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 always had a special love for animals. In fact, we have

considered the precious pets of our parishioners as a unique and special part of our beloved community.

One of the highlights for Bethesda each year is the annual Blessing of the Animals service, which takes

place annually in the fall.

In 2022, the leadership of Bethesda determined it was in the best interest of the entire parish to publish our

revised guidelines and expectations pertaining to pets on campus. After reviewing, and evaluating, what

we had in place regarding this matter, which included conversations with our insurance carriers, etc., we

determined it was best for us to make several modifications to our policies and procedures. The changes

that were made not only to allow our pets to remain a part of the Bethesda community, but to do so

without creating a disturbance for others as they attend and worship here at Bethesda.

The Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea holds to the following guidelines, procedures, and expectations,

regarding pets on campus. Except for well-behaved, non-aggressive, registered service dogs, these

guidelines, procedures, and expectations apply to all animals on Bethesda’s campus.

• Pets brought onto the Bethesda campus must be always under the owner’s complete control. This

is defined as having the pet on a leash, in a satchel, carrier, etc.

• Owners are required to clean up after their pet.

• Pets are prohibited from locations where food is being served, as well as from being in attendance

for small group gatherings and committee meetings.

• Owners wishing to bring their pet into a church service must sit in the back of the church with

their pet and keep their pet in their carrier for the entire service.

• Bethesda allows one pet, per owner, to be brought into the church service.

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