Churches for Non-Members

HSchall

Does anyone know of any churches in the Cincinnati area that allow non-members to have a wedding there?  The reception is in the Indian Hill area and the guests are staying downtown so we would prefer a location in either of those areas but it is not absolutely necessary--anyplace is fine.  I know of Norman Chapel but that is the only place I am aware of.  Thanks for your help!

mrs.dilligaf

You could try First Covenant Presbyterian, but make sure you get it in writing there (they told me it was available until I showed up, and they held it for a girl who *might* have her rehearsal that night).  It's beautiful, but just get it in writing.

prokadima

Indian Hill, Milford, and Mariemont have some beautiful churches.  Perhaps you could drive around and check some out.  The location might not be ideal for you, but I am having my ceremony at the Wedding Chapel at Tri-County Vineyard and I am not a member there.

hrparker

We had some problems finding a church that let non-members come in, mainly because so many of the churches (espeically downtown) were Catholic.  We looked at First Presbyterian (it is beautiful, and INCREDIBLY convenient to our reception venue - the Cincinnati Club), but H didn't like all of the dark wood, and he really balked at the rental fee.  We ended up just using another room at the Cincinnati Club for our ceremony.

rschuckman

How about the Indian Hill Church!  It's a duel-denomination church (Christian). http://www.indianhillchurch.org/

rschuckman

Oh, so did you ever decide between Green Acres and Peterloon!?

clearheavens

hrparker, just curious, which Catholic church wouldn't let non-parishioners in?

HSchall

We have pretty much decided to go with Peterloon but the only date they had available after summer (they don't have air conditioning) was October 30th so that means that we couldn't have our ceremony outside like we wanted...so now I am looking for churches.  I love the idea of Indian Hill Church.  Does anyone know much about their wedding policies--I tried to check on their website but I think the link to the wedding info is broken.  Thanks for all of your help.

hrparker

clear,I'll have to ask MIL - she looked into it for us.  Our biggest problem, apparently, was that we're not Catholic.

Dani3679

There is the Armstrong Chapel in Indian Hill, but I don't know what the restrictions are on it, but it couldn't hurt to look into it!  It would also depend on the # of guests, it is on the small side!

HSchall

Ouch!  I found the info on Indian Hill Church and the fees are $2400 for non-members--a bit much for a 30 minute ceremony.  Armstrong Chapel would work as far as size goes (we will only have about 50 people).  Doas anyone else know anything about Armstrong Chapel?

mahoganieyes

I heard but not 100% sure about Clifton United Methodist on Clifton Avenue. HTH!

HoyaLawyaBride

I know we looked into Armstrong Chapel, but my fiances family are members. It was only $50 to rent the church as a member, but I know they allow non-members.  You cannot bring in an outside officiant, however.  I will give you a heads up... they are currently getting ready to begin construction on the chapel and the grounds that will not be completed until mid-September at the earliest (there is actually a lawsuit going on right now with neighbors fighting to prevent construction so I'm not sure when they actually will begin construction).  It is a gorgeous church and if you are having a small wedding... check out the old chapel across the street!

HSchall

Thanks everyone for all of the great info.  Sorry, I am not from the area but what is the "old chapel across the street"?  Is this part of Armstrong Chapel?  Maybe the part that will not be under construction????

rschuckman

If The Armstrong chapel etc. falls through, you could look into churches in Hyde Park.  HP is close to Indian Hill.  There a few non-Catholic churches.  Knox Presbyterian Church, HP United Methodist.

HoyaLawyaBride

The chapel across the street is part of Armstrong Church and was the original chapel for the church. Its all stone and gorgeous inside, however, it is small.  I believe the coordinator told me it can hold between 75-80 people comfortably.  As far as I know, the old chapel will not be under construction.  I last spoke the church in August and decided that we didn't want to risk construction not being completed by the time of our wedding, but they may have changed the construction plans since then!

HSchall

Wow, everyone has been so helpful!  The Armstrong Chapel sounds like it might just be perfect.  Does anyone know where I can find photos of the inside?  Has anyone had their wedding there or been to one there?

tarynnichole

I'm a member at Armstrong - you could go to the chapel to check it out anytime you'd like. They normally keep it open. Their phone number is 561-4220. You will want to get a list of their fees though - the small chapel is cheaper, but there are still custodial, officiant, etc fees.

megzies7777

Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church (mouthfull!) is beautiful and allows non-members to marry there with limited pre-marital counseling requirements. I think it can seat up to 300, and is about $1200 including organist/minister/janitor fees, etc. A little steep, but they do about 70 weddings/year and really have it down.