Vatican Banquet Hall — Attraction in Los Angeles

WARNING!!! DO NOT BOOK WITH THEM!

I had my wedding at The Vatican last night. We had a great experience with the booker and all encounters leading up to our big day. Then, the actual day arrived. First and foremost I want to make sure everyone understands that anything you’re told or promised MUST BE IN WRITING because if it’s not the norm, it will change. When we signed, we were told valet parking was mandatory but they would charge our guests $10/vehicle. Didn’t get that in writing so it was actually $14/vehicle if we pay or our guests would be charged $16 when they arrived. That valet service was pricey considering they were sloppy with the parking (pics attached) We were told dinner was from 5-7pm when we signed but since the person we dealt with originally was no longer working for the vatican as the date got closer, we got a call 3 days before the event saying guests couldn’t enter until 5pm so they recommended starting dinner at 6. We agreed that dinner should start being served at 6. Confirmed it would be from 6-8pm. At 6:30pm, our guests starting getting one kids sized salad per table of 10-11 adults. I asked about entrées and was told they’d be out in 10 minutes……20 minutes later they started coming out. I attached a picture of an “entree” that was served. Again it was served per table, a table of 10-11 guests. My guests were hungry and more importantly, not enjoying themselves. What made it worse is that the halls manager told my guests that the lack of food was MY fault. Said they went based off my order when all I did was check off what they gave me with no explanation given. At the height of the night when everyone had arrived and before anyone had left, I went out into the parking lot and counted 49 vehicles, that’s total so it must have included their employees. I spoke to management and reiterated as recently as the day before the event that my wife and I would pay for our guests parking so as to not burden them. The first 10 guests or so were charged though and when my own sister arrived and explained how the parking was set up with management, Valet’s were rude and disrespectful. They told me to my face “We returned every guest charged their money” and when I asked a guest walking in if he was charged, he said yes to which the valet changed his wording into, “we refunded everyone we charged who has come back for a refund” I paid them enough for 51 cars because even though they didn’t provide any tickets, I was tired of arguing, especially on my wedding day. I’m convinced that business was done in bad faith. I regret choosing this hall. I was luckily able to shield my wife from most of the mess and none of the guests complained to her so she had a good night but as I broke the news to her this afternoon, she felt guilty for wanting this hall. They’re making SMALL gestures “for the inconvenience” but when it comes to one of the biggest days of your life, I would recommend...

What can we say? Vatican is another GORGEOUS Banquet Hall situated in Van Nuys, CA. As a vendor, bringing Annnd...Action! Photo Booth, LLC there for a November masquerade party, we had a realtively easy load in and load out. The staff was nice and helpful- to the extent that the person we actually needed to speak to wasn't around for the load in part- which we typically find very helpful with large events. You know, to review floor plans, approve moving or removing items as needed, but the staff that were there helped us figure it all out. The room is spacious with a beautiful dance floor and elevated stage. Pretty chandaliers and sweeping staircase to the upper mezzanine. The restrooms are situated on either side of the entrance. ADA ramp for access from front/ main entrance. The sound system was good and all the guests looked happy with the service and their meals. Security Team was top notch and ready for anything. The only 'miss' here was the valet. They were expensive and the lead guy wasn't particularly nice or helpful. Despite having a HUGE parking lot that wasn't even half full, he demanded payment and was soooo strict with us parking just to move our stuff in (when no one was there yet!). At many halls, we typically find valets to be a little more accomodating with the vendors coming in - there are a few who are just terrible to us. And he wasnt terrible, but wasn't really friendly or accomodating at all. In fact, we ended up parking on the street and had to ask him to please move his OWN vehicle as he was taking up two street parking spaces with his giant truck... pushing us further away from the venue (kinda rude considering he doesn't have to carry anything and it was raining!) Anyway, in the end, he did move his truck back to one spot and was a little less gruff. In the end, he might have actually smiled too. Despite all the outside nonsense, the inside makes for a lovely space for any event requiring a glamourous hall with easy access in the SFV. Annnd...Action! Photo Booth, LLC gives Vatican Banquet Hall Van Nuys a: ...

Avoid This Venue - Terrible Experience!

I attended a wedding banquet here, and it was a complete disaster. My friend and his wife had high hopes for their special day, but this venue failed them in every way possible.

1. Inappropriate TV Display - While looking at the seating chart on the TV, a violent horror murder movie was playing. It was completely unprofessional and disturbing for a family-friend wedding setting.

2. Unorganized Food Service - The food was served late, and some tables didn't even receive certain dishes. Guests were left waiting, and the service was chaotic.

3. Rude Staff & Allergy Concerns - The guests asked about the wedding cake ingredients due to allergies, and the server rudely kept repeating, "It's white." That's unacceptable when dealing with food allergies!

4. Indoor Venue with a Leaking Ceiling - My head suddenly felt wet, and when I looked up, I saw a leak from the ceiling above the dance floor--INSIDE the venue. When I informed the manager, he dismissively said, "What do you expect? It's raining."

5. Unapproved Photographer Scamming Guests - A venue photographer, who was not hired by the bride and groom, was taking pictures of guests and charging them $20 each. The groom complained to the manager, but nothing was done to stop it.

6. Late Cake Service - The wedding cake was served an hour late, leaving guests waiting for no reason.

7. Manager Complained About Guest Count - Despite the couple reserving the venue for 180 guests (with about 160 actually attending), the manager and staff complained that it was "too many people."

Overall, the lack of professionalism, poor service, and attitude of the management made this an unpleasant experience. I feel so bad for my friend and his wife :(

The venue's advertisement is misleading, and I would not recommend it to anyone planning a special event. Do yourself a favor and...