Event Planning Guidelines

Browse our campus event planning guidelines below.

Approved Caterers and Vendors

All vendors engaged by the renter are required to maintain appropriate insurance coverage to render services at the event venue. Should the client opt for a vendor from the provided Approved Vendors list, the necessity for separate insurance coverage is waived. However, in the event that a client engages a vendor not included on the Approved Vendor list, the renter is obligated to include each such vendor under the special events insurance policy procured through the Diocese, incurring an additional fee of $65 per vendor.

All renters are required to engage the services of caterers listed on the Approved Caterers List.

Approved Caterers and Vendors List (PDF)

Food Truck and Cart Requirements

Food Truck Requirements

According to the City of Garden Grove Health Department, food trucks must meet specific criteria, including a City of Garden Grove Business License, Mobile food facility food permit, Orange County approved vehicle decal, valid vehicle insurance, DMV registration, and valid liability insurance.

Food Cart Requirements

As per the City of Garden Grove Health Department, food carts must possess valid Liability Insurance, an Orange County health permit, and a valid food vending license for the city of Garden Grove. Grills, Open Flames: In adherence to fire department regulations, open flames are prohibited on campus. Food vendors are permitted only to use warmers for food sold or distributed during events. 

Alcohol on Campus

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking on the premises. Alcohol brought into the venue by unauthorized persons will be confiscated, and the bar will be promptly closed. Consumption of alcohol outside the contracted venue space, including the parking lot, is prohibited. Only beer, wine, and mixed drinks are allowed during the event, with no shots or straight alcohol consumption permitted.

Photography Permits and Guidelines

Photography permits are mandatory for all on-campus photography activities. These permits exclusively grant permission for external photography and do not encompass interior spaces within buildings.

For comprehensive details, kindly consult the Christ Cathedral Photo & Video Guidelines.

To acquire a permit, please proceed to the Events Payment Form.

Event Insurance Requirements

All renters are required to acquire special events insurance through the Diocese of Orange (this does not apply to Diocese of Orange ministries, parishes or schools). The standard insurance cost of $130 will be applied, contingent upon application and quotation. This cost is the responsibility of the renter.

All vendors engaged by the renter are required to maintain appropriate insurance coverage to render services at the event venue. Should the client opt for a vendor from the provided Approved Vendors list, the necessity for separate insurance coverage is waived. However, in the event that a client engages a vendor not included on the Approved Vendor list, the renter is obligated to include each such vendor under the special events insurance policy procured through the Diocese, incurring an additional fee of $65 per vendor.

It is imperative to emphasize that renters are exclusively permitted to engage the services of caterers listed on the Approved Caterers list. There is no requirement to add the selected caterer to the special events insurance policy acquired from the Diocese.

Non-compliance with insurance requirements may result in event cancellation or other penalties.

Event Presenters Clearance Policy

To ensure that guest speakers are aligned with our Roman Catholic values, a mandatory clearance process has been instituted prior to their participation. We kindly request your completion of the Presenter’s Clearance Form. Upon submission, please forward the email confirmation you receive to: [email protected].

Explore Our Inventory

Event Product Catalog

FAQs

Contact Information

Q: How can I contact your team for more information or to schedule a site visit?  

A: You can reach our Hospitality and Events team at [email protected], or through our website here.

We are happy to answer any further questions you may have. You can also take a virtual tour of our spaces here.


Booking and Payment

Q: How do I book an event at your venue?

A: To book an event, please contact our Events and Hospitality team via phone or email. We will guide you through the booking process, including availability, pricing, and necessary documentation.

Q: Does your venue charge by person?

A: No, we don’t charge per person. Our pricing is based on the space rented. Each of our venue spaces accommodates a different capacity, so the rental price varies depending on the chosen space.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?

A: We accept various forms of payment, including credit cards, checks, and bank transfers.

Specific payment instructions will be provided during the booking process.

Q: Is a deposit required to secure the booking?

A: Yes, a 50% deposit is required to secure your booking. The deposit amount will be deducted from your final payment.

Q: When is the final payment due?

A: The final payment is due at least 10 days before the event date.

Q: Do you charge a cleaning fee or security deposit?

A: As part of the contract, we will request a credit card, which will only be used in the event of property damage during your rental. Any charges will be processed with your explicit consent, and your card details will be securely discarded within ten (10) days after the conclusion of your rental period.


Venues and Spaces

Q: What are the rental hours for the venue spaces?

A: Events can start as early as 8 am and must conclude by 10 pm, adhering to Garden Grove city law’s noise curfew.

