Old St. Andrews Church - St. Grigor Lusavorich (St. Gregory the Illuminator) church, Dsegh village, Armenia
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Old St. Andrews Church

4.9
·56 reviews·Jacksonville, United States

A breathtaking historic church venue celebrated for its vintage charm, versatile event spaces, and stunning acoustics.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Event-specific dates

Unique community events

CrowdMedium
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Old St. Andrews Church - St. Grigor Lusavorich (St. Gregory the Illuminator) church, Dsegh village, Armenia

Old St. Andrews Church

Best Time

Event-specific dates

Unique community events

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A breathtaking historic church venue celebrated for its vintage charm, versatile event spaces, and stunning acoustics.

4.9
(56 reviews)

"This is by far the prettiest and least expensive building with incredible acoustics and charm. Reddit"

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TIP

Book in Advance

This popular venue gets booked quickly, especially for events. Secure your date early!

Consider Event Management

The venue's event management team is highly praised for their helpfulness and efficiency.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Church Architecture

Historic Church Architecture

Main Sanctuary

Experience the grandeur of a beautifully preserved historic church, perfect for events and photography.

Exceptional Acoustics

Exceptional Acoustics

Main Sanctuary

Enjoy crystal-clear sound for performances; opera singers have performed here without amplification.

Merrill House Adjacent

Merrill House Adjacent

Next to the Church

Step back in time in the Merrill House, a preserved 1885 home offering incredible vintage photo opportunities.

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Planning Your Visit

Event Venue Versatility

Old St. Andrews Church is a stunning historic venue, praised for its versatility in hosting various events from weddings to masquerade balls. Its vintage aesthetic and reasonable pricing make it a top choice for those seeking a unique backdrop. Reddit

Aesthetic & Acoustics

The church's interior is breathtaking, with acoustics so impressive that opera singers performed without microphones. While restrooms are dated, the overall charm and beauty of the space are consistently highlighted. Reddit

Best Times

When
Event-specific dates
Why
Unique community events
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Less crowded for tours/events
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Located in North Berwick, Old St Andrews church. Fun fact there is a Blackadder grave here but it’s not the blackadder your thinking of. Such good weather slightly ruined the aesthetic but we love a filter 😂💀 #urbanexplore #castlephotography #graveyard #spookyaesthetic #halloween #gothic #gothicaesthetic #gothicarchitecture #medevial #woodlandwalk #autumn #autumvibes #graveyardphotography #cemeter...
dead_money_crypt
12 likes • 403 views

Book in Advance

This popular venue gets booked quickly, especially for events. Secure your date early! Reddit

Consider Event Management

The venue's event management team is highly praised for their helpfulness and efficiency. Reddit

Old St Andrews was established by the Church Acts of 1706 and built between 1706 and 1708. The church acts established parishes throughout the Lowcountry and the chapels that served the parishes were called chapels of ease. Old St. Andrews started out as a regular church building, but then remodeled in 1723 into a cruciform church. It is the only remaining extant colonial cruciform Church in Sou...
palmetto.preservationist
140 likes • 2.4K views

Vintage Photo Ops

Don't miss the Merrill House next door for stunning, authentic 1885-era photos. Reddit

Acoustics Shine

The natural acoustics are incredible; perfect for musical performances without mics. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Book in Advance

This popular venue gets booked quickly, especially for events. Secure your date early! Reddit

Consider Event Management

The venue's event management team is highly praised for their helpfulness and efficiency. Reddit

Vintage Photo Ops

Don't miss the Merrill House next door for stunning, authentic 1885-era photos. Reddit

Acoustics Shine

The natural acoustics are incredible; perfect for musical performances without mics. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(56 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Old St. Andrews Church is overwhelmingly praised as a beautiful and versatile event venue with a stunning vintage aesthetic and impressive acoustics. While the restrooms are noted as dated, the exceptional service from the event management team and the unique charm of the adjacent Merrill House for photography consistently receive high marks, making it a highly recommended location for various gatherings. Reddit

"We had our baby shower here and have also documented several weddings at Old St Andrew's. The space is gorgeous and the team is amazing! So much versatility. You won't regret having your event here."

