From our breathtaking sanctuary to our wooded grounds, Valley Presbyterian Church draws on the purity of the natural world to enhance your spiritual experience. "There's a sense of peace here," explains one congregant. "You feel like a part of Nature, and thus closer to God."

The heart of Valley Presbyterian Church is the awe-inspiring sanctuary. The sanctuary's simplicity and unpretentious beauty evoke serenity and wonder. Guests enter through four heavy wooden doors, richly carved with images of New Testament figures. Flanking each side of the church are stone planters filled with lush greenery. Oak pews are upholstered in rich green fabric, and dark beams accent the A-frame pine ceiling. Polished riverbed stones in the washed aggregate floor echo the sanctuary's earthy aesthetic.

However, it's the soaring sanctuary windows behind the communion table that take your breath away. They frame a grove of majestic redwood trees reaching heavenward, often with a filigree of sunbeams streaming through. Guests face this magnificent forest scene, while from the steps below the communion table the bridal party enjoys its own striking tableau. The tall stained-glass panel above the front doors depicts a simple golden Celtic cross in a blue-toned mosaic. When the sun shines through it, the amber cross is reflected across the church onto the view of the redwoods, and seems to float mysteriously in the air— a sparkling vision that heightens the mood of peaceful reverence.

If there is a wedding in your future, we would be delighted to share in the celebration of your love and invite you to celebrate your marriage in our lovely sanctuary among the redwoods. You do not need to be members of our church family in order to be married in our church; however, it is necessary that the ceremony be a Christian service. Our wedding staff will help make your wedding and the beginning of your marriage both memorable and a meaningful celebration.

Wedding Dates/Times

Weddings are held on Saturdays and Sundays. Starting times for Saturday ceremonies are: 10:00 am, 12:00, 2:30 and 5:00 pm. (Note: the 10 am Saturday wedding time is available at a reduced fee.)  Sunday ceremonies begin at 2:30 and 5:00 pm. If you are interested in a non-weekend day or evening ceremony time, check with our wedding coordinator for availability.

Currently, in addition to many 2010 openings, we have wedding times available for Valentine's Day, 2010.

To schedule your wedding, please contact our wedding coordinator, who will be happy to discuss specific dates and times.

Officiating Ministers

Weddings are a part of our ministry. Therefore, a minister from our staff officiates at all weddings.  You may have a guest minister who is a relative or friend assist in the service, but a Staff Minister would officiate. 

View schedules and biographies of our Staff Ministers.

Expenses 

For wedding fees through 2011, contact our wedding coordinator. The following are included in the fee:

• Marriage Preparation Workshop
• Wedding staff consisting of the Officiant, Wedding Coordinator, Wedding Hostess, Organist/Pianist, and Hostess Assistant
• Optional decorations that include a white or red cloth aisle runner, a white silk floral arrangement for the Communion Table, candelabra stands with candles, unity candles and holders, white silk floral pew decorations
• Use of Bride and Groom dressing facilities

Each couple has use of the sanctuary and grounds for a 2.5 hour period, starting one hour before the wedding ceremony begins and extending an additional 1.5 hours including the ceremony. Please note, due to limited parking the ideal number of wedding guests we can accommodate is up to 225. If you anticipate a higher number of guests, talk with our wedding coordinator.

In addition to the fee, each couple is invited to make a tax deductible donation to the work and mission of Valley Presbyterian Church.

Wedding Music

Our Wedding Organist/Pianist, Barbary Grant, must approve all music sung or played in our sanctuary. A CD which contains samples of most frequently selected wedding music will be included in confirmation packets.  Taped recordings/CD's are not allowed for the wedding service.

Marriage Preparation Workshop

The church policy is that ALL COUPLES who wish to be married in our church participate in our premarital counseling program. This is a one day two-part program, one on the Theology of a Christian marriage; the other on Communication and Intimacy. The workshops are all held on Saturdays, beginning at 9:00 AM and conclude at 3:00 PM. The schedule for 2010 is:

Saturday, Jan 16, 2010

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Saturday, Oct 9, 2010

For more information about weddings and to check availability, contact:

Cathy Paniagua, Wedding Coordinator - 650-851-2848

or email wedding@valleypreschurch.org

To view and download an application, click here