A church wedding is more of an emotional decision for those who grew up in the church than a practical home. They grow up with a dream of walking down the aisle on their big day under the roof of a church. If you are one of them, then you must be wondering how much does a church wedding cost. What does the entire setup look like? Will it cost you a fortune?
Honestly, it doesn’t. The cost of a church wedding might be relatively low. Considering that the average cost of a wedding venue is between $3,000 and $10,000, paying a small amount to the church might save you a lot of money. If the ceremony and reception are to be held in the same church, you can save money on your wedding venue.
How Much Does a Church Wedding Cost?
The most prevalent question is, how much does a church wedding cost? Ideally, there is no charge for a church wedding in reality. A religious wedding is not a marketplace for the blessings of God. On the other side, you can make a donation. Even if the couple only uses the church grounds for a few hours, it’s still a donation. It’s possible that couples who grew up in or regularly attended church will be charged nothing or very little. The average price of renting a church is $200. On the other hand, non-members should expect to pay between $400 and $2000 for a church wedding.
In a small town, a church with a seating capacity of 100 can be found for between $100 and $300. A synagogue with a seating capacity of 250 people can be rented for $400 to $700 on average. It costs between $800 and $3000 to build a cathedral that can hold more than 300 people. It all depends on where you live, what kind of church you want to get married in, and how much you’re willing to spend.
Costs Associated with a Church Wedding
The following are the costs associated with a church wedding:
· Organists or Musicians
Depending on the church, this may or may not be included in the ticket price. The cost of hiring a band for your wedding may fall on you. The price can range from $300 to $900, depending on the number of persons and their experience level. The music at a wedding ceremony is typically lively instead of the more somber music played at the reception.
· Decoration
Some churches will require you to purchase decorations, while others are already decked up. Decorations such as flowers, tulle, or burlap for the couple tent, candles, signs, and ribbons are some of the viable options. According to the Bridal Association of America, the average cost of the decoration is $391.
· Steeple Bells
Steeple bells are a popular request for wedding ceremonies. This is not a free service in the majority of churches. $100 or more is the norm for a night out on the town for couples.
· Covering
Breast-baring is prohibited in several churches, including those of the Anglican and Catholic faiths. It is also prohibited in some of the Pentecostal varieties. However, it is necessary to expose the bride’s or her bridal party’s chests, arms, and shoulders throughout this process. It costs between $30 and $70 per pair for shawls, caplets, hair scarves, or caps.
· Ceremony Supplies
Ceremony supplies are more expensive for couples who wish to incorporate rituals into their wedding ceremony. A unity candle or sand ceremony can cost anywhere from $20 to $100 in supplies. The cost of a simple or extravagant chuppah or canopy for the Jewish ceremony can range from $100 to $500.
· Deposit
Only a few houses of worship demand a refundable deposit in the unlikely case of no harm being done to visitors. An estimated $200 is required for the purchase of this item.
The Cost of Churches
If you’re getting married in the United States, you’ll need to know how much it costs to rent a church.
1. Middle Collegiate Church
If you are getting married in this historical church that dates back to the 17th century, an hourly charge of $2,000 can be expected for a wedding in your area. A hundred dollars more is charged for every hour over the allotted time that the wedding lasts. This fee includes both setup and cleanup. Additionally, there is a day-off coordinator, a fully supplied kitchen, and a large parking area available for guests. This museum is a major tourist attraction because of its historical significance.
2. Wayfarer Chapel
The price for two hours at the glass chapel ranges from $2600 to $3000. This service includes both organizing and cleaning. The wedding cost includes everything from the venue’s parking to the bride’s dressing room.
3. Redeemer Church
Only 200 persons can be accommodated at a time in this facility. There are dressing rooms for the groom and bride at the venue. It has everything you need for an event, including an audio and video projection system, microphones, and a parking lot. The standard rehearsal time is two hours per day for a week before the wedding and a five-hour wedding ceremony. One of their ministers will perform the wedding. The presence of an extra custodian ensures a smooth day. The total cost comes to $500. After the seventh hour, Marty Leonard Chapel in Texas costs $50 per hour.
4. Marty Leonard Chapel
There are 200 seats in this chapel. The price depends on the day and the hour of the day. The management of this chapel charges between $375 and $800 Monday through Thursday. The price ranges from $550 to $1200 over the course of the weekend. Additionally, a $300 non-refundable down payment is required.
Discounts for Church Weddings
You’ll need a strong relationship with the church for a church wedding to save money. You need to be a member for at least a year. They typically charge just enough to cover the cost of the wedding. If you are a member, there are no restrictions on any other aspect of life.
Final Words
If you have an emotional connection with your church, you should definitely opt for a church wedding. How much does a church wedding cost, you ask? You don’t have to scratch your head and worry about this question anymore. This article has all the answers for you. The pricing mentioned in this article covers kitchen and dressing area decor, furnishings, piano, and sound systems. It also includes the time of rehearsal and the wedding ceremony. Most churches offer additional time for bridal portraits. However, prices may differ depending on the location.