Q: Is there a minimum rental time?

A: Yes, there is a 3-hour minimum for all rentals except for the Chapel in the Sky and the Cathedral.

Q: Is there a designated space for bridal preparation?

A: We do not have a dedicated bridal suite for preparation; however, we do rent smaller spaces that can be used for this purpose.

Q: Are pets allowed at events?

A: Only service animals are permitted on the premises.


Venue Amenities and Services

Q: Do you offer event coordination services?

A: Our team serves as event facilitators, assisting with facility logistics. However, we do not offer full event coordination services. We can recommend reputable event planners and coordinators to assist you with comprehensive planning and coordination.

Q: What amenities are included with the rental?

A: All rentals include security, janitorial services, an event facilitator, inventory (tables, chairs, podium, etc. For a full list of our inventory, click here to view our product catalog), basic audio/visual equipment, and parking. For events with 500 or more guests, additional security and janitorial fees may apply.

Q: Do you provide linens?

A: If groups are using a caterer, we ask that all linens be rented through the caterer. However, if the group is having food dropped off, we can rent out linens for $10/piece.

Q: Is Wi-Fi available at the venue?

A: Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout our venue.

Q: Do you provide parking?

A: Yes, we provide complimentary parking for your guests. Should you require valet service, you will be responsible for hiring and covering all costs.


Catering and Bar Services

Q: Can we select our own caterer?

A: Clients must select from our list of approved caterers. However, for food drop-off, clients may choose any restaurant they prefer. For a list of approved caterers and vendors, click here. There is a fee for food drop-off services.

Q: Is alcohol permitted at events?

A: Yes, alcohol is permitted with the completion of our separate alcohol waiver form. We enforce a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking. Guests found in violation will be asked to leave immediately.

Q: Can we bring our own food and beverages?

A: Outside food and beverages are not permitted, except through our approved caterers.

Exceptions are made for food drop-offs, subject to a service fee. Guests can provide their own alcohol, but a licensed bartender must serve the alcohol during the event.

Q: Are we allowed to have food trucks or carts serving food?

A: Yes, however, according to the City of Garden Grove Health Department, food trucks must meet specific criteria, including a City of Garden Grove Business License, Mobile Food Facility food permit, Orange County approved vehicle decal, valid vehicle insurance, DMV registration, and valid liability insurance. Additionally, food carts must possess valid liability insurance, an Orange County health permit, and a valid food vending license for the city of Garden Grove. Open flames are prohibited on campus per fire department regulations; food vendors are permitted only to use warmers or teppan grills for food sold or distributed during events.


Audio/Visual and Technical Support

Q: What audio/visual equipment do you provide?

A: Our rental includes basic A/V equipment such as microphones, speakers, and big screen TVs.

Several of our spaces have built-in A/V. For a full list of available equipment, please refer to our A/V catalog here.

Q: Is technical support available during the event?

A: We do not have an on-site A/V staff member; however, we have a third-party vendor who can handle all of your A/V needs during your event. Additional charges may apply.


Accessibility and Safety

Q: Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

A: Yes, our venue is fully wheelchair accessible, including ramps and elevators.

Q: What security measures are in place?

A: We provide security personnel for all events to ensure the safety and security of all guests.

Additional security may be required for larger events.


Policies and Requirements

Q: Do I need insurance to host an event on your campus?

A: Yes, all renters are required to purchase special events insurance through the Diocese of Orange.

The standard insurance cost is $130, contingent upon application and quotation. This cost is the responsibility of the renter.

Q: Do my vendors need insurance?

A: All vendors hired by the renter must have insurance. If using vendors from our Approved Vendors list, additional insurance is not necessary. Otherwise, each vendor must be included on the special events insurance policy at an additional cost of $65 per vendor.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

A:

  1. Flexible Cancellation: Full refund for cancellations made at least 60 days before the scheduled event.
  2. Moderate Cancellation: 50% refund for cancellations made at least 30 days before the scheduled event.
  3. Strict Cancellation: No refund for cancellations made within 15 days of the scheduled event.

Q: Are there any restrictions on decorations?

A:

  • No helium balloons or fogging machines
  • No permanent alterations and no tape on walls
  • No open flames or candles
  • Depending on the complexity, decorations may need to be installed by a professional decorator to ensure they are put up safely and correctly.

For further inquiries or to make reservations, please contact the Hospitality and Events team at [email protected]. We look forward to helping you create a memorable event on our Christ Cathedral campus.

Christ Cathedral Venues