FACILITY

Weddings

 

This is

Your Special Day

 

 

First Congregational Church

ALL Couples

Welcome!

900 High Street

Santa Cruz, CA  95060

 

 

 

 

Dear Friends,

 

We are delighted that you are considering First Congregational Church as a site for your wedding or commitment ceremony.  This is an important time in your lives, and we want to make your ceremony a memorable occasion. This ceremony is a time of Christian worship when you make a commitment before God. No commitment is more personal and no vows more sacred than those you share at the altar of a Church before your family and friends.

 

We welcome young couples, previously married persons, same-gender couples, couples wishing to renew their vows, couples from other religious traditions and from all walks of life. We seek to nourish healthy, whole and holy relationships between partners, and with God.

 

We hope these materials help you in preparation and answer many of the questions you may have. Please call our Parish Administrator at our office if you wish further information. Our staff is ready to give you the best possible guidance in planning your special day.

 

The Ministerial Staff

First Congregational Church

Facilities

We have a beautiful Sanctuary seating 380 people. Cathedral windows overlook natural landscaping. Dressing rooms are available. Plenty of parking is available for your guests.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Reception Hall overlooks the city and the beautiful Monterey Bay and has seating for 225, and adjoining indoor and outdoor (weather permitting) areas increase the seating to 225. A fully equipped catering kitchen with dishes and silverware is available. Wine, champagne and beer may be served in the Reception Hall.

 

 

Music

Our pipe organ is considered the finest in the Monterey Bay region, and our professional organist is available to play for all ceremonies. Should you request an organist and or music of your own choosing, it must be approved in advance.  Cassette tapes are available to assist you in choosing music to enhance the joy of your ceremony, our piano is also available.

 

You are welcome to include other special music you wish to be a part of your ceremony. Because you have chosen a church and a religious ceremony, the music should be appropriate to the spirit of the sacred occasion.

 

Flowers

Flowers may be delivered to the Sanctuary   two hours prior to the ceremony. Floral arrangements may be hung from the candelabras with floral tape and pipe cleaners. No scotch tape is permitted.

 

Ceremony Coordinator

We provide a knowledgeable and experienced ceremony coordinator who will be your personal consultant throughout your planning process, at the rehearsal and on your special day.

Candles and Candelabras

The Church can provide 2 brass candelabras, each holding 7 candles. and altar candles at no extra charge.

 

Candles provided by the church are special straight-sided white drip-less candles. You may provide a unity candle if you prefer your own.

Photography/Videography

Photographers and Videographers have the use of the church and grounds for one hour prior to the ceremony.

 

During the ceremony, all photography or videography should be done with natural lighting. No equipment is to be set up in the center aisles. Aisles may not be blocked.

 

Guests are requested not to take pictures during any part of the ceremony. This is a religious ceremony and picture taking is not appropriate.  Ushers are the best persons to communicate this to your guests.

 

After the ceremony, pictures may be taken in the Sanctuary or on the Church grounds. All pictures should be completed within one hour after the end of the ceremony.

 

Throwing of birdseed, rice, confetti or flower petals (fresh, dried or artificial) is not permitted either inside or outside any of our facilities. Aisle Runners are not allowed.

 

 

FEE SCHEDULE

Weddings/Ceremonies $900

 

Includes the following:

Use of Sanctuary

Organist

Event Coordinator

Candelabras and Candles

 

Prices are for 3 hours use starting one hour before the scheduled start of the ceremony. A security deposit of $200 is required to reserve the Sanctuary.

 

Receptions

 

Up to 165 people.……………………………….……. $1350.00

165-225 people………………………………..……......$1500..00

 

 

Reception fees include table, chairs, dishes and silverware, use of the kitchen. The price does not include linens, food, or refreshments. White linens and wine glasses are available for an additional fee.  Our event coordinators and custodial services are included.

 

Wine, beer and champagne may be served in the Reception Hall. Beer must be in cans or bottles. A $50 service fee will be charged.

 

Prices are for five hours use beginning one hour before the scheduled start of the reception.  When both the ceremony and reception are held in our facilities, six hours are allowed. Access by a caterer and also to decorate is allowed up to three hours before the event. A security deposit of $300 is required to reserve the Reception Hall.

 

ALL FEES MUST BE PAID IN FULL ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THE EVENT.

Making a Reservation

It is advisable to make your arrangements    as far in advance as possible.  As soon as you have set the date, call the Church Office to tentatively hold the date for your ceremony and rehearsal. An application and further information will be mailed to you.

 

When you return your nonrefundable deposit along with the completed application your date will be secured.

 

For further information

or to reserve the date you want

Call 831-426-2010

 

Download our Wedding Brochure