Weddings, Receptions, and Special Events at All Souls Church, Unitarian

All Souls Church, built in the 1920s, is a faithful copy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields of London. Our historic house of worship features a a bell cast in 1822 by Paul Revere's son and a Sanctuary that seats up to 700 guests amidst Corinthian columns and the resonant strains of the famous Reiger Organ. Described as a "wedding cake of a church," it offers a spectacular setting for celebrating your union.

Couples of all religious backgrounds and orientations are warmly welcomed at All Souls Church, where the first publicized service of same-sex union in history was held.

We understand that this is a special day for you, one of the most important in your life, and we're committed to ensuring that your ceremony is as meaningful and smoothly realized as it is beautiful. We offer both small and traditional ceremonies.

Small Ceremony

A small ceremony, which lasts about ten minutes, can take place in the sanctuary, the minister’s office, the reception room, church library, or courtyard.  There is no pre-ceremony ministerial couples counseling involved and minimal wedding coordination by church staff.

What is a small ceremony? A small ceremony is different from a traditional wedding because it is much smaller and the service is much shorter in length.  A small ceremony takes about ten minutes and is performed at All Souls during regular business hours between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. 

Where is it performed in the Church? Depending on availability, ceremonies can be performed in the Church’s sanctuary, courtyard, library, reception room, the Eaton Room, or the minister’s office. 

How far in advance do I have to reserve the space and schedule a minister? There is no timeline requirement to arrange a small ceremony at All Souls.  Accommodations will always depend on the availability of the ministers and space. 

Can I bring my own vows to use in the ceremony? Yes, the All Souls ministers have vows prepared; however, you may provide your own to be used. 

Can I bring my own minister to officiate? Yes, you may choose any minister of your choice to officiate as long as he or she is licensed to perform weddings in the District of Columbia.

When do I have to pay? Payment is due at the time of the ceremony in the form of two checks: One made out to All Souls Church, Unitarian for the rental fee in the amount of $250.00 and another one made out to the minister performing the ceremony in the amount of $200.00.

Where can I find information about obtaining a marriage license? You can find information at the Web site for the DC Courts at www.dccourts.gov/dccourts/superior/family/marriage.jsp.

Traditional Ceremony

Reception site. Pierce Hall, with its ample space, welcoming atmosphere, and access to our catering kitchen, is available for receptions.

Photographs. Our intimate courtyard garden is perfect for wedding photos.

Reserving a date. Your wedding date can be reserved on the church calendar after you have:

• met with our Wedding Coordinator; and
• signed a contract and paid the fees for holding the space.

Because we have many requests for the use of our Sanctuary, fees are not refundable within six months of the scheduled date.

Consultation with the minister. Generally, an All Souls minister meets with you as a couple at least twice before the wedding to get to know you better, discuss the Unitarian faith, and talk with you about the spiritual issues and life challenges that often present themselves during the planning of a wedding.

Outside officiants. Should you wish to have a minister of another church or an officiant from another faith tradition participate in your wedding, the arrangement must be approved by one of our ministers. In most cases, we welcome officiants from other traditions who are licensed in DC.

Wedding license. Some ministers are willing to sign wedding licenses; other, as a matter of conscience, do not act as agents of governments that discriminate against same-sex marriages (which remains the case in Virginia and Maryland). The minister with whom you confer can clarify this with you. At any rate, remember that obtaining and processing the wedding license is the responsibility of the wedding couple. You can find information at the Web site for the DC Courts at www.dccourts.gov/dccourts/superior/family/marriage.jsp

Policies

To preserve our beautiful and historic building:

• no rice, flower petals, or confetti may be thrown in or near the church (to prevent pest infestation and to protect birds and other creatures); and
• nothing is to be taped or stapled to the sanctuary pews. We can advise on alternatives.

Fees

Members of the church of more than one year and in good standing with their pledge receive a 50% discount on the Sanctuary fee. Your Sanctuary fee includes the use of the Reception Room and the Library for the bridal party. See the schedule of fees below for other charges.

Professional fees cover premarital counseling, planning conferences with the wedding coordinator, and rehearsals. A walk through with the wedding couple, the caterers, and the church wedding coordinator is mandatory at least one month before the wedding.

Additional rooms can be included in your contract for an additional charge. Access to the Sanctuary and Pierce Hall for decorating and setting up is permitted as follows:

• The total rental time is three hours, to cover decorating the Sanctuary, ceremony, photos, and clean-up.
• Decorating and set-up in Pierce Hall can begin two hours before the reception starts, and is included in the fee. The reception and clean-up in both the Sanctuary and Pierce Hall need to be completed within the three-hour rental period.

Getting to Know You

We look forward to telling you more about All Souls Church, Unitarian, our more than 180 years of religious leadership in the nation's capital, our faith, and our traditions. We look forward to getting to know you better!

The rental fee includes use of the space, use of tables and chairs, and an Event Monitor who will be present during the length of the event. Contracted rental time includes set-up and breakdown time for the caterer. A non-refundable deposit of $200 is due when the contract is signed. The remaining balance and applicable refundable security deposits are due at least 45 days prior to the event.

For more information, please contact:

Small Ceremony Coordinator: Bill O'Field
Phone: 202-332-5266
E-mail: smallceremony@allsouls.ws

Traditional Ceremony Coordinator: Esther Strongman
Phone: 202-332-5266, ex. 140
E-mail: weddings@allsouls.ws