For a celebration of life in Los Angeles, look for a private, peaceful venue that lets you bring your own caterer, hold a ceremony and a gathering in the same place, and take your time. At The Enchanted Manor, a celebration of life for up to 50 guests is $4,200, for 50 to 75 guests $5,400, and for 75 to 100 guests $6,600, with a ceremony-only option from $1,500.
Planning a gathering to honour someone you love is not like planning a party, and the venue question is the one that shapes everything else. This guide covers what to look for, what it tends to cost, how to structure the afternoon, and where our own garden venue fits in.
What to look for in a celebration of life venue
Families usually tell us they want the same few things, however different the person they're remembering. Here's the checklist we'd use ourselves.
- Privacy. A space that is only yours for the event, so nobody else's party is audible across the room.
- A peaceful setting. Somewhere that already feels calm, so you don't have to fight a room's character with decorations.
- Freedom over food. The option to use a caterer, a family restaurant or even a potluck, rather than a mandatory in-house package.
- Room to move. A place where a short ceremony, a long conversation and a quiet moment alone can all happen without feeling crowded.
- Easy access. Parking, and a location that is simple for people travelling in.
- A sensible schedule. Enough time to set up without rushing, and an end time that doesn't feel abrupt.
- A flexible host. Someone who understands that the plan may change on the day.
It's worth visiting in person if you can, at roughly the time of day you're planning for. Light and sound change a lot between a morning and an evening.
Indoor, outdoor or a mix?
Los Angeles gives you a long outdoor season, which is why so many families choose a garden for a celebration of life. Being outdoors tends to soften the day: people drift between conversations, children have space to be children, and there's no sense of being herded into a room. The trade-off is weather and sun, so plan for shade, drinks and somewhere to sit for older guests. A venue that offers both a garden and a covered or indoor space is easier to plan around. Always ask a venue how they handle a surprise change in the forecast.
What does a celebration of life cost in Los Angeles?
Prices across Los Angeles vary widely depending on the neighbourhood, the day of the week and what's included, so treat any single number with caution. The questions that matter more than the headline price are these:
- Is food and drink included, or can you bring your own? Mandatory packages can quickly become the largest cost.
- How many hours do you actually get, including setup?
- What are the extra charges for tables, chairs, linens, cleaning, sound and a deposit?
- Is insurance required, and who provides it?
Always ask for a complete list in writing, so you can compare venues like for like.
How The Enchanted Manor handles a celebration of life
We host gatherings of every kind in our gardens in Valley Village, including memorials, and we treat each one with care. Georgia, who owns the manor, lives on the property and spent 25 years turning her home into the place it is now. Her motto is "They come as strangers and leave as friends," and for a day like this it matters that the host is a real person who is there.
The grounds cover more than 18,000 square feet and include a saltwater lagoon-style pool with three waterfalls, a thatched gazebo bar, a lava-rock fire pit, a private patio with an outdoor fireplace and plush couches, a tri-level deck, and fairy lights in the trees. The front of the manor has a brick path, a stone archway and large arched wooden doors. It's a quiet, private space on a cul-de-sac, with the LA River behind the house.
Here is how the pricing works. A private event for up to 50 guests is $4,200. For 50 to 75 guests it's $5,400, and for 75 to 100 guests it's $6,600 (our pricing as of October 2026). If you'd like only a ceremony, that starts from $1,500. The event period is five hours, with two hours for setup. Extra hours are $300 each, and events must finish by 10pm.
Bring your own caterer and drinks
We don't sell food and beverage packages. You bring your own caterer and your own drinks, which means you can serve a favourite family recipe, hire a caterer you trust, or pick the foods your loved one enjoyed. Georgia can recommend caterers, but the choice is yours, and a bartender can work under the caterer's licence. The gazebo bar has a refrigerator, a sink and a barbecue, which makes serving easy.
Beyond the venue fee, a few items are extra: cleaning is $300 and a refundable security deposit is $250. Tables are $8 each and tablecloths $10 each. Chairs come from an outside rental vendor, and Georgia shares contacts. Battery lanterns or candles are $2 each, heaters are $75 each, a microphone rental is $25 and a cooler is $20. One-day event insurance, naming Georgia Durante and The Enchanted Manor, is required, and it averages $66 to $124.
Planning the shape of the day
The ceremony is included on the grounds. Most families use the ledge over the pool beside the waterfall, or the front brick walkway leading to the arched doors. A house sound system and a wireless microphone are available, which helps in a garden where voices can carry away. We don't allow DJs, so keep music simple and use the house system.
Here is a simple structure many families find comfortable:
- Arrival (30 to 45 minutes): guests arrive, find a seat, and look at photos and keepsakes.
- Gathering and remembrances (45 to 60 minutes): a welcome, readings, music and stories from friends and family.
- Meal and conversation (2 hours or so): the part many guests remember most, when stories flow freely.
- A closing moment: a toast, a song or a quiet few minutes by the water before people leave.
If you like, put out a table with photographs, a guest book and a few of the person's favourite things. A slideshow works too, as long as you've tested the equipment.
Practical details for your guests
We're at 5235 Goodland Avenue in Valley Village, minutes from the 101 and 405 freeways and easy to reach from Burbank and LAX airports. There's parking for 12 to 15 cars on the cul-de-sac, plus open street parking, and for larger gatherings we recommend guests take Uber or Lyft. Valet doesn't work well on our street.
For relatives travelling from out of town, there's a special rate at The Mariposa hotel, one block away. If the family would like to stay together, the Inn on the property is available as a vacation rental, and a stay there lets you spend quiet time in the gardens before and after the day itself.
Other gatherings we host
The manor welcomes all kinds of celebrations, from baptisms and anniversaries to reunions and corporate or civic events. If you are comparing a few different types of occasion, our guides to birthday party venues in Los Angeles and engagement party locations explain how we handle the planning and the costs, which are very similar.
"It is not a back yard but an oasis." Mirela R., guest
Ask about a celebration of life at the manor
If you're thinking about holding a celebration of life here, the best next step is to talk to Georgia. Call or text (213) 999-3050, or visit our events page to see the details and send an enquiry. We'll take you through the grounds, talk about dates and help you work out whether the manor feels right for the person you're remembering.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a celebration of life cost at The Enchanted Manor?
Up to 50 guests is $4,200, 50 to 75 guests is $5,400 and 75 to 100 guests is $6,600. A ceremony-only option starts from $1,500.
Can we bring our own caterer?
Yes, you bring your own caterer and your own drinks, and there are no food and beverage packages. A bartender can work under the caterer's licence.
How long do we have the venue?
Five hours of event time plus two hours for setup. Extra hours are $300 each, and events must end by 10pm.
Is event insurance required?
Yes, one-day event insurance naming Georgia Durante and The Enchanted Manor is required, and it averages $66 to $124.
