Bloor Street is a large church with many rooms that are perfect for weddings, banquets, meetings and other functions. Please explore these pages to learn about our facilities and policies for rentals. We hope you find what you're looking for.
Wedding Services
A wedding is an occasion for commitment and joy. We believe it is an earnest covenant, made between two people, in the presence of God and in the midst of family, friends and witnesses. The hub of this whole religious service is the promises which you state to each other.
Bloor Street United Church is an Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Canada. This means, among other things, that we perform same-sex as well as opposite-sex weddings. Please follow this link for details about holding your wedding service at Bloor Street United Church.
Contact Us
Many of your questions can be answered on this section of the website. To make bookings, or get answers to questions not covered here, please send an email to Tina Edwards at Tina@bloorstreetunited.org. You can also call Tina at 416-924-7439 ext 22.
Rental Costs
The room rental fee covers the use of the room(s) for the times specified only. Full payment (including damage deposit if applicable) is required at least one week prior to an event. If you have arranged a series of bookings, you will be invoiced on a quarterly basis. Payment may be made by cash, cheque, or credit card.
Additional Charges
Requests for equipment, services or hours which have not been included in this contract cannot be guaranteed but when it is possible to meet additional requests, appropriate charges will apply for all services rendered.
Cancellations
Any booking cancelled after the issuance of the invoice is subject to a cancellation fee of 10%. If a booking is cancelled the day of or if the renter fails to notify this office of their desire to cancel a booking, the full cost of the rental is due. Bloor Street United Church reserves the right to cancel a booking should an unexpected congregational need (i.e. funeral) arise. We also reserve the right to cancel a booking should structural damage render the building unsafe.
Liquor License and Damage Deposit
Alcoholic beverages are allowed on church premises. A $300.00 damage deposit is required of any group over 100 people and/or serving alcoholic beverages. It is the responsibility of the rental group to obtain a Special Occasion Permit from the LLBO and to follow the specifications required. A copy of this permit must be submitted to the Office Secretary one week prior to the scheduled event. The event hosts are responsible for ensuring that the service and consumption of alcohol is conducted with responsibility. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is restricted exclusively to the rental room. 'Last call' must be 30 minutes before the end of the event.
Equipment Rental
Equipment available for rental include: microphones, overhead projector, slide projector, flip charts, easels, television and VCR. Rented equipment must not be left unattended.
Closing Hour
Due to the residential nature of Bloor Street's location, the building does not stay open beyond 10:00pm. By this hour, all functions must close and guests depart the premises in a manner respectful to the neighbours. Special permission must be obtained for any booking extended to 12:00am.
Liability Waiver
The members of Bloor Street United Church, in recognition of the need to provide facilities to other for purposes which are beyond the customary ministry of the Church, request the following consideration concerning the exposure of the Church's liability.
On the understanding that every effort is made to ensure personal and property safety and security on the premises of the church, it is required that individuals and groups assume responsibility through their own insurance program for any accidents that may occur while using church property. This applies to all areas of the church property including the parking lot. Special arrangements must be made at the time of booking if property is to be stored. If property is left without prior arrangement, a fee may be charged.
Appropriate Use of Facilities
Rental groups are responsible for the set-up and clean-up of their own events. All rented rooms and adjacent facilities used by the rental group (i.e. hallways, washrooms, etc. must be left in the same condition of repair and cleanliness as they were found upon arrival. All food, equipment and other materials belonging to the groups must be removed by the close of the rental period. This includes room decorations and party supplies. Failure to meet this latter requirement will result in additional clean-up charges and removal of materials. Special effects devices are not permitted.
Capacity limits of the room or rooms must be adhered to.
Smoking and gaming is not permitted in the building. Persons wishing to smoke must do so outside. Ash blocks are located at the entrances off the parking lot on Huron Street and the courtyard on Bloor Street West.
