Payment Information A non-refundable $200 deposit should be paid when the reservation is made.The balance to the church is due no fewer than 30 days before the wedding. A $300 fee to Northbrae's minister is not included in the fees listed below. The fees do include assistance at rehearsal, if requested.
Church Wedding: $850 This is the most popular service. It includes the organist, custodial services, two white silk floral arrangements, two sets of candelabra (28 candles), and a rehearsal. The wedding party can be of any reasonable size and the guys list up to building capacity. 1-1 1/2 hours prior to dressing and picture in the Chapel which seats 325 guests. Includes assistance with the sound system, if requested.
Small Church Wedding: $650 This is for those who plan a wedding fewer than 100 guests, and a smaller wedding party: Maid of Honor, Best Man, two bridesmaids and two ushers. The church provides the organist and custodial services, one pair of candelabra (10 candles), two white silk floral arrangements and a rehearsal. 1- 1 1/2 hours prior for dressing and pictures in the Parlor. 30 minutes following ceremony for pictures in the Chapel.
Altar-Chapel Wedding $475 A less formal service for couples having fewer than 35 guests and a wedding party consisting of a Best Man, Maid of Honor, one usher and one escort. Wedding may be done in the round with guests seated in the intimate choir area. Our minister conducts the rehearsal one hour prior to the ceremony whenever our calendar permits or at another time when the calendar is crowded. 3o minutes following ceremony for pictures in the Chapel. Organist, custodial services and two white silk floral arrangements are provided.
Altar Wedding: $275 A small, informal service with one attendant each, not more than 12 guests, and without music or rehearsal. Two white silk floral arrangements are provided. The minister directs the wedding party to their places prior to the service.
Couples planning an evening service may arrange for a candlelight wedding. Over 50 candles light the altar area, with a minimum of artificial light. Stained glass windows and garden areas are lit from outside. The additional charge is $150.
Additional Information About Weddings at Northbrae
Wedding Schedule The bride and attendants should arrive 1-11/2 hours before the wedding to dress here. Hair, makeup and nails should be completed before arrival. We project a half hour to get dressed, then one hour for pictures. A large dressing room is available for the bridal party. Everything should be removed from the dressing room and Parlor before the wedding so that nothing is lost or stolen. Don't leave valuables unattended! The groom's party should plan to arrive at the Chapel dressed for the wedding, 45 minutes before the ceremony.
Pictures Our schedule of weddings allows adequate time for pictures prior to and following your wedding, provided everyone arrives on time. Late arrival does cut into picture time after the ceremony. We provide one hour for pictures with your photographer before the wedding in the Parlor or Gallery. Following the wedding, we allow a half hour for pictures in the Chapel with the bride and groom, their wedding party, and family members. Picture and video during the service are restricted.
Flowers Two large silk floral arrangements are available for all weddings. These displays are white, and they stand out against the multi-color background of the stained glass windows ar the front end of the chapel. During the Christmas season, red poinsettias are used in the chapel; the Saturday before Easter, lilies decorate the Chapel. You can add flowers or replace the white flowers at your expense. Installation of flowers should be one hour prior to the wedding. The silk flowers remain at the church.
Pew Bows and Aisle Runners If your florist provides pew decorations, no tape, wire or tacks may be used to secure them to the pews. Pew clips, rubber bands, or ribbons work well. Installations should be one hour prior to the wedding. There are 21 pews on each side. Aisle runners can be obtained through your florist; however, we don't recommend them since securing them is difficult. We ask that no tape or tacks be used on the carpet.
Rehearsal Schedule your rehearsal by calling the church office. Most are held Friday night prior to the wedding. Feel free to call the office with your specific questions and needs regarding your rehearsal time.
Organist Northbrae can provide an organist or pianist for weddings. The fee is $250 for the first hour, and additional $100 for any time after that. The fee includes a free consultation. You can contact the musician through the church office. It is our experience that the organist is not needed at the rehearsal. If you would like the organist there, the fee is $75. Although guest organists are restricted, a Mason-Hamlin grand piano is available for soloists and accompanists. The soloist fee is $160.
Receptions and Rehearsal Dinners Reservations for receptions should be made at the time you set the wedding date and time. We have two rooms available for wedding receptions. The Parlor will accommodate 60-80 guests, depending on table usage. Haver Hall will accommodate 150-250 people. The usage fees for 3-4 hours reception with a 2 hour set-up are $450 for the Parlor and $650 for Haver Hall. Ask for the information sheet on reservations. We presume your caterer will prepare food elsewhere, bring it to the kitchen, and use the kitchen as a staging area from which to serve the food. Disposable utensils, plates and cups should be used.
Ministers If the ceremony is performed by a minister of Northbrae Community Church, an appointment with the minister is required 4-8 weeks prior to the date of your wedding--or as soon as possible. Allow 1 hour for this consultation. The minister will present material from which you will be free to compile your own unique wedding ceremony. The minister can be reached through the church office. Guest officiants are welcome to perform weddings at Northbrae. We will need his/her name, address, phone and religious affiliation. We ask that your officiant be at your rehearsal. If you will not be using a Northbrae minister, we still ask that your meet with the church staff 6-8 weeks prior to wedding in order to go over the arrangements and review the facilities. Call the church office to make an appointment.
Notes: ~Only rice can be thrown after the ceremony. No birdseed, confetti or flowers. ~The wedding license should be given to the Minister at your rehearsal. ~CDs can be played at your wedding. Church staff can show the equipment available to someone in your party who can be in charge of this music. ~No flower petals can be thrown inside or outside chapel. Flower girls or others can throw silk petals during the Processional, but not outside. ~We ask you to have your receiving line at the reception rather than in the Chapel. ~You are responsible for ensuring that all family and friends who help with the wedding understand Northbrae's guidelines and policies. ~The address for the invitations is: Northbrae Community Church 941 The Alameda Berkeley, CA. 94707 ~ No food or drink in the Chapel; no smoking in any building. ~Promptness is important. Our schedule requires that weddings start on time.
Directions to Northbrae Community Church are here. There are two parking lot entrances, as well as ample street parking on the weekends.
Notes on Use of Northbrae facilities As a community church, Northbrae is open to more than its own members for landmark celebrations such as your wedding. We feel this kind of ministry is important. We agree to provide facilities and services before, during and after your service as outlined here. Other events scheduled by the church make it impossible to extend the contracted time. Additionally, Northbrae may be involved in repairs, remodeling or renovations of our facilities and gardens from time to time. We make every effort not to have these activities interfere with your wedding, and to have our facilities in order and ready for your usage. Nevertheless, Northbrae makes no guarantee as to the condition of the grounds and facilities due to renovation and unforeseen repair.
Total payment due to the church 30 days before the wedding. Call the office to receive your Wedding Reservation Form. We wish you all the very best in your planning!