Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens Est. 1984

220 Grand Tradition Way, Fallbrook, CA, United States

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- Photographer: Gina & Ryan Photography
- Photographer: Gina & Ryan Photography
- Photographer: Gina & Ryan Photography
- Photographer: Rachel Barkman Photography
- Photographer: Rachel Barkman Photography
- Photographer: Rachel Barkman Photography
- Photographer: Rachel Barkman Photography
- Photographer: Image courtesy of Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens
- Photographer: Image courtesy of Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens
- Photographer: Image courtesy of Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens
- Photographer: The Studios of Joseph Guidi
- Photographer: Image courtesy of Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens

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A tropical paradise in the middle of California.

This mansion estate is teeming with gardens, waterfalls, and streams that are all sure to transport you to your favorite lush escape without having to step foot on a plane.

The Lowdown

Type: Ballroom; Estate / House / Mansion / Villa; Garden; Private Dining / Restaurant

Views: Courtyard; Lake; Landscaped Grounds; Water Feature; Waterfall

Style: Contemporary; Elegant; Romantic; Tropical; Victorian

BEST type of CELEBRATIONS: Anniversary / Engagement Party; Baby Shower; Bridal Shower; Corporate Event; Dinner Party; Elopement / Vow Renewal; LGBT Weddings; Social Event; Wedding Ceremony; Wedding Reception

Venue Setting

The McDougal family's roots run deep in San Diego County and particularly in Fallbrook. In 1984, their love for this unique community inspired Beverly and Earl McDougal to create a community gathering place that would capture the idealized romance of another era, providing couples with a storybook venue for ceremonies and receptions. This Victorian wedding estate expanded to become known as the Grand Tradition Estate.

Over the years, the McDougal family has enhanced and developed the landscape creating additional thematic gardens and wedding venues. In 2005, construction began on Arbor Terrace—now a mature and verdant tropical paradise.

In 2013, Compass Garden was developed as a Mediterranean oasis that includes a colorful succulent and cactus garden with viewpoints, vistas and gathering spots in every direction.

After 30 years as a private wedding and event venue, the McDougal family opened the garden gates to visitors. The gardens are now enjoyed by fans and followers from every corner of the world.

Fees

(Prices listed here are estimates only & are subject to change)

Price Range: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
Does this include catering fees?: Yes
Estimated Price Per Head: from $90 to $125
Additional Charges: California sales tax and 20% service charge are required and additional.
Insurance: Additional Insurance Is Not Required To Host An Event Here

Capacity

Seated: 300

Buffet: 220

Standing: 900

Celebrations Hosted Here Since: 1984
Curfew: 12 AM
Venue Spaces: Indoor & Outdoor Venue Spaces Available
Catering: Client Must Use The Catering Provided By The Venue
Alcohol: Provided By Venue For Fee – You Must Use The Venue For All Alcohol Services
Music: Indoors & Outdoors
Smoking: Designated Smoking Areas Only
Accommodations: Wedding parties enjoy private dressing suites for both groom and groomsmen, and bride and bridal party. These dressing areas may also be used as blue rooms or staging areas for other special events.
Eco/Green Events: Yes
Pet-Friendly Events: Yes
Kid Friendly Events: Yes
Handicap Accessible: Yes

Inside Scoop

Our president and CEO recently donned diving gear to retrieve a downed drone from the bottom of our heart-shaped lake. We will go to great lengths for our brides and grooms!

Beverly, the matriarch and visionary of Grand Tradition, taught home economics at the local high school for many years, and a generous handful of her original recipes are still prepared and served during special events and at The Veranda restaurant.

Amenities

A/V Equipment
Bridal Suite/Changing Rooms Onsite
Wifi
Ample Parking Onsite
Dining Chairs
Dining Tables
Onsite Restrooms

Venue Features

The Scene:: Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens' 30 secluded acres in North County San Diego has something authentic and very special to offer. Seven stunning waterfalls and streams meander throughout the grounds. Each of the three venues on the property has its own distinctive personality.
Design:: The Beverly Mansion is the most formal of the venues, overlooking the heart-shaped lake and surrounded by magnificent gardens. As you stand on the mansion's veranda, inhaling the fragrance of the heirloom roses adorning the grounds, it is clear why so many couples come her to say "I do." A vast expanse of lawn slopes down to the lake and wedding gazebo. Couples often take advantage of the site's storybook quality by riding around the lake in a white carriage drawn by two sleek Arabian horses before and after saying their vows at the gazebo.