Rental of space does not constitute permission to use the church's office equipment. Pay phones are available along the Bloor Street West frontage, and in the building at the Huron Street entrance. Persons expecting deliveries of any type must be available to receive them at the Huron Street entrance.
In Bloor Street United Church's responsibility to occupants and the property, the custodial staff has authority to remove anyone for disorderly conduct. Rental groups and guests are expected to comply with the instructions of the custodial staff in issues of rental policy and building security.
Parking
Rental of space does not include free parking. The parking lot is managed by an outside company and rates are posted. Parking is available along Huron Street, Prince Arthur Avenue and Madison Avenue in addition to other streets in the area. Underground parking may also be available at the Quality Inn located at 280 Bloor Street West.
Posts for locking bicycles are located along the side of the church on Huron Street.
Event Advertising and Inquiries
Rental of space does not constitute sponsorship of an event on the part of Bloor Street United Church. The phrase 'sponsored by' may not be used in any promotional material unless approved by the Office Secretary and the Executive of Council of the Church. It is required that the rental group provide contact information in their advertising in order that patrons may make inquiries directly to them.
Weddings at Bloor Street United
Bloor Street United Church is an Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Canada. This means, among other things, that we perform same-sex as well as opposite-sex weddings. The following information applies to both.
Choosing a Church for your Ceremony
A wedding is an occasion for commitment and joy. We believe it is an earnest covenant, made between two people, in the presence of God and in the midst of family, friends and witnesses. The hub of this whole religious service is the promises which you state to each other.
Your wedding is one of the most important moments in your life and you will have plans to make, questions to ask and alternatives to consider. The Minister and Council of Bloor Street United are anxious to show their interest and support of you and hope this brief manual regarding weddings in the church will be helpful.
Couples who, in all honesty, do not accept Christian beliefs and who do not have or intend to have any active relationship with the church should consider a secular or civil ceremony, now available at City Hall.
The church is more concerned about the marriage than it is about the wedding. In other words, it is one thing to make practical arrangements for a wedding; it is another to be as well prepared as possible for marriage with all its responsibilities and demands as it is to be educated for one’s daily work. So, a number of area churches sponsor a Preparation for Marriage Course, and similar courses are offered by other churches and agencies in the area. We strongly recommend that couples to be married in the church attend one of these courses.
Interview With The Minister
It is usual to meet with the minister a number of times before the wedding service to discuss your immediate and future plans, and to become familiar with the service.
It is not unusual during the spring, summer, and early fall for there to be two or more services on any given weekend. You are asked to contact the minister before any change of an agreed upon time is made.
The Service
It is expected that a Bloor Street United Church minister will officiate at wedding services in this church. However, there are times when another minister may be requested to assist, and this should be cleared through discussion as soon as possible.
Except in cases of private or more informal services in chancel or parlour - a rehearsal is necessary. A convenient time, usually the evening before the service, is agreed on and all those involved in the service should be present. Please be on time since more than one rehearsal may be scheduled for an evening.
Photographs
To insure that the presence of a designated photographer does not interfere with the service, restrictions must be placed on the taking of photographs during the service. The photographer must consult briefly with the minister before the service begins. Others may take pictures as participants enter and leaves but not during the ceremony. Arrangements can be made for videotaping the service, if the camera is left stationary.
Confetti/Rice
We request that confetti or rice not be thrown in the church building.
Fees
1. For all :
Organist: $200.00
Minister: $200.00
Minister (off site): $250.00
2. For members
Administration Fee: $ 64.20 (includes GST)
3. For non-members
Rental Fee: $575.00 (includes GST and Administration Fee)
Fees are to be paid
ten business days in advance
of the wedding. Please make out separate cheques for the Organist, the Minister and Bloor Street United Church (for the rental fees, where applicable, & administration fee.)Marriage Licence
By provincial law, a Marriage Licence must be secured at least three days before the date of the wedding. For information on obtaining a licence in Toronto, visit the city’s website at: toronto.ca/registry-services/marriage.htm.We would urge that the licence be secured well before that and brought to the church office at least 10 days before the wedding. Your licence will only be accepted if it is accompanied or preceded by the fees. Please fill in the form carefully and completely, but do not sign it. The signatures are added after the ceremony.
