Los Angeles County • Jail Wedding Services

Jail Wedding at Pitchess Detention Center

We coordinate the entire jail wedding process at Pitchess Detention Center (also known as Wayside) in Castaic — a large, multi-facility complex about 40 minutes north of downtown Los Angeles.

We handle the extra logistics that come with this remote location so you don't have to.

29320 The Old Rd, Castaic, CA 91384 • (661) 295-8880

Facility Details

What to Expect at Pitchess Detention Center

Every facility handles inmate marriages differently. Here's what you need to know about getting married at Pitchess Detention Center.

Approval process: Marriage request submitted through the facility. May take slightly longer than downtown LA facilities due to the remote location and multi-facility layout.
Ceremony setting: Ceremonies take place during regular visiting hours at one of the facility's housing areas (North or South).
Guest policy: One witness required with valid government-issued photo ID.
Visiting hours: Check current LASD visiting schedules for Pitchess. Visiting varies by housing area (North Facility, South Facility, East Facility).
Items allowed: No items may be exchanged. No electronics, cameras, or recording devices.
Good to know: Pitchess is a 2,600-acre complex in Castaic with multiple housing areas. It's about 40 minutes north of downtown LA via the I-5. Make sure you know which facility area (North, South, East) your partner is housed in — this affects visiting logistics. Adjacent to NCCF.

Other Los Angeles County Facilities


Getting There & Check‑In

Visiting Pitchess Detention Center for a Wedding

Pitchess Detention Center — also known as Wayside — is a massive 2,600‑acre complex in Castaic, about 40 minutes north of downtown Los Angeles. The remote location and multi‑facility layout require extra planning.

Directions & Parking

  • Address: 29320 The Old Rd, Castaic, CA 91384 — off the I‑5 freeway in Castaic.
  • From the I‑5: Exit at The Old Road in Castaic. The facility entrance is clearly marked. Follow signs for visitor parking.
  • Drive time: About 40–50 minutes from downtown LA without traffic. On weekends, I‑5 north is usually clear in the morning.
  • Parking: Visitor parking is at the Dr. Elmer T. Jafee lot. A shuttle bus runs from the lot to the facility — you do not walk in.

What to Know Before Check‑In

  • Visiting days: Saturdays and Sundays only, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Visits are first come, first served — there is no online scheduling for Pitchess.
  • Arrive very early: Lines form well before 8:00 AM. Some visitors arrive hours ahead of time. Plan to be in the parking lot by 6:30–7:00 AM at the latest.
  • Processing time: After check‑in, you'll take a shuttle to the facility. The entire process from parking to seated visit can take over an hour.
  • Bring only: Valid government‑issued photo ID. Leave everything else in your car — there may not be lockers at the satellite lot.
  • Know the facility area: Pitchess has North, South, and East housing areas. Confirm which area your partner is housed in before arriving.
  • Plan for 4+ hours total: Between driving, waiting, shuttle, processing, and the visit itself, the Pitchess experience takes most of a morning.

What the Ceremony Is Like

Your Wedding at Pitchess Detention Center

Here's what to expect on ceremony day at Pitchess — the logistics are different from the downtown jails.

The Visiting Room

  • Ceremonies take place during regular weekend visiting hours in the visiting area of the assigned housing facility.
  • Inmates receive one hour of visitation per weekend, split into two 30‑minute sessions. The ceremony will use one of these sessions.
  • Up to 3 visitors at a time are permitted. An infant or toddler may not count as a visitor.
  • The visiting format depends on the inmate's housing area and classification level.

Pitchess‑Specific Considerations

  • Weekend‑only visits: Unlike downtown jails, Pitchess visiting is weekends and select holidays only. This limits ceremony scheduling options.
  • County Clerk logistics: Pitchess is 40+ minutes from the nearest LA County Clerk office. We coordinate the license pickup and ceremony scheduling so you don't make unnecessary trips.
  • Adjacent to NCCF: If the inmate is at NCCF rather than Pitchess, the visiting procedures are different. Make sure you know which facility — we can help confirm.
  • 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.

Common Questions

Jail Wedding FAQ — Pitchess Detention Center

How far is Pitchess from downtown LA?

Pitchess is in Castaic, about 40 minutes north of downtown LA via the I-5 freeway. Plan for potential traffic on the I-5.

Is Pitchess the same as NCCF?

No. Pitchess Detention Center and North County Correctional Facility (NCCF) are adjacent but separate facilities in Castaic. We serve both.

Can the ceremony happen on weekends?

Ceremonies are scheduled during regular visiting hours, which may include weekends depending on housing assignment.

Which facility within Pitchess will the ceremony be at?

Pitchess has multiple housing areas (North, South, East). The ceremony location depends on where the inmate is housed. We confirm this during coordination.

Does the remote location affect the timeline?

It can. The travel distance may add time to the notary visit and marriage license coordination. We factor this into your timeline estimate.

How much does a jail wedding at Pitchess cost?

We provide a personalized quote based on your situation. No hidden mileage, after-hours, or weekend surcharges — even for Castaic.


Contact & Scheduling

Ready to Get Started?

Book a consultation and we'll walk you through the full process for getting married at Pitchess Detention Center.

Next Steps

  • Book online or call/text to discuss your situation.
  • We'll provide a personalized quote — no hidden fees.
  • We handle the paperwork, facility coordination, and ceremony.

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