Q: Where do I park at St. John Chrysostom American Coptic Orthodox Church?

A: The church is located at 29582 Trabuco Creek Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. Please do not block gates or driving lanes. There is limited parking at the church lot and there will be parking attendants to assist, so please allow yourself enough time to park and walk to the church for the ceremony. There is also street parking available off Trabuco Creek Rd. Please see the linked map for details: Map

Also note, there will be a book festival ongoing at another section of the church, so please look for signs to direct you to the sanctuary.

Q: Which building is the wedding chapel?

A: Parking attendants will help direct you to the proper gate entrance and chapel. When facing the church property from Trabuco Creek Rd, please use the far left gate and the chapel entrance will be directly in front. The main central gate that has “SJC” marked in white letters is the primary entrance to a book fair event. If you enter through these gates, walk towards the left where there will be a renovated barn (long, wood building). See the map linked here for details: wedding chapel map

Q: What should I do between the church ceremony and reception?

A: Please note that the drive from St. John Chrysostom to Nixon Library will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Please also give yourself enough time to park and sign the couple's guest book before the Garden Ceremony at 3:30pm.

Guests will be able to enjoy an open bar and hor d'oeuvres at 4:30pm with dinner service at 6pm, so please snack responsibly!

Please check out the “Things to Do” section on our wedding website.

Q: Where do I park at The Nixon Library?

A: Parking is free and ample at the Library. Just in case, overflow parking is located at the Friends Church on Mountain View directly across from the Library

Q: Will I be able to tour the Nixon Library before the Garden Ceremony & Reception?

A: While we’re excited to celebrate at The Richard Nixon Library, access to the museum exhibits and tour areas will be available to our guests at a discounted entrance fee of $17 per person before the reception. We encourage you to explore the library and exhibits on a future visit as well!

Q: Will there be a security check?

A: For everyone’s safety, please be aware that all bags will be checked by security upon entering The Richard Nixon Library. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration for all.

Q: Will the event be outdoors or indoors?

A: The church ceremony will be hosted indoors. The garden ceremony and cocktail hour will be hosted outdoors (weather permitting), and the reception and dinner will be hosted indoors. As it may rain and will likely be chilly please bring a jacket or coat and a backup umbrella, also please be sure to check the weather forecast! The reception ballroom is also home to the museum's oil paintings and must therefore remain at a cool temperature to protect these pieces.

Here is a quick Q&A that can help our guests unfamiliar with the Coptic Church feel informed and comfortable during the ceremony:

Q: What is the Coptic Church?

A: The Coptic Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, with origins dating back to the first century in Egypt. The word "Coptic" means "Egyptian," and Coptic Christians trace their history back to Saint Mark the Apostle, who is believed to have founded the church.

Q: How is the Coptic wedding ceremony different from other Christian ceremonies?

A: The Coptic wedding ceremony is rich in tradition and symbolism. It includes prayers, hymns, and blessings that have been practiced for centuries. You may see beautiful crowns placed on the bride and groom, symbolizing their union as king and queen of their new home.

Q: Is there a specific dress code for the ceremony?

A: Guests are encouraged to dress modestly, similar to attending any traditional church service. For women, covering shoulders is often preferred, and avoiding very short dresses is appreciated. Men typically wear suits or dress shirts.

Q: How long is the ceremony?

A: Coptic wedding ceremonies usually last around 45 minutes to an hour. The service includes prayers, readings, chanted hymns, and blessings.

Q: Are there any customs I should be aware of?

A: During the ceremony, guests may see Coptic icons (images of saints and holy figures), signing of the cross, hear chanted hymns and traditional liturgy, and smells of incense, which symbolizes prayers rising to God. Guests can simply enjoy the beauty and meaning of these elements.

Q: Is it okay to take photos during the ceremony?

A: Out of respect for the sanctity of the ceremony, it's best to avoid taking photos or videos unless specifically invited by the couple to do so.

Q: What language will the ceremony be in?

A: Commonly, parts of the ceremony may be in Coptic, which is an ancient Egyptian language, as well as English and sometimes Arabic. For Sharon and Robert’s wedding, the ceremony will primarily be in English. English translations will be provided for important parts of the service, so everyone can follow along.

A Note from the couple:

We are so grateful to have you with us to celebrate this special day! We hope you enjoy the beauty and tradition of our Coptic wedding ceremony, and thank you for being part of this meaningful moment in our lives.