Can we use our own pastor for the ceremony?
Yes, another pastor is more than welcome to co-officiate, however, a Saddleback pastor is required to participate in (or at least be present for) the ceremony. The roles that each of them play during the ceremony is at the sole discretion of the Saddleback pastor. The Wedding Director has a list of pastors that you are welcome to contact directly, or one can be provided for you.
What time slots are available for ceremonies and receptions?
If you are hosting a ceremony & reception you are alloted a 5 hour time frame as follows:
9:00am - 2:00pm and 5:00pm - 10:00pm Monday thru Friday
9:00am - 2:00pm Saturday
5:00pm - 10:00pm Sunday
If you are hosting a ceremony only you are allotted a 3 hour time frame. Please contact the Wedding Director, Courtnay Brown, to find out if there is a ceremony time slot available for your preferred date.
When can I have access to Rancho on the day of my wedding?
You, your immediate family, wedding party and vendors are given access the property two hours prior to your scheduled start time.
Can we store any of our decor or rentals overnight? Can we set up the night before?
No, unfortunately we do not have space available to store personal items or rentals; and due to the use of Rancho Capistrano by numerous ministries and events, we cannot allow set up for events earlier than your scheduled time.
Can we take our engagement pictures on the property?
Yes, as long as you make prior arrangements with the Wedding Director, Julie Burke, and your photographer provides a Certificate of Liability, or signs a General Release / Waiver of Liability.
Do you have overnight accommodations at Rancho Capistrano?
No, we do not have on-site overnight accommodations at Rancho Capistrano for weddings.
Will Rancho Capistrano be exclusive on my wedding day?
No, Rancho Capistrano is an open campus and can have other events going on at the same time in different areas of the campus. We do not book 2 weddings for the same time frame, however.
Can I bring my own vendors or does Saddleback have a preferred vendor list?
You are required to use a Saddleback approved caterer and rental company. Rancho Capistrano has a preferred vendor list that includes vendors for flowers, photography, etc. that we have previous experience with and are committed to upholding our church values while interacting with our guests. You are welcome to bring in your own vendors, however they must be pre approved. Please contact the Wedding Director, Courtnay Brown, for pre-approval of any vendors.
What does the rental fee include?
*Premarital Counseling
*Use of pre-arranged areas of the property on your wedding day for ceremony, reception and photos beginning 2 hours prior to your ceremony, through 1 hour after the conclusion of your event.
*Use of the ceremony location for your ceremony rehearsal
*Dressing rooms for both the bride and the groom beginning 2 hours prior to ceremony.
*Assistance from Saddleback's Wedding Director as it relates to the campus and Saddleback departments
*Day-of Wedding Coordinator beginning 60 days prior to your event, to develop timeline, collect vendor insurance and liability paperwork, direct the ceremony rehearsal, and be on site the day of the wedding.
What is your alcohol policy?
Saddleback Church at Lake Forest and Rancho Capistrano are both alcohol free campuses.
Can I set up a time to tour the property?
Yes! There are several areas to hold ceremonies and receptions depending on your guest size, and preferences. Rancho Capistrano is an open campus and you are free to go down and walk the property anytime. The Wedding Director, Courtnay Brown, will schedule a personal tour with you once you have been in for your premarital counseling interview.
Other than the rental fee paid to Saddleback Church, what other fees will I have to incur?
You will also be required to contract with:
*Apex Tent & Party Rental www.apextentandparty.com 714-573-2000 for delivery and pick up of all rental items including chairs, tables, dance floors and tents, etc.
*A Saddleback approved full service caterer. If the caterer you are considering using is not a full-service caterer, you will be required to hire party/wait staff for any services not covered by the caterer.
*Your own audio sound technician for both the ceremony and/or the reception, referrals can be given by request.
What happens if I am having an outside ceremony and/or reception and it rains?
We do not have indoor space available for back up. If the weather is calling for rain, it is the responsibility of the bride & groom to arrange (and pay) for tenting over the ceremony & reception areas.
What clean up are we responsible for at the end of the wedding?
The bride & groom are only responsible for collecting all personal items (gifts, centerpieces, table numbers, leftover favors, place cards, cake knife & server, etc.), as well as taking down and removing all decor & rental items from the ceremony and reception areas. Additionally the dressing rooms need to be cleared out of any personal items.