Arbor Terrace is often referred to as the stateside Hana Hana, Hawaii for those seeking a destination-style wedding. Palm treees swaying in the floral-laced breeze with cascading waterfalls evoke the romance of a tropical paradise. Guests are awed by the romantic isle feel of this ceremony site with its plunging waterfalls and colorful landscaping. Graceful bridges and water features enhance the site's natural splendor.

Compass Garden offers a decidedly California casual venue that includes a water feature recently awarded best in the entire state. Amenities include stunning views of both t heart-shaped lake as well as breathtaking sunsets to the west from your ceremony site, followed by a reception in the Beverly Mansion.
Standout Venue Features:: Beverly Mansion receptions are held in the mansion's Crystal Ballroom, a nostalgically elegant salon illuminated by glittering Swarovski crystal chandeliers. Opulent furnishings and Chiavari chairs make a bold statement against the room's dramatic glamor. Amenities include the elegant presentation staircase leading into the Grand Salon, stage for the head table, optional dramatic uplighting, hardwood dance floor, baby grand piano, and English pub.

Arbor Terrace's reception Pavilion includes arched windows, a fabric-draped ceiling canopy, built-in stone bar and buffet room. Designed to offer shelter while embracing the outdoors, the three-sided Pavilion lets guests dine while enjoying the adjacent garden patio and dance floor. The pavilion's waterfall sparkles in the background, catching the glowing light from the handsome outdoor fireplace.

If a more casual reception is your wish, The Orchid Bar of Compass Garden offers an incredible venue for a great cocktail hour. The view is breathtaking. The handsome bar faces onto the patio area and is anchored by the central glass and rock fire pit. Wit its contemporary residential wicker furnishings and richly colorful succulent gardens, it is a site in high demand. As teh sun sets, the massive palms and waterfalls become illuminated, making for a magical and decidedly memorable experience for your guests.
Extra Perks:: Chiavari reception chairs, white padded and folding ceremony chairs, tables, white or ivory floor length linens, dance floor, table numbers, two bottles of wine at each reception table, champagne toast and cake service, Wedding Coordinator, Bartender and all staffing, wedding bubbles for newlywed send-off

Awards & Notables
SBA award for Family-Owned Small Business of the Year 2015
Featured in Fine magazine's San Diego's Best Wedding Venues-May 2015
Feaured on Channel 8 for Larry Himmel's Favorite Places in San Diego 2014
Featured spread in Ceremony magazine's Fashion Shoot 2014
Cover of Lawn and Garden Retail magazine 2014
Featured on Channel 8 with Larry Himmel 2013
CLCA award for Best Water Feature for Compass Garden 2013
California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) award for Best Water Feature at Arbor Terrace 2006
Vintage Car Club posters 2001
Numerous photography blogs

Eats & Drinks

Food, Restaurants, Cafes, Bars & Lounges

Food, Restaurants, Cafes:: The Veranda Restaurant, offers California cuisine and mouthwatering desserts in a peaceful and picturesque setting.
Voted one of the Best Scenic Restaurants in America by Open Table Diners 2013
Voted one of the Best Brunch Restaurants in America by Open Table Diners 2015
Multiple Diners Choice Awards through Open Table
Bars & Lounges:: Cocktails and casual cuisine at the Orchid Bar feature innovative beverages and small plates al-fresco, with stone firepit, succulent gardens, water feature and spectacular views. This festive venue is wildly popular for brides and grooms' cocktail hours, and among locals on seasonal Wednesday nights!

VENDOR VERIFIED TIPS

Our verified and highly qualified Vendors that have hosted, designed, photographed, coordinated an event here would love to give you a few tips for your event here. We allow for Vendors reviews and tips, but do not allow any negative comments. If we receive 3 verified negative reviews the venue will be removed.

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Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens' 30 secluded acres in North County San Diego has something authentic and very special to offer.

Photographer: Gina & Ryan Photography

Floral Design: Magnolia Flower Shoppe | Arbor Terrace's reception Pavilion includes arched windows, a fabric-draped ceiling canopy, built-in stone bar and buffet room.