:: Community Church of Mill Valley, United Church of Christ ::

Marriage Ceremonies

A Church for All Weddings
We are pleased to offer a warm and one-of-a-kind environment for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples of all faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds to celebrate their marriage.

A Beautiful Setting for a Marriage Ceremony
Just 10 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, the church was built in 1930 in the Bay Area Arts and Crafts style under its own redwood grove. Adjacent to Old Mill Park and just a block from downtown Mill Valley, the church offers a simple, natural ambiance. The sanctuary features a stone fireplace, walls of French windows, carved wooden furnishings designed especially for the space, massive beams of native redwood illuminated by the warm light of the handcrafted light fixtures, and a grand piano and a small pipe organ. One hundred people may be seated in pews and an additional fifty may be seated in chairs. With a seating capacity of 150, the Sanctuary is an ideal place for an intimate wedding ceremony.

A Great Place for a Reception
Adjacent to our Sanctuary is the 2500 square foot Tamalpais Hall. The recently renovated hall is a large, open space with natural light and a hardwood floor just right for dancing. At one end of the hall is a raised stage perfect for a DJ or band, and at the other end is a modern kitchen ideal for a caterer. The hall can accommodate 150 for dining with ample room for dancing.

Services and Amenities
For every ceremony celebrated at the Community Church we are pleased to offer the following services and amenities:

An On-Site Coordinator
Marsha Heckman - author of numerous books on wedding ceremonies - will facilitate your plans and coordinate all those small details to make sure that the day goes smoothly.

A Sexton
Aaron Young will set up the facility to meet your needs, coordinate deliveries from vendors, and supervise packing and loading of supplies and the general clean-up.

A Dressing Room
A large dressing room with a separate entrance, comfortable sofas, a dressing table, and a private restroom is provided for your use before the ceremony.

Rehearsal
Our on-site coordinator will facilitate a one-hour rehearsal the day before the ceremony.

Our Ceremony Team
While you are welcome to choose your own minister and/or musician, we believe that Dora Ford and Esther Archer offer unique expertise for creating a well-orchestrated ceremony at the Community Church.

Our Minister
Dora Ford has over ten years experience helping couples plan celebrations of their love and commitment. A gifted spiritual leader, Reverend Dora is sensitive to the wishes of couples from varied religious and cultural backgrounds. She will work closely with you on three separate occasions to plan a ceremony that is just right for you.

Our Musician
Esther Archer is a professional musician, an experienced performer, accompanist, vocal coach and conductor. She will play pieces of your own choosing appropriate to the occasion on piano and organ, or if you prefer, she will suggest pieces from an extensive repertoire of music.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are couples required to be members of the church?
No, no previous relationship with the Community Church is required to schedule a marriage ceremony and/or reception.

May we tour the facility?
Yes. Contact Barbara Strader at 415/388-5540 or CCMVUCC@comcast.net to arrange for a tour.

What is required to book a wedding and/or reception?
To confirm a booking, a reservation deposit--in the amount of one-half of the total fees—and a signed application are required. This deposit is non-refundable.

May alcoholic beverages be served during the reception?
Yes. The Community Church of Mill Valley U.C.C. permits the use of alcoholic beverages under conditions that:
1. Reasonably protect the interests of the church;
2. Reduce the liability of the church;
3. Prevent over-indulgence; and
4. Support the laws related to alcohol use.
Couples wishing to serve alcoholic beverages will be required to sign an agreement and provide liability insurance in support of these conditions. For a copy of the agreement contact Barbara Strader (see above).

Is smoking allowed?
No smoking is allowed in the buildings. There is a designated smoking area on the front patio.

Is amplified music allowed?
Amplified music is permitted inside only. The City of Mill Valley requires that sound levels not exceed 65 decibels before 9 p.m. and 50 decibels thereafter.

Are parking facilities available?
On street parking is available at the church. Valet parking and parking lot rental may be arranged locally, if necessary.