The right venue for a big 15th birthday or milestone celebration in Los Angeles is a space that holds your whole family, lets you choose your own caterer and drinks, and gives you a firm end time. For up to 100 guests, a private garden estate can do all three, and that is how we host large family birthdays at The Enchanted Manor in Valley Village.
Start with the guest count and the schedule
Big family birthdays grow fast. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and the guest of honor's friends can push a list toward a hundred before anyone notices. Decide on a ceiling early, because venue pricing in Los Angeles usually moves in tiers. At the manor the tiers are $4,200 for up to 50 guests, $5,400 for 50 to 75, and $6,600 for 75 to 100.
Next, think about the shape of the day. A typical large celebration has an arrival and photo window, a welcome or toast, a meal, a few planned moments and open time to enjoy the space. Our events run five hours with two hours of setup beforehand, and they end by 10pm, which suits a family crowd that includes children and older relatives.
Questions to ask any Los Angeles venue
- Can we bring our own caterer? Family celebrations often center on a particular cuisine or a caterer the family trusts. A venue with its own food and beverage package may rule that out.
- Is alcohol included or separate? If you buy your own, you control the bill.
- What is the real end time? Some venues cut off early, others charge steeply for extra hours.
- What sound equipment is allowed? Music rules vary widely, and neighbors matter.
- What are the extra fees? Cleaning, tables, linens, heaters and insurance can add up.
- Where will everyone park? A hundred guests means dozens of cars or a plan for ride-share.
What the manor offers a large family celebration
The grounds cover more than 18,000 square feet. There is a saltwater grotto pool with three waterfalls, a thatched gazebo bar with a refrigerator, sink and barbecue, a lava-rock fire pit, a tri-level deck, and a private patio with an outdoor fireplace and plush couches. Fairy lights in the trees make the garden glow after dark, and the storybook front, with its brick path and large arched wooden doors, makes a backdrop for family photos.
You bring your own caterer and your own liquor and beverages. Georgia Durante, who lives on the property, recommends caterers, but the choice is yours, and a bartender can work under the caterer's license. We provide a house sound system and a wireless microphone for toasts and speeches. We do not allow DJs, so plan a playlist or a quieter acoustic touch instead.
Costs beyond the venue fee
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | $300 |
| Security deposit | $250, refundable |
| Tables | $8 each |
| Tablecloths | $10 each |
| Heaters | $75 each |
| Microphone rental | $25 |
| Extra hour | $300 |
Chairs come from an outside rental vendor, and Georgia shares contacts. One-day event insurance naming Georgia Durante and The Enchanted Manor is required and averages $66 to $124. For a party of 100, that adds up to a venue-side cost starting at $6,600 plus the items above, with food and drinks on top at whatever level you choose.
Planning the flow of the day
With a large family gathering, think in zones. The front walkway and arched doors work well for arrivals and portraits. The pool terrace and gazebo bar suit cocktails and mingling. The tables under the great tree and on the deck make a natural dining area. The fire pit becomes a gathering place as the evening cools. Mapping these zones with your caterer before the day keeps service moving and keeps guests from clustering in one spot.
Because everything ends by 10pm and neighbors live close by, we suggest putting the loudest moments, such as speeches and any dancing, in the middle of the schedule rather than the end. For more ideas, see our guides to birthday party venues in Los Angeles and birthday party places for adults.
Choosing food that works for every age
A family celebration serves guests from toddlers to grandparents, so the menu has to work across the table. Many hosts choose a buffet or family-style spread so people can serve themselves at their own pace, with a separate station for the younger guests. A taco bar, a pasta spread, a barbecue or a mix of traditional family dishes all travel well to an outdoor setting. Because you hire your own caterer, you can build the menu around the dishes your family actually loves rather than whatever a venue package allows.
Ask your caterer to confirm what they need on site. The gazebo bar at the manor has a refrigerator, a sink and a built-in barbecue, which many caterers find helpful. The thatched bar is also a natural place for a drinks table, and a cooler can be rented for $20 if you need extra cold storage.
Keeping the youngest and oldest guests comfortable
With a hundred guests across several generations, comfort matters. Put seating near the shade of the great tree for relatives who prefer to sit, and plan a quieter corner away from the pool for anyone who wants a break from the noise. If the evening turns cool, heaters are available for $75 each, and the outdoor fireplace and fire pit give guests a warm place to gather. Parents with small children should keep an eye on the pool area, so decide in advance who is watching the water during the party.
For smaller guests, our listed options for children's parties, including clowns, storytime, magicians and face painting on request, are worth a conversation if younger cousins will be attending.
Getting guests there
The manor is on a quiet cul-de-sac minutes from the 101 and 405, and it is easy to reach from Burbank and LAX. We have room for 12 to 15 cars on the cul-de-sac plus open street parking. For a large party we recommend Uber or Lyft, and valet does not work well here. Out-of-town relatives can book a special guest rate at The Mariposa hotel, one block away.
"It is not a back yard but an oasis." - Mirela R.
A weekend for the whole family
If relatives are traveling, the Inn on the property is available as a vacation rental, with a living room fireplace, a full kitchen and an octagonal breakfast room. Details are on our vacation rental page. Families who want a pool day before or after the celebration can also read our guide to renting a pool for a party.
Ask about your date
To see the gardens or check a date, text or call Georgia at (213) 999-3050, or read more about the celebrations we host on our events page. We would be glad to help your family mark the milestone somewhere you will remember.
Frequently asked questions
How many guests can the manor host?
Up to 100 guests. Pricing is $4,200 for up to 50, $5,400 for 50 to 75, and $6,600 for 75 to 100.
Can we bring our own caterer and drinks?
Yes. You hire your own caterer and bring your own liquor and beverages, with no venue food and beverage package.
How late can a party run?
Events include five hours plus two hours of setup and must end by 10pm. Extra hours are $300 each.
Is there parking for a big party?
There is room for 12 to 15 cars on the cul-de-sac plus open street parking. We recommend Uber or Lyft for events, as valet does not work well.
