Weddings on the River

Please note: We will be renovating our sanctuary and reception area from January 2024 through January 2025 and unfortunately will not be able to book any weddings during that time frame.

An Ideal Wedding Location

The Church of the River is an ideal and affordable location for Memphis weddings, for non-members as well as members.

We have a beautiful sanctuary (designed by famed architect Roy Harrover) with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the mighty Mississippi River.

Or, hold your ceremony outdoors, with a view of both Memphis bridges (and their amazing nighttime synchronized LED light shows).

The First Unitarian Church of Memphis/The Church of the River is a Welcoming Congregation and supports marriage equality. LGBTQ weddings welcome.

Weddings are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis. Because of the popularity of the church as a wedding location, it is important to contact the church to make arrangements well in advance of your desired wedding date.

Our Office Administrator would be happy to discuss your upcoming wedding at the Church of the River. Please contact us by email or call the church at 901-526-8631.

Wedding Options

The Sanctuary or Riverside Lawn

  • For price, please contact the church.
    • Description: Have your wedding in the beautiful sanctuary with a view of the Mississippi River or on the lawn overlooking the river
    • Sanctuary Capacity: 250 people
    • Time: 6-hour use of building (includes rehearsal in sanctuary, day before wedding)

    Sanctuary or Riverside Lawn plus Entertainment Facilities

    • For price, please contact the church.
    • Description: Wedding with rehearsal dinner or reception (Sanctuary or Riverside Lawn, Social Hall, Chalice Room, Outdoor Patio)
    • Sanctuary Capacity: 250 people
    • Entertainment Facilities Capacity: 100 people (approximately)
    • Time: 9-hour use of building

    With either option, even if you plan an outdoor wedding, the Sanctuary is automatically reserved for your use in the event of inclement weather. Prices listed are for non-members. Church members, please contact the office for member pricing.

    All costs for facility rentals support the church's mission to promote the high ideals of a rational, progressive, and exalting religion, in the love of God and service to humanity, without distinction related to race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, or previous religious affiliations. The Church of the River (First Unitarian Church of Memphis) is a member congregation in good standing of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA), which is recognized as exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.