Facilities:

Does your Chapel have parking?     Yes!  There is an adjoining parking lot.  Additional parking less than a block away can also be arranged.

Is it handicap-accessible?  Yes!  All parts of the building are accessible.  There is also a LULA elevator connecting the Chapel and the Reception Hall.

What is the Chapel like?   Very roomy, bright and warm, with the glow of a well-kept historic building. It has a raked floor for visibility, and cushioned seating.

Are there dressing rooms available?  Yes, your wedding party can do last-minute dressing on site.  Full-length mirrors are available.

The Wedding Ceremony

Is this Protestant or Catholic?  Is there a priest available?

How long is a wedding ceremony?  Usually between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the amount of special music, the size of your wedding party (because of entrance, movements, exit, etc.), special flourishes such as lighting a "unity" candle, and any religious observances such as Communion.

What happens during a wedding ceremony?  The couple, family and friends come together ceremonially to hear special readings and prayers for blessing.  At the center of the ceremony is the exchange of commitments between the couple (which signifies the wedding contract).  Usually there is an exchange of wedding rings as well.  These basic elements are often surrounded with music, color and other magical ceremonial details.

Can we choose our own vows?  Yes, of course you can.  How you choose to word your promises of commitment to one another is very personal, beautiful, and important.  Bring with you any drafts or examples you like to our first meeting.  We have other samples to share with you.

Do you perform gay and lesbian ceremonies?  Yes, we do!  Gay and lesbian "holy unions" or weddings are a part of our community service.   See:  My Big Fat Gay Church Wedding!

What are the minimum requirements to get married?  For a legal marriage, you need a valid marriage license (same-gender couples should file a domestic partnership).  You need to exchange vows or commitments to create them marriage contract.  And you need at least one witness to sign your license.

     To prepare for the marriage ceremony, you will meet with Pastor Dan Hooper, who will counsel you and guide you through the planning process, officiate at your ceremony, and continue to pray for your happiness and fulfillment in your marriage.

What if we forget something on our wedding day?  We have supplies, extras, and things you might need on hand right here.

My mother is coming from abroad, and doesn't speak much English.  Can you perform the ceremony in another language?  It depends on the language, but we have either pastors or priests who partner with us who can provide a wedding ceremony in Spanish, German, Chinese or Tagalag. 

Music

Do you have a real pipe organ?  a piano?  Yes, we have a wide selection of instruments in the Chapel, including a pipe organ, grand piano, harpsichord and electronic keyboard.

Do you have musicians available?  Yes, we have excellent, qualified musicians to perform at your wedding--both vocalists and instrumentalists. Everything from contemporary wedding music to Renaissance-style music is available.

Can we bring our own soloist?  And accompanist?  Yes!

There are many more details and resources for planning your wedding music.  See:  Music for your Special Day.

Wedding Reception

Can we have the Reception there?  Can we dance?  Yes!  Yes!  There are only limitations on the times and duration of a Reception.

Can you recommend a caterer?  Yes, please see:  Wedding Partners. 

Can we decorate?  Yes, of course.  Also see:  Practical Resources.

What about colors? candles? displays?

Can we have champagne at our reception?  Yes, it is permitted, with certain precautions.

Our Relationship

We love each other, but the stress of planning our wedding is tearing us apart.  Can you help us?  We'd be very happy to help you through the complicated planning, so that the love you have is not harmed or destroyed in the process!  Learn how to communicate, to resolve disagreements, to dissipate tensions, and to get the planning done so that when your special day comes, you still love one another.

What if we’re already living together? What if one of us was previously married?  This church does not create impediments to marriage based on previous marital status, current living arrangements, gender or sexual orientation. We want to be supportive of your best efforts to create a life together which is joyful, forgiving, resilient, and a benefit to others. We are supportive because we have an open and generous view of God and of the human capacity for love. Planning your wedding together can be a sign and an occasion for tremendous emotional growth and spiritual maturing. We think that those things are more important than one’s past mistakes or experiences.

General comments on questions such as these can only offer a little. When meeting with us to plan your wedding, these questions provide an opportunity, but not an obligation, for deeper conversation about your personal growth and your love relationship. But simply put, we will not exclude you on the basis of a prior marriage, etc.  For further reflection, click here.

What if we can’t get a marriage license?  Some couples choose not to, or cannot, obtain a valid marriage license.  Same-sex couples are not yet permitted to legally marry.  Older couples (one or both of whom have been widowed, for example) on Social Security may fear losing their benefits and do not desire a legal wedding.  While legal marriage confers thousands of legal benefits, it is the mission and ministry of this church to serve God by blessing and confirming your love, not merely to ratify your legal marital status.

Are there other restrictions or conditions?

Practical Matters

How far in advance do we need to reserve a date?  Depending on the time of day or week, you should schedule your event as soon as possible.  Generally there are dates available within two months.  However, because of the many details and decisions you face in planning, it is best to allow four to six months of lead time.  See:  Planning Timeline

What days and times are available?  Our most available times are Saturday mornings and afternoons, and Sunday afternoons and evenings (for popular "twilight" ceremonies).  the time of day you choose for your Wedding Ceremony usually suggests the kind of Reception you will offer (for example, a brunch, simple refreshments, or a full buffet or sit-down dinner).

Can we have a rehearsal in advance?  Do we need a rehearsal?  We encourage a rehearsal, especially if your wedding party is large (best man, maid/matron of honor, attendants, ring-bearer, etc.; parents and families, etc.), and if there is live music being performed.  A rehearsal usually entails most or all of your attendants, one or to nights before the ceremony, and is scheduled as part of your planning process with us.

We're in a hurry! Can you help us?  Yes, we can work with your limitations or restrictions.  But if your lead time is quite short, your options are limited.  Do you still have time to invite your family and friends?  Can you forego an elaborate reception (or perhaps hold a celebration several weeks later)?

How much does it cost . . .?  for a Wedding?  . . . for the Reception?  The actual cost of using the facilities and services of Hollywood's Wedding Chapel depends on the range of services you desire.  We offer several levels of service for those who have a tight budget or who dream about an elaborate ceremony with all the traditional flourishes.  See:  The Cost of Getting Married.