wedding faq
A quick look at some of our most frequently asked questions from brides, grooms, coordinators and families. Still have questions or need more information? Contact us!
How much is it to book a wedding at The Neighborhood Church?
While every wedding is unique, couples booking The Neighborhood Church in Palos Verdes Estates can generally expect to invest between $3,500 and $10,300, depending on the ceremony time and whether a reception is included.
Our most modest option — a 10:00 a.m. ceremony — begins at $3,500. At the other end of the range, our 4:00 p.m. ceremony with an on-site reception in the Fellowship Hall can be up to $10,300, offering the added benefit of celebrating during the warm glow of golden hour and into the sunset.
This range allows couples to choose a wedding experience that suits both their vision and budget, while enjoying our breathtaking ocean-view setting and the attentive support of our dedicated staff. For a personalized proposal, we’re happy to provide custom pricing upon request.
How do I secure my date?
Our bookings are done on a first come, first served basis. To book a date, we require a nonrefundable $700 retainer for ceremonies, $2,000 for the 4pm with reception, and a signed contract. The retainer is applied towards the total cost of your wedding, with the balance due four months prior to your event.
How long does the ceremony last, and how many guests can I have?
Wedding ceremonies at The Neighborhood Church typically last about 30 minutes, depending on the scripture readings, music, and personal touches you choose to include.
Our Sanctuary can comfortably accommodate up to 300 guests, offering a spacious and beautiful setting for your vows. If you plan to host your reception on-site, please note that our Fellowship Hall accommodates up to 100 guests for dining and celebration.
How far in advance to I need to book?
At our historic ocean-view venue, wedding and event dates are offered on a limited basis, so availability can change quickly. Many couples choose to reserve their date in advance, though we’re glad to accommodate more spontaneous celebrations whenever availability permits.
Do you offer wedding ceremony livestreaming for guests who can’t attend?
Yes. We offer wedding ceremony livestreaming for $495 as an optional add-on to your booking. This service allows loved ones to join your celebration in real time, no matter where they are.
Your ceremony will be streamed privately via YouTube, with access limited to those you choose to share the link with. In addition to the livestream, you’ll also receive a USB drive containing a recording of your ceremony — a keepsake you can revisit for years to come, and/or have your videographer work it into your wedding film.
Can I be married at the Neighborhood Church if I’m not Christian?
Absolutely. We warmly welcome all couples, regardless of religious background, spiritual journey, or faith tradition.
Our wedding ceremonies are rooted in the Christian tradition, with language that honors God and Christ, while remaining open and inclusive so that every guest — from any or no faith — can feel comfortable, respected, and part of the celebration.
Can I bring my own vendors-- florists, photographers and videographers?
Absolutely. We welcome you to bring your preferred wedding vendors, including florists, photographers, and videographers, to help create your vision here at The Neighborhood Church. Your team is welcome on-site during your reserved time to set up, capture, and celebrate your day.
For everyone’s peace of mind, we do require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from all outside vendors — a standard practice in the wedding industry. Your vendors can send this directly to us, and we’re happy to coordinate the details so you can focus on enjoying the planning process.
Can my photographer and/or videographer perform their tasks inside the sanctuary?
Photography and videography are permitted inside the Church during Wedding Ceremonies, as well as outdoors before and after Weddings. We understand how important it is to capture the memories of your wedding and want you to have photos and videos that tell your story. In order not to distract from the spirituality of Wedding ceremonies, photographers and videographers are not permitted to move around inside the Sanctuary during ceremonies. The Wedding Director will indicate multiple places for photo and video teams to shoot from that allow them to capture important moments without distracting your guests.
Can I bring my own clergy?
We welcome guest clergy of all faiths to assist The Neighborhood Church Minister during Wedding ceremonies. Usually, participation takes place in the form of a prayer or scripture reading, though every wedding is different, and the specifics are worked out between clergy prior to the ceremony. The Neighborhood Church Minister will remain the primary officiant and is the one who marries you and signs your wedding license.
Let us know you'd like guest clergy to participate at the time of booking and we'll send over a form requesting the information we need.
Your outdoor grounds are beautiful! Can I be married outside?
Yes — our bluffside gardens and ocean-view grounds offer a stunning setting for intimate outdoor ceremonies of 30 guests or fewer. These gatherings are ideal for couples who envision a relaxed, personal atmosphere surrounded by the natural beauty of Palos Verdes Estates.
