Swedenborgian Church

The Swedenborgian Church of San Francisco, National Historic Landmark

Built in 1895 in Pacific Heights by a coterie of artists, architects and spiritual seekers, the historic Swedenborgian Church is rustic and charming in the Arts and Crafts tradition. There’s a huge brick fireplace inside and, lit with candles, the interior is exceptionally beautiful and serene. Floors, walls and ceilings are wood, and the arching overhead beams are good-sized madrone tree trunks. In lieu of conventional pews, handmade Mission-style maple chairs are provided.

Many of San Francisco’s most important (if not famous!) personages were once affiliated with this church, such as Robert Frost, who went to Sunday School here. The founders of the Sierra Club were all active associates, including John Muir. The Sierra Club’s legendary landscape painter, William Keith, painted four large murals that line the north wall of the sanctuary, and Phoebe Hearst (William Randolph Hearst’s better half) is represented by her donation of a rare cast-iron copy of Peter Vischer’s 15th-century “Praying Madonna.”

Adjacent to the chapel is a turn-of-the-century Craftsman house whose Garden Room, Fireside Room and Dining Room are used for receptions. Both the Fireside and Dining Rooms have working fireplaces. In front of the house, a quiet garden with a small pool, trees, benches and flowers provides a pretty spot for gatherings.

The Swedenborgian Church offers traditional, contemporary and interfaith ceremonies, with weddings usually scheduled three hours apart.

CEREMONY CAPACITY: The chapel holds 120 seated or 150 standing.

EVENT/RECEPTION CAPACITY: The house holds up to 70 seated or 110 standing guests.

Fees & Deposits

A $500 deposit is required to secure your wedding date and time. For receptions, a $400 refundable security deposit is also required. A $1,800 donation is required for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holiday wedding ceremonies. Monday–Thursday ceremonies with fewer than 20 guests cost $750; with over 20 guests, the fee is $1,000. The reception area rental fee is $400/reception hour. There is no fee for setup or cleanup time. Full payment is due 1 month before the wedding. The donation includes a minister’s services, staff musician, the assistance of a wedding hostess, wedding rehearsal, all candles in the church, a fire in the fireplace, conferences with the minister and musician, bridal dressing room and use of the garden for wedding photos.