Churches for wedding (Allentown, Bethlehem: hotel, house, weddings)

[sweetnic1977]

I just moved to the area recently with my fiance and are trying to plan our wedding in an area unknown really to either of us. Does anyone know of any churches preferably in Bethlehem area that would allow weddings without being members?? We are having our reception at Hotel Bethlehem and would like something nearby. Or any other ideas??? thanks!

[Lehigh Valley Native]

Originally Posted by sweetnic1977

I just moved to the area recently with my fiance and are trying to plan our wedding in an area unknown really to either of us. Does anyone know of any churches preferably in Bethlehem area that would allow weddings without being members?? We are having our reception at Hotel Bethlehem and would like something nearby. Or any other ideas??? thanks!

Most Protestant churches will allow you to have a wedding there and not be a member, although the charges will be higher.

We had ours at Jordan U.C.C. in Allentown and became members, but you can have it there without being a member. The sanctuary of the church is beautiful and the church grounds and peace garden provide many places for great pictures. Jordan is only about 15-20 minutes from Hotel Bethlehem.
Jordan United Church of Christ

[janeannwho]

I have to ask. Why not join the church of your faith and have the wedding there? I have been to weddings at the Hotel Bethlehem and it was lovely, they had the service in the Hotel and had a horse and carriage to take them around the Moravian grounds and the historic District for pictures. And we were able to go down for a stroll or sit at the bar, between the wedding and the reception. Just a thought.

[karen_s]

Originally Posted by sweetnic1977

I just moved to the area recently with my fiance and are trying to plan our wedding in an area unknown really to either of us. Does anyone know of any churches preferably in Bethlehem area that would allow weddings without being members?? We are having our reception at Hotel Bethlehem and would like something nearby. Or any other ideas??? thanks!

Why don't you visit a few of the neighboring churches and speak with the pastors, see where you'd feel "at home" with the church and the pastor. To me, the officiant and the actual service are so important, much more so than the reception or any other of the details. Most pastors want to get to know you and help you prepare by doing some premarital counseling. Bethlehem has so many different denominations and churches, there has to be something that would be a good fit with you. I have personally been at weddings at First Presbyterian, Wesley United Methodist, and the Cathedral Church of the Nativity, and all were lovely. I wish you lots of luck!

[janeannwho]

Karen
Yes, I agree. A church wedding is more than having a wedding in a church and I have been to a few weddings where the couple chose the church for its look and feel, rather than for the values that the particular church stood for and they always seem a bit hollow. I loved having my wedding years ago, in a church, where the priest knew us, and yes, most churches expect a period of religious counseling prior to marriage.
Sweetnic, I hope that you find a great beginning for your new life.

[sweetnic1977]

I want a wedding in a church for more than just the look or feel. I want it for the values of being married in a house of God. I am Catholic and previously married. I never went through the annulment process therefore can not get married in a Catholic church. I struggle with the issue of having to pay to have someone tell me something over a decade ago is now void. Also, the time frame does not work. Even if I did go through the annulment, I could not get married this summer. You can not set a date until the process is complete which may take a year. Since I am a teacher, my only options really are this summer or next. I do not want to cohabitate longer than necessary...

[janeannwho]

SweetNic
You might want to call the Unitarian Church. I was in your exact situation, annulment did not get finalized, etc, but was approved so we chose to go to the Unitarian Church where there are people from all faiths who join together. It might be exactly what you are looking for, it was for us. I struggled with the same issues, and that is why I found it so important to make the ceremony mean something.