| Many couples think that by having their wedding in a | | | | deal on the church and the area of the country or |
| church, they'll be saving the cost of a venue rental. | | | | state you are planning your service in. As a general |
| Unfortunately, this isn't so. The Bridal Association of | | | | rule, packages run anywhere from a low of $400 up |
| America shows the average rental cost of a church | | | | and through $2,000. |
| running between $400 and $450. Of course this is only | | | | One thing you'll want to keep in mind is that even when |
| an average. It may be that your hometown church, | | | | you purchase a package deal, you still could end up |
| located in a small town, may only charge you $100. But | | | | paying extra fees. For example, decorations the |
| if you are in a large city, the rental cost could run you | | | | church provides may not include flowers or an aisle |
| $1,000 or more. If you are looking at getting married in | | | | runner. Unity candles or a wedding canopy are sure to |
| a famous church, you could be looking at a | | | | cost extra. And you could even be charged an extra |
| substantially higher rental cost. | | | | fee if you want the church bells to ring at the |
| Depending on the church, you may also be faced with | | | | conclusion of your service. |
| an additional cost for the officiant as well as a | | | | If you are a member, or your parents are a member |
| refundable cleaning deposit. The rental cost for most | | | | of the church where you plan on getting married, you |
| churches includes rental of the church for 4 to 5 hours | | | | may end up getting a substantial discount, so be sure |
| (so that you'll have time to set up) and will generally | | | | to ask. There are many small town churches that will |
| include a rehearsal which is normally held the evening | | | | charge very small rental fees to members - mainly just |
| before the wedding. | | | | to cover any cleaning costs. Of course, in these cases |
| There are some churches that will offer wedding | | | | donations are always appreciated. |
| packages that include all of the services you'll need - | | | | Churches tend to book up very quickly and far into the |
| including the officiant, cleaning, organist and all the | | | | future in busier locations. You also may need to put a |
| decorations you'll need. As with anything to do with a | | | | deposit down to hold the church as well. If this is the |
| wedding, prices vary significantly and depend a great | | | | case, be sure to ask about their refund policies as well. |