Church wedding etiquette?

Question

im going to look at a church i like for my wedding today\

whats the etiquette ? can i just walk in2 a church i dont belong to for a browse on a monday morning?

and if theres a priest there can i ask for assistance?

ivenever been to church xcept for weddings

Answer 1

The other answers are right: Getting married in a church cause it's pretty (and not because you want to get married in the sight of God) is somewhat disrespectful. That being said, you should definitely call ahead (there is always a listing of churches by denomination in the yellow pages) and make an appointment to meet with the priest/ pastor. Many denominations will require you to attend Pre-Cana/ Marriage Prep classes before agreeing to marry you, if they will marry you at all. You should ask upfront if your intended date is available, and bear in mind that some churches (Catholic) will not perform weddings on Sundays or Saturday nights, because of conflicts with Sunday Masses. There is generally a fee/ donation required to book your date. If it looks like it's going to work out for you, don't forget to ask about regulations like throwing petals or not, decorating, music, photography, etc. I know the Catholic church has strict regulations on these things, and probably some other denominations do as well. Good luck to you and congrats on your engagement.

Answer 2

You should find the priest/pastor etc or someone who works there and talk to them first.

Its kinda rude to just go barging in on a monday morning....

Im sure they'll be happy to talk to you and show you around...just make your self known first!

Calling first would be a good idea too!

I can understand why you want to get married in a church! I have ALWAYS wanted to get married in a church, rather than outdoors. It just seems far more romanitc and magical!

Good luck - I hope you find the perfect church!

Answer 3

You should call and make an appointment. They may have a staff person or volunteer who coordinates all weddings, so you'll want to be sure that person is around when you go in to look. Don't just drop in because there may not be anyone there to answer your questions, and the church may be locked!

Answer 4

Hi.  You first need to phone the church.  Do not just walk in to browse.  It's not a rental hall.

I take it that you live in the UK.  I don't know how things work there, but here in the states it is sometimes hard to "find" a church unless you (or a member of the family) is a member there.  You will have a lot more luck looking at a non-denominational church (if you have those there....I'm assuming you do.)

Your 3 reasons to get married in a church really suck.  Please do not convey those 3 thoughts to the minister.  Please think of the REASON that you want to get married in a church.....those 3 are not it.

Answer 5

For the sake of your marriage, I think you should join a church, get some classes on what it means to get married in the house of GOD. Then, go to the Priest of Pastor and ask them how you go about getting married in the church?  

Answer 6

I think you should call the church office first.  Then ask if they are willing to consider marrying a non-member.  If they answer in the affirmative, then you can ask when it would be convenient for you to stop by . . . both to talk with the officiant and to view the church.  You may also want to ask about any fees during the telephone conversation.

Answer 7

Call in advance.  Churches often have a coordinator for special events like weddings, christenings, and funerals, and she can help you with scheduling and pricing.  (And you don't want to barge in if there is a private event going on.)

Question:  if you are not a churchgoer, why do you want a religious wedding service?