Ceremony Location

cconaty94 Posted: Jul 30, 2012 01:25 PM

Ceremony Location

Hello brides, I was wondering where everyone is having their ceremony? Here is a little insight into why I am asking.

I want a Catholic Church ceremony. I do not like the look of my church that I grew up with (no pews, auditorium style, not classic). My fiance is not from Long Island, so his church is not an option, and I do not have any other relatives on the island (not to mention I was already turned away by my sisters church). I have been turned down by several churches because they are not my 'home parish', which is a rule in the RCC, I suppose.

I thought about doing it right at my reception hall, but the coordinator told me if we were to do that, we would miss our cocktail hour (guests would move directly from ceremony to cocktail hour while we move from ceremony to photos to reception). Personally, I am all about food and family, so missing the cocktail hour just is NOT an option.

Any suggestions? Tips? Advice? Similar stories? Just want to share where you will hold your ceremony? Thanks ladies!

Kristin31613 Posted: Jul 30, 2012 01:40 PM

Ceremony Location

My friend was married over the weekend at his reception hall. You are able to make it to your cocktail if you do a 'first reveal' and take your pictures before the ceremony. That's up to you whether or not you mind seeing FH before the ceremony.
I would keep trying different churches too. Each one has different rules, so you never know...

Stine Bean Posted: Jul 30, 2012 01:53 PM

Re: Ceremony Location

Posted by Kristin31613

My friend was married over the weekend at his reception hall. You are able to make it to your cocktail if you do a 'first reveal' and take your pictures before the ceremony. That's up to you whether or not you mind seeing FH before the ceremony.
I would keep trying different churches too. Each one has different rules, so you never know...

THIS! We are getting married at the hall and are doing a 'first look' and taking pictures all before the ceremony so we are able to enjoy cocktail hour and we won't feel rushed.

robnlauren78 Posted: Jul 30, 2012 01:54 PM

Ceremony Location

Find another church. I am not from LI and my husband was not very good about attending church. When we got engaged we knew that we wanted to get married in a catholic church so we started attending a church by our house and that is where we got married- we actually had another priest that was not part of that parish marry us so I would keep looking. And as mentioned you don't have to miss your CH if you take pictures prior to the ceremony.

Lori0413 Posted: Jul 30, 2012 02:10 PM

Ceremony Location

My RH (booking this Thursday!) is in Port Jefferson, an hour away from my home parish and unfair to make people travel the day before the 4th since they'll more than likely get stuck in crazy traffic. So we're trying to get a date booked at Infant Jesus in Port Jeff -- they allow non-parishioners and actually encourage you to use an outside priest if you have one. The catch is that the contribution fee is higher there for non-parishioners. I imagine that would be the same rule anywhere, but I could be wrong. I spoke to Father Francis this morning, actually, and he was really sweet and helpful, so you might want to look there! It's also very close to Willow Creek!

2013Bride Posted: Jul 30, 2012 02:17 PM

Ceremony Location

I'm getting married at St. Philip Neri in Northport (I LOVED the look of the church & it's closer to my RH)... it is not my 'home parish' where I made my communion & confirmation at, actually I have no relatives that have ever attended services at this particular church. So no, it's not a RC rule that you can only get married at your 'home parish'.... they have been nothing but welcoming and supportive of us getting married there. We completed Pre Cana this past Spring & every one was awesome about us being there!

cconaty94 Posted: Jul 30, 2012 02:31 PM

Ceremony Location

Thanks for the quick responses girls.

I dont know if I can let go of the idea of the big reveal with here comes the bride playing.

2013 bride, Northport is a little far for me, but Im glad they will host you, it gives me hope to keep looking!

Lori0413 this really interests me! I grew up in Port Jefferson Station so I know the church and it is beautiful. We were a little concerned about the accessibility- lots of stairs and older guests at the wedding-- you'll have to let me know how you work around this. I will look into it definitely.

Thanks everyone, keep the stories coming!!

Karin Posted: Jul 30, 2012 04:50 PM

Ceremony Location

We are getting married at Our Lady of Victory in Floral Park, not our home parish and not my FH's(LI boy) home parish. I had to make several calls, but there are RCC that will marry you without previous connections to the parish. But, yes, a higer fee!

mrs2012 Posted: Jul 30, 2012 05:01 PM

Ceremony Location

DEFINITELY keep looking for churches. We 'shopped' around for something really unique too (as horrible as that sounds). neither of us wanted to go through our home parishes.
We're getting married at St Patricks in Glen Cove (the oldest RC church on li). We stopped in one day after mass and were told we didnt have to be parishoners. They have recently had new priests come in, so things may be different now. But you could also try St Patricks in Bayshore (i've seen other brides say they werent parishoners) or St. Josephs in Babylon. Just keep looking - best thing is really to talk to them in person. good luck! i hope you find something!

kaw2be Posted: Jul 30, 2012 05:16 PM

Ceremony Location

I've known quite a few people that got married at Our Lady of the Snow in Blue Point, which is not a terrible distance from Mt. Sinai. Some were members of the church and some weren't

fintababyetc Posted: Jul 30, 2012 06:02 PM

Re: Ceremony Location

Posted by 2013Bride

I'm getting married at St. Philip Neri in Northport (I LOVED the look of the church & it's closer to my RH)... it is not my 'home parish' where I made my communion & confirmation at, actually I have no relatives that have ever attended services at this particular church. So no, it's not a RC rule that you can only get married at your 'home parish'.... they have been nothing but welcoming and supportive of us getting married there. We completed Pre Cana this past Spring & every one was awe
some about us being there!

This! I was married there and it was a lovely and welcoming experience. It all depends on the parish, so keep looking until you find one... Good luck!

mattandjess2013 Posted: Jul 30, 2012 06:58 PM

Ceremony Location

St. Patrick in Bay Shore is very open and accommodating. It's my home church, but I've heard from several couples that they were married there without it being either of their home churches.