Weddings at the Buerge Chapel

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The Buerge Chapel is probably unlike any church you've ever seen. Although it was completed in 1992, it has an ageless quality, thanks to its simple design and the natural materials used in its construction. The cedar wood exterior draws your attention to the unusual bell tower and copper steeple over the entrance. Inside, natural fir brings a honey-colored warmth to the space. Light flows in through gabled stained-glass skylights and side windows. Rows of pews face the altar, which features a handmade river-rock fireplace with a massive quartz boulder mantle.

The chapel can accommodate small weddings and memorial services inside, seating (16 pews) up to 48 people. For larger groups, the chapel has doors on one side of the building which can open it up to the adjacent lawn, making the church an indoor/outdoor facility with room to seat up to 120 guests. The beautifully landscaped grounds feature Biblical plants such as carob, fig and olive trees, as well as date palms and papyrus.

The chapel is part of Aldersgate Retreat Center, whose group meeting and overnight facilities are housed next door in the oldest building in Pacific Palisades. Once known as the Lodge, it offers its own architectural interest with its Mission Revival exterior and Craftsman style interior, and is available for receptions with use of the chapel.

Weddings may be scheduled during the following hours: from 4:00 PM on Sunday though 2:00 PM on Friday (your entire contracted time must take place between these hours). Weddings at other times (e.g. Saturdays) are permitted only for family reunion weddings (renting the entire facility for the weekend).  Please call for more details.

Wedding reservations include the use of the chapel and garden, as well as dressing areas and restrooms on the Garden Level of the retreat center.

Wedding rates:
    $1000.00 for a four hour block of time use of Buerge Chapel
    $2000.00 for a six hour block of time using Buerge Chapel and the Retreat         House

Please call for more details.

Available equipment/furniture for rent include:
        70 white wooden padded folding chairs ($2 ea)
        Two wooden flower/candle stands or 1 altar table (tabletop fits over the                 flower stands to form table)  (no charge)
            6 foot and 8 foot plastic rectangular folding tables ($6)

All other equipment and decorations are NOT included and must be obtained by the renter, such as candelabra, unity candles, floral decorations, arches, sound equipment, music stands, pew bows, aisle runners, canopies, any chairs or benches other than those described above, etc. No nails, tape or staples may be used in decorating. Putting up/taking down of decorations is the responsibility of the renter, and decorating must take place during your contracted hours only. No decorating the day before will be allowed.

Unless other arrangements have been made in your contract, weddings alone (without receptions) are allotted four hours for set-up/dressing, ceremony, and photography/clean-up; additional hours may be available for an extra charge of $50 per hour. Please do not plan to arrive before your contracted time begins. Rehearsals are $50 and must be scheduled through the reservations office (subject to availability of space).

The retreat center and chapel are located in a residential area with close neighbors, and we reserve the right to limit the volume of music and sound systems. Please contact the manager for more information.

For Reservations, Contact:
Chris Erickson
Site Director
310-454-6699
weddings@aldersgateretreat.org