet friendly -Transportation -Wheelchair accessible -Wifi
Room cost
$1,000 flat-rate add-on
Inamori Pavilion (Courtyard Side)
Outdoor dining or dancing in San Diego
Beautiful authentic Japanese architecture; the room is open-air and has a flow with the Lower Garden Courtyard. Perfect for larger receptions, with half inside/half outside dining and dancing
Guest capacity
1-140 Seated
Up to 250 Standing
Room cost
$1,000 flat-rate add-on
Lower Garden Koi Deck
A tranquil perch for intimate moments and sweeping views
The Inamori Pavilion's Koi Deck is an ideal place for a covered ceremony that still has an outdoor feel, or cocktail hour. Guests can enjoy the gorgeous scenery and waterfall.
Guest capacity
1-100 Seated
1-150 Standing
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Elopement, Other, Cocktail hour
Guests often feel this space is
“Warm and cozy”
Included in this room:
-Dressing room / Bridal Suite -Event staff -Pet friendly -Wheelchair accessible
Room cost
Included in total venue pricing
Upper Garden Fujidana Plaza
Celebrate in harmony with nature under the open sky
Our open air reception plaza is the perfect spot for a larger reception under the stars. The area includes a deck overlooking the plaza that can be used as an entertainment stage. Spring events can enjoy wisteria blossoms on the wooden fujidana (arbor).
Guest capacity
Up to 250 Seated
Up to 300 Standing
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Elopement, Wedding reception, Engagement party, Other
Guests often feel this space is
“Luxurious and Chic”
Included in this room:
-Dressing room -Event staff -Pet friendly -Wheelchair accessible
Room cost
Included in total venue pricing
Upper Garden Koi Deck
A serene waterside escape made for quiet reflections and stunning portraits
Nestled beneath the fujidana (wisteria arbor) and surrounded by the serene sounds of the waterfall, the koi pond is a beautiful spot for wedding ceremonies and cocktail receptions. Ceremony: 60 / Cocktail Reception: 80
Guest capacity
Up to 60 Seated
Up to 80 Standing
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Elopement, Wedding reception, Engagement party, Other
Guests often feel this space is
“Warm and Cozy”
Included in this room:
-Event staff -Pet friendly -Wheelchair accessible
Room cost
Included in total venue pricing
Upper Garden Ceremonial Gates
Begin your journey through a timeless symbol of beauty and grace
The majestic backdrop of the Charles C. Dail Memorial Gate is the perfect location for small ceremonies and cocktail hours, or as the dancing area for large receptions. The Ceremonial Gate is a magnificent location surrounded by trees with a view of the towering Corinthian columns of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Ceremony: 80 / 200+ as a dancing area.
Guest capacity
Up to 70 Seated
Up to 200 Standing
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Engagement party, Other
Guests often feel this space is
“Fun and Festive”
Included in this room:
-Event staff -Pet friendly -Wheelchair accessible
Room cost
Included in total venue pricing
Earth Bridge & Garden Paths
The garden is art; a photographer's playground.
Wander through living poetry—perfect for romantic first looks, ceremonies, cocktail hour or private proposals. Our Lower Garden includes beautiful pathways where guests can stroll during cocktail hour, exploring a variety of plants and flowers along side a charming stream. The Earth Bridge can serve as an intimate ceremony spot or the perfect place for photos after the ceremony. Bars out in the garden entice guests to explore areas such as the Kannon Bosatsu statue and the new Azumaya gazebo.
Guest capacity
1-120 Seated
1-200 Standing
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Elopement, Engagement party, After party, Other, Cocktail hour
Guests often feel this space is
“Warm and Cozy”
Included in this room:
-Dressing room / Bridal Suite -Event staff -Pet friendly -Wheelchair accessible
Room cost
Included in total venue pricing
Lower Garden Courtyard
An open-air haven where natural beauty frames every vow
This area, located right outside the Inamori Pavilion, is a great spot for outdoor events. The Pavilion Courtyard also serves as the main site for ceremonies. Ceremony: 250 / Seated Reception: 160
Guest capacity
Up to 250 Seated
Up to 250 Standing
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Elopement, Wedding reception, Engagement party, After party, Other
Guests often feel this space is
“Warm and Cozy”
Included in this room:
-Dressing room / Bridal Suite -Event staff -Pet friendly -Wheelchair accessible
Room cost
Included in total venue pricing
Inamori Pavilion (Waterfall Side)
Beautiful authentic Japanese architecture; the room is open-air and has a flow with the Lower Garden Koi Deck and a view of a waterfall and koi pond.
The Inamori Pavilion is an indoor space with an outdoor feel, perfect for receptions. The location could also work great for a ceremony as well. Area includes a deck for guests to walk around, enjoying the gorgeous scenery and waterfall. Seated Reception: 200 (+30 if no dance floor) (+50 if Ceremony off-site) Cocktail Reception: 300 Ceremony: 250 (Room can be divided in half for small events)
Guest capacity
Up to 140 Seated
Up to 250 Standing
Guests often feel this space is
“Luxurious and Chic”
Included in this room:
-Dressing room / Bridal Suite -Event staff -Pet friendly -Transportation -Wheelchair accessible -Wifi
Room cost
$1,000 flat-rate add-on
Inamori Pavilion (Courtyard Side)
Outdoor dining or dancing in San Diego
Beautiful authentic Japanese architecture; the room is open-air and has a flow with the Lower Garden Courtyard. Perfect for larger receptions, with half inside/half outside dining and dancing
Guest capacity
1-140 Seated
Up to 250 Standing
Room cost
$1,000 flat-rate add-on
Lower Garden Koi Deck
A tranquil perch for intimate moments and sweeping views
The Inamori Pavilion's Koi Deck is an ideal place for a covered ceremony that still has an outdoor feel, or cocktail hour. Guests can enjoy the gorgeous scenery and waterfall.
