Meeting Locations

Epworth By The Sea has a variety of meeting locations and event facilities on its riverside campus located on St. Simons Island, GA. Whether you are hosting a large worship service, engaging youth retreat, corporate meeting, business convention or family reunion, we will work with you to find the ideal facility for your special event.

For generations, Epworth By The Sea has been one of the Southeast’s premier conference center locations for groups of all types and sizes. From the 800-seat Strickland Auditorium to the iconic 120-seat Lovely Lane Chapel and the 400-seat Brown Center Auditorium to the 16-seat Pitts Board Room at Turner Lodge, Epworth can accommodate your group.

Most meeting rooms come equipped with a projection screen. We have additional technology that is available to enhance your event, including LCD projectors, portable screens, TVs, DVD players, sound equipment for speaking engagements or presentations plus podiums, easels, white boards, tables of varying sizes and linens to match. Additionally, each one of our meeting spaces is ADA compliant, making it easy for all guests to get the most out of their Epworth By The Sea experience.

To help find your group’s best fit, we’ve sorted our facilities by maximum seating capacity. Search for the perfect space based on the size of your group. Once you’ve browsed our options, contact a Reservation Specialist to initiate the booking process.

In addition to plentiful group meeting facilities, Epworth also has numerous large group accommodations and offers on-site dining and catering services as well. Epworth By The Sea looks forward to working with your group.

Group Event Planning Guide (PDF)
Meeting & Banquet Flyer (PDF)
General Information & Policies (PDF)
Find your meeting room by seating size:

More than 200

Throughout the year, Epworth By The Sea hosts numerous large-scale events. Our facilities for groups of 250 or more are competitive when it comes to accessibility and affordability.

  • Strickland Auditorium

    Maximum seating: 800

    The largest space on Epworth’s campus, Strickland Auditorium is ideal for holiday church services, community presentations, and large corporate events. The auditorium features an elevated stage with lighting, a sound system, projectors, and fixed screens.
    View Layout

  • Brown Center Auditorium

    Maximum seating: 400

    Brown Center Auditorium is an open space suitable for a variety of functions including meetings and church retreats. The Brown Center also has four classrooms that can seat up to 40 guests each and one classroom seating 100 guests each, making it ideal for breakout sessions for large events.
    View Layout | Take a 360° tour!

  • Culbreth Christian Education Center Classrooms

    Maximum seating: 240
    (Combined seating of six classrooms)

    The six Culbreth Center Classrooms seat up to 40 persons each, making this facility one of the largest on campus. Additionally, two of the classrooms expand to seat up to 80 guests each. It’s perfect for medium to large groups that want the flexibility to connect in more intimate sessions.
    View Layout | Take a 360° tour!

  • Jones Auditorium

    Maximum seating: 250

    The asymmetrical vaulted ceilings of the Jones Auditorium promote a unique feel and plenty of natural light for your next large event. The facility, which seats 250 at maximum capacity, also includes four classrooms that seat up to 40 persons each, plus a porch with seating for 10.
    View Layout | Take a 360° tour!

  • Nalls Auditorium

    Maximum seating: 250

    The octagon-shaped auditorium provides a soothing setting for large group meetings, wedding receptions and presentations. Additionally, the four classrooms in the Nalls building seat up to 35 each.
    View Layout | Take a 360° tour!

  • Gholson Pre-school Building

    Available for Rent with your Group

    Commonly used by groups hosting large events that include renter operated childcare, this facility has all the amenities necessary to keep little ones safe and occupied. The building includes a crib room, a preschool room, two 25-seat classrooms and a fenced outdoor playground. This building gives event organizers and attendees peace of mind.
    View Layout | Take a 360° tour!

More than 75

Most groups that use the facilities of Epworth By The Sea fall in the 75 to 200 person range. These groups, whether religiously affiliated or secular, find our facility options to be versatile and accommodating. No matter how long they stay and what they plan to do, our meeting spaces are the right fit.

  • Strickland Auditorium

    Maximum seating: 800

    The largest space on Epworth’s campus, Strickland Auditorium is ideal for holiday church services, community presentations, and large corporate events. The auditorium features an elevated stage with lighting, projectors and fixed screens.
    View Layout | Take a 360° tour!

