UU Flint offers spaces for weddings, receptions, open houses and such. We have a beautiful sanctuary that is perfect for a small or large wedding.

SPECIAL INFORMATION FOR
WEDDINGS AT THE UUCF

Weddings at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Flint may be formal or informal, small, large, traditional or modern. To begin planning your wedding, you should call or e-mail the church office, and do three things: 

  • Select a tentative date and time for you wedding.
  • Pay a $125 security deposit on the sanctuary to research the date and time; if you wish to use our Fellowship Hall for your reception, there will be an additional security deposit of $225; make sure you see all requirements for security deposits, noted above. 
  • Arrange for an appointment with the minister. 

Weddings are not performed on Sunday mornings, nor are they scheduled in conflict with previously arranged events at the church. 

  • Fee for Minister  $300.00 

w/ rehearsal, additional  $50.00 

  • Fee for the Sound Technician  $50.00 

w/ rehearsal, additional  $50.00 

These costs are in addition to rental fees for the sanctuary, fellowship/reception hall, and/or kitchen, noted above. We offer two specials for Wedding Facilities Rental which includes the use of our Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall (four hour period), and Kitchen, and the security deposit for each.

  • Facilities Rental:  $700.00  ($100.00 value)
  • Security Deposits:  $350.00  ($50.00 value)

The balance of fees must be paid two weeks before your wedding at the church office. 

Additional Church Policies for Weddings
No rice, flower petals, confetti, birdseed or grass seed is to be thrown in the building or on the church grounds. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in forfeiture of the entire security deposit. Although bubbles are permitted outside of the church building, please note that disposed bottles must be disposed of appropriately.

Your interview with the minister
Your interview with the minister should be a warm and friendly event. It does not matter that you may have been married before or come from some other religious background. What matters is your maturity and strength now. This interview will not encourage you to join our church nor is it marriage counseling. Together, we will determine the kind of ceremony that you would like and compose that ceremony. It is with the minister that your service will be planned. On rare occasions, the minister with whom you meet may not be able to marry you due to an emergency. If this occurs, we will inform you as far ahead as possible. Your arrangements will be honored.

If you wish another minister to perform your ceremony, our minister will gladly extend an invitation to the clergy you wish to have officiate.

The minister will also let you know at your first meeting whether you will need a rehearsal (generally, when there are several members in the wedding party). A rehearsal is usually held the day or evening before the wedding and lasts about an hour. It is important that all participants, including ushers, be in attendance. This includes the wedding party, parents, readers, musicians and attendants.

Dressing Facilities
Our overflow room, adjacent to the sanctuary, is available and restrooms are close by. Please note: The church is not responsible for lost or stolen property. 

Ambiance
Our Sanctuary includes a sound system that can play records, cassette tapes or CDs. Our sound system can only be operated by our sound technicians. Should you desire the use of our sound system, let the office know at least one month in advance and arrangements will be made. We have a Baldwin grand piano in our sanctuary, which you may use with church approval. 

Flowers and runners are to be arranged by the wedding party directly with the florist. No flowers, however, may be pinned or attached to the pews, nor can arrangements be placed on the piano. Flowers may be delivered during the four-hour contractual wedding time. If a unity candle is to be used, the wedding party is responsible for supplying one. Be certain to supply, as well, the two side candles to use in the lighting of the unity candle. Plan to have the candles in time for rehearsal. While candles are welcome, we would like to remind wedding parties that any damage incurred will be deducted from the security deposit. 

Good pictures will help you remember your joyful day. Flash pictures are allowed for the processional and recessional. Once the wedding begins, no pictures will be allowed, except by a professional photographer. Videotaping is allowed but the rules for photographers apply. Special video lights are not allowed. 

Marriage Licenses

You must apply for your license at any county clerk’s office within 30 days of and at least three business days before, your marriage date. The current Genesee County fee is $20. You must be 18 and “capable by law of contracting marriage.” If you are 16 or 17, you may apply with parental consent. Blood test and AIDS counseling are no longer required. For further information and requirements call Genesee County Clerk at (810) 257-3225. Please bring your marriage license to the rehearsal. 

On the Day of the Wedding
For traditional weddings, brides, attendants and family should arrive one hour before the wedding. Ushers should also arrive one hour before the wedding. The groom and best man should arrive 45 minutes before the wedding, and close relatives should arrive 30 minutes before the wedding. We allow 4 hours between weddings. 

For non-traditional and modern weddings, you should plan out a schedule that works for your ceremony with the minister.

A printed program listing the wedding party, music and order of service is often distributed to guests. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Flint does not supply this service.