Guest capacity
1-100 Seated
1-150 Standing
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Elopement, Other, Cocktail hour
Guests often feel this space is
“Warm and cozy”
Included in this room:
-Dressing room / Bridal Suite -Event staff -Pet friendly -Wheelchair accessible
Room cost
Included in total venue pricing
Upper Garden Fujidana Plaza
Celebrate in harmony with nature under the open sky
Our open air reception plaza is the perfect spot for a larger reception under the stars. The area includes a deck overlooking the plaza that can be used as an entertainment stage. Spring events can enjoy wisteria blossoms on the wooden fujidana (arbor).
Guest capacity
Up to 250 Seated
Up to 300 Standing
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Elopement, Wedding reception, Engagement party, Other
Guests often feel this space is
“Luxurious and Chic”
Included in this room:
-Dressing room -Event staff -Pet friendly -Wheelchair accessible
Room cost
Included in total venue pricing
Upper Garden Koi Deck
A serene waterside escape made for quiet reflections and stunning portraits
Nestled beneath the fujidana (wisteria arbor) and surrounded by the serene sounds of the waterfall, the koi pond is a beautiful spot for wedding ceremonies and cocktail receptions. Ceremony: 60 / Cocktail Reception: 80
Guest capacity
Up to 60 Seated
Up to 80 Standing
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Elopement, Wedding reception, Engagement party, Other
Guests often feel this space is
“Warm and Cozy”
Included in this room:
-Event staff -Pet friendly -Wheelchair accessible
Room cost
Included in total venue pricing
Upper Garden Ceremonial Gates
Begin your journey through a timeless symbol of beauty and grace
The majestic backdrop of the Charles C. Dail Memorial Gate is the perfect location for small ceremonies and cocktail hours, or as the dancing area for large receptions. The Ceremonial Gate is a magnificent location surrounded by trees with a view of the towering Corinthian columns of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Ceremony: 80 / 200+ as a dancing area.
Guest capacity
Up to 70 Seated
Up to 200 Standing
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Engagement party, Other
Guests often feel this space is
“Fun and Festive”
Included in this room:
-Event staff -Pet friendly -Wheelchair accessible
Room cost
Included in total venue pricing
Earth Bridge & Garden Paths
The garden is art; a photographer's playground.
Wander through living poetry—perfect for romantic first looks, ceremonies, cocktail hour or private proposals. Our Lower Garden includes beautiful pathways where guests can stroll during cocktail hour, exploring a variety of plants and flowers along side a charming stream. The Earth Bridge can serve as an intimate ceremony spot or the perfect place for photos after the ceremony. Bars out in the garden entice guests to explore areas such as the Kannon Bosatsu statue and the new Azumaya gazebo.
Guest capacity
1-120 Seated
1-200 Standing
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Elopement, Engagement party, After party, Other, Cocktail hour
Guests often feel this space is
“Warm and Cozy”
Included in this room:
-Dressing room / Bridal Suite -Event staff -Pet friendly -Wheelchair accessible
Room cost
Included in total venue pricing
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum packages
Minimony Package
3-40 guests
Peak pricing $5,000-6,000
Off-peak pricing $4,000-5,000
Our ceremony-only package offers an intimate 2-hour event (including setup and breakdown) for up to 40 guests, with both daytime and evening options available. At minimum, a day-of coordinator is required to ensure everything runs smoothly. Monday-Thursday Minimonies are available throughout the day, while Friday-Sundays have a latest ceremony start time of 1:00 PM. The Earth Bridge is not available for Minimonies Friday-Sunday, unless it is before we open to the public.
- Up to 40 chairs
- PA system, mic and mic stand
- Bridal Suite $100/hr
- 1 Hour rehearsal for additional fee
Hourly Package
1-250 guests
Peak pricing $900-1,700
Off-peak pricing $900-1,700
Whether you have 30 guests or 150, we just charge hourly. You get the entire Upper or Lower Garden fully private for an evening event.
- For Lower Garden: Bridal Suite
- For Lower Garden: Parking
- 1 Hour Rehearsal
Available services that can be provided by Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
Services & amenities
- Dressing room / Bridal Suite
- Event staff
- Pet friendly
- Transportation
- Wheelchair accessible
- Wifi
Transportation & access
- Self parking - free
- Shuttle
- Wheelchair accessible
Reviews
Write a review5.0 out of 5
1 review
Enchanting evening
We hosted our daughter’s wedding last weekend. The venue is literally the perfect setting for a wedding and we received exuberant praise all evening for how beautifully magical everything was. I believe that our event was their largest to date (240), which meant that we had to split the ceremony and reception between the lower and upper gardens. Initially, we were concerned about having to make our guests trek from bottom to the top gardens (or take the provided shuttle), but this provided the guests with a charming walk through the gardens to gain an added element of beauty to the night. Marina, the event lead, was incredibly responsive and helpful throughout the entire process. Having a different starting location from the ending can be tricky (especially with a lesser know entry way), but the detailed instructions and maps that Marina provided proved to be extremely helpful in guiding everyone.
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