  • Brown Center Auditorium

    Maximum seating: 400

    Brown Center Auditorium is an open space suitable for a variety of functions including meetings, dinners, receptions and church retreats. The Brown Center also has four classrooms that can seat up to 40 guests each and one classroom that can seat 100 guests, making it ideal for breakout sessions for large events.
    View Layout | Take a 360° tour!

  • Culbreth Christian Education Center Classrooms

    Maximum seating: 240
    (Combined seating of six classrooms)

    The six Culbreth Center Classrooms seat up to 40 persons each, making this facility one of the largest on campus. Additionally, two of the classrooms expand to seat up to 80 guests each. It’s perfect for medium to large groups that want the flexibility to connect in more intimate sessions.
    View Layout | Take a 360° tour!

  • Jones Auditorium

    Maximum seating: 250

    The asymmetrical vaulted ceilings of the Jones Auditorium promote a unique feel and plenty of natural light for your next large event. The facility, which seats 250 comfortably, also includes four classrooms that seat up to 40 persons each, plus a porch with seating for 10.
    View Layout | Take a 360° tour!

  • Nalls Auditorium

    Maximum seating: 250

    The octagon-shaped auditorium provides a soothing setting for large group meetings, wedding receptions and presentations. Additionally, the four classrooms in the Nalls building seat up to 35 each.
    View Layout | Take a 360° tour!

  • Gholson Pre-school Building

    Available for Rent with your Group

    Commonly used by groups hosting large events that include renter operated childcare, this facility has all the amenities necessary to keep little ones safe and occupied. The building includes a crib room, a preschool room, two 25-seat classrooms and a fenced outdoor playground. This building gives event organizers and attendees peace of mind.
    View Layout | Take a 360° tour!

  • Terry Thomas Pavilion

    Maximum seating: 150

    This open-air, covered pavilion is a popular location for wedding ceremonies and receptions, cookouts, worship, meetings and other group gatherings. It overlooks the beautiful Frederica River with the best views on St. Simons to see the gorgeous sunsets.
    View Layout

More than 40

Epworth By The Sea commonly serves groups of 40 to 75. These mid-sized groups have many great options to choose from when planning a conference or event.

  • Brown Center Auditorium Classrooms

    Maximum seating: 260
    (Combined seating of five classrooms)

    The Brown Center’s classrooms 1-4 seat up to 40 persons each and are ideal for breakout or small group sessions of larger events held in the auditorium.  Classroom five seats 100 persons.
    View Layout

  • Jones Auditorium Classrooms

    Maximum seating: 160
    (Combined seating of four classrooms)

    The four classrooms of the Jones Auditorium seat up to 40 persons each and are ideal for breakout or small group sessions of larger events held in the auditorium. Additionally, a porch, which has seating for 10, works well for registration activities.
    View Layout | Take a 360° tour!

  • Nalls Auditorium Classrooms

    Maximum seating: 140
    (Combined seating of four classrooms)

    In support of Nalls Auditorium, the four classrooms seat up to 35 persons each. The classrooms are conveniently located near the Aldersgate Youth Cabins and other group accommodations.
    View Layout | Take a 360° tour!

  • Lovely Lane Chapel

    Maximum seating: 120

    One of the most popular wedding venues on St. Simons Island, Lovely Lane Chapel is an iconic location for couples to say “I do” or for groups to reserve for times of quiet reflection. The classic chapel, with its wooden pews and stained-glass windows, provides everyone who enters an experience they won’t forget. If you are contemplating where to have a wedding on St. Simons Island, look no further than Epworth’s Lovely Lane Chapel.
    View Layout
    Take a 360° Tour Inside | Take a 360° Tour Outside I | Take a 360° Tour Outside II
     

  • Clary I Auditorium

    Maximum seating: 125

    This centrally located meeting space is popular for youth group activities as it is next to recreation facilities and near the Aldersgate Youth Cabins and other prominent group accommodations.
    View Layout | Take a 360° tour!

  • Culbreth Christian Education Center Classrooms

    Maximum seating: 40-80

    The six Culbreth Center Classrooms seat up to 40 persons each, making this facility one of the largest on campus. Additionally, two of the classrooms expand to seat up to 80 guests each. It’s perfect for medium to large groups that want the flexibility to connect in more intimate sessions.
    View Layout | Take a 360° tour!

  • Pioneer Room

    Maximum seating: 88

    Located off the lobby of Turner Lodge, the Pioneer Room offers breathtaking views of the Frederica River and the Marshes of Glynn. The Pioneer Room is perfect for small receptions, corporate or board meetings, and marriage retreats. Direct access to the veranda makes the meeting location even more inviting.

