FAQs
Q: Does the Church have a minister to perform ceremonies?
A: Yes! Hillside has both a minister and licensed pastor on staff who can perform ceremonies. Each is available to work with you to create a personal, meaningful wedding ceremony. You are welcome to have your own wedding officiant.
Q: Does the Church have tables and chairs that I can use?
A: Yes! We have twenty 6-foot rectangular tables and one 48-inch round table. We have 100 padded, folding chairs – they are brown metal with green fabric.
Q: What does my rental fee include?
A: It includes use of the hall, the stage area, the kitchen, the Bride’s Room and Groom’s Room, the garden and the parking lot. It does not include use of the Peter Pan Nursery School unless special arrangements are made. In addition to the chairs and tables mentioned above, you may use any of the other furniture. The kitchen has two stoves (each with an oven and four gas burners), a microwave, two double sinks, and a refrigerator. We have a 50-cup urn for hot water, and a Bunn coffee maker with airpots. The building is not air conditioned, but if the weather is hot you are welcome to use our four standing floor fans. Note: we do not have an ice maker or a freezer.
Q: What is your policy regarding alcohol?
A: We allow beer, wine, and champagne. No hard liquor is allowed and no alcohol consumption is allowed in the parking areas.
Q: What about candles?
A: Yes, you may decorate with candles in glass containers. You are also welcome to build a fire in the fireplace if the Spare the Air status permits.
Q: What are the rules regarding decorating?
A: You may not pin, tape or in any way affix things to the acoustic wall tiles, the wooden wainscoting, and the floor. No confetti, glitter, birdseed or rice is allowed, inside or outside. We do not allow mylar balloons inside or out, and helium balloons may not be used outside. Aisle runners are a tripping hazard and are not allowed. Artificial flower petals may not be used in the garden.
Q: What about garbage, composting and recycling?
A: The Church does not have a garbage dumpster – just a regular container that is picked up curbside weekly. If you generate more garbage than will fit in the can, you will have to take it with you. We have unlimited recycling pickup, so you may leave all empty bottles and cans here in our recycling containers. We also have containers for composting food scraps and paper plates.
Q: Can I set up tables and chairs in the garden?
A: Yes.
Q: What is the rental fee?
A: For weddings and/or wedding receptions, the fee varies by the number of guests and the number of hours for use. A typical 8-hour rental is $1995. There is a $140 charge for self-catering.
Q: Am I responsible for cleaning up?
A: Yes! We have weekly custodial service, so you will find the facility clean, and it must be clean when you leave. All tables and chairs must be put away, and any furniture that was moved should be returned to its original location. The floor must be swept, and mopped if there have been spills. You may use our garbage bags, compost bags, paper towels, sponges and dish soap.
Q: Will I get a key?
A: No. The church wedding coordinator will let you in and will lock up when you leave. She will be available during the event if you need help or have any questions or problems.
Q: Does the Church have a sound system I can use?
A: Yes. We have a portable system that is loud enough for dancing. This system has a corded microphone. You can bring your music on a laptop, ipod or MP3 player and plug it into the system.
Q: Speaking of music, are there noise restrictions in the neighborhood? What about dancing?
A: The Church is in a residential area and we want to be a good neighbor. Noise level is monitored throughout the event, and music must stop at 10:00pm. You are welcome to have a band or a DJ at your event, and do let them know that there are some noise restrictions. There is a lot of room on the stage for them to set up if they want, and there are several grounded electrical outlets available there. Dancing is fine, as long as the dancers are not wearing shoes that would damage or mark the floor.
Q: How many restrooms are there?
A: Just inside the front door is a large, handicapped accessible co-ed bathroom. In the Bride’s Room (aka Ladies’ Lounge), there are two toilet stalls. Downstairs are three more toilets.
Q: What is the Bride’s Room like?
A: The Bride’s Room has a dressing area with two large wall mirrors, a vanity with lights and two stools, an ironing board and iron, and a garment rack. In a separate room are two sinks and two toilets. There are also two shower stalls with changing areas.
Q: What about the Groom’s Room?
A: The Groom’s Room is downstairs. It has chairs, a table, and a garment rack. The downstairs restrooms are close by.
Q: Are there any restrictions regarding vendors?
A: No, we welcome any officiant, photographer, florist, musician and caterer that you choose. They are welcome to make an appointment to see the facility and our staff is available to help them plan your event. Please note, as mentioned above, that Hillside has a minister and a licensed pastor available to perform weddings.
Q: What should I tell my guests about parking?
A: First, mention that Hillside can be a little tricky to find! The building itself is not visible from the street and it doesn’t look like a church. Tell them to drive up the road to the parking lot. At the top of the hill, in front of the church, there are three handicapped spaces. Because this is private property, you may use these spaces for regular parking if you are not expecting any guests with a handicapped placard. Also, vendors can park there while they load in or out. The church parking lot has 16 spaces, and about 20 more cars can fit in the Peter Pan playground, which we open during events to use as a parking lot. There is street parking on Navellier.
Q: How can I reach the wedding coordinator if I have more questions?
A: The church phone is 510-235-3646. The best contact is by email at hillsideswedenborgian@gmail.com