SITE RENTALS AT Taft Gardens
Nestled within the foothills of Ojai, Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve offers a distinctive setting and variety of site rentals. Our 264-acre property, a harmonious blend of cultivated gardens with a backdrop of over 200 acres of Nature Preserve, can be rented for many special occasions and creative projects. Our diverse spaces, including demonstration gardens, an outdoor Amphitheater, our picturesque Lily Lawn, a meditation Labyrinth, a scenic Vista Point, and two luxury vacation rentals, await your vision.
When you choose us for your venue, you're not just renting a space. You are contributing directly to our mission to EDUCATE the public about its environmental heritage, PRESERVE endangered resources, and EXPLORE the relationship of humans and their environment. Proceeds from every site rental support our vital work, enabling us to nurture the property and foster a more resilient community. This ensures Taft Gardens remains a thriving legacy of cultural enrichment, environmental stewardship, and experiential engagement for generations to come.
To to find out about availability and pricing or to begin planning your project or event at Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve, follow the instructions at the bottom of this page.
WEDDINGS
Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve is a truly unique venue in the Ojai Valley, offering an inspiring canvas for every size and style of wedding, from intimate vows under an oak tree to grand nuptials in our Amphitheater. With competitive rates we offer multiple locations on the property to seamlessly transition from vows to reception. Our wedding packages include a Taft Events Manager who understands our property and its possibilities intimately through years of experience making magical events come alive in and around our gardens. Our goal is for couples and their guests to enjoy a meaningful experience together with a backdrop they will remember fondly for years to come.
MARRIAGE PROPOSALS
Create an unforgettable moment walking through giant aloe in our South African Garden, sitting under an Oak Tree with a view, or taking a short hike to our Vista Point with the Topa Topa Mountains and Lake Casitas as your witnesses. We offer special times during off-hours, dedicated staff support, and a selection of intimate and romantic settings to ensure your proposal is as unique and special as your love story.
SPECIAL EVENTS
From small gatherings to mid-sized celebrations, our secret garden is the perfect backdrop for your special event. Whether it's a milestone birthday, an anniversary celebration, a wedding, or any other significant occasion, we will help you find the perfect location on our property to match your vision.
MEDIA SHOOTS AND NATURE SOUND RECORDINGS
Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve boasts a kaleidoscope of diverse terrains, open landscapes, and interesting flora, making it an ideal location for film, video, and photography projects. Plus, as a city-noise-free environment, we're an exceptional location for nature sound recordings. We work directly with Artistic Directors, Producers, and Location Scouts to provide the perfect setting for a wide range of creative visions.
PERFORMANCE SPACE
Our rustic outdoor Amphitheater offers a distinctive and memorable setting. Surrounded by Oak Trees and Bougainvillea, this space features a stage, open lawn, and built-in benches around its perimeter. It offers excellent acoustics and can accommodate rental chairs and picnic blankets, making it ideal for intimate musical performances, environmental presentations, sound baths, and ceremonial gatherings. Please note: We do not provide sound or lighting and power is limited.
WEllness Retreats
We offer a quite serene environment, providing an ideal setting for yoga retreats, meditation workshops, mindfulness practices, and holistic healing programs. Utilize our outdoor Amphitheater, spacious Pavillion House, or meditation Labyrinth to create a transformative and restorative experience for your participants.
PRIVATE TOURS
Explore the beauty and mission of Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve with a personalized private tour. Experience Nature Immersion, Birding, Stargazing, Art in Nature, Math in the Garden, and herbology. Our knowledgeable guides will tailor an experience to your group, providing an enriching and insightful journey through Taft Gardens or our Nature Preserve.
VACATION RENTALS
The Pavilion House
The Pavilion House, accommodating up to eight guests, offers a unique getaway experience within the heart of Taft Gardens. You'll find yourself immersed in nature, with high ceilings creating an airy atmosphere and garden views from every window. Step outside onto one of the multiple patios where you can dine and relax, take a walk in the garden after hours, or hike up to our Vista Point to watch the sunset in the evening, making it a perfect spot for healing and respite.
Inside, the Pavilion House provides ample amenities for comfort and relaxation. It includes two bedrooms, each equipped with a king-sized bed and tall glass French doors that open onto the back patio. One bedroom is designed with a kitchenette, while the other offers a private bathroom with both a shower and a tub. Additionally, the living room contains two couches and two trundle daybeds. The house also boasts 2.5 bathrooms, a laundry room, a large working fireplace, a dining table for 12, a bar, and an expansive kitchen with a breakfast nook. The Pavilion is an ideal setting for personal getaways, events, meetings, retreats, or classes.
The rivercliff cottage
The Rivercliff Cottage, accommodating up to three guests, is nestled at the base of Taft Gardens with views overlooking the Santa Ana Creek. You'll find yourself immersed in nature, with large picture windows and glass patio doors designed to bring the outside in. Step out onto one of two levels of patio seating and relax to the peaceful sounds of the flowing water and birdsong, or take a stroll in the gardens once visitors have left for the day.
Inside, the cottage offers one guest room with a king-size bed and an adjoining bathroom, as well as a cozy living room with a twin daybed. Cottage amenities include wood floors, a high-top dining table, and a fully equipped kitchen. These features make it an ideal spot for a solo retreat, a romantic getaway, or a unique adventure for a small family.
BOOKING A SITE-VISIT
Self-Guided Visits
If you're new to Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve, booking a Self-Guided Visit is the perfect way to see if our venue options align with your vision. It's the best way to explore our beautiful grounds at your own pace.
Guided Site Visits
Once you've experienced Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve and are ready for a more in-depth discussion, we'd love to give you a personalized tour. A Taft Events Manager will walk you through each space, addressing your specific needs and answering any questions you have.
To schedule your guided site visit, you can contact us in one of three ways:
Fill out the inquiry form below.
Email us at taftgardensevents@gmail.com.
Call us at 805-649-2333.
Booking a Private tour or Vacation Rental
Site visits are not required for private tours or vacation rental bookings. You can inquire about available dates using the form below or by contacting us directly using the same information provided above.