“Together, we’ll create a meaningful, fun, & memorable wedding experience!”
29 Years Serving Awesome Couples in Agoura Hills, CA!
Wedding Officiant & Minister in Agoura Hills, CA
“As a wedding officiant Agoura Hills couples have trusted for 29 years, this area holds a special place in my heart. Tucked between the Santa Monica Mountains and the eastern edge of Malibu, Agoura Hills is one of the most naturally stunning wedding destinations in all of Southern California. From the rustic elegance of The Lodge at Malibu Lakes to the modern flexibility of the Agoura Hills Recreation and Events Center — I’ve had the privilege of officiating incredible ceremonies here for nearly three decades. I’m the preferred officiant for Bella Vita Events, Southern California’s #1 rated wedding coordinator. Call or text me at (805) 300-4955 — I’d love to be part of your day.”
As a trusted wedding officiant Agoura Hills couples rely on, I’ve officiated ceremonies here for 29 years and this area never stops impressing me. What makes Agoura Hills truly special is its location — bordered by the Santa Monica Mountains to the north and Malibu just to the west. You’re inland, but only about 20 minutes from the Pacific Ocean. One drive down Malibu Canyon Road, past Pepperdine University, and you’re at the beach. Not many wedding cities can say that.
What I bring to every ceremony here is something most officiants simply don’t offer. My background as a motivational speaker, minister, and professional writer means I don’t arrive with a template. I sit with every couple for about an hour, ask questions, listen to your story, and then write a ceremony from scratch that sounds nothing like anyone else’s — because it isn’t. It’s yours.
If you’re looking for a wedding officiant Agoura Hills has to offer, I’d love to connect. Call or text me at (805) 300-4955.
The Benefits of Customized Ceremonies
Here’s what 29 years has taught me: couples don’t want generic. They want their wedding to feel like them. When you choose me as your officiant, I spend real time getting to know you — your personalities, your story, your humor, your values. Then I write every single word of your ceremony from scratch.
I’ve officiated intimate backyard ceremonies with 8 guests and elegant ballroom affairs with 300. The size doesn’t matter. What matters is that every person in those seats feels something. That’s my job and I take it seriously.
Officiating Religious and Secular Weddings
I’m an ordained minister, so I’m completely comfortable incorporating faith, scripture, and prayer into your ceremony. I’m equally comfortable with a fully secular celebration that never mentions religion at all. Whatever reflects who you are as a couple — that’s exactly what we do.
My background as a professional writer means I craft messages that actually land. Whether you hand me a list of talking points or give me full creative license, I’ll deliver something that moves people.
5 Reasons to Get Married in Agoura Hills, CA
1. You’re Minutes from Malibu and the Pacific Ocean
Agoura Hills sits right on the eastern border of Malibu — and that matters more than people realize. You’re inland, which means your venue costs are more reasonable, but you’re only about 20 minutes from the Pacific Ocean. One drive down Malibu Canyon Road past Pepperdine University and your guests are standing on the beach. That kind of proximity gives couples the best of both worlds — a stunning inland setting with coastal access right around the corner.
2. The Santa Monica Mountains as Your Backdrop
Few cities in Southern California can claim the Santa Monica Mountains as their literal backyard. Agoura Hills can. The rolling hills, oak-studded landscape, and natural beauty of this area create a backdrop for wedding photos that simply can’t be manufactured. Every ceremony I’ve officiated here has that natural California magic built right in.
3. World-Class Venues at Every Price Point
From the rustic luxury of The Lodge at Malibu Lakes to the modern, flexible Agoura Hills Recreation and Events Center, this city offers exceptional venues for every style and budget. Whether you want a high-end culinary experience or a do-it-yourself celebration with your own catering and bar, Agoura Hills delivers.
4. Easy Access from Los Angeles
Agoura Hills sits right off the 101 freeway, making it one of the most accessible wedding destinations for guests coming from Los Angeles, the Valley, or anywhere in between. No navigating city traffic, no parking nightmares — just a smooth drive into a beautiful setting.
5. That Small-Town California Charm
There’s something about Agoura Hills that feels unhurried and genuine. It doesn’t have the pretension of some coastal cities or the sprawl of LA. It has oak trees, open skies, and a community feel that makes your wedding day feel warm and real. After 29 years of officiating here, I can tell you — couples who get married in Agoura Hills love it every single time.
Wedding Venues in Agoura Hills
The Lodge at Malibu Lakes
The Lodge at Malibu Lakes is one of my absolute favorite wedding venues in all of Ventura County. Built in 1936, it feels like a hidden sanctuary — rustic California charm blended with a genuinely world-class culinary experience, thanks to Chef Cordelia and her remarkable team. One of my favorite features is the bar area where guests gather before dinner. There’s a warmth and intimacy to that space I haven’t found anywhere else.
I’ve officiated dozens of ceremonies at The Lodge and every single one has been special. But one stands out above all of them.
