Trump Wants Out of Discount Wedding Business

Feb. 5, 2010 —— -- Describing itself as "the most romantic location in all of Los Angeles County" on its Web site, the Trump National Golf Club boasts the sweeping ocean views characteristic of the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Southern California. A bride would be hard pressed to find a more breathtaking location. And it would cost her dearly: up to $150,000 for a dream wedding.

But just behind the clubhouse is the public Founders Park, offering the same dramatic setting, for under $1,000. The city has rented out Founders for events since 2006 with the help of Trump's golf club, which manages the bookings. Under the arrangement, Trump has maintained control over what happens at his municipal neighbor's property, and ensured a small cut of the take.

But now, that contract has expired and Trump wants Founders to raise its fees, claiming his current cut doesn't cover the expense -- or the nuisance -- that events at the city park generate.

Earlier this week, the Rancho Palos Verdes city council postponed a vote on whether to raise event rental fees or cancel them altogether in order to negotiate with Trump's camp.

The city's profit from bookings in 2009 at Founders Park was $15,500. The golf club has only realized $165 on each of the 40 weddings held at Founders Park since 2006. In a letter sent to the city's parks and recreation department, Trump's manager presented a new fee structure.

"For us, we see $2,250 per park wedding earmarked for us as a fair amount of compensation," wrote David Conforti, general manager of the golf club, in a letter to the city. That would raise the three-hour booking cost for residents from $585 to $2,670, and for non-residents, from $915 to $3,000.