All weddings at The Living Desert must be coordinated through our approved event planner Celebrations of Joy. Wedding Divas Cathy O'Connell and Dorry Wynham create extraordinary events and destination weddings. For more information please contact 760-777-8420 or cathy@celebrationsofjoy.com. Be sure to visit their website at http://neveradryeye.wordpress.com/. Please note that their fees are separate from The Living Desert's venue and other related fees.

Whether you're planning a rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, or reception, The Living Desert has the most unique setting anywhere in Coachella Valley. Just a few of our packages are noted below.

Garden Wedding Package

Two of the Desert's most beautiful gardens are paired together for this romantic wedding package. The evening begins with a sunset ceremony at the Chase Reception Garden, home to a modern mix of rich succulents, flourishing cacti, and sculptural waterfall. Included in the package are private changing rooms inside the Chase building, complete with chilled bottled water for the wedding party to enjoy. After the ceremony, guests will be escorted to the adjacent Palm Garden Patio. This lush garden setting is encircled with over 50 species of towering palm trees, bird of paradise and purple verbena plants. A 15' x 30' stage is the perfect spot for live entertainment or DJ, and arrangements can be made for desert animals to greet guests near the Patio's main entrance. Both settings are equipped with lighting and sound system. A variety of catering options are available. 100-250 guests.

Spirit of Africa Wedding Package

Guests will embark on an adventure of a lifetime with our Spirit of Africa Wedding Package, which includes Safari Shuttle service for guests throughout our African exhibits, followed by an outdoor ceremony at Elder's Grove, complete with long wooden African benches, thatched roof, African drums, and towering Acacia trees. After the ceremony, guests will enjoy a lively reception inside or outside The District Commissioner's House. Early 20th century antiques and furnishings are complimented by a panoramic glass wall featuring our Amur leopards at play. Outside hurricane candles grace wooden African benches, along with signature African cocktails, and first dance underneath a lantern-lit Acacia tree.

Rental Rates

EVENING: $5,000
REHEARSAL THE EVENING PRIOR: $500 FOR 1-2 hours
Basic staffing is included for daytime or evening rentals, which includes event coordination, parking lot attendant, greeter, and maintenance and security. Additional staffing fees may apply. All rental rates are for a 3-hour block. Extra hours may be added for a minimum fee of $250 per hour. Additional shuttles are available at $150 for 1-3 hours. All venues feature sound systems.. For more information, please contact 760-346-5694 ext. 2161 or email parties@livingdesert.org.

Additional Rentals and Services

• 60" round tables: $8
• 6' conferences or standard tables: $5
• Board Room padded, armed wooden folding chairs: $2.50 (up to 60)
• Heavy-duty white plastic folding chairs: $1.50 (up to 300)
• Mahogany folding chairs: $1.50 each (up to 100)
• Heaters: $60 (up to 12)
• Additonal Shuttles: are available at $175 for 1-3 hours
• Wildlife Wonders Animals: $250 for 1-2 animals, $500 for 4-6 animals. Up to a one hour presentation.
• Addition rentals may be arranged through an outside service.