For larger celebrations, we invite you to exchange vows in our historic Sanctuary. With its soaring ceilings and the west-facing wall of windows and glass doors framing the Pacific Ocean, it offers the breathtaking backdrop of the outdoors — with the comfort and elegance of our signature indoor space.
I'm not getting married at the Neighborhood Church, but I love your view. Can I take Wedding photos there?
Photos in wedding attire are reserved exclusively for couples getting married at The Neighborhood Church during their booked time. This policy — which applies to bridal portraits, bridal party photos, and any images featuring wedding-day clothing — is in place out of respect for the couples who have chosen our venue for their celebration. Anyone on the property in violation of these policies will be asked to leave immediately.
We do, however, welcome outdoor engagement sessions, anniversary portraits, and other special occasion photography (that does not use wedding attire) on our ocean-view grounds by reservation. These sessions must be booked in advance, and our team will be happy to share the guidelines that help preserve the experience for all who visit. Photo session bookings are subject to availability, outdoors only, and typically only offered on select weekdays (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday).
How many hours does the rental fee include, and is there an overtime fee if I stay longer?
Your wedding rental includes approximately 3 hours on-site. This timeframe covers arrival, your ceremony, and departure, with the exact schedule depending on the ceremony time you’ve reserved.
If there are no other events scheduled, we may be able to extend your time on the property for an additional fee. Extended time is subject to availability.
Can I have both my ceremony and reception at The Neighborhood Church?
Yes! We’re delighted to now offer wedding receptions in our Fellowship Hall here at The Neighborhood Church.
This warm and inviting space is available exclusively following our 4 PM wedding ceremony, allowing couples to move seamlessly from “I do” to celebrating with family and friends — all without leaving our stunning bluff side location.
Our Fellowship Hall comfortably accommodates up to 100 guests for dining, toasts, and dancing, creating the perfect setting for an intimate yet joyful celebration. With the support of our dedicated staff and trusted, approved vendors, you can relax knowing every detail is in caring hands.
What makes The Neighborhood Church unique as a Palos Verdes wedding venue?
The Neighborhood Church offers couples something rare in Southern California — a wedding venue where history, ocean views, and heartfelt hospitality come together in one unforgettable location.
Our property was originally built in the 1920s as a Spanish Revival-style mansion, and today it serves as a beautiful church overlooking the Pacific. The grounds feature manicured gardens, shaded courtyards, and the tranquil sound of waves below — a setting that feels both peaceful and spectacular.
Inside, the Sanctuary’s soaring ceilings and expansive ocean-facing windows create a light-filled space that feels connected to the outdoors while offering the comfort of an indoor ceremony. For couples seeking convenience, our on-site Fellowship Hall makes it possible to celebrate your reception just steps away from where you say “I do.”
We welcome couples of all faith backgrounds and traditions, offering a thoughtful, personal approach to each celebration. With our unique setting, warm staff support, and limited number of events each year, The Neighborhood Church provides a wedding experience that is as distinctive as the view itself.
Do you provide on-site parking for guests?
Yes. Free on-site parking is available for wedding and event guests at The Neighborhood Church. Parking areas are located on both sides of the church, with designated handicap-accessible spaces for those who need them.
For added convenience, a drop-off half loop is located directly in front of the Sanctuary entrance — ideal for guests with limited mobility and for vendors delivering ceremony-related items. Vendors utilizing the Fellowship Hall will also find convenient access through our kitchen area in Parking Lot A, as noted on our parking map. The kitchen entrance opens directly into the Fellowship Hall, making event setup and catering deliveries seamless.
A detailed parking map and additional information can be found at ncpve.org/parking.
What is included in the wedding rental fee at The Neighborhood Church?
Our wedding rental fee includes the essential elements that make your day both seamless and unforgettable:
The Wedding Director
A rehearsal as booked with the Wedding Director
Use of our bridal suite and grooms room, our Sanctuary for your ceremony and the outdoor ocean-view grounds.
The services of our minister to officiate your vows
Music provided by our gifted organist, offering a timeless musical backdrop to your celebration.
Are pets allowed at The Neighborhood Church wedding ceremonies?
No. While we absolutely love animals, pets are not permitted on the property during weddings or events. We understand how meaningful it can be to include them in life’s milestones, but your wedding day is a time to focus fully on your celebration and your human loved ones.
Our serene bluffside setting is best enjoyed without the added worry of caring for a pet during your busy day — ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience for you, your guests, and our historic grounds.