Federal Bureau of Prisons • Jail Wedding Services

Jail Wedding at Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC)

MDC Los Angeles is a federal Bureau of Prisons facility — not a county jail. Weddings at federal facilities involve a longer approval process, attorney coordination, and additional steps that differ significantly from county jail weddings. We guide you through the entire process.

535 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 • (213) 485-0439

Book a Consultation Call or Text (213) 933‑2507

Facility Details

What to Expect at Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC)

MDC is a federal facility with its own marriage approval process that is separate from — and more involved than — the county jail system. Here's what you need to know.

Approval process: Federal marriage requests go through the Bureau of Prisons, not the county sheriff. The process involves multiple approval steps, typically requires coordination with the inmate's attorney, and takes significantly longer than county jail requests. Contact us early.

Ceremony setting: Ceremonies take place during approved visiting periods. Visiting format may vary based on the inmate's security classification.

Guest policy: One witness required with valid government-issued photo ID.

Visiting hours: BOP visiting schedules differ from county jails and can change. We confirm current availability as part of the coordination process.

Items allowed: No items may be exchanged. No electronics, cameras, or recording devices.

Good to know: MDC is a federal Bureau of Prisons facility at 535 N Alameda St in downtown Los Angeles, near Union Station. It houses federal inmates and has its own visiting rules, marriage procedures, and approval timelines that differ from county jails.

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Getting There & Check‑In

Visiting MDC for a Wedding

Metropolitan Detention Center is located at 535 N Alameda St in downtown Los Angeles, near Union Station and the federal courthouse.

Directions & Parking

Address: 535 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 — in downtown Los Angeles near Union Station, just off the 101 freeway.
From the 101: Exit at Alameda Street. The facility is on the east side of Alameda between Aliso Street and the 101.
Parking: Limited visitor parking near the facility. Paid lots and metered street parking are available in the area. Downtown parking fills up — arrive early.

What to Know Before Check‑In

Federal facility: MDC is operated by the Bureau of Prisons, not the county sheriff. Check-in procedures, screening, and visiting rules are all federal and differ from county jails.
Arrive early: Federal security screening is thorough. Plan for extra time at check-in compared to county facilities.
Advance approval required: Unlike county jails, you cannot simply show up for a wedding visit. All arrangements must be approved through the BOP process ahead of time.
Bring only: Valid government‑issued photo ID. Leave everything else in your car — no phones, electronics, bags, or outside items.
Plan for extra time: Between security screening, processing, and the visit itself, expect the trip to take several hours.

What the Ceremony Is Like

Your Wedding at MDC

MDC is a federal facility, which means ceremony logistics differ from county jails in several important ways.

The Visiting Room

Ceremonies take place during approved visiting periods. No private ceremony room is available.
Visiting time and format are determined by the Bureau of Prisons and may be more limited than at county facilities.
The visiting format — glass partition or contact — depends on the inmate's security classification. Higher‑security inmates are more likely to have glass visits.

MDC‑Specific Considerations

Longer approval timeline: Federal marriage requests require BOP review and typically involve the inmate's attorney. This process takes significantly longer than county jail requests — plan accordingly.
Restricted housing: Some inmates in restrictive housing may have modified or suspended visiting privileges. Contact us first and we'll determine feasibility.
Federal facility: MDC is completely separate from LASD county jails. Visiting rules, marriage approval, and scheduling are all handled through the Bureau of Prisons.
No items exchanged: Rings, gifts, or documents cannot be passed during the visit.
No photography: No phones, cameras, or recording devices inside the facility.
Dress code: Dress modestly. No solid blue clothing, revealing outfits, open‑toed shoes, or clothing with offensive imagery.

Book a Consultation

Common Questions

Jail Wedding FAQ — Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC)

Is MDC harder to arrange a wedding at than county jails?

Yes. Federal facilities have a separate and more involved approval process than county jails. It takes longer, requires more coordination, and typically involves the inmate's attorney. We manage the process for you, but extra lead time is essential.

How long does the approval process take?

Federal marriage approvals take significantly longer than county jail requests. The process can take several weeks or more depending on the inmate's classification and the facility's review. Contact us as early as possible so we can start the process.

Does the inmate's attorney need to be involved?

In most cases, yes. Federal facilities typically require attorney coordination for marriage-related visits and approvals. We work directly with the legal team to keep the process moving.

Is MDC a county jail?

No. MDC is a federal Bureau of Prisons facility, not part of the LASD county jail system. Marriage procedures, visiting rules, and approval processes are entirely different from county facilities.

What if the inmate is transferred to a county facility?

We serve both federal and county facilities across Los Angeles. If there's a transfer, we adjust the process accordingly.

How much does a jail wedding at MDC cost?

Federal facility weddings require more coordination and lead time than county jail weddings, and pricing reflects that. We provide a personalized quote based on your situation. No hidden mileage, after‑hours, or weekend surcharges.

Contact & Scheduling

Ready to Get Started?

Book a consultation and we'll walk you through the full process for getting married at Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC). Because this is a federal facility, we recommend reaching out as early as possible.

Next Steps

Book online or call/text to discuss your situation.
We'll coordinate with the inmate's attorney and the Bureau of Prisons.
We'll provide a personalized quote — no hidden fees.
We handle the paperwork, federal facility coordination, and ceremony.