    View Layout | Take a 360° tour!

  • Ellie Harvey Room

    Maximum seating: 65

    This beautifully landscaped facility is one of Epworth's elegant special event spaces. The front porch rocking chairs invite guests to sit and relax, while the warm interior setting is designed to encourage mingling and meaningful interactions.

    View Layout | Take a 360° Tour!

  • Clary II Auditorium

    Maximum seating: 60

    Another centrally located meeting space, the medium-sized auditorium is popular for youth group activities as it is next to recreation facilities and near the Aldersgate Youth Cabins and other prominent group accommodations. It includes two breakout rooms seating 10-15 people each.
    View Layout | Take a 360° tour!

  • Jones Craft Room

    Maximum seating: 50

    This 50-person classroom connects to the Clary I Auditorium building and can be used for a variety of group activities. Youth and adult church groups like to use the room because of the natural light that emanates from the room’s skylights. There is an exterior entrance to the facility separate from the Jones Auditorium main entrance.
    View Layout

  • Parker Parlor

    Maximum seating: 50

    Located inside the Robertson Inn, this meeting space has a living room feel which encourages personal interactions among guests. A deck off the back of the venue faces the Frederica River and marsh.

    View Layout | Take a 360° tour!

  • Gholson Pre-school Building

    Available for Rent with your Group

    Commonly used by groups hosting large events that include renter operated childcare, this facility has all the amenities necessary to keep little ones safe and occupied. The building includes a crib room, a preschool room, two 25-seat classrooms and a fenced outdoor playground. This building gives event organizers and attendees peace of mind.
    View Layout | Take a 360° tour!

Less than 40

Smaller groups can hail from across the globe or live nearby our St. Simons Island campus. Common groups in this sector can include marriage retreats, women’s groups, men’s groups, youth groups, sports teams, small corporate retreats, or board meetings – just to name a few.

  • Brown Center Auditorium Classrooms

    Maximum seating: 40 each

    The Brown Center’s classrooms 1-4 seat up to 40 persons each and are ideal for breakout or small group sessions of larger events held in the auditorium. Classroom five seats 100 persons.
    View Layout

  • Jones Auditorium Classrooms

    Maximum seating: 40 each

    The four classrooms of the Jones Auditorium seat up to 40 persons each and are ideal for breakout or small group sessions of larger events held in the auditorium. Additionally, a porch, which has seating for 10, works well for registration activities.
    View Layout Take a 360° tour!

  • Tabby House

    Maximum seating: 40

    Built circa 1806 as quarters for the servants of the Hamilton Plantation, the restored and renovated Tabby House is used for small receptions, rehearsal dinners and various adult groups. Youth groups will also use the facility to discuss the area’s history. It is one of only four remaining tabby cabins on the island.
    View Layout | View 360° Tour

  • Nalls Auditorium Classrooms

    Maximum seating: 35 each

    In support of Nalls Auditorium, the four classrooms seat up to 35 persons each. Convenient to the Aldersgate Youth Cabins and other group accommodations.
    View Layout | Take a 360° tour!

  • Clary II Auditorium Classrooms

    Maximum seating: 20 each

    The classrooms adjacent to the auditorium are popular for youth groups and small worship or prayer groups. A centrally located meeting space, recreation facilities and Aldersgate Youth Cabins are nearby. View Layout

  • Wright Prayer Tower

    Maximum seating: 18

    Usually open to all guests of the Epworth community, this quaint prayer chapel can be reserved for special services and small, intimate weddings up to 18 persons.
    Take a 360° tour!

  • Pitts Board Room at Turner Lodge

    Maximum seating: 16

    With a large table and 16 comfortable seats, this meeting space is excellent for small group breakouts or executive sessions for large organization leadership.

  • Parker Parlor

    Maximum seating: 50

    While Parker Parlor can accommodate up to 50 guests, smaller groups may reserve the facility. Located inside the Robertson Inn, this meeting space has a living room feel that encourages personal interactions among guests. A deck off the back of the venue faces the Frederica River and marsh.

    View Layout | Take a 360° tour!

