2007-03-01 05:38:19 · 39 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Don't think of the payment to the church as a "cost" ... it is more of a suggested donation, usually, and is tax deductable. Talk with your pastor and make sure ... it is also nice to give the pastor a donation for his or her services.
2007-03-01 13:37:13 · answer #1 · answered by VAWeddingSpecialist 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First and foremost - most traditional churches do not rent out their church unless you are a member of the congregation or parish. Too many weddings so their people get first choice PLUS too many couples plan big weddings but don;t give 2 pennies thought to the marriage and vows. You may be able to use a church in your area if a) you agree to a premarriage counselling session first, b) the congregation is short of money, -or- c) it is a non-denominational, community church. The cost will vary according to the area and size and beauty of the church. If you were renting a cathedral in the city, you can expect to donate $5,000. If you are a regular member of the Parish there, it would drop to about $1500 donation. If you are in a small town and it is a nice, average size church, you should donate at least $300 . this fee covers the cost of cleaning, by the way. you should also expect to pay the minister, priest or commissioner another $100 to $350. as his/her fee; another donation to the choir if you use it. In any parishes where we have been registered members, and where the family contributes weekly and/or participates in fundraising and events, there is no charge for the church but a donation is expected to cover the $100 cost of cleaning. As you had to ask this question, it is obvious that you are not a member of any church or you;d be calling them. The question must be asked - why a church for your ceremony? Just for the "look" of a sacred ceremony? There are many cities that have wedding chapels for this purpose. Look in yellow pages. It amazes me that some girls will spend $1500 for a dress, another 4600 for flowers, and thousands of bucks on booze but they look at the cost of the actual WEDDING - the most important aspect - as being a burden.
2007-03-01 05:53:25 · answer #2 · answered by Wifeforlife 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
First there is expenses that a church has to pay for all those that think it should be free.
Most churchs do not charge but they do charge for the Minister, the guy that has to clean up, help you and everyone else that goes down the aisle get ready to go down that aisle on time, make sure the lighting (for night-time weddings) is just right, then there is the guy who does the music. So you have to consider most of the "behind the scenes" people. Most take donations for these people. Minister is like $150, the guy that cleans up $50, and my church there was an organist. All these people took time to make your day perfect at the church so they have to be paid for this service.
2007-03-01 06:16:48 · answer #3 · answered by Carol 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
First of all, it depends on the church and if you are a member.
If you are a member the fee may be nothing or (in my case) $150.00. There was a fee at my church because non-members were not allowed at the time to marry there.(Historical, worry about wear and tear).
If you are not a member, the fee depends on the individual church. I would recommend calling the churches you are considering to find out their fees and see if they are available.
Please keep in mind that the church rental fee does not include the cost for the pastors, the organist, or a ceremony planner (my church had a person who helped you out with the ceremony and was there for emergencies.) That is all additional costs.
Congrats and good luck!
2007-03-01 05:58:08 · answer #4 · answered by chickemama 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the church. Some churches even charge their congregation. One gal thought using her church was free until she was invoiced for $1500.
Realize you have to abide by their rules (especially if you use their rec hall; such as music, dancing & alcohol) & use that clergy. Contact the minister or church office for the particulars.
It isn't the minister's decision so don't get offended if you're turned down. It has to go before a church board and some churches just don't want the hassle.
You can get married in other places as well. Ship (no captains can't marry couples) museum, farm, winery, chapel, beach, Art gallery, even the venue where you're having your reception, which is becoming quite popular.
2007-03-01 06:15:53 · answer #5 · answered by weddrev 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The price will vary. If you are a member of the church, you may get it for free. If you are on a tight budget, you might consider checking with friends and family to see if they have a home you might use, or the local Women's Club, Lodge, etc. Outdoor weddings are always nice too. Of course for those or for homes, you would have to rent chairs where the churches already have pews. I went to a wedding recently at the beach where they had the guest sit on beach blankets.
2007-03-01 05:49:42 · answer #6 · answered by NaturalPhotos 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Every church has different prices! Big or small church? They all have their own fees. If you go to our church regularly and want to use it, it's free! We just pay the preacher a small fee for performing the wedding. That's the good thing about being part of a church family. There's no charge for our fellowship hall either! So a wedding for us was pretty affordable! You'd have to call the church and ask.
2007-03-01 05:42:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Every church is different in the donations accepted. Just ask, they will be more than happy to tell you. Believe me! If you're getting married in a catholic church, you give a donation to the priest, (around $75-$100) a donation to the church (around $150-$200) and don't forget the alterservers. ($20 a piece)
2007-03-04 20:10:58 · answer #8 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the church. I know ours was a donation, which should be in proportion to the wedding budget. My wedding cost $5,000.00 for 300 people. So I donated 150 to the church
2007-03-07 07:04:00 · answer #9 · answered by kristi_rost2000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the church and the religion. I'm a baptist and at my church, if you're a member then it's free to use the church but you are supposed to pay the officiant. Not a set fee but kind of like a gift offering. However, I'm the Pastor's kid at my church so I won't be coming off of a dime. lol He'll actually be paying me to use his church! lol
Good Luck!
2007-03-01 08:15:05 · answer #10 · answered by Justyn's Mommy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the church; many don't charge their members to use it (although a contribution to the church is a nice gesture). If you're not a member, then most churches will charge a fee, but there's no set amount. Contact the church in which you're interested to find out their policies.
2007-03-01 05:46:47 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