FAQ

Answers to the questions we hear most about weddings, events and stays at The Dempsey in Julian, California. Don't see yours? Our team is happy to help.

What you can host

  • The Dempsey hosts weddings and wedding weekends, corporate or wellness retreats and offsites, private celebrations, brand gatherings, dinners and other group experiences.

  • Yes. The Dempsey hosts weddings, celebrations, retreats, and private events throughout the year, with each season offering a different experience on the property.

  • Yes. The property offers multiple indoor and outdoor spaces that can be used throughout the celebration, allowing your ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and weekend events to flow naturally across the property.

  • Yes. The Dempsey is designed especially well for multi-day celebrations. Depending on your selected package, couples can host multiple events throughout their stay, creating a full wedding-weekend experience in one location.

Accommodations

  • Yes. The Dempsey offers 15 guest accommodations across The Lodge and grounds, sleeping up to 54 overnight guests.

  • Six guest rooms are located inside The Lodge, with nine additional guest accommodations located throughout the grounds, including private guest units and two-bedroom cabins.

  • Yes. Multi-night stays are available for individual guests as well as weddings, retreats and private events. Individual stays can be booked through Airbnb, while group accommodations associated with events are arranged through The Dempsey.

  • Yes. Individual stays can be booked through Airbnb. Group accommodations associated with weddings, retreats and private events are arranged separately through The Dempsey.

    Book a Stay → Airbnb.

Food and beverage

  • Yes. We encourage guests to work with our preferred catering partners, but outside caterers are welcome with prior approval from The Dempsey and must meet all insurance and property requirements.

  • Yes. The property includes a commercial kitchen available for approved catering teams. Kitchen specifications and access details can be provided during the planning process. The kitchen is reserved for event catering and is not available to overnight guests.

  • Yes. The Dempsey features multiple bar areas throughout the property. Alcohol service is provided through The Dempsey. Alternative alcohol arrangements may be accommodated for an additional fee. Please inquire for current options and details.

Booking and pricing

  • Event packages currently begin at $8,000 for smaller weekday gatherings, with day, overnight and weekend packages available. Visit our Pricing page for current rates and introductory offers.

  • Inclusions vary by event and package. Your proposal will outline access to the applicable event spaces, accommodations, amenities, and property features included with your booking.

  • Yes. Private tours are available by appointment. Please submit an inquiry through our website and a member of our team will be in touch to coordinate your visit.

  • A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at booking to reserve your event date. The remaining 50% is due two months prior to the event.

Capacity and timing

  • The Ceremony Lawn can accommodate up to 150 guests. Overnight, The Dempsey sleeps up to 54 guests across 15 guest accommodations. Reception capacity varies by event setup and will be confirmed with our team based on your plans.

  • Event hours vary by rental package. Day Rentals include property access from 9 AM to 10 PM. Event hours for overnight and weekend celebrations are outlined in your proposal and rental agreement.

  • Amplified music is permitted in accordance with The Dempsey’s event hours and applicable County noise requirements. Please inquire for current music and entertainment guidelines.

The property and amenities

  • The Dempsey includes The Event Hall, The Lodge, The Lawn, Pool Terrace and additional outdoor gathering areas throughout the property. Different spaces can be incorporated depending on your event and rental package.

  • Amenities include a resort-style pool, shuffleboard, bocce and gathering spaces throughout the property. A dedicated wellness space featuring a sauna, steam room, cold plunge and zen garden is coming soon for groups and events.

  • Yes. The Bridal Suite sits above the Event Hall and includes six dedicated styling stations, complimentary hair dryers, private changing rooms, an ensuite bathroom and an integrated Bluetooth sound system.

  • Yes. The Dempsey includes a selection of tables, chairs and furnishings with event bookings. Exact inventory and quantities will be outlined with your proposal, and additional rentals may be required depending on your event design and guest count.

  • Yes. Onsite parking is available for approximately 60–70 vehicles. Specific parking plans, vendor access and transportation logistics are coordinated based on event size.

  • The Dempsey is located on a hillside and includes slopes, steps, thresholds and uneven walking surfaces. Guest rooms inside The Lodge require stair access, and there is no elevator. Guests with specific access needs are encouraged to contact our team before booking so we can provide details about the accommodations and areas of the property relevant to their stay or event.

  • The Dempsey does not allow pets in overnight accommodations. Dogs may be permitted to participate in wedding ceremonies and select events with prior approval from The Dempsey. Service animals are welcome in accordance with applicable law.

Planning and vendors

  • Yes. Weddings at The Dempsey require a professional planner or coordinator to ensure the event is properly managed and all vendors are working from a coordinated timeline.

  • Yes. We encourage couples and groups to work with our preferred vendor partners. Outside vendors are welcome with prior approval from The Dempsey and must meet all insurance and property requirements.

  • Yes. Professional vendors are required to carry appropriate insurance and may be asked to provide certificates of insurance prior to the event.

  • Setup and breakdown timing will depend on your rental agreement and event schedule. Your planning team will coordinate access times with The Dempsey in advance.

Still have questions

Every celebration at The Dempsey is a little different. Contact our team to learn more about availability, pricing, accommodations, and creating your event at the property.

Inquire