Unity Center
Novato Wedding Location600 Palm Drive, Hamilton Center
Novato, CA 94949
Phone: 415/475-5000
www.unityinmarin.com
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Description
Step back in time to the sun-kissed days when California belonged to Spain and the centers of its towns held flowing fountains, colonnades, bell towers, gardens and charming baroque façades. The Unity Center invites you to do just that. Nestled in the rolling hills of southern Novato, this Marin County wedding venue includes a chapel, the spacious Unity Hall for receptions, a commercial kitchen, and a lawn and courtyard with fountain, garden and shaded colonnade. Formerly the Hamilton Chapel and grounds, this gracious complex has been charmingly restored in a Spanish Colonial style, and is now part of a thriving new town.
Unity In Marin, the interfaith community responsible for the transformation of the site, did a wonderful job—especially with the renovation of the chapel. A simple square bell tower, capped by a terracotta-colored dome, rises above the chapel’s roofline. Roses, wisteria, beautifully trimmed palms and a broad lawn surround the structure, which blends pleasingly with the Spanish Colonial-style buildings in the adjacent town center.
The chapel’s charming interior is perfect for ceremonies and/or receptions, with light-colored walls and cushioned chairs for flexible seating. Windows line the top of each side wall, bringing in views of the ever-changing sky. Pendant chandeliers, suspended from a spectacular exposed-wood- beam ceiling, cast up and down lighting. The room’s mood and ambiance is further enhanced by an ethereal half dome ceiling over the maple-floored chancel/stage area.
The balcony is backlit by a colorful stained-glass window with an arch of clear glass beneath it that overlooks the chapel. Old pews from the original Hamilton chapel have been restored for additional seating. To the side, a state-of-the-art media booth controls a world-class sound system, theater lights and the chapel’s rear-lit projection screen. The 8’ x 10’ screen is designed to be a discreet architectural element over the chancel area, appearing as an opaque window when it’s not in use. With this sophisticated AV system, you can project favorite photos, engagement pictures, videos or background images prior to or during the ceremony. You can also magnify special live wedding moments that might otherwise be missed by those seated towards the back.
In the vestibule area, there’s a soundproof family or "cry" room. This carpeted room has a picture window that allows families with babies or crying children a comfortable place from which to view the ceremony. Adjoining the chapel is a bride’s room with its own bathroom and full-length mirror, perfect for treasured moments of privacy and as a place to change before and after the wedding.
Unity Hall is perfect for receptions and banquets and can also be partitioned into four smaller meeting rooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows and doors offer views of the courtyard, while other windows look out to the back hillside. The countertops and granite serving counter are perfect for buffets, and the adjacent full-size commercial kitchen—with all new appliances—can accommodate any caterer.
Outdoor weddings are easily arranged here because Unity, in a masterstroke, added a grassy courtyard with a fountain as its centerpiece, then built a covered walkway to enclose it. The additions are so artfully constructed that it’s almost impossible to distinguish between what’s new and old in the complex. With unobtrusive built-in lighting and sound, the courtyard can be used any time of day. This beautiful facility is both romantic and spiritually uplifting. When you come by for a visit, take a moment to sit on a bench near the fountain and consider how deftly the Unity Center blends the past and the present. We think its combination of carefully rendered classical mission architecture and cutting-edge facilities is hard to beat.
Capacity
Ceremony |
Reception/Special Events |
Meetings |
|
Max. Seated Indoors: 300 Max. Seated Outdoors: 400 |
Max. Seated Indoors: 200 Max. Seated Outdoors: 300 Max. Standing Indoors: 275 Max. Standing Outdoors: 400 |
Max. Seated: 240 |
|
CEREMONY CAPACITY: Several spaces accommodate 50–300 seated guests. |
||
Fees & Deposits
50% of the rental fee is required to reserve your date. The rental balance and a $150–900 refundable security deposit are due 30 days prior to the event. Rental fees range $1,200–3,600 depending on space selected, date of the event and guest count. Another option is a comprehensive wedding package which includes use of the facility, several menu options, beverage and coffee service, linens, buffet flower arrangement, table service, wedding cake, DJ and a professionally attired waitstaff and coordination of your wedding day. Fees range $6,995–9,995 based on 100 guests and vary depending on the date of the event. Additional guests start at $36/person.
Availability
Year-round, daily, 7am–10pm; extended hours can be negotiated.
CateringBYOProvided AlcoholBYOSites UsesCeremoniesWedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners Services/AmenitiesCatering: BYO or CBAParking: ample, complimentary Kitchen Facilities: commercial, fully equipped Accommodations: no guestrooms, hotels nearby Tables & Chairs: CBA Telephone: office phone Linens, Silver, etc.: BYO or caterer Outdoor Night Lighting: yes Restrooms: wheelchair accessible Outdoor Cooking Facilities: no Dance Floor: CBA Cleanup: renter or caterer Bride's Dressing Area: yes View: courtyard and Novato Hills Meeting Equipment: wi-fi interntet access, state-of-the-art AV, lighting and sound available, extra fee Other: ministers available |
MusicIndoorsw/ Restrictions Outdoors Wheelchair AccessWheelchair AccessibleSite ViewsLandscaped GroundsGarden Patio/Courtyard Fountain/Water Feature Hills RestrictionsAlcohol: BYO or through catererWheelchair Access: yes Smoking: designated areas only Insurance: may be required; ask for more info Music: amplified OK indoors, outdoors with limits |
Wondering what CBA or BYO means?
415/475-5000
www.unityinmarin.com
Email or request a proposal for your event from Unity Center
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