First Congregational Church

We celebrate the right of all Californians to marry!

At First Congregational Church of Long Beach, we affirm equal marriage rights for all couples regardless of gender. All couples are welcome into our beautiful, historic sanctuary as a setting for ceremonies both large and small. Couples desiring a smaller space may be interested in having their wedding in our contemporary chapel, Sacred Space, where up to forty guests can be accommodated. Private weddings are also available on weekdays.

Sanctuary Weddings
One of the finest local examples of architecture in the style of the Florentine Renaissance, the First Congregational Church of Long Beach's building was dedicated in 1914 and declared an historic landmark in 1979. From the many lavish stained glass windows - each with a history of its own - to the breathtaking processional music announced from the 68-rank Moller pipe organ, your ceremony will be distinguished with exquisite beauty and tradition.

Our wedding coordinator will conduct your rehearsal and assist you with all the details at the church. We provide two comfortably appointed changing rooms and many lovely spots for memorable photographs.

The sanctuary wedding package includes:
Minister - consultation and ceremony
Organist
Wedding Coordinator
Rehearsal
Candelabra
Unity Candle
Sound System
The fee for wedding ceremonies is $1500. A security deposit of $300 is required to book your wedding. The sanctuary seats a maximum of 950 people, half on the main floor and half in the balcony.

Sacred Space Weddings
Located in our new building, Sacred Space is a contemporary chapel. Light and airy, this open space can seat up to forty people. A rehearsal and the services of a wedding coordinator are generally not required for weddings in Sacred Space, but can be arranged if you would prefer it. You can arrange for your own music, using a CD player or having musicians bring their instruments.

The Sacred Space wedding package includes:
Minister – consultation and ceremony
Unity Candle
The fee for wedding ceremonies in Sacred Space is $375. A security deposit of $65 is required at the time of booking.

Private Weddings
Some couples will want to take advantage of our private wedding service, which is available weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. This brief ceremony cannot include music or any additional services. No more than three or four guests can be present for private ceremonies. These can be held in either the sanctuary or in Sacred Space. These ceremonies must be pre-booked and do not include consultation with the minister.

The fee for private wedding ceremonies is $50.

Receptions
Receptions can be held on-site in Patterson Hall for an additional fee, which is based on the length of the event and the set-up time required. You are free to hire a catering company of your choice. If you wish to find someone who will coordinate every aspect of your wedding day, we recommend An All Inclusive Event, a company that is separate from the church and operated by one of the church’s wedding coordinators. Patterson Hall seats 200 people.

Please feel free to contact the church office to schedule an appointment to see the sanctuary or Sacred Space and discuss your wedding plans.