Request a Reservation
Host your next event in a lush oasis in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. From intimate weddings to conferences, the UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden is a unique and memorable venue for your special occasion. Explore our spaces below.
- For Venue Reservation Requests: Fill out the form below and we’ll be happy to assist you with choosing the right venue for your event.
- Please make sure to input the appropriate hours for set-up and clean-up (we recommend at least 1 hour before and 1 hour after the event). Advise vendors and caterers to arrive no sooner than the start of your booked time. This is because we schedule other events, K-12 field trips, public programs, and Botanical Garden staff according to the time that your team and vendors will need access to the venue.
- Reservation requests from UCLA departments must be made at least 2 weeks before the event.
- Reservation requests from non-UCLA affiliated groups should be made 1 month before the event.
- Events at venues within Garden gates (Jewell Terrace and the Outdoor Amphitheater) must end before the Garden closes: 5pm Feb – Oct, 4pm Nov – Jan. Special events excluded.
- Venue availability is not guaranteed until your reservation is confirmed.
- To see the Private Events & Garden Weddings Brochure, click here.
- You do not need to be affiliated with UCLA to utilize these spaces.
The Process
La Kretz Garden Pavilion (LKGP)
A stunning, bright, hybrid venue space with furniture that can be configured for a variety of uses. The furniture configuration is flexible (renter is responsible for returning furniture to original positions).
Glass exterior walls can be opened for a true pavilion style or combined with the Courtyard (Herbert Plaza) for a larger space. A divider wall can collapse to connect Room 100 and Room 101 into a single, open, curved space. Rooms can be rented individually or together.
If interested in renting the Prep Kitchen, reservation of Room 101 is required.
Capacity / Furniture
- Standing capacity: ~50 per classroom
- Classroom layout seated capacity: ~30 per classroom
- Theater layout seated capacity: 48 per classroom (maximum capacity of 100 people when both rooms are combined)
- Total furniture per classroom: 9 tables (30 inch x 60 inch), 8 tall metallic chairs, 40 white chairs.
Venue Features
- Sustainable / eco-friendly venue
- Retractable glass walls for a hybrid event experience
- Projector with audio & retractable projector screen (per classroom)
- Projectors can be mirrored across both rooms
- Indoor & outdoor audio capabilities
- Large whiteboard wall
- Furniture included
- Gender neutral, women’s, and men’s restroom
- Access to outdoor power sources
- Free Wifi
- ADA accessible
- Full access to the Garden for all guests during business hours
- *NEW: LKGP room 101 now has a 70-inch Smart TV mounted on the right-sided wall for your Zoom needs. Included underneath is a pre-installed camera with its very own built-in speakers, allowing guests to hear the other party clearly. All you need is your Zoom login information to get started! (See pictures for more.)
Venue Type
- Hybrid event venue (indoor and outdoor)
- Indoor event venue
The views to expect when visiting this venue:
- Full, luscious view of the north side of the Garden
- Herbert Plaza
Perfect for:
- Retreats, conferences, meetings, business events, wedding receptions, seminars, awards, corporate meetings, etc.
Herbert Plaza (add-on)
A large circular outdoor area next to La Kretz Garden Pavilion. The surrounding areas are beautifully landscaped with a variety of native plants. The majority of the space is gravel with some concrete hardscaping near the Pavilion. Electrical outlets are available. Only available as an add on to at least one LKGP room.
Capacity
- ~ 75 guests
Venue Features
- Sustainable / eco-friendly venue
- Gender neutral, women’s, and men’s restrooms
- Free Wifi
- Full access to the Garden for all guests during business hours
- Full sun during the day, pleasantly shaded ~2 hours before sunset.
- ADA accessible
Venue Type
- Add on outdoor venue space
The views to expect when visiting this venue:
- Full, luscious view of the north side of the Garden
- Park’s Patio
Park’s Patio
A naturally shaded outdoor space with gorgeous teak furniture. A lush location for a reception with no need for rental furniture. A wonderful addition to a larger reservation to enjoy an outdoor meal. Conveniently located just outside La Kretz Garden Pavilion and Herbert Plaza.
Capacity
- ~ 30 guests (table/seated)
- ~ 50 guests (standing)
Venue Features
- Large umbrellas on majority of tables
- Naturally shaded space
- Gender neutral, women’s, and men’s restrooms
- Full access to the Garden for guests during business hours
- Power source available via extension cords
- Free Wifi
- ADA accessible
Venue Type
- Outdoor venue space
- Shaded tables
The views to expect when visiting this venue:
- Full, luscious view of the north side of the Garden
Perfect for:
- Business retreats, private meetings, lunches, celebration of life events, informal meetings, etc.
