Church Rant

Why do they cost so much to get married in?

Re: Church Rant

I'm paying $350 but they all differ. For instance, I know someone who got married at St. Josephs in Garden City and he paid $750!

Re: Church Rant

the church we are getting married in said 'give what ever you can give'
???????

Re: Church Rant

Our 'church fee' was $400. Plus $125 each for the organist and singer. So, $650 altogether. Grrr!!

Re: Church Rant

what churches are you getting married in?

Re: Church Rant

Mine is $425 plus tips for the altar servers. I really have no problem with it, it's such a big part of the day and the whole point of the wedding and to me the most special part. I'm pissed about what I'm paying for vendors, especially flowers that will die that day. Think about the stuff that the fee or donation or whatever will go to support - your church probably does some nice charitable things for the community, that's how I'm looking at it.

HOWEVER - I find my church donation reasonable, some of them are quite ridiculous. Some churches feel entitled since the day is costing so much, but I think that's just taking advantage. It's not our fault everything costs so much!

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AHHH you know what i dont even know what i have to pay b/c FH's grandma practically runs it...

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We paid $350- for a Greek Orthodox Church

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we have to pay a total of $750 to get married in the church, regardless of wether or not we use all of their services...

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My church didn't charge because I am a member. I do have to pay the orgainist and I will be giving the church a donation as well.

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I dont know, I just keep telling myself it's for a good cause

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I am a member of the Church ...and I did not even ask the priest how much it will be . I will have to find out though!

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yup, we are paying $600 donation, plus $200 for music.
RIP OFF

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I was looking at St. Catherines of Sienna in Franklin Square and I think the 'donation' was $175 (if i remember correctly). and then $150 for organist and another $150 for a vocalist.

I still haven't decided if I will use the church or my reception site. My reception site is $850 + officiant but it does include the flowers & decorations... church doesn't provide any of that.

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I'm getting married at St. Catherine's. I was told that the fee was $300 plus organist ($150) and singer ($150), so it ends up being $600.

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The churches seem like alot however most halls cost about $750 to get married at. We didn't want our guests to drive, our church isn't a breath taking building and we're christain so our pastor gladly offered to come to our hall and marry us. We still will need to give him an 'honorarium' I don't know what he goes for.

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I know! We have to pay $750 for our church. That includes music and electricity for our rehearsal. FMIL says that the best man is supposed to cover the church? I don't know if I feel right about him doing that...

Re: Church Rant

Right after we set a date I called my church( FAMILY CHURCH FOR OVER 100 YEARS) out in east Hampton and spoke to them--They told me it would be 1500.00 to use the church-

needless to say i am getting married in RH and i think it going to be much better!!

i love my church but i think that is a little over the top.

Re: Church Rant

i've posted on this before, but there are varying reasons why churches ask for different donations. Mainly, it depends on the size of the parish and their financial situation. some church donations are larger than others because their bills are higher, more staff to pay, etc. etc. Some churches have very small congregations, but still have large bills to pay. Many churches (not all) also take from your donation the cost of Pre-Cana, paying the muscians, etc.

ANY church will marry you for nothing, but IMO, most of us on a site like this that can afford a hall, flowers, videograhper, etc. etc. can surely give the church a few dollars in grateful receipt for the Sacrament. I would much rather the Church use my money for GOOD, then lining the pocket of some vendor.