Weddings in Historic Orenco
The Setting
Orenco Village is a tiny cluster of vintage homes and buildings, surrounded by the busy hum of Washington County. At the center of the village is the Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC). Classified by Washington County as a historical/cultural resource, the church was built in 1910. Throughout the church, you’ll find examples of fine craftsmanship and the simple grace of early-century design. The warmth of wood shines everywhere, and original period light fixtures glow overhead.
Today’s Unitarian Universalist congregation has restored the vitality of this elegant old building. We welcome you to share your wedding day with us
in these beautiful surroundings.
Guidelines
We honor the love and commitment of all couples, regardless of their religious background or sexual orientation.
You need not be a member of UUCC to celebrate your marriage in our sanctuary.
You are free to write your own vows and observe your own, unique religious traditions.
Any clergy person you choose may officiate at your wedding or commitment ceremony.
You will be assigned an Event Coordinator who will be your point of contact and information source throughout your wedding planning process. This person will be responsible for scheduling and access times. Your Event Coordinator will unlock the church for you prior to rehearsal and wedding, and will be responsible for keeping you and the church safe and secure.
Photographers and videographers are welcome in the church. There is ample room in front of the seating areas for photographers to set up and record your special moments.
In addition, you may:
- Provide your own musicians, or you may use our modern, state-of-the-art sound system and professional CD player for recorded music.
- Use our Rogers Organ and 9-foot grand piano; both are available to the musicians of your choice.
- Use our 32” video screen and DVD or video player available in the reception area to show videos of the bride and groom.
- Use a caterer of your choice, who may work in our kitchen, or you may bring your own, home-made food. We do not provide dishes, silver, or glass ware.
- Use our wedding bell to proudly ring out the news of your marriage. Ask for instructions on using our antique, European bell.
Facilities
UUCC’s facilities are available to rent for weddings and commitment ceremonies, both for members of the congregation and for non-members.
Our historic sanctuary seats 140 people, and our newly remodeled fellowship hall will accommodate 125 people standing or 75 seated at tables.
The sanctuary ceiling is a dramatic example of carpenter-gothic architecture, with massive wooden beans supporting a classic hand-made wooden ceiling. The church features beautiful
wooden pews, custom-built in 1910 to curve around the arc of the sanctuary floor. The seating area slopes downward toward the chancel, providing everyone in congregation a clear view of the ceremony.
The chancel is a large raised area in front of the sanctuary. Measuring 30 feet wide by 15 feet deep, it will easily accommodate large wedding parties and flower arrangements.
A private, lounge area allows family and wedding party members to wait comfortably prior to the ceremony.
A separate bride’s room, with full-length mirror and ironing board, is easily accessible from the back of the sanctuary. It has access to a restroom.
Our fellowship hall is a lovely restoration of the building’s 1910 vintage, with modern reproduction light fixtures, new carpeting and muted period colors.
To inquire about available dates and reserve your wedding day, please contact our office administrator at 503-648-1720.
Fees
Reservation of the church requires 100 percent of your total deposit and 50 percent of the total fee. Remaining 50 percent of total fee is due 30 days prior to event.
Package A
Up to 6 hours total for rehearsal and ceremony. Includes use of sanctuary, gathering room, changing room, social hall, kitchen, and fifth-grade room. $350
Package B
Up to 6 hours total for rehearsal & ceremony. Including sanctuary, gathering room, and changing room. $250
Package C
Up to 4 hours, ceremony only. Including sanctuary, gathering room, & changing room. $150
Extra hours beyond basic rental package = $50/hour
Security deposit: Without food = $100
Security deposit: With food = $150
Staff charges
Minister (not required) = Please enquire
Pianist = $100
Event Monitor/custodial (required in addition to package fees)
Package A = $125
Package B = $100
Package C = $75
Extra hours = $25/hour
Policies
The rental of the sanctuary includes the use of dressing rooms and public areas such as restrooms. It also includes the use of the sanctuary for your rehearsal on the evening before your ceremony, subject to schedule availability. Early entry to the church for decoration, flower and food deliver must be arranged with the Event Monitor. Keep in mind the total hours available for rehearsal, setup and cleaning are all included in the 6-hour or 4-hour period of your rental.
Wine and/or beer may be served at the reception. The church requires anyone serving alcohol at the church to provide an insurance policy specifically covering the event. A written copy of the insurance policy (usually in the form of a 1-day rider placed on your homeowner’s policy, or provided by the caterer you hire) must be presented at the church office at least two weeks prior to the reception. In addition, those serving alcoholic beverages must possess a valid OLCC server’s license.
The rental of the reception hall also includes use of the church kitchen. Time to prepare food is included in the total 6-hour period of the rental, and must be arranged in advance with the Event Coordinator. The church does not provide dishes or silverware.
Security issues are a normal part of any large event. Although UUCC cannot be responsible for stolen articles, we will make every effort to assist in preventing theft. The ceremony party is responsible for securing all gifts brought to the church.
Photographs and videotapes may be taken anywhere in the church, including the sanctuary.
The use of our nursery is included in Package A. All child care is the responsibility of the renters. Children absolutely cannot be left unattended in the nursery, and small children must be supervised while they are within the church building.
Throwing confetti, rice, flower petals, birdseed, etc. anywhere inside the church premises is absolutely prohibited. Flower petals and birdseed (or other biodegradable materials) are allowed outside the church.
Financial responsibility for any damage to church property sustained during the rehearsal, ceremony or reception by anyone involved in the ceremony, guest or participant, is the sole responsibility of the ceremony couple.
Contact info
To ask about available dates and reserve your wedding date, please call our office administrator, Sharon Peerman, at 503.648.1720.
Updated September 6, 2007