Jewell Terrace
Located inside the Botanical Garden along the stream, Jewell Terrace is a serene and intimate space for smaller gatherings. Three round teak tables with benches are included. Umbrellas are up in the summer months. There are two outlets available nearby. This space is typically only available to rent during regular Garden hours, though exceptions may be made.
Bundle with the brand-new Norris Terrace for a magical outdoor gathering set against an effervescent stream.
Capacity
- ~ 18-30 guests (table/seated)
- ~ 35 guests (standing)
Venue Features
- Located at the heart of the Garden
- Intimate setting
- Shaded area
- Amazing Garden views
- Easy access from south entrance (Le Conte Ave and Hilgard Ave)
Venue Type
- Outdoor venue space
- Tables and seating
The views to expect when visiting this venue:
- The Stream full of wildlife
- Our vibrant bromeliad section
- Mini bridge over The Stream
Perfect for:
- Celebration of life events, small gatherings, welcome events, staff luncheons, etc.
Norris Terrace
Located inside the Botanical Garden along the stream, Norris Terrace is a brand new seating space with two teakwood tables overlooking our island and koi pond. Umbrellas are not included. This space is typically only available to rent during regular Garden hours, though exceptions may be made.
Capacity
- ~ 12-15 guests (table/seated)
- ~ 20 guests (standing)
Venue Features
- Located at the heart of the Garden
- Intimate setting
- Shaded area
- Amazing Garden views
- Easy access from south entrance (Le Conte Ave and Hilgard Ave)
Venue Type
- Outdoor venue space
- Tables and seating
The views to expect when visiting this venue:
- The Stream full of wildlife
- Our vibrant bromeliad section
- Mini bridge over The Stream
Perfect for:
- Celebration of life events, small gatherings, welcome events, staff luncheons, etc.
Outdoor Amphitheater
An outdoor amphitheater with 3 rows of seating, surrounded by vibrant plants. A gorgeous space next to the waterfall at the head of the stream. This space is typically only available to rent during regular Garden hours, though exceptions may be made.
Courses listed through UCLA’s Registered Office may reserve this space for a class time without a rental fee, but a reservation is required. Reserve the Outdoor Amphitheater for a class here.
Capacity
- 30-35 (seated)
- up to 60 if blankets are set out on the mulched area
Venue Features
- Privately located in a corner of the Garden
- Large whiteboard
- Access to gender neutral, women’s, and men’s restrooms
- Stunning view of the north-east side of the Garden
- Easy access with cement-paved trail
Venue Type
- Outdoor venue space
- Bench seating
The views to expect when visiting this venue:
- North side of the Stream
- Stream waterfall (coming June 2024)
- Our vibrant Bromeliad section
Perfect for:
- Small weddings/elopements, team building activities, class activities, performances, birthday parties, family gatherings, meditations/sound baths, etc.
Sustainability Event Resources
As guests of UCLA, we request that you follow our sustainability policies, including our transition away from single-use plastics and green events guides. Your collaboration goes a long way in helping UCLA reach our sustainability goals. (UCLA Policy 809)
Please see our Green Events Resources List for approved zero-waste options!
Additional Resources For You
- A 30-minute venue showing before your event (please contact the Venue Coordinator to schedule at least 48 hours in advance) – we recommend doing an A/V test at this time
- If reserving LKGP: Furniture (tables and chairs) – 40 chairs and 9 rolling tables (60”x30”) with charging ports in each room, 80 chairs and 18 tables total
- If reserving LKGP: Projectors with audio that can be synced across both rooms (audio also plays in Herbert Plaza)
- If reserving LKGP: 2 wireless mics
- If reserving LKGP 101: Large Smart TV with built-in Mac, outfitted for Zoom calls
- If reserving LKGP, or if there is no conflicting booking in LKGP during your reservation of an outdoor venue: 3 chalk A-frames with chalk markers
- If reserving LKGP, or if there is no conflicting booking in LKGP during your reservation of an outdoor venue: 4 folding tables (6ft)
- If reserving LKGP, or if there is no conflicting booking in LKGP during your reservation of an outdoor venue: 3 cocktail tables
- If reserving LKGP, or if there is no conflicting booking in LKGP during your reservation of an outdoor venue: 1 portable speaker with mic
- If reserving LKGP, or if there is no conflicting booking in LKGP during your reservation of an outdoor venue: 16 tall metal stools
- Prep Kitchen (if reserved): microwave, commercial refrigerator, sinks, kettle
- Herbert Plaza: stanchions and signage to designate a private event
- Herbert Plaza: gender neutral, women’s, and men’s restrooms reserved for your group
- Access to the Garden for your guests to explore (please keep in mind that while events at La Kretz Garden Pavilion, Herbert Plaza, and Park’s Patio can go later, Garden gates close at 5PM February – October, and at 4PM November – January)
- To see the Garden Map, click here.
- To see the Parking Map with parking information, click here.
