Non-member Guidelines
University Congregational Church
Maximum seating capacity: 300
9209 E. 29th Street North
Wichita, KS 67226
Church phone: 316-634-0430
Cyndi Richter – Wedding Coordinator – 316-461-4148
Welcome!
We are pleased that you are considering University Congregational Church for your wedding. We are aware of the importance of this day to you and will do everything possible to assist you in making this a meaningful occasion. If we have not answered your questions in these guidelines, please call Cyndi at (316) 461-4148 for more information or to set up an appointment to see the church. University Congregational Church is committed to marriage equality and performs same-sex ceremonies as well.
The Church
We have had many non-member weddings at UCC because of the beauty of the church building. It is a striking New England white church with a tall steeple. Clear glass windows allow nature to stream in and every season is beautiful. The interior is also white and a photographer’s favorite because of its simple beauty. Maximum seating capacity is 300. Weddings can be on any day of your choosing except for Easter Sunday, Christmas Eve. or Christmas Day. The cost to have a wedding at UCC is $1900.00 which includes the minister, wedding coordinator, the organist/pianist and custodian. On your wedding day, the church will be open three hours before the ceremony and an hour after the ceremony for photography, if needed. The rehearsal is typically the evening before the wedding and is limited to one hour. The bride’s dressing room is a comfortable room with couches and chairs, a large table, and (most importantly) a full length mirror. The men have their own space downstairs off of a full sized kitchen and their own rest rooms.
Minister
All weddings at UCC must be performed by the church’s minister, Rev. Dr. Robin McGonigle, Associate Minister, Rev. Paul Ellis Jackson or an ordained minister chosen by the church to serve in place of the church’s ministers. On occasion couples wish to include other clergy (from their home church or a family clergy person) as a co-officiant. Please discuss this as soon as possible and provide all contact information for the visiting minister so that we may contact them. The UCC minister must officiate but the visiting minister may do a scripture reading, prayer, or both.
The Bride and Groom will set up a meeting with the minister to discuss the ceremony no later than 30 days before the wedding day. A booklet will be given to the couple with choices of responses to each of the sections of the ceremony. This will enable the couple to customize the ceremony to suit them as couple.
Wedding Coordinator
Cyndi Richter is the wedding coordinator at UCC. She is your contact person at the church and her job is to make sure your wedding will run smoothly and with great hospitality. You may contact her on her cellphone (316) 461-4148 about the building, wedding details, or to check a date for availability.
Music
One of the first things you see when you enter the sanctuary of UCC are the prominent organ pipes. The wedding fee includes our pianist/organist, Helen Griffin, who is a gifted musician and will assist you in the selection of your wedding music. More information is available about vocalists, the use of other musicians, and special music. Recorded music is not permitted.
Decorations
Because of the simple elegance of the sanctuary, it is not necessary to spend a lot of money on decorations. Please discuss your decorations with Cyndi who can also give you ideas on pew, alter, and unity candle decorations. We have a pair of 21 candle triple tiered candelabras that may be rented for $60.00, including the candles. If rose petals are used during the processional, they must be artificial.
Photography
Over the years, most all of the photographers in the area have been at UCC to shoot a wedding. Many have told us it is their favorite church because the light is so wonderful. We want your photographs to capture your wedding but we also want to make sure the ceremony remains sacred. We do not allow flash photography or movement by the photographer after the bride reaches the front and the ceremony begins. There is a perfect view of the bride, groom, and wedding party for a video camera in balcony and an unmanned video camera may be placed on the chancel.
How to book a Wedding at UCC
A nonrefundable $250.00 deposit is required to hold a date. You may move the date at no cost but if you cancel the wedding, the deposit is not refundable. The final payment of $1650. is due two weeks before the wedding.
To set up an appointment to see the church or to check a date, please call Cyndi at 316 461-4148.
Enjoy the planning of this happy occasion!