Ceremony Site Ideas

TJSnyder

We currently do not belong to a church and are looking for a ceremony site.  Our wedding is May 2012.  (i know, cutting it short).  We would consider needing to take the classes if necessary.  Some of the local chapels are too pricey for our budget.  Looking for ideas on places that are open to non-members without pressure.

msteaches

Not sure where you are located but we looked at the Hope chapel in Shebly Township. You would have to find someone to marry you. We didn't go with them because It only holds 80 people.

http://www.shelbytwp.org/departments/prm/historic_hope_chapel.jsp

Allycat11

This is a little hard to answer without knowing your budget or a more specific location.

Our wedding was at St. Michael Lutheran in Canton.  We felt at home there, with no pressure to join though (We also were living in Rochester at the time so becoming members was not logical).  Their non-member fees were very affordable.

zulamay

First United Methodist Birmingham is really beautiful and will allow non-members to marry.  Since it's cheaper to marry as a member, they actually worry about people joining the church just to save money and thus no pressure to join.  They require one marriage session that was super easy - just takes up a Saturday morning and you are there with a bunch of other couples, so it's pretty impersonal. 

Also, per my earlier post on the board, Planterra is having a Groupon - it is a secular option with no pressure to marry.

zulamay

I mean, no pressure to join anything.  Not marry. Of course you want to get married  

Sue-n-Kevin

Depending on the size of your guest list, and location you prefer, there is Greenmead Village chapel, where we got married. It's in Livonia at 8 Mile and Newburgh Rd intersection in an historic village. They have lovely grounds for pictures. The chapel is non-denominational, you have to supply your own officiant. It only holds 100. Link in my bio below, under "vendors". I think it was $400 for a non-Livonia resident, not sure what the prices are now.

Nkwane

BUMP

I would like to hear more suggestions. I am looking as well for a ceremony site that allows for non-members. 150 people/Dearborn area. I've checked the sticky thread and search. Budget: no more than $1000

feel free to pm me if needed.

TJSnyder

Hi All,
Thanks for the ideas.  We luckily found a FANTASTIC place that was totally in the budget.....well, reasonable without getting our pockets dried out by a church or chapel.  I'm sorry, I understand the religious aspect of a ceremony, but churches should not charge a fee that is higher than a chapel.  Even if you are a member. 
We ended up going with King's Court Castle in Lake Orion.  It's part of Canterbury Village for those who don't know.  We received an AWESOME deal...3 hrs for $600 and full use of the grounds.  I HIGHLY recommend this place.  So easy to work with.