Business Details
Historic Wedding Venue in San Francisco
Established in 1895, Swedenborgian Church in San Francisco's Pacific Heights neighborhood offers a historic Arts & Crafts chapel and lush garden for weddings. Our non-denominational wedding program welcomes couples of all backgrounds, including same-gender partnerships, while maintaining a century-old tradition of creating memorable ceremonies. The venue features a National Historic Landmark sanctuary with seating for 100 guests, complemented by the adjacent Parish House for receptions accommodating up to 100 attendees. Our experienced team provides personalized coordination services, including venue setup, dressing rooms, and garden access for photography. The church's unique ambiance combines rustic interior elements, William Keith oil paintings, and a fireplace with natural light through stained glass windows. We offer flexible booking options for ceremonies only or combined events, with 2.5-8 hours of venue access depending on package selection.Our dedicated professionals, including ordained ministers with decades of experience, work closely with couples to create personalized ceremonies. The venue's proximity to residential areas requires indoor reception planning, though garden access remains available for cocktail hours. We maintain strict policies regarding deposits, cancellations, and event timelines to ensure smooth operations for all clients.
Services
Wedding Ceremonies
Reception Venues
Venue Rental
Catering Services
Floral Arrangements
Photography Services
Highlights and features
- We offer non-denominational wedding ceremonies open to all backgrounds since 1978
- Our National Historic Landmark building provides unique photographic opportunities
- We provide experienced wedding coordination services for seamless events
- Our venue combines rustic charm with modern event requirements
- We maintain century-old wedding traditions while embracing contemporary needs
What people say
Most beautiful wedding venue
Perfect fit for non-traditional couples
Unforgettable setting
Amazing planner
Best ceremony ever attended
Services
Wedding Ceremonies
Our historic chapel accommodates weddings with seating for 100 guests, offering a unique blend of Arts & Crafts architecture and natural beauty. The venue includes access to dressing rooms, garden photography areas, and candlelit ceremonies. Our experienced coordinators provide 2.5 hours of support for setup, ceremony, and photography.
Reception Venues
The Parish House provides three interconnected rooms for receptions with capacity up to 100 guests. The space includes garden views, kitchen access for caterers, and 8 hours of venue access. Our staff coordinates setup and cleanup timelines to ensure smooth transitions between ceremony and reception.
Venue Rental
Rentals include exclusive access to our National Historic Landmark property with specific time allocations. Packages cover sanctuary use, garden access, dressing facilities, and basic amenities. Security deposits and payment terms ensure property protection while maintaining flexibility for special requests.
Catering Services
Approved caterers offer diverse culinary options for receptions. The venue provides kitchen facilities and layout flexibility for dining arrangements. Capacity guidelines ensure comfortable guest experiences while respecting neighborhood considerations for noise and timing.
Photography Services
The chapel's architectural features and garden setting create distinctive photographic opportunities. Natural light through stained glass windows and historic elements enhance visual storytelling. Venue access includes time for both ceremony and portrait photography.
People
Rev. Junchol Lee
Senior Pastor
Ordained in 2000 with 9 years of wedding experience in Cleveland and 12+ years in San Francisco, Rev. Lee officiates ceremonies with spiritual depth and cultural sensitivity as a husband and father of two.
Reverend Dr. Rachel Rivers
Minister & Counselor
With 25+ years of experience and 18 years at Swedenborgian Church, Rev. Rivers creates personalized ceremonies and offers optional pre-marital counseling using professional assessment tools for couples.
Questions
Can we bring our own officiant and musicians?
Yes, you may bring your own officiant and musicians with prior notification to our event manager.
What time limits apply to events?
Ceremony-only bookings include 2.5 hours; weddings with receptions receive 8 hours of venue access.
Is parking available?
No dedicated parking exists, but a 2-car white zone is available with street parking and nearby paid garages.
What guest capacities do you have?
The sanctuary holds 100 seated guests (120 standing); the Parish House accommodates 80 seated or 100 standing guests.
Can non-religious couples use the venue?
Yes, our wedding program is non-denominational and open to couples of all backgrounds and beliefs.
What's included in the wedding fee?
Fees include venue access, coordinator services, candles, fireplace use, and dressing rooms for 2.5-8 hours.
