The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Niagara supports the new Freedom to
Marry law passed by New York State. The Church offers marriages to all legally
qualified couples. Our facilities are available for wedding services, receptions,
and celebrations. This is an important part our community service which we
enthusiastically and cheerfully accept.
LATEST NEW YORK STATE WEDDING FACTS (7/28/11)
The Marriage Equality Law is now in effect..
Licenses must be purchased 24 hours in advance of the wedding service.
A New York State license is good anywhere in the State for 60 days from the date
it is issued.
To obtain a marriage license one must have proper identification: i.e. a birth
certificate or a passport.
If one has been divorced s/he must bring the original divorce papers.
There must be one witness to legalize the wedding.
One must be 18 years or older to be married without parental permission.
Marriage licenses are issued by City or Town Clerks in New York State. For your
information some Niagara area municipalities where licenses can be obtained
are:
Carol Antonucci, City of Niagara Falls Clerk, City Hall, Main St., Niagara Falls,
can be reached during office hours at (716) 286-4392. Cost is $40.
Carol Brandon, Town of Lewiston Clerk, 1375 Ridge Rd., Lewiston, can be
reached during office hours at (716) 754-8213. Cost is $30.
Silvia Virtuoso, Town of Niagara Clerk, 7105 Lockport Road, can be reached
during office hours at (716) 297-2150 Ext. 133.
Marriages must be solemnized in New York State by an officiant who is either
ordained by a church or appointed by certain government bodies.
To hold a wedding at The Falls, in the State Park, one must obtain a permit.
Permits are free and may be obtained by calling 278-1763. Either the couple or
the officiant may obtain one.
Rental of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Niagara for
Weddings and Receptions
Sanctuary
Rental rate is $150 for one wedding. This includes an additional single use for a
rehearsal. Any other deliveries, or entries to the Church which require its opening
will cost $25 each. No services (officiant, music, flowers, photography,
refreshments) are included with this rental. The facility must be returned clean
and in the same condition and configuration as when it was rented. A $100
deposit is required. Our sexton must inspect the hall when its use is finished and
he locks it. If he is satisfied, he will recommend the return of the deposit within 7
days. The final decision to return the deposit must be made by an Officer of the
Church. In order to reserve the Sanctuary a payment of the rent and deposit must
be made. This is a total of $250 ($350 with heat). In the event of a cancellation
by the renter less than two weeks from the scheduled date, only the $100 deposit
will be returned. Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the building. Opening and
closing the building must be scheduled with the sexton in advance.
Members of the Church and the sexton are allowed to observe all activities and
may terminate this rental if, in their judgment, any activity is inappropriate, unsafe,
illegal, or beyond this rental agreement.
Notes: These rental prices apply only when heat is not required. The building is
NOT air conditioned; DURING HOT WEATHER IT IS HOT! It is accessible to
wheel chairs and people who do not choose to climb steps. Street parking is
available. During the heating season an additional charge of $100 is applied.
Basement Reception Hall (Unity Hall)
Rental rate is $150 for one occasion, for up to 3 hours. Any other deliveries, or
entries to the Church which require its opening will cost $25 each. The renter may
use tables and chairs in the basement. Light use of the kitchen is provided. This
includes serving food or refreshments, but not cooking or the use of the
refrigerators. Coffee and tea may be made using the Church's large coffee pot.
No other equipment, china, or utensils are included in this rental. All garbage and
refuse must be removed from the building and Church property. Its disposal must
be proper so as not to reflect poorly on the Church. The facility must be returned
clean and in the same condition and configuration as when it was rented. A $100
deposit is required. Our sexton must inspect the hall when its use is finished and
he locks it. If he is satisfied, he will recommend the return of the deposit within 7
days. The final decision to return the deposit must be made by an Officer of the
Church. In order to reserve the Basement Reception Hall (Unity Hall) a payment
of the rent and deposit must be made. This is a total of $250 ($350 with heat). In
the event of a cancellation by the renter less than two weeks from the scheduled
date, only the $100 deposit will be returned. Smoking is not allowed anywhere in
the building. Opening and closing the building must be scheduled with the sexton
in advance.
Any food or beverage brought into the Church are the responsibility of the renter.
If alcoholic beverages are served or consumed they must conform with all the
applicable laws. Any deviations from the law are the sole responsibility of the
renter.
Members of the Church and the sexton are allowed to observe all activities and
may terminate this rental if, in their judgment, any activity is inappropriate, unsafe,
illegal, or beyond this rental agreement.
A different rental agreement can be developed for cooking and preparing food to
be served. This can include the use of utensils, equipment, or china. The rate
and deposit will be higher depending on what is going to be used and done.
Notes: These rental prices apply only when heat is not required. The building is
NOT air conditioned; DURING HOT WEATHER IT IS HOT! It is accessible to
wheel chairs and people who do not choose to climb steps. Street parking is
available. During the heating season an additional charge of $100 is applied.
Services for the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Niagara
Weddings and Receptions
It is the responsibility of the renters to arrange and pay for any services they
choose. This information is provided only for their convenience. We encourage
service providers to give us their names and contact information which we will
place on this webpage and pass on to interested people.
Officiants
Our Minister may be available as an officiant to perform marriages. Contact the
Church for more information and prices:
(716) 285-8381 or by email uuniagara@yahoo.com
Alternatively the couple being married can provide their own officiant.
Music
Renters are free to provide any music and musicians they desire. Our Church
musician and outside musicians are available also. A piano and pipe organ are
in the Sanctuary. A list of some musicians and their contact information is below:
Musician of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Niagara:
Adrienne Navarroli, (716) 285-8405 anavarroli@nfschools.net
Other musicians who have requested being listed are:
Peter Smith, Harp or keyboard for $100, (716) 213-8446
Flowers and Decorations
Any desired decorations and flowers including seating ribbons, aisle runner, and
others can be placed in the Church prior to the wedding. Everything must be
removed by the renter after the ceremony.
Marli Florist and Gift Shop, (716) 297-2433
Harris and Lever Florist, (716) 282-4400
Photographers
Some local wedding photographers are listed below:
Paul Brundage, (716) 283-1663 bflobulldog@yahoo.com
Caterers
Caterers who requested to be listed are:
Carolyn's House, (716) 278-9662 Sean Male or J Susan Ben
Wedding Planner and Coordinators
Some wedding planners and coordinators who embrace the New York State
Freedom to Marry law are:
Niagara Rainbow Wedding Planning Services, (716)696-2037
mvl@niagararainbow.com, at website http://niagararainbow.com/
The Falls Wedding Chapel, (716) 285-5570 info@FallsWedding.com
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