Renting Space at UU St. Pete

The UU Church of St. Pete has rooms of various sizes and configurations available for rent by organizations and private individuals. Our historic building is a warm, inviting place to hold meetings, conferences, seminars, banquets, weddings, same-sex commitment ceremonies, wedding vow renewals, parties, and other events, and is fully wheelchair accessible, and climate-controlled.

Rental Availability

The church rents rooms to outside groups on a space available basis. So, if you or your organization are looking for space for a meeting, wedding or an event -- consider UU St. Pete.  Contact Peter Schultes, our Office Manager, to determine if space is available when you need it, and for information concerning rental fees. Phone Peter at (727) 898-3294 or email office@uustpete.org.

Location

The UU Church of St. Pete is conveniently located in downtown St. Petersburg at 719 Arlington Avenue North.  Located on beautiful Mirror Lake, the location is an ideal setting for wedding photos.  Easily accessible by major highways, free parking is available next to the church.

A Bit of History

The church was designed in the Spanish Revival style popular in the 1920's.   The cornerstone was laid in 1929 and the building was dedicated in 1930.  The sanctuary has just completed a major renovation including new paint, new carpeting and new seat cushions in all of the pews.  UU St. Pete has taken an active role in extending community relations. As such, we've welcomed a wide array of organizations who have shared our building and so extended the embrace of our ministry.

Room Descriptions

The Sanctuary

Our sanctuary, with a seating capacity of 300, is ideal for wedding rentals, large meetings and concerts.  Its carpeted floor, beamed vaulted ceiling, "Juliet Balcony," and spectacular tapestries add an aura of warmth to any event.  It also features a balcony offering additional seating. A Baldwin concert grand piano is available and there is also a 3-manual Allen organ in the balcony which has just recently been totally revoiced.  [Note: Use of the organ must be coordinated in advance with the church's organist.]  The vestibule at the entrance to the sanctuary is useful as a reception area, while the raised chancel at the front is ideal as a stage or for other presentation uses.  There are two pulpits, one on each side of the chancel.  The room is equipped with a sound system that will accommodate any sound reinforcement need. Various lighting options are also available.

Gilmour Hall

Our social hall, Gilmour Hall, immediately adjacent to the sanctuary, can be used for meetings, wedding receptions, or banquets with a seating capacity of up to 125 (depending on configuration).  With its massive fireplace and elegant chandeliers, it is also ideal for parties and dances. Like the sanctuary, the room has a high, vaulted ceiling.  The Hall overlooks the courtyard in front of the church with a view of Mirror Lake.  There is also a balcony which can be used for musicians.  The room also contains a baby grand piano. A variety of lighting options allow the ambience to be tuned to the desired mood for the event.   On the side of the hall facing Mirror Lake, there are French doors looking onto an enclosed patio which can be opened during clement weather; on the opposite side of the hall, there is access to a large enclosed courtyard which can be used as a breakout facility or for other purposes. To facilitate serving for banquets and other events serving food, the hall is adjacent to the church's kitchen. There are round tables available, ideal for banquets, as well as chairs.  For business events, the room can be equipped with rectangular tables and a screen for audio-visual presentations.  Room setup and breakdown is included in the rental cost.

Conway Hall

Conway Hall is a large modern room suitable for small to large-sized meetings, events, or training sessions up to 125.   The Hall has two folding partitions, so the large hall can be divided into three separate meeting spaces.  For business events, the room includes a screen for audio-visual presentations.  Room setup and breakdown is included in the rental cost.

The Kitchen

A kitchen, immediately adjacent to Conway Hall, is available for rent with the rental of Gilmour Hall or Conway Hall. The stove has two large ovens with six burners, and two sink areas. The kitchen also contains two microwaves, an ice maker, automatic dishwasher, several commercial-grade urns for coffee, tea, or water, and two refrigerators.

Weddings
If you want a church wedding, but don't belong to a church, please contact our minister, Rev. Mishra minister@uustpete.org, or call the church office to make an appointment: (727) 898-3294.

Alcoholic Beverages
Wine, champagne and beer are permitted with no license.

Recommended Commercial Establishments:
Patricia McKenzie's Bohemian Garden (silk flowers): http://www.flowerartgarden.com