San Bernardino County • Jail Wedding Services

Jail Wedding at Central Detention Center

We coordinate the entire jail wedding process at Central Detention Center — from the initial marriage request and notary visit to the ceremony and marriage license filing.

Located in San Bernardino in downtown San Bernardino, Central Detention Center is San Bernardino County's busiest and largest detention facility.

9500 Etiwanda Ave, San Bernardino, CA 91739 • (909) 386-0985

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

Facility Details

What to Expect at Central Detention Center

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

Approval process: Written marriage request submitted through the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. Approval timelines vary — typically 2 to 4 weeks.

Ceremony setting: Ceremonies take place during regular visiting hours in the visiting area. The facility does not provide a separate ceremony room.

Guest policy: One witness is required. Both the witness and the non-incarcerated spouse must present valid government-issued photo ID. Additional guests are generally not permitted.

Visiting hours: Check current San Bernardino County Sheriff visiting schedules. Days and times vary by housing unit and classification.

Items allowed: No items may be exchanged during the ceremony, including rings. No electronics, cameras, or recording devices allowed past security.

Good to know: Central Detention Center is the largest detention facility in San Bernardino County, housing over 3,000 inmates across multiple classifications. Located just off the I-15 and I-10 interchange in San Bernardino.

Other San Bernardino County Facilities

Need notary services at this facility instead?
View notary services at Central Detention Center →

Getting There & Check‑In

Visiting Central Detention Center for a Wedding

Central Detention Center is in San Bernardino, in downtown San Bernardino off Rialto Avenue, near the junction of I-215 and SR-210.

Directions & Parking

Address: 9500 Etiwanda Ave, San Bernardino, CA 91739 — near the I-215 and SR-210 interchange.
From LA: Take the I-10 East to I-215 North. Exit at 2nd Street/Rialto Ave and head east. The facility is on the right.
Parking: Free visitor parking lot on-site. Arrive early as spaces can fill during peak visiting hours.
Rideshare: Uber/Lyft can drop off at the main visitor entrance on Rialto Ave.

What to Know Before Check‑In

Scheduling: Visits must be scheduled in advance. Check the San Bernardino County Sheriff's website for current booking procedures.
Visiting hours: Vary by housing unit. Typically Thursday through Sunday. Confirm your specific schedule before arriving.
Bring only: Valid government-issued photo ID and your car key. All other personal items must be left in your vehicle or placed in a locker.
Leave in your car: Cell phones, purses, bags, cameras, food, and any electronics. Nothing beyond your ID and key will be allowed past security.
Arrive early: Plan to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled visit to clear security screening and processing.

What the Ceremony Is Like

Your Wedding at Central Detention Center

Here's what to expect on ceremony day so there are no surprises.

The Visiting Room

Ceremonies take place in the regular visiting area — there is no private chapel or ceremony room.
Visit lengths depend on the inmate's housing unit and classification. Our officiant keeps the ceremony focused and meaningful within whatever window is available.
The visiting format (glass partition or contact visit) depends on the inmate's security classification.
Guest counts are strictly limited. Typically only the spouse, one witness, and the officiant are permitted.

Plan Your Day

Total time on-site: Plan for 2 to 3 hours from parking to leaving, even though the ceremony itself is brief. Security screening takes the bulk of the time.
No items exchanged: Rings, gifts, documents, or any physical items cannot be passed to the inmate during the visit.
No photography: No cameras, phones, or recording devices are allowed inside the facility.
Dress code: Dress modestly. Avoid clothing resembling inmate uniforms (solid orange or blue). No revealing clothing, open-toed shoes, or clothing with offensive imagery.
Drive time from LA: Central Detention Center is approximately 60 to 75 minutes east of downtown Los Angeles without traffic. During rush hour, allow up to 2 hours.

Book a Consultation

Common Questions

Jail Wedding FAQ — Central Detention Center

How long does a wedding at Central Detention Center take to arrange?

The full process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from the initial marriage request to the ceremony, depending on the San Bernardino County Sheriff's approval timeline and scheduling availability.

What if the inmate gets transferred to another SB County facility?

We serve all San Bernardino County detention facilities. If your partner is transferred to Glen Helen, West Valley, or High Desert, we adjust the process and coordinate with the new facility.

Can the ceremony happen on weekends?

Ceremonies are scheduled during regular visiting hours, which may include weekends depending on the housing unit. We confirm the exact schedule with the facility.

Can I bring a ring to the ceremony?

No. Central Detention Center does not allow any items to be exchanged during the ceremony, including rings. This is standard at most detention facilities.

What ID does the inmate need?

Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID is preferred. If the inmate does not have one, contact us — we have solutions.

How much does a jail wedding at Central Detention Center cost?

Every case is different. We provide a personalized quote after learning about 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 Central 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.