  • We were blessed to have our Women’s Retreat for the 2nd year at beautiful Epworth By The Sea! We saw life change through Jesus Christ as we spent time away focused on our Lord! We relaxed, meditated on the Word, and enjoyed sweet fellowship! Trice and her team made us feel welcomed and cared for! We left blessed and refreshed having time away with our Jesus and friends! Thanks for a great weekend as we learned how to ABIDE with Christ!

    <Parkview Retreat Team

  • Epworth By The Sea changed my life. I can think of several pivotal moments in my journey when my life trajectory was profoundly affected while I was at Epworth. Sometimes it was sitting in a session in Nalls Auditorium. Sometimes it was during a powerful inspirational worship service in Strickland. Other times it was having an adult volunteer pray for me in Lovely Lane Chapel, or just all by myself looking for hope in the Prayer Chapel. The first time I ever heard preaching that pricked my heart was at Epworth in the 8th grade. In the 11th grade I attended a retreat that began to plant the seeds of a call to ministry in my heart. Years later I would come to Epworth as a young pastor, and again, I got much needed encouragement and teaching so that I could stay in ministry for the long haul. I now have children of my own attending retreats and coming home bursting with their own stories. Stories of how God showed up! Stories of how Epworth was amazing!

    < Rev. Tom Carruth - Senior Pastor, Perry United Methodist Church

  • As a high school football coach, I have had the great pleasure of bringing my football teams to Epworth By the Sea for the last 22 years. It is one of my favorite places on earth. It started with Camden County, then Prince Avenue Christian, Grayson, T.L. Hanna, and now Camden again. EVERY year has been a great experience for our players and coaches. The facilities are good, the food is excellent, and everyone on the staff is so welcoming that you feel like you are at home! I know that our players and coaches have benefitted not only from our football time together but also the spiritual reflection that you can’t help but feel as you walk around the beautiful grounds and churches. It is truly good for the soul and for developing any type of team.

    < Jeff Herron - Head Football Coach, Camden County High School

  • The Georgia Head Start Association has been traveling to beautiful St. Simons Island and Epworth by the Sea for many, many years for our annual Spring event. We always look forward to this event and it is highly much anticipated. Epworth provides us with a calm, relaxing, tranquil environment and plush surroundings for our event that is also conducive to learning, networking and fostering relationships. The staff is always friendly and courteous and eager to help us make our event run smoothly and efficiently. The food is delicious, the facilities are always clean, and the grounds are well maintained. Visiting Epworth by the Sea is an excellent way to jumpstart Spring! We can't wait to come back in 2024.

    < Juanita Yancey - Executive Officer, Georgia Head Start Association

  • I’ve been in youth ministry for 37 years. I first brought a youth group to Epworth in 1986. Since that summer, I have brought multiple groups each year through my church and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I have seen hundreds of teenagers and young adults make life changing commitments to Jesus on those Holy grounds. The retreat atmosphere at Epworth is second to none. Everything you need for a successful event is right inside the gates. Worship areas for large and small, beautiful quiet time space right by the river, up to date housing, good food, fire pits, recreation areas and much more. The thing I appreciate the most is the partnership in ministry that I have with their staff. Their main goal is to make our time at Epworth the most stress free environment it can be. I have never had a bad ministry experience at Epworth. It is truly Holy Ground!

    < Scott Adams - Area Director, East Cobb, FCA

  • Epworth By The Sea has provided a place of solitude and recovery for police officers from across the country who have experienced traumatic events beyond the imagination of most people. The first home of the Post Critical Incident Seminar in Georgia, the GA Office of Public Safety Support partners with Epworth in providing this field-tested peer-based support seminar to help officers put the past in the past. As one of the founders of the PCIS program for state and local officers, I have always said, “the place” where you provide the assistance to officers is critical to your success. For us, Epworth is exactly the Right Place!

    < Rev. Dr. J. Eric Skidmore - State Police Chaplain (SC)

  • "When we look back on our time at Epworth, we smile. Our minds immediately go to the incredible sunsets of red, orange, and yellow that put us at ease amidst God's creation. We fondly think about the prayer chapel and how it brought us God's peace. We know that the Holy Spirit was present at Epworth as it was felt. The staff became family to us in a short period of time. Last but not least, it was the ideal environment for our families living through Childhood Cancer to find absolute rest, true relaxation, priceless connection, and intersect with God to find hope in more than a cure. Thank you, Epworth!" - Lighthouse Family Retreat

    < Chris Woodruff - CEO, Executive Director, Lighthouse Family Retreat