Weddings/Commitment Services

Our Role

Our ministers are here to help you, whether or not you are members of this church community. Our Parish Minister, the Rev. Kent Matthies, our Ministry Candidate, Jude Henzy, and our Affiliated Minister for Rites of Passage, the Rev. Libby Smith, each enjoy working with couples to create the ceremony that is right for them.

Whichever minister you choose, he or she will begin by meeting with you so that you can all get to know each other and feel sure that you are comfortable working together. You will also have a chance to ask the minister any questions you might have about his/her life, faith and background. Assuming at the end of that conversation that you all feel comfortable with each other, you then begin talk about the kind of ceremony you would like. Since Unitarian Universalism has no set marriage liturgy, you have a lot of freedom. Our ministers can give you as much or as little guidance as you want, and encourage you to make the ceremony as personal as you want it to be.

Within Unitarian Universalism, we enjoy working with couples to create services that honor their individual experiences, including diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. If you come from different religions, you may want to blend those traditions in your ceremony. Some couples prefer to omit religious language altogether.

Note Regarding Accessibility

All space in the main church building is fully accessible for persons with mobility limitations. The Austin Youth Lodge is not readily accessible; there are 12-14 stairs to enter the second floor.

Requirements and Fees

All payments for the use of facilities are contributions which directly support the programs and ministries of the Unitarian Society of Germantown.

Couples who are eligible for legal marriage must obtain a valid marriage license from the state in which they will be married, and it must be in the minister’s possession before he/she can conduct the ceremony. If you are being married outside of Pennsylvania, some notice may be required to make the necessary arrangements to be recognized as clergy in that state.

We look forward to the day when we can sign marriage licenses for gay and lesbian couples and assure them of the same rights and privileges that legally married couples enjoy. Until that day, we urge you to make wills and sign durable power of attorney forms to protect your rights to the greatest degree possible.