Malibu Hindu Temple
A traditional South Indian Hindu temple in the hills near Calabasas dedicated to authentic Hindu wedding ceremonies.
About Malibu Hindu Temple
The Malibu Hindu Temple is a traditional South Indian Hindu temple in the hills near Calabasas dedicated to authentic Hindu wedding ceremonies, with priests conducting the full ritual sequence. It is the right choice for a couple seeking a devout, traditional Hindu ceremony in an authentic temple setting, understanding that catering, decor and reception are arranged separately.
What couples love
It is an authentic traditional temple providing experienced priests for rituals such as Ganesh Puja, Kanyadaan, Saat Phere and Ashirvad. The ornate South Indian architecture against the hills makes a striking, meaningful backdrop. Ample parking, a cultural hall and access to temple-recommended decorators support the logistics. The ceremony fee is very affordable compared with full-service venues.
Good to know
It is ceremony-focused, so couples arrange catering, decor and typically a separate reception venue. Photography must be confirmed with the temple office in advance. Traditional attire is expected and outside vendors must follow temple guidelines; book at least six months ahead.
A typical wedding day
7:00 AM — Getting ready and dressing in traditional attire
8:30 AM — Ganesh Puja and preliminary rituals
9:30 AM — Baraat and groom’s welcome
10:00 AM — Kanyadaan and main rituals
11:00 AM — Saat Phere around the sacred fire
11:45 AM — Ashirvad blessings and family portraits
12:30 PM — Guests depart for a separate reception
Photographing Malibu Hindu Temple
Vibrant, traditional, ceremony-focused documentary imagery capturing the ornate South Indian temple architecture, ritual moments and colorful traditional attire against the Santa Monica Mountains.
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Planning a wedding at Malibu Hindu Temple? Reach out to check your date →
Sample wedding day timelines at the Malibu Hindu Temple
Temple weddings here run in the morning, set by the muhurtham your priest chooses, and the ceremony itself is long. Almost every couple pairs the temple with a second venue on the same day or the next.
Four to five hours, ceremony and lunch
- 9:30 AMCoverage begins. Arrivals, elders greeted, mandap and ritual details photographed.
- 10:00 AMPre-ceremony coverage. Attire, jewelry, garlands, the kalash and homam setup.
- 10:30 AMHindu ceremony begins.
- 12:00 PMCeremony concludes. Family and group portraits at the mandap and on the temple grounds.
- 12:45 PMLuncheon coverage. Couple greeting guests, family candids.
- 1:30 PMCoverage concludes.
Six hours including morning preparation
- 7:00 AMCoverage begins with getting ready. Attire, jewelry and individual portraits.
- 8:00 AMCeremony begins. Opening blessings, entries, garland exchange, then the core rituals.
- 11:30 AMRituals conclude. Allow a full thirty to forty five minutes for family groups and couple portraits.
- 12:30 PMPortraits around the temple grounds.
- 1:00 PMCoverage concludes.
Two days, temple then reception
- Day 1, 7:30 AMGetting ready and arrivals at the temple.
- Day 1, 8:00 AMFull ceremony coverage, typically three to four hours.
- Day 1, 12:00 PMFamily and couple portraits, then luncheon.
- Day 2, 6:00 PMCocktail hour at the reception venue. Guest arrivals and group photographs.
- Day 2, 7:00 PMReception. Entrance, speeches, dinner, dancing.
- Day 2, 10:00 PMCoverage concludes.
What is specific to the Malibu Hindu Temple
The temple has its own rhythm and its own rules, and the timeline follows the priest rather than the other way around.
Where couples also celebrate nearby
Second venues and locations that recur alongside a Malibu Hindu Temple ceremony.
- The mandap and temple grounds
- The hillside overlooks
- Spanish Hills Club
- Moorpark Country Club
- La Canada Flintridge Country Club
- BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
- Calabasas and Agoura Hills hotels
Questions couples ask about the Malibu Hindu Temple
How many hours of coverage do we need at the temple?
Four to five hours covers the ceremony, family portraits and the luncheon after. Six hours is right if you want getting ready included, and a longer South Indian ceremony can use every minute of it.
What time does a temple wedding start?
Your priest sets the muhurtham, and that decides everything. Morning start times are the norm here, and some are very early, so build the coverage window around the time you are given rather than a standard start.
How long is the ceremony?
Commonly two to four hours. A Tamil Brahmin or South Indian ceremony sits at the longer end. Plan the coverage for the real length so the family portraits afterward are not squeezed.
Are there restrictions on photography inside the temple?
The temple has its own guidance on positions, footwear and equipment. We confirm it in advance and plan camera positions around it, so nothing needs to be discussed while the rituals are happening.
Can we have the reception at the temple?
A luncheon on site straight after the ceremony is common and photographs well. A full evening reception almost always happens at a second venue, either later that day or the next.
How much time do we need for family photographs?
Thirty to forty five minutes after the rituals is usually enough for immediate family, elders and a couple portrait set. Large extended families are worth flagging in advance so we can group them efficiently.