PJ’s Abbey
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182 South Orange Streeet
Orange, CA 92866
Contact: Banquets Department
Phone: 714/771-8556
www.pjsabbey.com
Request a proposal for your event from PJ’s Abbey
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Description
It’s a marriage of old and new that blends the soul of an antique church with a contemporary family’s love for food and cooking. Since 1996, PJ’s Abbey in Old Towne Orange has delighted modern-day diners with its signature ambiance and what it calls “heavenly American cuisine.”Lovingly refurbished by the Mead clan, the restaurant was originally the First Baptist Church of Orange. Built in 1891, it was a site of worship for more than a century. In the spirit of respect for the past that pervades a city known as the antique capital of California, the Meads saw something special in the Gothic-style edifice that had fallen into disrepair. With enthusiastic support from city leaders, they purchased the property, eager to realize their vision of an establishment that preserved history while providing them with a culinary stage.
After a two-year restoration project involving 600 gallons of paint stripper and over $2 million, the little church came to life as PJ’s Abbey. With much of the original woodwork and the historic stained-glass windows from Belgium intact, the Meads retained the character of the 105-year-old structure and brought it into the present day with a restored roof, new plumbing and electrical systems, gleaming hardwood floors and dramatic alabaster chandeliers. They named the venue after the matriarch of their family, Peggy Jane or PJ, who still rises early each morning to turn out the restaurant’s divine desserts.
Today, couples can add a new page to their own family sagas with a reception in the sunny main dining room of PJ’s Abbey. The private Almond Room, decorated with paintings by local artists that depict the old Baptist church over the years, as well as an outdoor patio, also are available for rehearsal dinners, bridal showers and other celebrations.
In addition to the restaurant, the Mead family manages the nearby Women’s Club of Orange, a charming setting for garden wedding ceremonies. Anchored by a stately Mediterranean revival building erected in 1924, the site encompasses a grassy lawn shaded by a regal cypress tree, and bordered by pastel daylilies, flowering agapanthus and bright clivia plants. After making your way down a brick path, meet your groom under an arch flanked by a fragrant rose garden. The garden provides a splendid backdrop for photos after you’ve said your vows.
Following the ceremony, receive your guests in the facility’s traditional ballroom, where wood beams and ceiling fans accent a voluminous interior with a hardwood floor for dancing. Or invite them to sample “a taste of heaven” at PJ’s Abbey, less than a mile away. At either location, you’ll enjoy coordination and cuisine by two generations of the Mead family, who can assist with invitations, flowers and a wedding cake. Lavishing the same care and creative vision on your special occasion as they did to reveal the treasures of the old church, the Meads will ensure that your day unfolds exactly as you would like it to.
Capacity
Ceremony |
Reception/Special Events |
Meetings |
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Max. Seated Indoors: 200 Max. Seated Outdoors: 250 |
Max. Seated Indoors: 110 Max. Seated Outdoors: 0 Max. Standing Indoors: 175 Max. Standing Outdoors: 0 |
Max. Seated: 110 |
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Fees & Deposits
A $300–1,000 deposit is required to reserve your date. The balance is due 30 days prior to the event. Rental fees range $750–1,500 depending on the day and location of the event. Meals range $25–48/person. Tax, alcohol and an 18% service charge are additional.
Availability
Year-round, daily, 7am–11pm.
CateringProvidedAlcoholProvidedSites UsesWedding ReceptionsSpecial Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners Services/AmenitiesCatering: provided |
MusicIndoorsWheelchair AccessWheelchair AccessibleSite ViewsNo ViewSite TypeBanquet/Events Facility
RestrictionsAlcohol: provided |
Wondering what CBA or BYO means?
714/771-8556
www.pjsabbey.com
Email or request a proposal for your event from PJ’s Abbey
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