Weddings (Sanctuary only)
· $2000
· 6 hours’ use of building (includes rehearsal)
· Additional hours: $250 per hour
· Capacity: 250 people
Weddings with rehearsal dinner or reception (Sanctuary, Social Hall and Chalice Room). Outdoor patio space also available.
· $3000
· 9 hours’ use of building
· Additional hours: $250 per hour
· Capacity: 250 people for wedding in sanctuary, approx. 150 people for Social Hall and Chalice Room (varies according to set-up).
Payment
· $500 total payment is required to reserve The Church of the River for a wedding--a $250 non-refundable deposit (required to reserve date and will be applied toward total rental fee) as well as a $250 security deposit. Security deposit will be refunded within 30 days after wedding if if all policies are followed, no damage is caused to building or grounds, and building is left in acceptable condition.
· 50% of balance required 90 days before wedding. Non-refundable.
· Balance due 60 days before wedding. Non-refundable.
· Payment types: check, cash, ACH transfer, credit or debit card
Alcohol
· To serve alcohol at a wedding, renters must purchase a liability certificate of insurance.
Person(s) serving alcohol must have a valid Tennessee ABC permit
No serving persons under age 21
Alcohol must not be left unattended when minors are present
Non-alcoholic beverages must also be available.
No selling of alcoholic beverages
Food
No cooking facilities provided. Food must be prepared off-site.
Social hall includes tables and chairs.
Renter provides table linens, serving items, glassware, tableware and utensils.
Parking
· Parking is available in our lot (approximately 30 spaces) and in the Channel 3 parking lot (at our request, they leave their gates open for wedding parties on weekends ONLY).
Please advise your guests that the drive just outside our property is marked as a no-parking zone and cars could be towed if parked there. The Memphis Police Department often issues parking citations to people parked in that area.
Included in wedding
Beautiful sanctuary overlooking the Mississippi River for two days (rehearsal and ceremony)
Staff member on-site for the duration of your rental
Use of our Baldwin grand piano
Sound system (CD and smart phone jack, wired and wireless microphones)
Dressing rooms for bride and groom
Two unisex restrooms, one handicapped accessible
Use of grounds for wedding photographs
Rentals that include our Social Hall (rehearsal dinner and/or reception) also have use of a multi-purpose room, kitchen, ice maker, courtyard, and additional restrooms
Not included
· Officiant. If you would like to speak to our minister, Rev. Sam Teitel, about officiating your wedding, please contact him at minister@churchoftheriver.org. The minister sets his own pay for performing weddings for non-members.
Musicians. Our regular pianist is also available for hire. Please contact the Office Administrator at info@churchoftheriver.org for more info about booking our pianist.
Decorations/fixtures
Most couples find that our Sanctuary needs very little decorating, due to the beautiful glass windows overlooking the river.
No tacks, staples, glue, or other items that may damage our building or furnishings
Decorating may begin during the rehearsal if there are no other church events scheduled between the rehearsal and ceremony
• Unity candles and wedding sand allowed
NO GLITTER OR CONFETTI ALLOWED-THIS INCLUDES BODY GLITTER SPRAY. Any glitter or confetti use will result in a $250 cleanup fee.
Other terms and policies
· First Unitarian Church of Memphis/The Church of the River is a Welcoming Congregation and supports marriage equality. LGBTQ weddings welcome.
Please note that rental times are from doors open to doors closed. We must schedule a staff member to open and close the building for your wedding, so no early entry is available.
• Sound system can accommodate smart phones for playing recorded music, but we ask that the wedding party appoint a friend or family member to operate phone during the ceremony.
