Zion Hill Baptist Church

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Raw space venue

The venue will provide just the space. You’ll bring in your own caterer and vendors.

Full wedding (ceremony and reception) pricing

Starting at $800

Packages

Guest capacity

Up to 150 seated guests



About this venue

Nestled among the pine trees of Nacogdoches, Zion Hill Baptist Church is a beautifully restored 1914 landmark designed by renowned architect Diedrich Rulfs. Once home to one of the oldest African American congregations in Texas, it now stands as a symbol of Southern charm and community resilience. Thoughtfully updated with modern amenities, Zion Hill offers a unique setting for weddings, receptions, showers, and more. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a special celebration, this historic venue blends elegance with comfort. To book an event or learn more about Zion Hill, please visit the City of Nacogdoches website, Historic Sites department. All venue details, availability, and contact information can be found by navigating to Zion Hill Venue Information. This is the only direct way to schedule a tour or reserve the space. We’d love to be part of your special event - check out the website for everything you need to get started!


Our event spaces

Basement

Our most versatile space!

Once the church’s original cafeteria, the basement hosted post-service meals, receptions, and banquets. Today, it remains a versatile space ideal for small events and gatherings. With preserved charm and an adjacent kitchenette to support catering needs, it offers a functional, flexible layout that can be easily tailored to suit your event vision.

Guest capacity

Up to 20 Seated

Up to 20 Standing

Ideal for

Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Cocktail hour

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed”

Included in this room:

A select number of tables and chairs are included in all of our packages. Additional chairs and tables, among other various rental items, are available using an outside vendor. Use of the kitchenette for catering is also included.

Room cost

$50 for an hour

Sanctuary & Gallery

"It is the embodiment of the true beauty of simplicity."

The sanctuary at Zion Hill boasts soaring vaulted ceilings, original and imported windows, restored pews, and preserved hardwood floors, combining historic elegance with intimate ambiance. Situated on the second floor, this versatile venue accommodates ceremonies, lectures, concerts, and more, with flexible rental options available. Please note, due to layout and capacity, the sanctuary may host either a ceremony or a reception, not both, unless the guest count permits combined use.

Guest capacity

Up to 150 Seated

Up to 180 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed”

Included in this room:

A select number of tables and chairs are included in all of our packages. Additional chairs and tables, among other various rental items, are available using an outside vendor. The lights can be dimmed, and some can change colors, for total customization.

Basement

Our most versatile space!

Once the church’s original cafeteria, the basement hosted post-service meals, receptions, and banquets. Today, it remains a versatile space ideal for small events and gatherings. With preserved charm and an adjacent kitchenette to support catering needs, it offers a functional, flexible layout that can be easily tailored to suit your event vision.

Guest capacity

Up to 20 Seated

Up to 20 Standing

Ideal for

Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Cocktail hour

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed”

Included in this room:

A select number of tables and chairs are included in all of our packages. Additional chairs and tables, among other various rental items, are available using an outside vendor. Use of the kitchenette for catering is also included.

Room cost

$50 for an hour

Sanctuary & Gallery

"It is the embodiment of the true beauty of simplicity."

The sanctuary at Zion Hill boasts soaring vaulted ceilings, original and imported windows, restored pews, and preserved hardwood floors, combining historic elegance with intimate ambiance. Situated on the second floor, this versatile venue accommodates ceremonies, lectures, concerts, and more, with flexible rental options available. Please note, due to layout and capacity, the sanctuary may host either a ceremony or a reception, not both, unless the guest count permits combined use.

Guest capacity

Up to 150 Seated

Up to 180 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed”

Included in this room:

A select number of tables and chairs are included in all of our packages. Additional chairs and tables, among other various rental items, are available using an outside vendor. The lights can be dimmed, and some can change colors, for total customization.


Zion Hill Baptist Church packages

Complete Building Weekend

180 guests

Peak pricing $2,400

Off-peak pricing $2,400

Description

This package includes the use of the basement, sanctuary, gallery, and kitchenette for an entire weekend. The days and times of the rental are as follows: Friday 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. An $800 refundable deposit and event liability insurance is required.

