Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church 505 North Rodeo Drive • Beverly Hills • California 90210

In the midst of Beverly Hills’ most glamorous neighborhood, the Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church offers a picture-perfect haven of tranquility. Gracefully dominating its prestigious Rodeo Drive corner, the landmark building is bordered on one side by expensive mansions and on the other by perhaps the world’s most famous shopping boulevard. This location is so desirable, that in addition to attracting Hollywood celebs and West Coast debs, it draws wedding couples who jet in from as far away as Japan to celebrate their vows in the gothic sanctuary before spending the night at one of the nearby five-star hotels. Another bonus: You’ll never have to share the church with anyone else, since they only allow one ceremony and reception per day.

The first thing that strikes you about BHPC’s exterior is the multilevel architecture, which reflects the church’s growth over the years. The 68-foot steeple, part of the original structure built in 1924, is organically tied to the two-story complex via a lushly landscaped center courtyard. Here, the shifting sun creates a wonderful dappled light, and everywhere you look are intriguing details, from carved figures on porticos to arched walkways and iron gates set off by brilliant flowers.

Within the sprawling compound are two distinct settings for your Christ-centered, religious ceremony. For more intimate gatherings there’s the spiritual beauty of the Chancel. However, the pièce de résistance is the amazing grandeur of the Main Sanctuary. Guests are ushered through the church’s massive wooden double doors and vestibule into the impressive sanctuary, whose 106-foot-long center aisle gives them the feeling that they’re attending a royal wedding. Dark wood pews on either side gleam in the light cast by wrought-iron candelabras and 12 large devotional stained-glass windows. Spectacular antique chandeliers hang dramatically over the Chancel, where a huge circular stained-glass window captures your attention—that is, until the bride makes her entrance.

Enhanced by the church’s excellent acoustics, the Mueller pipe organ, grand piano, harpsichord—even a choir if desired—create an overture of anticipation. Adding to the sense of inspirational theater, there’s actually a special peephole at the back of the sanctuary where the bride can “check the house” before the wedding march begins. Although you don’t have to be a member of the congregation to hold your wedding here, one of the church’s pastors will officiate. However, co-pastors are welcome! A premarital counseling session is also required because the church’s officiants “like to tie a tight knot.”

Once vows are exchanged and the union blessed, you and your guests exit via the front steps to mingle on Rodeo Drive before the wedding party and photographer take advantage of the numerous photogenic backgrounds, including the expansive park across the street. If you’re having the reception here, your guests re-enter through nearby gates to the courtyard, the richly decorated library or the larger hall with a center dance floor. And in a particularly joyful nod to tradition, the steeple chimes ring out to proclaim your marriage to everyone for miles around.