Lake Merritt United Methodist Church

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Oakland Wedding Location
1330 Lakeshore Avenue
Oakland, CA 94606
Contact: Facilities Administrator
Phone: 510/465-4793
www.lakemerrittumc.org
Request a proposal for your event from Lake Merritt United Methodist Church

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Why We Like This Place

Are you and your fiancé Buddhist? Jewish? Non-denominational Christian? Are you an interfaith couple, or a couple with no defined spiritual persuasion? Perhaps you’re a lesbian or gay couple. If so, you’ve come to the right place, because the Lake Merritt United Methodist Church invites any and all of you to celebrate your wedding or holy union ceremony. “We are an open and welcoming congregation,” their literature declares, and the church truly reflects a relaxed, progressive philosophy (despite their no-alcohol policy). After all, there aren’t many religious establishments that allow you to hire the officiant of your choice to conduct your ceremony. It’s spirituality for the new millennium!

Built in 1991, this contemporary church takes advantage of its scenic location overlooking the lovely Lake Merritt. A grand staircase trimmed in marble leads up to the main entrance, and brides often decorate the banisters with flowers or tulle. At the top of the stairs, there’s also a spacious outdoor terrace that’s a fun place for pre-event mingling or for serving refreshments during the social hour. From here, guests can watch the resident geese (and sometimes adorable goslings!) playing along the lakeshore, and greet the bride after she makes her arrival in a stylish limo, vintage auto or even a horse and carriage.

Just inside the entryway, the foyer leads to the Worship Center, where the atmosphere is bright and airy, thanks to a wall of floor-to-ceiling and clerestory windows that curves outward as if to embrace the lake below. In the evening hours, a circular inset ceiling dotted with small lights creates the illusion of a star-filled sky. The rest of the décor is simple—oak-trimmed walls, hunter green chairs and carpet, and a low altar. In contrast, behind the altar is a stunning work of art: a triptych of mosaic murals, commissioned from the studio of Louis Tiffany in 1923. The panels, called the Te Deum Laudamus, were a gift from a church in Los Angeles, where they were originally displayed. The flow of light in the Worship Center illuminates the outstanding beauty of the panels, composed of two million pieces of iridescent glass. Whether you’re moved by the portrayals of the Biblical characters, or just appreciate the amazing detail of opalescent flowers, vines and blue skies, you’ll likely experience the breathtaking power of Tiffany’s masterpiece. The chairs and the altar are portable, so you can stage your ceremony in front of either the Tiffany Panels or the windows facing the lake; both backdrops inspire an exalted spiritual connection. Another mood enhancer is music, and the church has both a grand piano and a pipe organ; if you like, the staff will help you locate a qualified organist.

The Franklin Stark Room next door has a high ceiling and a row of tall windows looking out to a small courtyard that gives receptions an expansive feeling. Missing the view from the Worship Center? Simply slide back the moveable wall that separates the Stark Room and the Worship Center, and voila! Guests dine and dance while admiring views of the lake and the Tiffany panels. There’s a treat for the kiddies, too—a playground in the courtyard that will keep them occupied for hours, so nothing will disturb your own enjoyment of the day.

Capacity

Ceremony

Reception/Special Events

Meetings

Max. Seated Indoors: 250
Max. Seated Outdoors: 0

Max. Seated Indoors: 200
Max. Seated Outdoors: 50
Max. Standing Indoors: 250
Max. Standing Outdoors: 75

Max. Seated: 200

CEREMONY CAPACITY: The Worship Center accommodates up to 250 seated guests.

EVENT/RECEPTION & MEETING CAPACITY: The Stark Room holds up to 200 seated or 250 standing guests indoors; outdoors up to 50 seated or 75 standing guests. Smaller meeting rooms are also available.

Fees & Deposits

Year-round, daily, 9am–11pm, excluding Sunday mornings and early afternoons. Amplified music ends by 10pm. Facilities must be empty by 11pm.

Availability

Year-round, daily, 9am–11pm, excluding Sunday mornings. Amplified music ends by 10pm. Facilities must be empty by 11pm.

Catering

BYO

Alcohol

No Alcohol

Sites Uses

Ceremonies
Wedding Receptions
Special Events, Parties
Business Functions/Meetings
Rehearsal Dinners

Services/Amenities

Catering: BYO
Kitchen Facilities: CBA
Tables & Chairs: provided
Linens, Silver, etc.: BYO
Restrooms: wheelchair accessible
Dance Floor: CBA
Bride's Dressing Area: yes
Meeting Equipment: wi-fi internet access available, extra charge
Parking: small lot and on street
Accommodations: no guestrooms
Telephone: house phone
Outdoor Night Lighting: yes
Outdoor Cooking Facilities: no
Cleanup: caterer or renter
View: Lake Merritt and cityscape
Other: pipe organ, grand piano, officiant, musicians CBA

Amplified Music

Indoors
Outdoors
w/ Restrictions

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair Accessible

Site Views

Cityscape
Lake

Site Type

Church/Chapel/Temple

Restrictions

Alcohol: not allowed
Smoking: not alowed
Music: amplified OK with restrictions
Wheelchair Access: yes
Insurance: may be required

Contact: Facilities Administrator
510/465-4793
www.lakemerrittumc.org
Email or request a proposal for your event from Lake Merritt United Methodist Church

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