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First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica

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Santa Monica Wedding Venue
1008 Eleventh Street
Santa Monica, CA 90403
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Contact: Wedding Director or Business Manager
Phone: 310/393-8258
www.santamonicaumc.org
  Request more information from First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica
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First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica

Why We Like This Place

In our post-millennial, hyper-tech world of fast-paced turnover, the only constant is change. Add to this the whirl of preparing for a marriage that’s meant to last a lifetime, and you may feel a longing for a sense of stability, for something secure and traditional from which to launch your future. You are hereby invited into the welcoming atmosphere of the First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica, whose faith and endurance began over 130 years ago. The very experienced staff will help you plan your wedding and ease you through the many necessary steps for making your day a joyous one. The congregation has a long history of active community involvement, including outreach programs and a health ministry that provides for those in need. When you celebrate your marriage here, you share in First United’s “spirit-filled fellowship,” an open and loving attitude that will set the right tone for your wedding

In 1953 the congregation built their current church on a lovely treelined street in a quiet Santa Monica neighborhood. A group of traditional brick buildings clusters around a garden courtyard of small lawns, shrubbery, and bright splashes of colorful flowers.

Most couples are drawn to First UMC because of the striking Sanctuary with a wide center aisle. Rectangular light fixtures with white crosses hang from a vaulted wooden ceiling. The décor is clean and uncluttered, and soothing earth tones allow the dramatic stained-glass windows, loaded with colorful symbolism, to have maximum impact. Intimate services can take place in the newly renovated Chapel, lined with contemporary stained-glass panels that look like abstract mosaics. The wooden A-frame Chapel also has a loft with a genuine pipe organ. First UMC has developed one of the most active and talented music programs in Southern California; you’ll be grateful for the expert advice of their Music Director in planning this aspect of your ceremony.

For receptions, First UMC has a large, recently remodeled social hall that looks out onto the courtyard. Smaller receptions feel comfortable and cozy in the Fireside Room, with its brass and brick-framed hearth.

There are many thoughtful touches that have earned praise for First UMC. In a nationwide search, the Parish/Congregation Study chose First United Methodist as an “Excellent Church,” and the book Excellent Protestant Congregations also paid homage to First UMC. Even if you decide to take advantage of one of Santa Monica’s many reception sites, you’ll still want to consider First United Methodist for a meaningful church ceremony.

 

 

Capacity

Ceremony

Reception/Special Events

Meetings

Max. Seated Indoors: 750
Max. Seated Outdoors: 0 		Max. Seated Indoors: 250
Max. Seated Outdoors: 0
Max. Standing Indoors: 410
Max. Standing Outdoors: 0 		Max. Seated: 250

CEREMONY CAPACITY: The Sanctuary holds approximately 750 seated and the Chapel holds 95 seated guests.

EVENT/RECEPTION & MEETING CAPACITY: Simkins Hall accommodates up to 250 seated guests. The Fireside Room holds 40 seated guests. There are 2–3 other rooms that hold 40–70 seated.

Fees & Deposits

A $500 nonrefundable deposit is required to reserve your date. The balance is due 4 weeks prior to the event. The rental fees for weddings are $1,150 for the Chapel and $1,850 for the Sanctuary. Fees for receptions are additional. Call for information about fees for other types of events.

 

 

Availability

Year-round, daily, 9am–9:30pm; closed most major holidays.

 

 

Catering

BYO

Alcohol

No Alcohol

Location Uses

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

Services/Amenities

Catering: BYO with approval
Kitchen Facilities: industrial kitchen with prep
Tables & Chairs: provided
Linens, Silver, etc.: through caterer or BYO
Restrooms: wheelchair accessible
Dance Floor: no
Bride’s & Groom’s Dressing Area: yes, air-conditioned bride’s room, non-airconditioned groom’s area
Meeting Equipment: mic, TV, VCR, podium
Parking: garage across the street
Accommodations: no guestrooms
Telephone: no
Outdoor Night Lighting: access lighting only
Outdoor Cooking Facilities: no
Cleanup: caterer or provided, extra fee
View: no
Other: minister’s services, event coordination

Amplified Music

Indoors
w/ Restrictions

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair Accessible

Site Views

No View

Venue Type

Banquet Hall/Events Facility
Church/Chapel/Temple

Restrictions

Alcohol: non-alcoholic beverages only
Smoking: outside only
Music: amplified OK indoors with restrictions
Wheelchair Access: yes
Insurance: not required for weddings; for meetings, a certificate of insurance is required



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