Frequently Asked Questions
Weddings at Cal Lutheran
Your valued questions, answered.
Calendar and Waiting List
How long is the waiting list?
We don’t have a waiting list. It’s first come, first served and dates are subject to availability.
How far in advance can I book a wedding date?
We accept reservation requests up to 12 months in advance through our Event Inquiry form. For additional questions, please contact us directly and we would be happy to help you plan in advance.
Rehearsal
What should we bring to the rehearsal?
Please bring your marriage license, any programs you’re planning to use, and it’s helpful to bring anything you plan to use during the ceremony.
How long is the rehearsal?
The rehearsal will last about an hour. Please make sure you arrive on time — we won’t be able to extend the rehearsal if you’re late.
What happens during the rehearsal?
We’ll walk through the full ceremony, including the processional and recessional, and go over parking details for the wedding party and where the couple will get ready. It’s also a great time to check in with your Wedding Coordinator and your Officiant to confirm any final details or special instructions.
Can we throw anything outside to celebrate?
We ask that nothing be thrown — no flower petals, rice, birdseed, glitter, or confetti — just to help keep the campus clean and beautiful.
What about bubbles?
Absolutely! Bubbles are a fun and welcome way to celebrate.
Day of Wedding
How long do we have the venue reserved for?
Please see our Pricing and Policies page for reservation times
Are there rooms for the bridal party to get ready for each venue?
Yes, a room for each venue will be available.
Vendors
Do I have to use Cal Lutheran’s preferred vendors?
Yes. To ensure quality, safety, and a smooth experience, we require all couples to use our list of approved preferred vendors.
Who are your preferred vendors?
Our trusted vendors are familiar with our campus, policies, and event spaces. We work with vendors offering services in photography, videography, floral design, officiating, live music/DJs, bartending, and catering, as well as rental companies. Please see our Personalization page for our vendor list
If I have a vendor I love, can they be added to the list?
We’re open to considering additions. Vendors must meet university guidelines and complete a vendor approval process. For details, please contact us (see contact information at the bottom of this page).
Samuelson Chapel
Is there a table we can use for reception and guest book-signing?
Yes. There is a rectangular table in the vestibule of Samuelson Chapel that is available for use. Samuelson Chapel does not provide a tablecloth or table decorations, but couples are welcome to bring their own. See example
Are flower arrangements and decorations allowed in the Samuelson Chapel?
Yes. However, Samuelson Chapel is a very large and very busy space, so less is more. We do not allow cloth runners and we do not allow anything, such as flower petals, etc. to be tossed on the floor. Pew decorations are also permitted. All flowers must be removed from Samuelson Chapel after your ceremony.
How can we secure pew decorations to the ends of the pews?
You may use materials including clips, ribbon, and twist-ties to secure pew decorations. Tape, glue and/or other adhesive materials are not allowed because they may damage the wood.
When can our florist arrive to start decorating the Samuelson Chapel?
The florist can arrive up to two hours before your ceremony time to set up any decorations, no earlier. To unload, they should come to the front of Samuelson Chapel (165 Chapel Lane, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360).
Directions and Parking
Where can I find driving directions to Samuelson Chapel?
Driving directions to Samuelson Chapel are located below. For a detailed campus map and additional information, you can visit the Cal Lutheran Map
Where can guests park for the wedding ceremony?
Guests attending events at Samuelson Chapel have several parking options:
- Samuelson Chapel Parking Lot: 50 parking spaces are available directly adjacent to the chapel.
- Street Parking Near Memorial Field: 20 parking spaces are available adjacent to Memorial Field. It is a 2-minute walk to Samuelson Chapel on flat sidewalk.
- Mountclef Boulevard Lots: Up to 300 parking spaces are available in lots located both north and south of Olsen Road along Mountclef Boulevard. It is a 5-minute walk to the Samuelson Chapel, on flat walkways through campus.
Please Note: Street parking and permitted parking lots on campus is by permit only from Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. To avoid citations, it's recommended to use designated parking lots during these times. If you have parking-related questions, please call Campus Safety at 805-493-3208.
For a visual reference of parking locations, you can consult the Cal Lutheran Map
Other
Do you have someone who can help me plan my wedding day?
The Campus Services Coordinator serves as your university liaison for contracts, venue access, and campus logistics. Cal Lutheran does not provide wedding-planning or day-of coordination services. We recommend appointing or hiring a wedding coordinator who can work directly with the Campus Services Coordinator to manage your wedding-day needs.
May we have a friend/family member perform a musical piece at our ceremony?
Yes.
Are there any hotels nearby?
Yes. Please refer to our list of recommended hotel accommodations