Reception In The Church
Facilities are available at Bloor Street United for receptions, but an outside caterer is necessary. Details may be discussed with the church office.Parking
There is a parking lot at the church that is managed by an outside company. We do not reserve the lot for ceremonies at the church. Paid parking is on a first come - first serve basis. Parking is available along Huron Street, Prince Arthur Avenue and Madison Avenue in addition to other streets in the area. Underground parking may also be available at the Holiday Inn located at 280 Bloor Street West.Other questions may naturally arise, and you are invited to discuss them during your appointments with the minister. Early planning is encouraged and we are glad to provide such assistance as we can. As far as possible your own wishes will be respected and your suggestions welcomed, but final decisions about the wedding service as it pertains to the church rest with the minister.
For Your Convenience
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Room Rates 2010
| Room | Seats | $/Hour |
| Sanctuary | Capacity of 800 + for weddings, concerts, speaker events. Also suitable for rehearsals. | $115.00 |
| McClure Hall | up to 200 people- Small concerts, receptions, auditions, rehearsals, exercise classes, choir practice, meetings, meals. On main floor with accessible washrooms. | $72.00 |
| Upper Club Rm | 50 people or less - Small weddings, receptions, auditions, rehearsals, exercise classes, meetings. On second floor. | $52.50 |
| Music Room | 50 people or less. Receptions, auditions, rehearsals, choir practice. | $26.00 |
| Board Room | 10 people. | $17.00 |
| Lower Club Room | Meetings of 30 or less in bright informal basement space | $26.00 |
| Room 31 | Meetings of 20 or less - on third floor. | $17.00 |
| Room 33 | Meetings of 10 or less, on third floor. | $17.00 |
| McClure Kitchen for meals |
na | $24.00 |
| McClure Kitchen for snacks |
na | $7.50 |
| Upper Club Rm Kitchen - snacks | na | $4.50 |
| Board Room Kitchen - snacks | na | $4.50 |
Other Information
We are pleased to offer the following discounts:
20% to non-profit organizations and registered charities
50% to Twelve Step programs (minimum charge of $19.00 per meeting)
Bloor Street United Church is available Monday to Saturday, 9a.m. to 10p.m. Extended hours (7 to 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. are available for an additional charge of $34.00 per hour.
Please note that our minimum charge is $150.00 for any booking after 5 p.m. on Saturday. Rates are subject to change without notice.
Room Rates 2012
| Room | Seats | $/Hour |
| Sanctuary | Capacity of 800 + for weddings, concerts, speaker events. Also suitable for rehearsals. | $115.00 |
| McClure Hall | up to 200 people- Small concerts, receptions, auditions, rehearsals, exercise classes, choir practice, meetings, meals. On main floor with accessible washrooms. | $79.00 |
| Upper Club Room | 50 people or less - Small weddings, receptions, auditions, rehearsals, exercise classes, meetings. On second floor. | $58.00 |
| The Music Room | 50 people or less. Receptions, auditions, rehearsals, choir practice. | $29.00 |
| Board Room | 10 people. | $19.00 |
| Lower Club Room | Meetings of 30 or less in bright informal basement space | $29.00 |
| Room 31 | Meetings of 20 or less - on third floor. | $19.00 |
| Room 33 | Meetings of 10 or less, on third floor. | $19.00 |
| McClure Kitchen | for meals | $29.00 |
| McClure Kitchen |
serving refreshments | $6.00 |
| Upper Club Rm Kitchen | serving refreshments | $6.00 |
| Board Room Kitchen | serving refreshments | $6.00 |
| Audio-Visual Equipment | $9 per piece | - |
| Voice Lessons | In any room | $19.00 |
| Auditions or rehearsals | 1 - 10 people in the room | $19.00 |
| Auditions or rehearsals | 11 - 20 people in the room | $29.00 |
| Filming | Student and low-budget | $19.00 |
| Filming | Commercial and feature | room rate |
| Weddings in the Sanctuary | Includes 1.5 hours for rehearsal and 4 hours for ceremony, photographs etc. | $575.00 |
Other Information
We are pleased to offer the following discounts:
20% to non-profit organizations and registered charities
50% to Twelve Step programs (minimum charge of $19.00 per meeting)
Bloor Street United Church is available Monday to Saturday, 9a.m. to 10p.m. Extended hours (8 to 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. are available for an additional charge of $36.00 per hour.
