weddings & commitment ceremonies |
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The Old Church has been a Portland landmark since its completion in 1883. On the National Register of Historic Places since 1972, it no longer is a dedicated church, but serves Portland as a unique community facility. It's no wonder weddings and commitment ceremonies are the most frequently booked events at this site.
The Old Church no longer serves congregational needs. It operates as an independent historical society and maintains no religious affiliation. This enables each couple to select the officiator of their choice, whether it's a pastor from your home church or a family friend. Our event coordinators are happy to assist you in finding an officiator from our list of nondenominational ministers if needed.
ceremony facilities
This Carpenter Gothic structure features classic
cathedral ceilings with the original Povey Brothers leaded
stained-glass windows. The hand-carved oak and fir pews seat 300 guests
and are divided by a 30-foot center aisle that forms a semicircle
around the ample altar area. A wheelchair ramp entrance, designed to
blend seamlessly with the church's
architecture, makes the auditorium accessible for all your
guests. The beautiful tones of our antique Hook and Hastings
tracker organ adds a warmth and elegance to a 
broad
range of ceremony styles.
A dressing room with ample mirrors and a beautiful adjoining Victorian parlor, furnished in period antiques, provides a relaxing and gracious setting for you and your party. A second dressing room, located in the basement, provides extra space for preparations.
Photography is at its best in this distinguished setting (click here to see a gallery of photographs from the Old Church).. We carry no restrictions on photography, music or flowers.
ceremony rentals include:
- Organ
- Grand Piano
- Two 9-candle Candelabras (candles not included)
- Lighters for candelabra (two)
- Two dressing areas
- Altar table suitable for unity candle
- Guest book table
- Gift table
- Kneeling Bench
- Lectern
All rental fees include a caring and experienced Coordinator who will provide guidance at your rehearsal as well as the day of your ceremony. Always on-site, she or he works with you to ensure the success of your special day.
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Kinsman Hall, adjacent to the church proper, serves as an ideal backdrop for elegant receptions. This Victorian-style ballroom with its brass chandelier, hardwood floors, 25 foot ceilings, stained-glass windows, grand piano and antique furniture, accommodates 200 guests for a standing buffet or 60 seated at tables. We provide the setup and removal of tables and chairs. You may choose the caterer and musicians of your choice. Click on the photo below to see a large photo of Kinsman hall, or click here to view a diagram of Kinsman Hall, including some possible table arrangements.  Photo by Dan Saddler - click on photo for larger image. |
reception rentals include:
- Grand piano
- Kitchen facilities
- Eight 6-foot tables; eight 4-foot round tables
- 60 folding chairs
- Two 100-cup and two 30-cup stainless steel coffee makers
- Bar sink in Kinsman Hall
ceremony and reception rental fees:
| friday evenings | ||
| Ceremony (6pm-9pm) | $650 | |
| Ceremony & reception (6pm-11pm) | $1000 | |
| saturdays | ||
| Morning ceremony (8am-11am) | $550 | |
| Afternoon ceremony (11:30am-3pm) | $750 | |
| Evening ceremony (3:30pm-7pm) during the wedding season (May-Sept) |
$1100 | |
| Evening ceremony (3:30pm-7pm) off-season (Jan-April, or Oct-Dec) |
$1000 | |
| Evening ceremony &
reception (3:30pm - 9pm) |
$1500 | |
| sundays | ||
| Ceremony (any 3½ hour period) | $650 | |
| Ceremony & reception (any 5½ hour period) | $1000 | |
| weekdays (monday through thursday) | ||
| Ceremony (any 3½ hours) | $400 | |
| Ceremony & reception (any 5½ hours) | $800 | |
| The rental discount offered at the top of this page is $150 (not $250) for ceremony or ceremony/reception rentals held Monday-Thursday. | ||
| rehearsal time | ||
| All of the rentals listed above include, in addition to the hours listed, a free hour for a rehearsal. Rehearsals are typically scheduled a day or two before the ceremony. | ||
 parlour
ceremony: A ceremony held in the Lannie Hurst
parlour, rather than in the chapel. Minimum 2 hours; maximum 40 guests.
No reception, no rehearsal. Extra $50 fee if food served.
(Photo by Dan Saddler - click on photo for larger image.) |
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| Weekends (not always available on Saturday) | $150/hour | |
| Monday-Thursday | $100/hour | |
| Rental discounts offered on this website do not apply to parlour ceremonies. | ||
| reception only (4 hours, including set up & cleanup) | $900 | |
Prices on holidays and holiday weekends may be higher than listed here. Contact the Old Church office to confirm prices for a specific date.
Additional time for ceremonies and receptions, when available, may be rented for $100 per hour.
Special offers and discounts listed on this site apply to new rentals only.
Membership in The Old Church Society, Inc., is not a prerequisite for holding a ceremony on-site, but it is appreciated and encouraged.
We are available for consultation and viewing Monday through Friday 11a.m. to 3p.m. (office hours), and weekends by appointment. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or to make an appointment.
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