Originally constructed in 1834, The Joseph Priestley Memorial Chapel in Northumberland, Pennsylvania is the perfect place for any celebration. The chapel is available for weddings and special services. All arrangements for the use of the chapel building must be made with the Priestley Chapel Associates.
Rental Fees
$600.00, per service which includes one hour before the service, one hour afterward and one hour for rehearsal. A 20% discount is available for Veterans as well as individuals 65 years of age and older. Payment in full is required with a signed contract. We will accept checks, money orders or cash. We cannot accept credit or debit cards. The rental fee does not include any music or a Celebrant/minister/clergy.
Events are booked on a first come-first serve basis. If you would like additional information on reserving the chapel or if you have any questions, please call our event coordinator at (570) 701-7240.
Visiting the Chapel
The chapel is open to the public the first Sunday of every month from 9:30 to 10:10 am for a program of words and music. Please look around the chapel before and after the program. A member of Priestley Chapel Associates can answer any questions.
Seating and Occupancy
The maximum number of persons permitted in the chapel is 100.
Conduct
At all times you, your wedding party and your guests are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is appropriate to a chapel and a chapel setting. Inappropriate language or behavior will not be tolerated. Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited.
There is no smoking, eating or drinking in the chapel or on the grounds.
Parents of children are responsible for the action and safety of their children. This includes destruction of property and medical bills that may occur.
Please do not leave children unattended or allow them to play in memorial garden. Please do not allow children to eat or drink inside the chapel.
Furniture
The chapel furniture may be moved with permission. Furniture cannot be taken outside of the chapel nor shall any furniture be brought into the chapel without permission.
PLEASE NOTE: The piano is not furniture and may not be moved. Moving the piano even a small amount will cause it to go out of tune. Special arrangements need to be made with a piano tuner to move the piano. This is still possible, but may require and additional fee.
Windows
Windows may not be opened. We have air conditioning for your comfort.
Decorations
Generally flowers are placed on the center table and the window sills. Two wreaths may be hung on the front doors. You may also use arrangements on the railing on the steps as you enter the chapel. Bows and flowers may be tied on the pews and/or to the column that support the gallery. They must be attached with ribbon, string, elastic or pew clips. Decorations may not be put on the lamp columns or pulpit, or any walls. Pedestals may not be brought into the chapel.
Candles
All candles must be enclosed in a glass hurricane shade. This includes candles in flower arrangements. If candles do not have a hurricane shade they may not be lit and/or will be removed from the arrangement. Please notify your florist. All candles must be smokeless AND drip less. Unity candles are not permitted in any form. Electronic candles are preferred.
Rehearsal
You will need to advise of the time of your rehearsal so the Chapel will be open for you. Your clergy is responsible for your rehearsal and your ceremony.
Wedding Day
The Chapel will be opened, by one of our associates, and heat or air conditioning turned on before your rental time starts. If there are any last minute questions or details, please have someone there to discuss these things with us.
Receiving Line
Because of the time involved in taking pictures, you may want to schedule the receiving line at the reception. Remember that you are allowed one hour before your scheduled ceremony and one hour after – a total of two hours. Since we may have more than one event scheduled, please adhere to these times. If you are not having a receiving line, you may want to ask your clergy to announce to your guests that there will not be one and that they are to proceed directly to the reception. Some may put a note in their programs that state it. The throwing of rice and/or confetti is not permitted. You may use bells, bubbles or butterflies, or bird seed.
Photographs/Video
Photographers are held responsible for any and all breakage or damage that they may incur. Remember, this is a historic site and often the damage is irreplaceable. Both the photographers and their subjects are permitted to use all areas of the chapel as long as they do not move any furniture, exhibits or stand on any of the benches or pews.
Music
Music rests solely with the patrons; soloists or small ensembles will sound wonderful in this space. The chapel piano may be used. Amplification systems are not permitted without prior approval.
Flowers
Any flower petals that are dropped by flower girls need to be picked up prior to your leaving. Flowers may be used on the pews as long as they are clipped with pew clips or tied on with ribbon. When consulting with your florist, be sure they understand the rules about candles and that they are familiar with our pews. If they have any questions, they are welcome to call our event coordinator with any questions or concerns. Flowers may be delivered at rehearsal or an hour before wedding. If special delivery time is needed you must arrange that with our event coordinator.
Cancellations
A charge of $50 will be charged as an administrative fee for all weddings that are cancelled at least two months before the wedding day. The remaining amount will be refunded. Cancellations made less than two months in advance of the wedding day will be charged a $100 administrative fee. The remaining amount will be refunded. Returned checks will be charged a $25 fee.
Now you are ready to fill out the reservation form!