Vanessa Brazzale

"I held a masquerade ball at Old St. Andrews in May of 2019.
We considered about 14 other venues from as far north as St. Simon's Island and as far south as St. Augustine. We needed a building that had a vintage aesthetic to it. What we found is that, if we wanted to spend less than $8,000 for the venue and have some flexibility to bring in our preferred caterer and limited additional decor, this is by far the prettiest and least expensive building. (WELL BENEATH the $8k average for every other venue in town- no hidden fees that hike up the rate!)

Jade and her team took over event management a few months after I secured the location. I'm so glad they did, too. It was a big improvement from the previous management team.

This was the first time I'd planned a personal event this large and I emailed Jade with lists and lists of questions. (So. Many. Questions.) She was always extremely gracious and helpful each and every time.

The building itself is stunning, and photos do not do it justice. All of our guests raved about how beautiful it is inside and out. We had opera singers perform and the acoustics carried their voices all over the building with no microphones needed. Old world charm that looks like a beautiful historic church but easily made to look like a large home or parlor and not a church if that's what you want.

The only downside to this venue is that the restrooms are outdated. As with most restrooms that are older, they can look like they're not very clean. But Jade made sure that they were cleaned especially thoroughly to put my mind at ease. Honestly not one single guest said a word about them because everything else was just perfect.

The location of Old St. Andrews is great- central for guests and lots of parking nearby. Even our guests from other states found it with no problem and found very nice vacation homes nearby.

We also used the Merrill House next door for our guest of honor to have some photos taken while the guests arrived at the church building. This home looks like the original owners walked out the front door in 1885 and not a single thing inside has been moved since. It was really cool to see even their shoes, gloves, and bedside table with books still sitting out. Photos in this house turned out to be stunning! I would only recommend asking them to crank the AC up the night before because it was definitely warm in there for ladies in ball gowns and gentlemen in long jackets.

We rented some items from a company that Jade recommended and they were great. We also hired a bar tender, Britnie, as recommended by Jade. Britnie was so patient and kind with all of our guests. She arrived early and pitched in to help us when we got behind with set up. I would rent this building and work with Jade, David, and Britnie again in a heartbeat."

Elizabeth Powers

"21th Gingerbread Extravaganza at Old St.Andrew 's Church is Beautiful,Blessed,Believe in God !!!🙏 3 Angels ❤😊.Thanks"

MaryXuan Nguyen

What People Like

Stunning vintage aesthetic
Exceptional event management
Impressive acoustics

What People Dislike

Dated restrooms

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Old St. Andrews Church is centrally located, making it easy for guests to find. Ample parking is available nearby, and visitors from out of state have reported no issues finding the location. Reddit

Yes, there is plenty of parking available in the vicinity of Old St. Andrews Church, which is convenient for event attendees. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Old St. Andrews Church is primarily a venue for events. While specific events like the Gingerbread Extravaganza may require tickets, general visits are usually for scheduled events or private functions. Reddit

Opening hours vary depending on scheduled events. It's best to check the venue's specific event calendar or contact them directly for information on public access or tours. Reddit

Compared to other venues in the area, Old St. Andrews Church is considered one of the prettiest and least expensive options, often falling well beneath the average cost for venues in town. Reddit

Yes, the venue offers flexibility, allowing you to bring in your preferred caterer, which contributes to its value and appeal for event planning. Reddit

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

The church boasts a stunning vintage aesthetic, looking like a beautiful historic church but easily adaptable to feel like a large home or parlor if desired. Reddit

The restrooms are noted as being outdated, though the management ensures they are thoroughly cleaned for events. Reddit

Absolutely! The building itself is stunning, and photos truly don't do it justice. The adjacent Merrill House also offers incredible vintage photo opportunities. Reddit

