Ceremonies Performed
We mark many of life's important passages as part of congregational. At the Society we celebrate child dedications, weddings and unions and memorial services. As a Unitarian Universalist congregation that affirms the inherent worth and dignity of all people, we are proud to celebrate same sex partnerships.
Weddings and Unions
No matter what your situation, religion, sexual orientation or genderis, we are honored to accompany you as start your journey of love within marriage. As Unitarian Universalists we proudly celebrate and perform same sex unions.
Here are a few commonly asked questions about weddings:
What are wedding ceremonies like in your congregation?
Within our tradition there is no fixed liturgy for wedding ceremonies. We are happy to work with you to create a service that reflects your values and needs.
Are there any restrictions or requirements to be married in your congregation?
We have no restrictions regarding previous marriages. There are no counseling requirements either, although the minister will likely wish to meet you beforehand to get to know you and to discuss the details of your ceremony. We do encourage you to attend a Unitarian Universalist service sometime before your ceremony to familiarize with our history and tradition.
Why do couples choose this congregation if they are not members or from a Unitarian Universalist background?
Many times, couples who get married at our church are not actively religious, but would like a more meaningful ceremony than a civil one. Also, many couples come from different religious traditions. We have no requirements regarding congregational membership, religious beliefs, race or sexual preference.
How much do weddings cost?
For all weddings, the following fees apply:
• Sanctuary - $40 per hour; accommodates 250 people
• Downstairs - $20 per hour; accommodates 100 people
Rev. Bossen charges $350 for the rehearsal and ceremony or $300 for just the ceremony. This is the standard fee schedule for Unitarian Universalist ministers. Karin Tooley, our congregation's accompanist, is available to perform at the ceremony. Her fee is generally $100 but may be more if the music requires significant rehearsal or preparation time.
If you have any questions about weddings and unions at the Society please contact Carol Splaver at 216.932.1898 or carol@uucleveland.org.
Child Dedications
Our child dedications, which usually take place on Sunday morning, serve to welcome infants and toddlers into our religious community. Child dedications are a time when the congregation affirms its commitment to the child being dedicated and the child's family, pledging to be support them as best we can throughout their lives. As Unitarian Universalists we do not believe that children are born stained with original sin that must be wiped away by the rite of baptism. Instead, we recognize that every child is a beautiful gift and an unique creature.
Rev. Bossen occasionally performs private child dedications. If you have any questions about child dedications at the Society or by Rev. Bossen please contact Carol Splaver at 216.932.1898 or carol@uucleveland.org.
Memorial Services
In the Unitarian Universalist tradition memorial services typically celebrate the deceased person's life and offer his or her community an opportunity to grieve his or her death. Services usually include music, hymns, readings, an eulogy and a chance for family members and loved ones to reflect upon the deceased person's life. The deceased person's family members or friends often ask the minister to deliver the eulogy. When this request is made Rev. Bossen spends time with the deceased's family and friends in order to best develop a reflection or summary on the deceased's life. Memorial services vary in length from half an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the wishes of the family. The casket is not present for most Unitarian Universalist memorial services.
If you have any questions about memorial services at the Society please contact Carol Splaver at 216.932.1898 or carol@uucleveland.org.