Weddings
Unions, Receptions, and Special Events at All Souls Church, Unitarian
We are delighted that you have found us. We understand
that this is a special day for you, one of the most important
in your life, and we are committed to ensuring that your
ceremony is as meaningful and smoothly realized as it
is beautiful.
All
Souls Church was built in 1924 and is a faithful copy
of St. Martin-in-the-Fields of London. Our historic house
of worship features a Sanctuary that seats up to 700 guests
amidst Corinthian columns and the resonant strains of
the famous Reiger Organ.
All
Souls has been described as a "wedding cake of a church"
and, indeed, it offers a spectacular setting for weddings.
Reception
Site
Pierce
Hall, with its ample space, welcoming atmosphere, and access
to our industrial kitchen, is available for receptions.
Photographs
Our
intimate courtyard garden is perfect for wedding photos.
Service
of Union
Same-sex couples are warmly
welcomed at All Souls Church, where the first publicized
service of union in history was held. There is no difference in
church policy between same-sex unions and other weddings.
Reserving
a Date
Your
wedding date can be reserved on the church calendar after
you have:
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.
Wedding
Certificates
Some
of our affiliated ministers are willing to sign wedding
certificates, and some as a matter of conscience do not
act as agents of governments that discriminate against
same-sex marriages. 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.
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.
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!
Fees
Members of the church of more than one year and in good standing with their pledge pay only for the organist, wedding coordinator, and Pierce Hall rental.
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 three months before the wedding.
Your fee includes
the use of two rooms (usually the Reception Room and the Library). 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:
- Sanctuary - the total rental time is three hours, to cover decorating, ceremony, photos, and clean-up.
- Pierce Hall – Decorating and set-up can begin two hours before the reception starts, and is included in the fee. The reception and clean-up need to be completed within the three-hour rental period.
| SCHEDULE
OF RENTAL FEES |
| Ceremony
Fees |
| Sanctuary
- 3 hours (weekday) |
$850 |
| Sanctuary
- 3 hours (weekend) |
$900 |
| Courtyard
- 2 hours |
$360 |
| Each
additional hour |
$200 |
| Security deposit |
$200 |
| Reception
Fees |
| Pierce
Hall - 3 hours (+ 2 hour set-up) |
$750 |
| Each
additional hour |
$200 |
| Courtyard
ceremony and reception |
$800 |
| Catering security deposit |
$200 |
| Professional
Fees |
| Minister
|
$500 |
| Wedding Coordinator (ceremony - mandatory) |
$300 |
| Wedding Coordinator (reception - mandatory if held at All Souls) |
$300 |
| Organ usage |
$50 |
| Reception table and chair set-up |
$125 |
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 deposit of $200 is due when the contract is signed. The remaining balance and applicable refundable security deposits are due at least forty-five (45) days prior to the event.
For
more information, please contact:
Erin West, Wedding Coordinator
1500 Harvard Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202-332-5266, ex. 140
Fax: 202-332-8968
E-mail: weddings@allsouls.ws
|
