Host an Event
Transform your special occasion into an unforgettable desert oasis event.
Explore Unique Event Opportunities
Offering a spectacular backdrop for everything from elegant weddings to corporate gatherings, this venue transforms any celebration into a memorable affair. Hosting your event here not only provides a distinctive setting amidst natural beauty but also supports conservation efforts, making your special occasion contribute to a greater cause. Whether aiming to impress clients, celebrate love, or gather for a meaningful cause, your event is guaranteed an extraordinary experience.
Make Special Memories for Your
Weddings & Rehearsal Dinners
Corporate Meetings & Events
Family Reunions & Celebrations
Our Venues
Discover an oasis of unique event spaces at The Living Desert, where the beauty of nature meets unparalleled elegance. From serene tranquility and majestic vistas to modern sophistication, our versatile indoor and outdoor venues are surrounded by lush landscapes and exotic wildlife, promising to make your next gathering unforgettable. Whether it’s a romantic wedding, an intimate affair, or a grand corporate event, we invite you to create lasting memories in our extraordinary desert sanctuary.
District Commissioner’s House
Capacity: 40 guests seated or 50 standing
Located in the African Village WaTuTu, the District Commissioner’s House, designed in the style of buildings frequented by British Commissioners during Kenya’s colonial period, features a thatched roof, mud-wall construction similar to African village huts, and includes a panoramic glass wall for private viewing of the Abyssinian ground hornbill.
Village WaTuTu
Capacity: Can accommodate from 150 to 1,000 guests
Village WaTuTu, is a 5-acre area located near the giraffe habitat, and includes the shaded Elder’s Grove, a ceremony location with rustic style benches. Encircling the grounds are dromedary camel, striped hyena, weaver birds, and Addax antelope habitats. Events at Village WaTuTu are unlike any others hosted in Southern California, and will provide your guests with a truly memorable experience.
Palm Garden Patio
Capacity: 250 seated guests
The Palm Garden Patio, an open-air event space near the park’s main entrance, offers dining under the stars amidst over 40 species of palm trees. Adjacent is the popular G-Scale model train exhibit, Bighorn Railroad, ideal for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as guest make their way to the Palm Garden Patio for dinner. Perfect for day or evening events, the Patio is fully equipped with lighting and a stage.
Discovery Center
Tennity Wildlife Hospital & Conservation Center
Capacity: 80 guests seated or 150 for a cocktail reception
Irvine Patio
Capacity: 150 seated or 250 guests for cocktail reception
The Giraffe Platform
Capacity: 200 standing guests
There is no other place in Southern California that compares to the Giraffe Platform, overlooking the Giraffe Savanna habitat. Here, the giraffe wander on the lush hillside and may make frequent visits to the platform where you and your guests are invited to feed them as you sip champagne and stand in awe of these truly majestic creatures. The nearby Rhino Savanna Overlook is also available for intimate gatherings.
Tennity Board Room
Capacity: 80 seated or 110 standing guests
Littlefield Art Gallery
Capacity: 50 seated or 100 standing guests
The Littlefield Art Gallery, part of the Stephen B. Chase Building, showcases artistic elegance in an organically inspired setting, offering a stunning backdrop for viewing art.
Lurie Reception Patio
Capacity: 100 seated or 150 standing guests
The Lurie Reception Patio, within the Stephen B. Chase Building, features modern landscaping and a sculptural waterfall, providing an exquisite outdoor setting for events.
Preferred Vendor List
Event Planners
Bridezilla Events
Gabriela Marquez
951.427.2733
www.bridezillaevents.co
Lola Kent Weddings & Events
Lola Kent
[email protected]
562.235.2772
Stacey Jones Event Design
760 880 0870
www.staceyjones.com
[email protected]
Sola Fide Photography
Michele Tully
[email protected]
www.solafidephotography.com
Caterers
LuLu’s Catering Diego Castillo
[email protected]
760.883.5880
www.lulupalmsprings.com/catering
Carousel Catering Inc.
Bill Jones
760.322.6441
[email protected]
Taste (SSA – The Living Desert Zoo Catering)
Paul Faulkner
ext.2302
[email protected]
Bakeries
Exquisite Desserts
Samantha Ward
760.772.5522
[email protected]
www.exquisitedesserts.com
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Lauren Bright
72216 Highway 111 Suite F-3
Palm Desert CA 92260
760.346.3440
[email protected]
The Pastry Swan
Deborah Quinn
760.202.1213
www.pastryswan.com
Florists
Lotus Garden Center
760.404.1940
www.lotusgardencenter.net
My Little Flower Shop
760.778.7111
www.mylittleflowershop.com
Vaso Bello
Ronn Burns
www.vasobello.com
Studio Kate Floral
Kate Minelian
www.studiokatefloral.com
DJ
Dynamic Dave | DJ/MC
760.831.0190
[email protected]
DJ Bob Scatch
760.413.4953
www.djbobscatch.com
Trevor Guy Worden
585.337.2906
www.guyworden.com
Rentals
Bright Event Rentals
760.343.5110
[email protected]
www.bright.com
Planks and Patina
John Mania 951.217.2928
[email protected]
www.planksandpatina.com
Signature Party Rentals
Elena Estrada-Galvez
[email protected]
Office: 760.863.0671
Direct: 760.501.3022
Ultimate Events
Donna Groves 760.340.4314
www.ultimateventsinc.com
Photographers
Sola Fide Photography
Michele Tully
[email protected]
www.solafidephotography.com
Trespass Photography
Drew Metzger
[email protected]
760.989.1293