Wedding Tip: Questions for the Church

St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption is a beautiful church with great stained glass windows.

Here in the Cincinnati we are blessed with so many beautiful churches. Go just about anywhere around town and you will find churches with great architecture and history. Back in the day, when I was planning my wedding, I had to look for a church. My home church was not big enough for my guest list so I had to start a search. When looking for your church there are a few things to consider. Also, some of the answers to these questions may impact the photos that we are allowed to capture of you on that day. (For instance, if we are only allowed in the back it is a lot harder to capture those super tight close up photos.) It also helps for planning your timeline for the day.

Is there a place that we can get dressed - a parlor or somewhere that would be a good background for photos is ideal. Available light from a window is best for more natural photos.

How early may we be in the church (will there be another wedding that day or a church service before our ceremony)? If it rains can we come early?

When will my rehearsal be scheduled for, what days and times do you have weddings and rehearsals?

How long after the service will we have for formal portraits?

Do you allow a receiving line? (Some churches surprisingly do not allow these as they have multiple weddings on a Saturday.)

What are your rules for photographers and videographers? Where are they allowed to be during the service?

About how long will my ceremony be?

What are rules about decorating the church?

Many churches are very relaxed and have only a few simple rules. Other churches have time lines that need to be kept so as not to interfere with the other weddings going on that day. Happy church hunting.