The Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea is a historic landmark which reflects the deep, rich roots of our Episcopal faith and the Palm Beach community. We are a privately-owned property, serving our members and the community. You are welcome to enjoy our church and gardens and encourage you to pause and reflect during your visit.

In consideration of issues of privacy, security, potential disruption of services and, most importantly, respect for this sacred space, please abide by the following guidelines:

Photography and videography for your personal enjoyment are welcome.

• Our church and gardens are open to visitors from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sunday. Photos may be taken during this time in both the gardens and church, unless a service is in progress, in which case no photography or videography may be taken in the church.

• Photography for commercial purposes is not permitted.

• No tripods or monopods are allowed in any indoor buildings.

Photography and videography for personal or formal purposes are not permitted without prior approval. Please call the church office with your inquiry. Consideration will be given to time of year, length of stay, access and nature of photos being requested. If approved, a minimum $100 donation will be required.

Wedding photography is reserved for those who have been married at Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea and information is included in our wedding packet found on our website.

Please remember you are guests on our property and we retain the right to ask anyone to leave due to non-compliance with this policy. Please contact our church office at 561-655-4554 if you have questions or would like to schedule photography or videography

Meetings / Events which have received prior approval for the year, are listed in the addendum to this policy. The addendum also indicates at what level each meeting / event has been approved for.

Parameters for Providing Food for an Event or Meeting:

If the meeting / event takes place:

Immediately after the 10:00am or 11:00am service.

Begins between 5:00pm – 6:00pm.

If the food is providing by donation.

When individuals or groups will be performing or working through a mealtime without the opportunity to otherwise provide food for themselves.

Any individual, group, or ministry wishing to provide food at a higher level than what is approved, must either provide the additional food and drink by donation, or with Executive Team approval.

Funds for food and drinks must be already within the approved Bethesda budget for the year. If funds do not exist within the designated budget, Executive Team approval will be required.

Cost Per Person:

Full Meal $12 - $15

Light Food and Drinks $10 - $12

Finger Foods / Desserts: $4 - $6

Drink Ordering for a Meeting or Event:

Whenever alcohol is served for a meeting or event, there must be a non-alcohol option as well.

When ordering alcohol, these equations must be used:

Wine - 5 pours per bottle.

Champagne / Prosecco – 7 pours per bottle.

2 glasses per person maximum.

For additional details regarding alcohol served, please see the Bethesda Alcohol Policy.

The community of Bethesda-by-the-Sea has long had a special love for animals. We value the presence of pets in our shared life and look forward each year to our annual Blessing of the Animals service in October.

At the same time, in order to ensure a safe, welcoming, and worshipful environment for all, the following guidelines apply to pets on campus (with the exception of registered service animals):

General Guidelines

• Pets must be under the owner’s control at all times, either on a leash or in a carrier.

• Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.

On Campus

• Pets are not permitted in areas where food is served.

• Pets are not permitted in the Bethesda Bookshop, unless in a carrier.

Worship Services

• Only one pet per owner is permitted during worship.

• Pets may not be brought forward to the altar during the service.

These guidelines allow us to continue welcoming pets as part of the Bethesda community, while ensuring that all who gather here may do so in comfort and peace.