The church hosts community events like the '21th Gingerbread Extravaganza,' which is described as magical and wonderful, a must-see for families. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the church itself is a venue, it allows flexibility for outside caterers. Recommended bartenders are also available, known for their patience and kindness. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The church interior is magnificent, but don't overlook the Merrill House next door. It's like stepping into 1885, with original furnishings and a unique vintage feel perfect for stunning photos. Reddit

Yes, the Merrill House is often used for pre-event photos, offering a distinct historical backdrop that complements the church's ambiance. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Old St. Andrews Church is a fantastic destination for families, especially during its special events like the Gingerbread Extravaganza. This event is described as magical and wonderful, a must-see for families with budding chefs or artists. Reddit The venue's historical charm and the opportunity to explore the adjacent Merrill House can also spark children's imaginations, offering a unique educational and engaging experience. Reddit

💍 Couples Planning Weddings

For couples seeking a historic and picturesque wedding venue, Old St. Andrews Church is an exceptional choice. Its vintage aesthetic, stunning architecture, and impressive acoustics create a romantic and memorable atmosphere. Reddit The venue's versatility allows for customization to fit various wedding styles, and the reasonable pricing makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious couples. Reddit The highly praised event management team ensures a smooth planning process, and the adjacent Merrill House provides a unique backdrop for bridal party photos. Reddit

📸 Photographers and Content Creators

Photographers and content creators will find Old St. Andrews Church and its surroundings to be a goldmine for visually striking content. The gothic architecture and spooky aesthetic mentioned in some social media posts offer unique angles for urban exploration photography. TikTok The church's interior, with its beautiful historic details and natural light, is perfect for capturing events. Instagram However, the real photographic gem is the Merrill House, offering an unparalleled vintage 1885 aesthetic that is rarely found elsewhere, making it ideal for fashion shoots, historical reenactments, or simply capturing unique, atmospheric images. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Event Hosting at Old St. Andrews Church

Old St. Andrews Church is celebrated as a premier event venue, lauded for its vintage aesthetic and remarkable versatility. It has successfully hosted a wide array of events, from intimate baby showers and elegant weddings to elaborate masquerade balls. Reddit The venue is particularly attractive for its competitive pricing, often significantly lower than other options in the region, without hidden fees that can inflate costs. Reddit The management team, particularly Jade and her staff, receives consistent praise for their exceptional helpfulness, graciousness, and efficiency in handling event planning, making the process smoother for clients. Reddit

Beyond its aesthetic appeal and practical advantages, the church offers impressive acoustics, capable of carrying voices throughout the space without amplification, making it ideal for musical performances. Reddit While the restrooms are noted as being dated, the management ensures they are kept impeccably clean. Reddit The central location and ample nearby parking further enhance its appeal for guests. Reddit

For those seeking a truly unique photographic experience, the Merrill House, located adjacent to the church, is a must-visit. This preserved 1885 home offers an unparalleled glimpse into the past, with original furnishings and a distinct historical ambiance that makes for stunning, one-of-a-kind photographs. Reddit It's recommended to ensure the AC is cranked up beforehand, as it can get warm inside, especially for guests in formal attire. Reddit

Architectural and Historical Significance

Established by the Church Acts of 1706, Old St. Andrews Church was built between 1706 and 1708. Instagram Initially a regular church building, it underwent a significant remodel in 1723, transforming into a cruciform church. Instagram This historical evolution contributes to its unique architectural character. The church is noted for its gothic architecture and medieval influences, often appealing to those with an interest in spooky aesthetics and urban exploration, though its primary function is as a beautiful event venue. TikTok

The church's historical roots are deep, and it serves as a testament to the architectural styles and religious practices of its time. While one TikTok video mentions a Blackadder grave, it clarifies it's not the famous one, adding a touch of local lore. TikTok The preservation of such historic structures is vital, and Old St. Andrews Church stands as a well-maintained example, offering a tangible connection to the past for visitors and event attendees alike. Reddit

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