Looking for a RC CHURCH!!

We have a CHECK next to RH, but now we need a CHURCH! FH and I are registered at a very nice church in our neighborhood, beautiful inside and out but the aisle is like 3 steps to the alter So, now we are on a hunt for a beautiful church (Roman Catholic) , inside and out, with A/C, maybe with some steps out front (love stair shots for pics!) but not a big deal, and has to be in either Brooklyn, Queens or Nassau County, and also with not so many restrictions (like, I've heard some churches not marrying you bc you are not a member or you cant have decorations, aisle runners or flowers thrown on the grd - that kind of thing!) ...ladies please help! Thank you!

Are you looking for a Catholic Church, or what denomination? My church is beautiful. People come from all over to get married here. LOOOONG aisle







ETA: The first pic shows about 1/4 or 1/3 or the aisle and the 2nd shows I guess about 1/2.

My church is nice but it's in Manhattan...I know they don't allow rose petals or rice for insurance purposes and it is a little more $$ for non-parishioners

It's St. Mary Gate of Heaven Church in Ozone Park.

I think the cost is $560 including everything, the priest, the music, etc. I'm probably going to have the choir sing at my ceremony since I'm in the choir, but the organist who sings at weddings is also fantastic. There's a great choir loft which is a good vantage point for your 2nd photographer or videographer, or for some crowd shots before the ceremony.
They're pretty good with rules. It may be partially because I'm a 5th generation parishioner, but they really didn't give me any issues about rules. When I asked they said 'I'm sure whatever you would do is fine'

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Posted by chanel4201

Thanks for the info! I was thinking of having my own music selection, not sure if they would allow that...also do you know if they marry non parishoners?

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My church? Yes, they do marry non-parishioners. I know a lot of people who go to other area churches but come here to get married. I don't know if it costs more or anything. My church is, in general, pretty laid back.

They also seemed pretty fine with whatever in terms of music. I was toying with the string quartet idea. I think they just might have a restriction on where in the church they could be..like they might have to be in the choir area, which is a totally fine place to be anyway... but I would call and ask. They're seriously so laid back. No issues at all.

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Posted by chanel4201

Oh wow, thanks! I will def check them out! Any priest you recommend?

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One thing is that our priests are Montfort Misisonaries, so they travel the world. When we booked with Fr. hugh in January 2010 he said it's not outside the realm of possibility that he would not be here for our wedding, but it looks like he will be :)

We're working with Fr. Hugh. He's young, went to MIT. Just the smartest guy ever. He's very cerebral though, and can definitely talk.

'Fr. Fitz' - Fr. Fitzsimmons is the pastor. He's older. Super down to earth, great guy, funny, engaging. I think he's be great for a wedding.

Fr. Richard is new-ish, also pretty young, just a sweet demeanor.

Deacon Rich does Pre-Cana and does a lot of weddings. He's also really a great speaker.

I've never seen Deacon Tim do a wedding. He's super nice, but I don't know if he's the kind of engaging speaker you'd be looking for.

I don't think you can really go wrong with any of them. I think if you're looking for someone on the basis of being good with the crowd, I'd go with Fr. Fitz if you can (he's also less likely to travel at this point...I think). People just adore him.

Awwww!!! Thanks for all your info! You've been SOOO helpful! I will def check them out, hopefully they dont turn me away

Good luck to you too!!

You're so welcome!

Good Luck! I absolutely looooove my church I just think it's so beautiful and I love the community. My grandparents were married there 72 years ago, and so so so many people in my family. It was renovated about 10 years ago I'd say, so it's just really nice. And it's air conditioned (it wasn't when I was a kid)!


ETA: I should say that I didn't ask specifically about flowers... I don't think my sister's FG threw flowers, but we did throw petals outside. Aisle runners are totally fine (seen them at 100 weddings there), and pew bows are fine, have also seen them at 100 weddings and doing them. I didn't ask about the throwing petals on the aisle thing since if I had a FG she'd have a pomander.

I also didn't ask about throwing things outside on the steps though as I mentioned my sister did throw petals and i always see petals and confetti on the steps from weddings.

Thanks! Ahhh yes! A/C is another requirement! I will add that to my original post!

Do you mind FM me your name (maybe first and initial of last - however you prefer!) so that I can say I was recommended by you? Thanks again!