It is the standard policy of University Congregational Church to perform wedding ceremonies primarily for church members and their children. A person must be a contributing member of the congregation for at least one full year prior to the scheduling of a wedding to be eligible for the member wedding package.

Weddings are usually scheduled on Saturdays, with rehearsals the preceeding evening.

The church permits a small number of "non-member" weddings each year. Non-member weddings must adhere to the following guidelines:

1. All non-member weddings must be approved by the church.

2. All non-member weddings must be performed by the church's minister or an ordained minister chosen by the church to serve in place of the church's minister.

3. The church does not host receptions.

4. The rehearsal is limited to one hour, during which the minister and wedding coordinator work with the wedding party. The bride, groom and all attendants should arrive promptly to make full use of the hour.

5. On your wedding day, you may arrive 3 hours before the start of the wedding, and have use of the church for a total of 4-1/2 hours. Please plan to use the three hour time period before the ceremony to take all your bridal party and family pictures. Taking pictures before the wedding permits the wedding party to arrive at their reception without making guests wait too long. Groom and groomsmen are encouraged to arrive dressed, since their pictures are usually taken first.

*$150 non-refundable deposit required when booking your date, remainder of $1,400 due 2 weeks prior to wedding

The church schedule requires that the building be cleared 1-1/2 hours after the start of the service.

The grand piano and the pipe organ in the sanctuary may be used. You may hire other musicians and singers to perform at the wedding, as well. Taped music is not permitted. Our church pianist/organist is automatically scheduled to play at the wedding, unless you let us know you do not wish to use her services. (Her fee is included in your wedding fee.)

If your soloist needs rehearsal time with the pianist it is usually sufficient to have him / her practice during the first 20 minutes of the wedding rehearsal. You should discuss this, along with the song selections, with the pianist a week or two prior to the rehearsal. If special songs are used, please check with us to make sure we have the music, if not you will have to purchase the sheet music.

Flash pictures of the processional and recessional are permitted, but no flash pictures may be taken during the ceremony. (Camcorders may be used and non-flash pictures may be taken during the ceremony from the balcony only.)

We suggest your wedding announcements request that children under age three stay in the nursery during the wedding. A church sitter can be arranged at a cost of $30. Or you may hire someone on your own to baby-sit in our church nursery. Let us know at least two weeks before the wedding, if you plan to use our nursery.

Rose petals, if dropped during the processional, must be artificial, and you are responsible for appointing somebody to remove them afterwards.

No rice, grain, glitter or confetti may be thrown either inside or outside the church. (Traditionally, this is done at the reception.) Blowing bubbles outside on the front steps is permitted.

Receiving lines and aisle-by-aisle dismissals by bride and groom are not permitted at the church, as they delay departure for the reception. Please plan to do your greetings at the reception.

Please do not bring messy foods or drinks other than water in the building. We appreciate you cleaning up any messes before you leave.

The church has a pair of triple-tiered candelabra including candles which can be rented for $60.

If you have any questions about the church or these guidelines, please call the UCC Wedding Coordinator, Cyndi Richter, at the church office 634-0430.