A sacred place for your special day
At Central Union Church our goal is to provide the best experience for your special day. Thank you for considering to have your wedding with us here at Central Union Church! Please contact us below to be connected with a wedding planning specialist for a complimentary consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions – Local Weddings
Prior to your wedding day…
- How far in advance can the Sanctuary, Atherton Chapel, or Atherton Courtyard be reserved for a wedding?
Our wedding venues may be reserved up to 18 – 24 months in advance, when accompanied by a deposit. Due to the popularity of our venues we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.
- Will we need a State of Hawaii marriage license?
Yes, unless you already have proof of legal marriage, you will need a marriage license from the State of Hawaii.
- Where can we obtain a state marriage license?
Please click here for detailed information.
- When are we required to remit payment for the ceremony?
A Final Payment Letter will be e-mailed to you 4-6 weeks prior to your wedding at which time your full payment will be due.
- How should we remit payment for the ceremony?
To submit your deposit, or payment in full, click here.
You may also pay by check, made out to Central Union Church and mailed to:
Attn: Accounting Department
Central Union Church
1660 S. Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96822
If paying by check, please be sure to write the date and venue for your wedding in the memo section for easy identification.
- As a member of another church, may I have my own minister participate in the ceremony?
Possibly. A guest clergy form must be completed and be approved by our Senior Minister. A guest minister may assist during the wedding, but our Central Union Church minister will officiate.
- May we have our own organist and soloist provide the music for our wedding?
Organist: No. The church will provide a professional organist for your wedding.
Soloist: Perhaps. The church can provide a professional soloist, if requested. Any guest soloist must be auditioned by our director of music and obtain her approval regarding the selections to be sung. If a rehearsal is necessary, there may be an extra fee required.
- Does the church have wedding coordinators?
Yes. A wedding coordinator will be assigned to you for your wedding.
- Do you require pre-marital counseling?
Yes. The minister assigned will contact you to schedule a counseling session prior to your wedding.
Right before your wedding…
- May we bring in our own decorations?
Atherton Chapel: Flower arrangements may be used as communion table decorations and may be taken home after the wedding. Floral arrangements should not obstruct the pewter cross on the communion table.
Main Sanctuary: The Church Flower Committee changes the arrangement weekly. Brides may request particular colors for that arrangement, but no guarantees can be made that the committee will be able to accommodate the request.
A wedding ceremony at Central Union Church is a worship service. All wedding music will reflect the traditions of both Central Union Church and the United Church of Christ. The Principal Organist is available to assist a couple with their selection of sacred music appropriate to the beauty and integrity of the worship service.
All musical selections will be approved by the Director of Music.
Only Central Union Church designated organists will play the organ for the wedding ceremony.
If desired, a professional soloist associated with Central Union Church will be scheduled to sing music from a selected list of wedding solos. Should a couple request an outside soloist, the soloist may be asked to provide a performance CD. When approved, this soloist will be asked to arrange rehearsal time with the scheduled organist (for an additional rehearsal fee) prior to the wedding rehearsal.
Any arrangements for additional musicians requested for prelude music prior to the wedding ceremony will need to be approved and/or facilitated by the Principal Organist.
Bridal March Harp
Canon in D
Gift of Love
Hawaiian Wedding Song
Hornpipe
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desire
Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee
Processional
Recessional
Wedding March Harp
Wedding March
Processional – NO recorded music will be used as a part of the wedding itself.
VENUES
Courtyard
Chapel and Sanctuary
Sanctuary