Please note that our minimum charge is $150.00 for any booking after 5 p.m. on Saturday. Rates are subject to change without notice.
The Sanctuary
Light and airy, and featuring excellent acoustics, the Bloor Street United sactuary is a perfect venue for a wedding, concert, or any large gathering.Performers can make use of the raised dias in the chancel, or the larger open area between the chancel and the front pews. There is seating capacity for over a thousand, of which 800 seats have an unobstructed view. The Narthex at the rear of the sanctuary provides a convient place for greeting, ticket selling, etc. It is situated only one block from the St. George subway station, and has two entrances right on Bloor Street.
The pipe organ, grand piano, overhead projector and sound system may be rented.
The South Window
Chancel with Cross & "High Anxiety" Sculpture
McClure Hall
McClure Hall, named after China missionary and former United Church Moderator, Bob McClure, is a comodious room, with hardwood floors, high ceilings, and tall west-facing windows. There are attached washrooms, and there's the option to rent the adjacent full-sized church kitchen. Capacity is 200 standing, 150 seated, 100 at tables. Well suited for public meetings, banquets, receptions, dance classes, yoga, Tai Chi, and musical or dramatic rehearsals.The adjacent kitchenette can be used for snack preparation for a small additional fee. Washrooms are just a few steps away on the same level.
Looking southwest
Sitting Area at South End
Upper Club Room
This handsome room, with its fireplace, hardwood floors and a cathedral ceiling, is ideally suited for small weddings, receptions, auditions, rehearsals, exercise classes, and meetings of up to 50 people. The large windows on the north wall provide natural lighting during the daytime, and a there is a piano for your use. The Upper Club Room is tucked away on the second floor, away from noise and interuption, although this does mean that it is not wheelchair accessible.The adjacent kitchenette can be used for snack preparation for a small additional fee. Washrooms are just a few steps away on the same level.
Looking West
Looking South
The Music Room
This is the room where the Bloor Street Choir practices. It is simply furnished, but well lit by high north-facing windows, and is provided with a rehearsal piano. Suitable for auditions, rehearsals, club meetings, bridge parties, and the like. Capacity is 50 seated, or 40 at tables. Access requires going up a half-flight of stairs.
Looking Northeast
Looking Southeast
The Lower CLub Room
The lower club room, deep in the "catacombs" beneath the sanctuary, is a colourful, casual meeting spot. A large stone pillar in the middle of the room makes it less than idea for large meetings, but the sofas and easy chairs make it a comfortable place for 10 to 20 to gather. There are extra tables and chairs for breakout sessions.Capacity is 30 seated or at tables. Access is down a fairly steep flight of stairs. There are washrooms on the same level.
Looking Southwest
Looking Southeast
The McClure Kitchen
The McClure Kitchen, adjacent to McClure Hall, is clean, bright and spacious. With four gas ovens, two gas ranges (8 burners), two fridges, five sinks, and a commercial dishwasher, it's ready to serve up anything from a pancake breakfast to a full banquet. The centre island counter gives elbow room for up to ten cooks. Coffee maker, table settings, and basic cookware are provided.You are expected to leave the kitchen as spotless for the next user as you would want to find it yourself. This includes removing any unused food and beverages, washing and putting away all dishes, and wiping down the counters.
Looking Southwest
Gas Range & Oven