What’s included
  • Tables
  • Chairs
  • On-site staff

Complete Building One-Day

180 guests

Peak pricing $1,200

Off-peak pricing $1,200

Description

This package includes the use of the basement, sanctuary, gallery, and kitchenette for your choice of day between Friday, Saturday, or Sunday from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. An $800 refundable deposit and event liability insurance is required.

What’s included
  • Tables
  • Chairs
  • On-site staff

Complete Building Weekday

180 guests

Peak pricing $800

Off-peak pricing $800

Description

This package includes the use of the basement, sanctuary, gallery, and kitchenette for your choice of evening between Monday and Thursday from 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. An $800 refundable deposit and event liability insurance is required.

What’s included
  • Tables
  • Chairs
  • On-site staff

Basement

20 guests

Peak pricing $50-300

Off-peak pricing $50-300

Description

This package includes the use of the basement and kitchenette for your choice of evening between Monday through Thursday from 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Pricing is per hour for this package.

What’s included
  • Tables
  • Chairs
  • On-site staff

Available services that can be provided by Zion Hill Baptist Church

Services & amenities

  • Dressing room / Bridal Suite
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Wifi

Transportation & access

  • Self parking - free
  • Wheelchair accessible

Reviews

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Yes. Because we are a historic site, we do require event liability insurance. This insurance helps provide coverage for potential damages or incidents that could exceed what a standard damage deposit would cover. While this may be new to some renters, it’s a fairly common requirement for venues, and the process is usually quick and simple. Our staff is happy to share examples of companies that past renters have used, along with other helpful resources. You can also find more information in the Venue Rental Information link on our website.
Zion Hill Baptist Church Historic Site is a City of Nacogdoches Facility. In regards to alcohol consumption at a city facility, please reference Chapter 18-27 of the City of Nacogdoches Code of Ordinances. City of Nacogdoches Ordinances can be found at nactx.us/city-code.
Cancellations should be made by emailing the Zion Hill Site Coordinator. For full building rentals, if the cancellation is made more than 60 days prior to the event date, there will be a $200 processing fee, and the remaining amount will be refunded. If the lessee notifies the lessor 60 days or less to the event date, the full payment paid by the lessee will not be refunded. Damage deposits will be refunded in full for all cancellations.
Yes, there is parking available. We have several spaces around the church, including three handicap-accessible spots. For weekend rentals, there are also plenty of additional free parking options within walking distance. Our team can help you explore what works best for your event.
Yes, our facility is wheelchair accessible.
The fall and spring.
The winter and summer.
Yes! Zion Hill is well-suited for simple, intimate receptions of around 30–40 guests. We offer reception space in the gallery area in the sanctuary and in the lower level of the church. The space includes access to 6-foot tables, chairs, and there’s room to bring in a few round tables if you prefer. We also have a kitchenette available for food prep and storage, which many renters find helpful. If you're planning a smaller gathering, Zion Hill can provide a warm and memorable setting for both your ceremony and reception.
Yes! We do have a space available where the bride and bridal party can get dressed on site. The room includes seating, mirrors, a table, and hooks for hanging dresses. We also have a separate space available for the groom or partnering party to use. Use of these rooms can be arranged when booking—just let us know your plans and we’ll make sure the right spaces are available.
Yes, you're welcome to use the officiant of your choice, whether that's a minister, rabbi, priest, justice of the peace, or another meaningful figure in your life.
The rental rate does not include exhibit access, catering, equipment rentals, liability insurance, audio and visual services, decor, entertainment, or outside vendors. The site coordinator does not provide full-service planning but can provide support and insight throughout the process.
Our staff is happy to help you explore additional parking options nearby. Previous renters have used a variety of solutions, which are detailed on our parking page. Please keep in mind that any additional parking is contingent upon the policies and availability of each neighboring property, and transportation arrangements may be needed depending on the location.
Yes, rehearsal time is included with our full building weekend rental. If you’ve selected a one-day rental, we’re happy to work with you to arrange a rehearsal time based on availability—just connect with our site coordinator to discuss options.