First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh

  605 Morewood Avenue
  Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2999
  412-621-8008

WEDDINGS AND UNIONS

Congratulations!

You are about to embark upon a very important, very emotional, very exciting process - planning what will hopefully be remembered as one of the happiest days of your life!

Because this can also be a stressful time, the staff at First Unitarian Church will help answer your questions and assist you in your planning.

Whatever your situation, walk of life, religion, sexual orientation or gender, we are honored to walk beside you in this meaningful journey and hope to assist you with this joyful celebration of life and love.

In keeping with the Unitarian-Universalist principles, First Unitarian not only seeks to become a safe and affirming place for all persons regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, we support and perform same sex unions.

What is a marriage service like at First Unitarian Church?

We have no fixed ceremony. Rev. David Herndon, First Unitarian Church, and Rev. Renee Waun, East Suburban Unitarian Universalist Church, have assembled many materials, but they are open to suiting the ceremony to your wishes. We do ask that you use a Unitarian Universalist minister in your service, although the church permits leaders from other faiths to attend and assist with the ceremony. There is a full listing of U.U. ministers in the area in the wedding information packet which can be mailed to you by calling (412) 621-8008 ext. 311. Each minister brings different ideas and customs to the ceremony, and you may discuss your wishes with them. The wedding coordinator helps to administer all weddings and unions held at the church. You may expect the wedding coordinator to attend both the rehearsal and ceremony.

Are there any restrictions or requirements to be married in your church?

We have no restrictions regarding previous marriages. There are no counseling requirements either, although the minister you select will likely wish to meet you beforehand to get to know you and to discuss the details of your ceremony. We do ask that you attend a U.U. church service sometime before your ceremony to familiarize yourself with our history and traditions.

Why do couples choose this church if they are not members or from a Unitarian background?

Many times, couples who get married at our church are not actively religious, but would like a more meaningful ceremony than a civil one. Also, many couples come from different religious traditions. We have no requirements regarding church membership, religious beliefs, race or sexual preference. If you would like to learn more about Unitarian Universalism, feel free to contact Rev. Herndon, or check out the Newcomer's Corner at the UUA website for more information.

How much will a ceremony cost?

For all weddings and unions, the following fees apply:

* Sanctuary - $500; accommodates 300 people
* Church Garden - $300; accommodates 100 people
* Schweitzer Room - $100; accommodates 50 people
* Semple Room - $75; accommodates 10 people
* Undercroft Gallery, reception for 4 hours - $300; accommodates 150 people for receptions
* Schweitzer Room, reception for 3 hours - $150; accommodates 50 people

Rev. Herndon charges $350 for the rehearsal and ceremony or $300 for ceremony only - these are standard fee for U.U. ministers. Fees for the musicians are arranged directly with them, but should include time for the rehearsal as well as the ceremony.

What if I have specific questions not covered here?

Please feel free to contact our wedding coordinator at (412) 621-8008 ext. 311. We are more than happy to answer your questions, to send you a wedding packet or to arrange for a personal tour. Rev. Herndon or Rev. Waun would also be happy to speak with you regarding your ceremony, to answer questions about Unitarian Universalism, or about First Unitarian Church.

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