Weddings at First Unitarian Church of Cleveland
We welcome your interest in being married at the First Unitarian Church of Cleveland. Planning a wedding is both a joy and a time of many concerns. We pledge to work with you to make your wedding an occasion of celebration and memories.
In the Unitarian Universalist tradition, marriage is ultimately a promise made by two people to make a life together. We require no doctrinal test or religious requirement from couples planning their wedding here. The essence of our faith is not a statement of belief, but the continuing process of living responsibly, affirming the many gifts life brings us.
Clergy
It is our expectation that ministers of our congregation will officiate at all weddings held at First Unitarian Church. Clergy from other Unitarian Universalist churches or from other religious traditions are welcome to participate in a joint ceremony. In the event of a joint ceremony, the same ministerial fees will apply.
The ministers give priority to weddings of Members and Friends of First Unitarian Church of Cleveland. The ministers may officiate in weddings at locations other than the church.
Making Arrangements
For more information, please contact our Membership Coordinator, Kathie Kitchingham, at 216-751-2320 ext. 27, or by e-mail at Kathie@firstunitariancleveland.org. She can give you a tour of the building, answer any further questions and book your wedding.
To contact either minister, the Reverend Daniel Budd or the Reverend George Buchanan, or Music Director, Fern Jennings, please call the church office at 216-751-2320.
Useful Information
BUILDING: The building is wheel-chair accessible. An elevator offers access to all floors. Smoking is not permitted in the building or near the entrances. Guests may throw birdseed outside, but no rice. Balloon releases are not permitted.
FEES: A non-refundable deposit is charged for all weddings, regardless of the couple’s membership status. The deposit must be made at the time of booking. It will be applied to the balance of the total charge for the wedding. All remaining fees must be paid to the church or the Minister one month prior to the wedding.
FLOWERS: Please advise your florist when the church will be open for floral delivery, then tell the church office when flowers will be delivered. Nails, tacks, wire or tape may not be used to secure decorations. Flowers not removed following the ceremony may be used for the next church service or otherwise disposed of by the staff.
MARRIAGE LICENSE: It is the responsibility of the wedding couple to secure a valid marriage license. It is given to the minister prior to the rehearsal.
MUSIC: Many couples plan wedding music to reflect their personal style. The music might include traditional and more modern elements and may include CDs or live music of various types. Music Director, Fern Jennings, is available to assist you with your choices. If the ceremony is to include organ or piano music you must consult the Music Director to secure her services or to request permission for another person to use the instruments. Fees for weddings are negotiated directly with and payable to the musician(s).
PHOTOGRAPHY: Photography and videotaping are permitted during the ceremony by agreement between the minister and the wedding couple.
RECEPTION: Fellowship Hall is available for wedding receptions to Members and Friends only. Capacity is 102 seated for dinner or 219 standing.
SANCTUARY: Total seating capacity is 438. Twenty-one pews on each side of the main floor seat 393. Three pews in the balcony seat 45. The sanctuary is wheel-chair accessible. The balcony is not. The carpeted center aisle is 5’ wide. The length of the center aisle from sanctuary entrance to the base of the chancel steps is 69’. The length of the center aisle from sanctuary entrance to the halfway across the chancel is 84’. Two white candelabra holding seven 16” candles each are available. It is the responsibility of the wedding party to provide the candles.
Fees
(Approved by the Board of Trustees: 5/17/2005)
Payable to the Church
Deposit non-refundable $100
Sanctuary 3 hour minimum $300
Sanctuary additional hours $100/hour
Rehearsal $100
Fellowship Hall reception** $150
Baker Room no charge
Custodian 3 hour minimum $100
Payable to individual
Minister $350
Organist (negotiated) minimum $200
* If a Member or Friend’s pledge is less than the total fee for the wedding, the couple is responsible to make up the difference.
** The church is available for receptions only to Members and Friends.