St. Paul's United Church of Christ - Sidney, Ohio

Wedding Policy

A wedding is a Rite of Passage for couples who are seeking marriage. St. Paul’s Church openly shares its facilities with any couple who is anticipating a Christian service of marriage.

Those who are members of St. Paul’s have first priority to reserve a time and date for their wedding. Plans should be made at least 6 months in advance in order to clear the church calendar.

Non-members are welcome to use the services of St. Paul’s on a first-come-first-serve basis. To reserve a date on the church calendar a deposit is required at the time of application. Cancellation of the wedding date will result in forfeiture of the deposit during the 90-day period prior to the wedding.

All wedding requests should be made directly with the Pastor of St. Paul’s. The pastor will help to plan the wedding service, give counsel and direct the wedding service. Other ministers are invited to participate in the wedding service, however the Pastor of St. Paul’s will be involved.

When an organist is requested, it is expected that St. Paul’s Church organist will play. The organist should be contacted at least 2 months prior to the wedding service for music selection and accompaniment of soloists. When soloists or instrumentalists require extra rehearsals, see fee schedule below.

Spaces are provided for dressing and make-up for the bridal party. Church furnishings and rooms should be treated with respect and all areas are to be restored to the condition in which they are found. Pew candles are not permitted and the throwing of rice, confetti or bird seed is discouraged. St. Paul’s Church is not responsible for articles lost or stolen and the wedding party is responsible for damage to church property or furnishings. Alcoholic beverages and smoking are not permitted.

The congregation at St. Paul’s Church serves the community by providing both a sacred and special place for services of Christian Marriage. It is our hope that couples who are wed at St. Paul’s will maintain a long-term relationship through worship, sacrament and family activity.

Current wedding fees are as follows:
Church building - $100.00
Pastor $150.00
Organist $125.00 + $25.00 per soloist(s), if any
Custodian $50.00

A deposit of $100.00 (which covers the use of the Church Building) is due at the time a wedding is booked. The remainder of the fees are due, 2 weeks prior to the day of the wedding.

When either the bride or groom is a member of St. Paul’s Church, there is no fee for the use of the Church building. Wedding fees for weddings other than in the sanctuary will be charged at the discretion of the pastor.