My fiance and I are not members of any church and could probably be considered atheists. However, there is a beautiful church located across the street from my reception hall. It is a Methodist Church. What should i say when I call to ask them if we could hold our wedding ceremony there? Would it put them off if I asked if I could bring in a Justice of the Peace? Thanks for your help. Happy Holidays.
2007-12-07 02:35:56 · 13 answers · asked by funnyhaha 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Ask what their policy is regarding weddings in their church for non-members. better to come out right with it then beat around the bush. They will probably ask if you are members anyway. Usually you have to be married by the pastor of the church. Some churches even require pre-marital counseling and often times if youa re not a member you would need to become one and attend their church for a set time period before they will allow you to be married there.
2007-12-07 06:38:08 · answer #1 · answered by Jennifer T 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
*An Atheist Married in the Methodist Church*
The Methodist Church is the least strict of all the churches. Honestly they have no real firm position on anything, including abortion, homosexuality, etc.
Call and ask how much it is for non-members to marry. You will have to have a meeting with them when they explain the rules (no real flowers sprinkled by the flowergirl) and price. I sat with mine and explained that I did not want a lot of religious references as my bridal party included a wiccan, a Catholic, a Baptist, a Buddhist, and an atheist. We also have many Jewish friends that would be in attendance and I wanted the religious references to not cause conflict or make anyone feel that they were being forced to convert.
At your meeting you can explain that you'd like to have someone else officiate your wedding. It's actually very common. People want a family member or the preacher that baptised her to marry them. The worst that would happen is that your money paid to rent the church also pays the preacher and then you have to pay the Justice of Peace separately. My church rental fee included the church, organist, preacher, wedding coordinator and cleaning fees.
2007-12-07 02:54:54 · answer #2 · answered by phantom_of_valkyrie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't quite understand that if you're atheists why a church setting would appeal to you but call the church or pastor & see if they will rent you their facilities.
Some churches will, others don't want the hassle. And it is the decision of the Church Board, not the Pastor alone; so don't get upset if they say no; it isn't personal.
Know that you must also adhere to that churches rules about dress, music; and most times you have to use that church's minister/priest as well.
Have you considered having your wedding ceremony at the same venue as your reception? This can be done with minimal expense and can be b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l at the same time.
I've done many ceremonies where the couples have opted for this. Works rather well.
2007-12-07 04:16:01 · answer #3 · answered by weddrev 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Every church is different. Many churches require membership by one of you. Others will do it regardless. I doubt any would if you admit you are an atheist. The only way to know is to ask.
I once was married in a Methodist church and neither of us were members. We used the church pastor and was required to undergo some spiritual premarital counseling.
Good luck.
2007-12-07 02:49:01 · answer #4 · answered by Jay L 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the church. If you or a family member is not a member of the church, they may refuse or charge you a fee for using the church.
You would need to contact the minister in charge of the church. Many pastors/priests will not let you marry in their church if you are not a follower of their belief. But you won't know until you ask.
2007-12-07 02:48:02 · answer #5 · answered by Invisigoth 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi. Why on earth do you want to get married in a church if you are both atheists? That is hypocritical and downright disrespectful.
And, even if they let you....the pastor has "first say" on who marries you. They usually do not let others come in to marry a couple unless they would be on vacation....and even then...it would need to be a member of the clergy.
Forget the church.....get married at the reception location.
2007-12-07 04:16:27 · answer #6 · answered by iloveweddings 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
diverse church homes cost diverse expenses. from time to time the fee includes the minister's value; from time to time no longer. some church homes will hire out their centers and allow you to herald your person officiant. and a few church homes cost even once you're a member of the congregation. One bride I knew thought that with the aid of fact she became a member she could use the church for loose. She ended up being invoiced for $1500.00; which became truly the marvel. verify you realize previously signing something. call numerous church homes. you will get a 'sense' for what the customary church is renting. And in case you're turnd down, do no longer take it own. some church homes have strict coverage and don't hire. And bear in techniques that notwithstanding church you do hire, they anticipate you to maintain on with their regulations i.e. decision of song, decorations, alcohol & dancing if the interest corridor is used. in case you won't be able to discover a church there are different places you are able to hold a marriage. Park, hotel, backyard, museum, vineyard, artwork Gallery, farm, yacht, even the venue the place you have your reception, that's gaining popularity. additionally to discover an officiant, variety in Yahoo your city, state & wedding ceremony officiant (no 's' on the tip) you will locate some to chosen from which will extra wholesome your needs. you are able to bypass to the bridal web pages, too, yet those web pages make distributors & officiants pay to your touch information so in case you notice somebody you are able to like, visite their web site. or you won't hear returned from somebody you will was hoping.
2016-11-14 18:35:18 · answer #7 · answered by swett 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why in the world would an atheist want to get married in any church, regardless of how beautiful it is?
Find a nice secular location that you like, and bring your JoP there.
2007-12-07 06:06:08 · answer #8 · answered by sarah jane 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One calls the church office, and asks.
Yes, it would be considered insulting to ask to bring a justice of the peace into their church as your officiant.
If you are using their church, you should be willing to have their minister as officiant. If this is a problem for you, then do not ask to use their church.
You can have the JOP marry you at your reception hall, or at any other beautiful locale. Outdoors, historic home or inn, private home, hotel . . . . your options are endless.
2007-12-07 03:35:49 · answer #9 · answered by Suz123 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Well, I don't think you can get married in a church unless you are married by someone in the church. Just call and let them know that you are getting married and think their church is beautiful. You can admit that you do not attend church regularly(I would avoid saying your are Atheists though). Just let them know you are interseted and ask them what their policy is on non-member weddings.
2007-12-07 02:40:31 · answer #10 · answered by Deanrijo 5 · 5⤊ 1⤋