Your Wedding at Cleveland Heights 


Decisions to be Made

Music - You are expected to invite our Organist, Charles Johnson, to play for your wedding. He will be happy to meet with you and assist you in your choice of music.  If his schedule does not permit his playing for the wedding, he may be able to assist you in finding another musician.  All use of music and musicians should be cleared through him.     Music - vocal or instrumental - should be used at all points marked with the double star (**) and may optionally be used at points marked with the single star (*).  [See General Outline of a Wedding.]  If you will be using a soloist, it will be necessary to arrange for the various musicians to rehearse together.  In any case, it is the responsibility of the Bride and/or Groom to arrange for music in consultation with our Organist.

Readers - It is traditional to include some readings from scripture (see suggested scriptures) in your service.  Although the Minister is willing to read, it is very appropriate to invite a friend or relative (whether member of the wedding party or not) to do the readings.  From 1 to 3 readings may be chosen, depending upon the number of readers.  It is permissible to choose a non-scriptural reading (poetry, etc.) in addition to any scripture reading chosen.

Decorations etc. - Basically, you will not need many decorations to have a beautiful wedding at Cleveland Heights(Visit our Virtual Tour for a picture of the Sanctuary.) However, you will want to arrange for the flowers that will be carried by the Bride and attendants.  You may provide flowers for the altar, but this is optional. 

The church owns candelabra for the chancel area and candle sticks for the aisle; but it is your responsibility to provide the candles.  [The candelabra hold 14 standard candles, and there are 16 aisle candles.]   If you are planning to include the Unity Candle Ceremony in your service, the church can provide simple candles.  If, however, you would like a special wedding candle, you may provide it. A white runner is definitely not necessary in a church which already has a beautiful blue carpet.  However, if desired, a runner may be rented or purchased from your florist. [You will need a minimum of 75' of runner.]  Two people will be required to pull the runner down the aisle in a dignified fashion.   Rice or birdseed may be thrown, either in the Memorial Garden or outside the entrances, weather permitting.

Marriage license - The marriage license is available at any city or town hall in the state of New York.  It becomes valid 24 hours after purchase and remains valid for two months.  We cannot perform a wedding without a valid license. When you apply for a license, you may be asked for a proof of age.  This can be a driver's license, baptismal record, etc. If either party is divorced, you will need a copy of divorce papers to show to the city/town clerk. At present, no blood test is required in the State of New York.

Your name - Brides are not required to change their surname, however most do.  Your options are explained when you apply for the Marriage License.   If you do change your name, remember to change it on such documents as your driver's license, voter registration, social security, car registration, insurance policies, credit cards, passport, etc. 

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