Located in the heart of historic Market Square, North Church of Portsmouth offers a meaningful and memorable setting for community gatherings, performances, lectures, meetings, ceremonies, and special events.

For generations, North Church has stood as one of Portsmouth’s most recognizable landmarks. Our Market Square building is both a house of worship and a gathering place, rooted in the history of the city and the life of the wider community. With its central downtown location, historic character, and welcoming atmosphere, North Church provides a distinctive setting for events that bring people together.

We welcome rental inquiries from non-profit organizations, community groups, businesses, individuals, and North Church members or affiliated groups. Whether you’re planning a concert, speaker program, educational event, organizational meeting, memorial gathering, cultural event, or private gathering, we invite you to contact us to learn more about available space and suitability for your event.

Holding an event at North Church offers more than the use of a room. It offers the opportunity to gather in a space connected to Portsmouth’s history, civic life, and community identity. The building’s historic presence, central location, and warm interior make it especially well suited for events that call for a sense of purpose, reflection, beauty, or connection.

Rental Rates

Rental rates vary based on the type of applicant and use of the facility.

For events held in the Market Square building, the rental fee includes use of the approved space, heat, electrical service, and normal custodial services following the event.

Current flat-fee rates are:

• Non-profit organizations: $500


• For-profit businesses or organizations: $1,000

Individuals, private groups, North Church members, and affiliated groups are encouraged to complete the inquiry form so the church office can determine the appropriate rate and requirements for the proposed event.

Deposits and Payment

• A non-refundable deposit of 50% is due upon approval of the application.

• A refundable cleaning deposit of $100 is also due upon approval.

• The remaining balance is due one week prior to the event.

Instruments and Tuning

North Church maintains its instruments on a regular schedule. Rental fees do not include additional instrument tuning. If an extra tuning is needed for your event, it must be arranged through the Church Office, and the cost will be the responsibility of the applicant.

Media and Events Coordinator

Some events require support from North Church’s Media and Events Coordinator, particularly those involving streaming, sound, lighting, music, presentations, or other technical needs.

The Media and Events Coordinator oversees the event from setup through completion, including the coordination of sound, lighting, streaming, and other production-related needs. This helps ensure that events run smoothly and that the building’s equipment is used properly.

Media and Events Coordinator fees are:

• For-profit events: $250

• Non-profit events: $100

North Church will determine whether Media and Events Coordinator support is required based on the nature of the event, requested use of the space, and technical needs.

Insurance Requirements

Liability insurance is required for groups or individuals not affiliated with North Church. Applicants will be asked to upload a copy of their liability insurance binder with the rental inquiry form.

If you do not currently have liability insurance, please contact the Church Office for information about purchasing coverage through the Tenant and Users Liability Insurance Program, also known as TULIP.

Submit a Rental Inquiry

To begin the process, please complete the rental inquiry form below. Submission of the form does not guarantee approval. A member of the church staff will review your request and follow up regarding availability, suitability, rental terms, and any additional requirements.