Virginia Street Swedenborgian Church

 

Commonly Asked Wedding Questions

How big is the church?

The seating capacity of our church is 120 adults, not including the wedding party.  The comfortable and intimate atmosphere of our sanctuary makes it suitable for smaller weddings.

What kind of ceremony do you offer?

We encourage each couple to take an active role in designing their ceremony, ensuring that each ceremony is a unique expression of your marriage relationship.  You may even ad special readings and music.  We have several different options for you to choose from, and we will work with you to make your choices enjoyable.

How long does the ceremony take?

Your donation entitles you the use of ht sanctuary for a three-hour period, including the wedding itself.  Our ceremonies commonly last between twenty and thirty minutes.

What about photographers?

Since the ceremony is a sacred and intimate experience, we ask your photographers to limit their picture-taking to the processional, recessional, and wedding kiss.  You may also have someone video-tape your ceremony, provided the video equipment is kept stationary.  You may schedule your wedding portraits for either before or after the ceremony.  We are happy to work with your photographers to ensure you have plenty of meaningful mementos of your ceremony.

May we decorate the church?

Our church is a historic site, so decorations are limited to flowers and pew bows with elastic bands.  We ask that no decorations be secured by adhesive tape.  All decorations must be removed by the end of your allotted time in the church, since we often have multiple ceremonies on a given day.  We are also happy to work with your decorators to add appropriate accents to our sanctuary.

Do you require a pre-marriage meeting with the minister?

We ask that all couples arrange a meeting with our minister.  This meeting is to ensure that we provide you with a personalized ceremony.  We also encourage you to view the church as a continuing resource for keeping your marriage healthy and vibrant.  Our minister has years of experience and training in the particular dynamics of human relationships, and always loves to learn more.

May we use our own minister?

It is strongly encouraged that you make use of our resident minister.  However, if you have other clergy that is special to you, we are happy to allow him or her access to our sanctuary to officiate or co-officiate your ceremony.

Where may we and our guests park?

Unfortunately, parking space is a limiting factor of our church.  However, there is usually ample street parking on Selby Avenue and many side streets within easy walking distance of the church.  Nearby parking lots are reserved for local apartment residents and YWCA members, and are posted as such.

May we throw rice?

Rice is a hazard to the digestive systems of local wildlife, so we ask that wedding parties avoid it.  Likewise, birdseed can be hazardous to walk on.  If your guests insist on showering as you leave the church, let it be with soap bubbles (outside of the church only), the flashes of cameras, or the ringing of bells.  The church is also open to other non-hazardous ideas you may have come across.