The bride hadn’t seen her father in ten years. He had moved to another country, but she still loved him deeply and asked him to walk her down the aisle. The moment he appeared, the entire room changed. There was not a dry eye in the house — not from the guests, not from dad, and not from the beautiful bride herself. That’s what weddings are really about. That’s why I do this.
Agoura Hills Recreation and Events Center
Finding an affordable venue in Southern California that doesn’t sacrifice the view is rare — but the Agoura Hills Recreation and Events Center delivers exactly that. Nestled against a backdrop of rolling hills, it’s best known for its striking glass facades that bring the outdoors in. Bright, modern, and genuinely beautiful.
What couples love most is the flexibility. You can bring in your own catering, choose your own bar, hire your own vendors. That kind of freedom is a major cost savings and it means your wedding feels completely personal from the first bite to the last toast.
A Memory I’ll Never Forget
One thing I’ve learned after 29 years is that Agoura Hills couples tend to know exactly what they want. They’re not looking for a cookie-cutter ceremony. They want something that actually sounds like them, their humor, their story, the way they talk to each other on a Tuesday night. That’s what I build every single time. Whether your guest count is 10 or 300, whether you’ve been together two years or twelve, I sit down with you, I listen, and I write something from scratch. Nobody gets a recycled ceremony from me. Not once in 29 years. If you’re ready to talk about your day, call or text me at (805) 300-4955. I always get back to you the same day.
Find Your Wedding Officiant in Agoura Hills, CA
My Experience
29 years ago I became a licensed wedding officiant with one mission: to make every ceremony 100% tailored to the personalities and uniqueness of the couple standing in front of me. No templates. No recycled words. Your wedding can be meaningful, memorable, creative, and fun. This is all about celebration!
The Locations
Southern California is one of the most beautiful and sought-after areas for weddings in the entire country, and I’m proud to call it home. I officiate everywhere from large destination weddings to intimate backyard vow renewals and beach ceremonies. Need your marriage license handled? The Ventura County Clerk-Recorder has everything you need before the big day.
You!
No two couples are the same, which means no two ceremonies I write are the same. My responsibility is to understand your vision — 100% about your dreams, your story, your personalities. I’ll take the time to weave every wonderful detail into a ceremony that is completely and uniquely yours.
Your Personalized Wedding Minister in Agoura Hills, CA
You’ve got enough to think about. Finding the right officiant shouldn’t be one of them. When you work with me you get someone who actually picks up the phone, answers your questions the same day, and writes a ceremony that sounds like you — not like it came off a template.
I spend about an hour in a personal interview with every couple before I write a single word of your ceremony. I want to know how you met, what makes your partner laugh, what your families mean to you, and what you want the people in those seats to walk away feeling. That’s the foundation of everything I write.
I handle your license processing personally after the ceremony and make sure everything gets filed correctly and on time. Check out my wedding packages to find the right fit for your day.
Reach out to Dean Merrill Weddings Today
Whether you’re getting married at The Lodge at Malibu Lakes, the Agoura Hills Recreation and Events Center, or anywhere else in the area — I’d be honored to be your wedding officiant Agoura Hills couples have trusted for nearly three decades.
Call or text me at (805) 300-4955 or fill out my online form to get started. I follow up fast and I’d love to hear your story.
“My husband and I very easily decided to select Dean Merrill as our officiant after our first call with him inquiring about his services. We decided to proceed with his Personal package which led to a detailed and fun phone meeting with the three of us as he got to know us and to prepare for the ceremony. The day of our wedding Dean found is way to each of us prior to the ceremony to introduce himself in person and check in to see how we were doing before our big moment. Dean gladly joined my very close family and friends and I in a prayer to help guide us through the big day. During the ceremony Dean was calm and confident and very warm as he spoke about my husband and I. The ceremony was nothing but perfect. He did an amazing job sharing our stories and our love for each other to our friends and family. It has been two weeks since we were married and we still are receiving comments about how amazing and touching the ceremony was. I wish I could give him 100 stars if it were possible!”
Frequently Asked Questions
I am always available to answer specific questions or concerns. Weddings tend to bring up some common worries, so here are some of the ones I hear most often:
Will You Process our Marriage License?
I offer license processing in both my simple and personal wedding packages. All you have to do is apply and bring your license to the ceremony, where I’ll handle all of the necessary signatures. From there, I’ll mail it to the county clerk’s office within 24 hours of your big day, and you’ll get it back in one to eight weeks.
Do You Officiate Small Weddings?
I have tackled weddings of every imaginable size and given my all to each of them. I’m ready to design the ceremony that fits your needs, no matter how many people will be in attendance.
Can My Children Join in the Ceremony
Of course! I’ll gladly incorporate your immediate (or extended) family into the ceremony. The bottom line is that I want to do whatever will make you and your loved ones feel special on the big day, making it truly unforgettable for everyone in attendance.