Site Use Guidelines

Rancho Camulos is a nonprofit museum and National Historic Landmark that may be booked for your special event seven days per week, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. Most guests choose to use our expansive outdoor lawns and gardens for their event, but our 1853 main adobe, our 1867 chapel, and our 1930 schoolhouse are also available for limited use, subject to museum approval. Our two main lawns are the schoolhouse lawn (5000 sq. feet) and the chapel/fountain lawn (7800 sq. feet). The courtyard lawn behind the main adobe (approx. 5000 sq. feet) can also be used. Use of the site includes access to the parking area south of Highway 126 and the nearby restrooms, and all areas south of the fence enclosing the main museum grounds. These two areas are connected by a footpath to the east of the restrooms and a paved driveway accessible through a large swing gate. Driving to the ceremony and reception sites for drop-off and pick-up is permissible, but no vehicles are permitted to park on the grass at any time.

Accommodations

Santa Clarita is the nearest city offering plentiful accommodations. Several major hotels are located near the junction of Interstate 5 and Highway 126.

Alcohol

Beer, wine and spirits allowed. Mixed drinks must be dispensed by a licensed bartender.

Availability

Rancho Camulos is available year-round, although our gardens and grounds are at their fullest between the months of April and October.

Catering

Rancho Camulos does not provide food service and you may choose a catering company. We can recommend professional caterers who do excellent work at our venue.

Cleanup/Trash

Caterers or the client renting the site are responsible for cleaning up all food and trash before leaving the site. A dumpster is provided for trash. If trash exceeds the capacity of the dumpster, the caterer or client is responsible for hauling away excess trash. A limited number of on-site trashcans are available. Client or catering company are responsible for providing trashcan liners. The client’s $500 refundable security deposit will be held until cleanup is completed. The wedding party is permitted to return the day after the wedding to pick up personal items.

Dance Floor

A dance floor is required for events that will include dancing. Rancho Camulos’ wedding package includes a parquet dance floor. Please inquire about our affordable inclusive packages.

Decorations

No rice or seed allowed. Rose petals or other flora only.

Insurance

Event insurance certificate showing comprehensive liability coverage to minimum $1,000,000 must be provided at least 14 days prior to the event. Coverage is available through most home owner policies or through an internet service like WedSafe.com. Rancho Camulos Museum, its successors and assigns must be named as additional insured. The Museum shall not be held responsible for any accidents, injury, or loss of private property.

Dressing Areas

Private dressing areas are provided for both the Bride and Groom.

Inclusive Packages

Rancho Camulos has contracted with several excellent vendors to provide affordable, high quality packages for renting tables, chairs, dance floor, portable restrooms and lighting. Please inquire to learn more about package pricing.

Kitchen

Our schoolhouse has a kitchenette with a small sink, refrigerator and upright freezer available to the wedding party on a limited basis. We are not equipped for heavy food preparation.

Lighting and Heaters

For the safety of our guests, lighting must be arranged for evening events with a professional lighting vendor approved by the museum. Heaters are welcome but must be located away from foliage and buildings. Heaters may be rented from an outside vendor.

Museum Directions

Rancho Camulos is located in an unincorporated area of east Ventura County. Internet-based map sites such as Google or Yahoo, as well as GPS, are often inaccurate and may result in inaccurate directions. To avoid confusion, it is best to let guests know that Rancho Camulos is located directly on the south side of Highway 126 (Telegraph Rd.), approximately 2 miles east of Piru and 10 miles west of Interstate 5.

Music and Amplification

While we welcome amplified music from DJs and bands, please bear in mind that Rancho Camulos’ power supply is old and fragile. Generators for amplification are required.

Outdoor Cooking

Professional caterer or rental company only. Must be licensed and approved.

Parking

Rancho Camulos can safely park approximately 90 vehicles on the site.

For events hosting 200 guests or more, use of a shuttle service is strongly recommended.

Reservations/Cancellations

Rancho Camulos may be reserved up to one year in advance. A non-refundable $1,000 deposit (more if an inclusive package booked) is required. Balance, including refundable cleaning deposit, must be paid no later than 14 days prior to the event.

Site Use Fees (For Venue Only):

Please email info@ranchocamulos.org for a quote.  Please include the number of guests you expect to host.

Restrooms

Limited-use, ADA-approved restrooms are available near the parking area for arriving guests. Clients with 150 or more guests are required to arrange for professional portable restrooms to be brought onto the museum site and placed nearby the reception area for the duration of the event. Museum staff can suggest vendors and placement of such facilities. The schoolhouse restroom is available for the wedding party only.

Smoking

Smoking in designated areas only. Smoking near structures strictly prohibited.

Wedding Coordination

For weddings we strongly recommend that you hire a day of event coordinator. Rancho Camulos staff can provide suggestions on staging a wedding and reception and can answer many of your questions, but do not provide event coordination services. Weddings and other special occasions go much smoother with the assistance of a professional event coordinator.

Wheelchair Access

Unfortunately, our walkways and historic buildings are not currently ADA-approved. Guests with disabilities can be dropped off close to the site of the wedding or special event. A handicapped parking space is available near the public restroom in the parking lot.