Neither my fiance or I are religious people, but we want to get married in a church-simply because they are beautiful. Are there any churches that will let you use the space even if you are of no religion?
2007-10-05 17:25:46 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I would just like to add to all the fanatical responses out there that just because I do not believe in a "god" does not mean that I would disrespect the church by showing up drunk, vandalizing the property or offend their beliefs in any way. I simply prefer to marry inside a beautiful church, yes beautiful Ms."Faith" instead of a rec center. I would never have even though of not paying as much as they ask for the use of the space-I thought that was understood. I realize this question offends some of you, but then again what doesn't. Thank you for all those who wrote about non-denominational churches without lecturing me on what a bad character I must be because I don’t' believe in god. Word of advice to all the "preachers" who responded-set down your torches and pitchforks and try just answering a simple question from now on. Not everyone is the devil in carnet....
2007-10-06 07:54:40 · update #1
What your looking for is a non-denominational church.
2007-10-05 19:05:40 · answer #1 · answered by xanadu88 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work at the church, and although our church (the Christian church) does allow non members to get married there, many churches do not. Although some folks don't understand, they need to realize that those of us who belong to the church have been the ones who paid for the building, paid for the upkeep, and use it for our own services. Non-members often come to our door wanting to use our facilities, take up our pastor's time and get angry if we say no. Many pastors will not allow non-members to get married there, because their weddings often include things that churches normally prohibit. For example, our pastor has seen people smoking in the building, or leaving cigarettes in the parking lot, for us to clean up. Others have left garbage, or gotten drunk on church property. Some churches who have opened their doors find their principles violated when someone wants to have a 'gay relative' marry them, or offer prayers to 'the goddess'. These kinds of things are offensive to most churches, and it's easier to just say no. But most churches will marry their own members at no cost at all.
Another reason a lot of churches won't marry non-members, is because it takes a pastor many hours of time to prepare a wedding service, from the counseling, the sermon, the rehearsal, opening the church, closing the church, cleaning up- sometimes as many as 30 or 40 hours, and then people have the nerve to hand him $50. If you find a church that will marry you, don't be offended if they charge you a fee or the pastor asks for $300 or more to do the wedding. There's a lot of time involved, and he isn't obligated to you like he would be to a regular member.
2007-10-06 00:55:10 · answer #2 · answered by Dawn C 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You do not believe in Almighty God, have no faith or belief in what the houses of Almighty God stand for, but you want to get married in a church because the structures are beautiful?
I do not know of any churches that "rent" their sanctuaries, much less their pastors/priests/rabbis, out to non-believing, non-religious, non-member people. That is one reason banquet halls were created, for the non-religious to have a place to get married outside the courthouse steps.
And most Christian churches now require their engaged couples, who wish to be married in their church, to complete several hours of Christian-based premarital counseling before they will perform a wedding ceremony in their church, synagogue, sanctuary.
2007-10-06 00:50:45 · answer #3 · answered by faith 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most churches will only allow Members to Marry in their church. Some will allow nonmembers to Marry if they are sponcered by a Member. Also some will alow you to rent the church and you will have a hire an outside Minister.
2007-10-06 00:32:26 · answer #4 · answered by truckercub1275 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It may take some looking into, but in my area there are churches that will marry you. Usually you will 'donate a stipend' to the church as a fee for their services. Some may want you and yours to take some sort of 'counselling'. Ask around, I'm sure you will find one that fits your needs and will work for your situation. Good luck.
2007-10-06 00:30:22 · answer #5 · answered by nuts4tv 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure! Just find the location that looks right to you, and give them a call. The priest or minister will feel a responsibility for the success of your union, though, so he / she will probably want to have 1 - 3 sessions of counseling with you before the big day. Take it! It's part of the total experience!
2007-10-06 00:29:20 · answer #6 · answered by shirleykins 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Usually not, but for many, the wedding is free because they belong to the church, and the counseling is much easier since the pastor has known you most of your life anyway.
2007-10-06 00:30:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is a catholic church then you will need to be members of a catholic church, and agree to raise your children catholic. If it is a non denominational many will rent out their churches for weddings alot though require that you at least believe in God.
2007-10-06 00:29:19 · answer #8 · answered by Ally... 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, you do not have to be religious. There are a lot of churches who will allow you. The church should never turn anyone away.
2007-10-06 00:33:16 · answer #9 · answered by sassy.nurse 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some do, some don't. I would suggest visiting churches to find the one you like the looks of, then check with their pastor.
Sometimes the pastor will want to counsel you if you want to be married by them.
2007-10-06 00:28:46 · answer #10 · answered by rockswillcryout 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