Laurel Chapel

Here are some answers to the questions we get asked the most.

Questions about our Chapel

Q: How many people can the chapel hold?
A: Our chapel will seat 100 guest comfortably, more is they squeeze.

Q. How much does it cost to get married at your chapel?

A. The cost mainly depends on the day and time of the week you want to have your wedding. Weekdays are less than weekends. See our price page for the specific chapel rates.

Q. What does the chapel rate include?
A. The chapel rate includes 1½ hours for the chapel, Seating for up to 100 guests, ceremony music (You may bring your own music on CD), Large Private Bridal Dressing Suite, Groom’s Dressing Room, Fully Decorated Chapel with Silk Flowers and Brass Candelabras, Use of our beautiful garden area for photos.

Q. What does the chapel rate NOT include?
A. The chapel rate does not include a minister, photographer, rehearsal, wedding coordinators, printed materials, aisle runners, etc...

Q. How long does a ceremony/wedding last?
A. You get the chapel for a total of one and a half hours. An example: If your ceremony is scheduled for 5:00 you will arrive at 4:30. You will a half hour for the bride, groom, bridesmaids and groomsmen to dress, as well as time for photographs before the ceremony while guest arrive and are seated. After that you will have up to an hour for the ceremony. A typical ceremony take anywhere between 10 - 20 minutes. Then you will have the rest of that hour for photos in the chapel and/or outside in our garden area.

Q. How early can the florist arrive to deliver flowers?
A. The florist can arrive when the reservation begins, ½ hour prior to your ceremony.

Q. Can we bring our own decorations for the Chapel?
A. Yes you can, just as long as they are removed by the end of the reservation.

Q. Is my specific date/time available?

A. We can tell you if a date and time is available, simply call us at 734-462-1400

Q. Do you provide ministers?

A. Yes, we can provide a minister for you. Our staff of ordained ministers have impressive
personalities and years of experience. The cost for a minister is $125

Q. Can we use our own minister?

A. Yes, We welcome any Officiant you choose.

Q: What must we do to reserve our date?
A: We ask that you come in and leave a 50% deposit to hold your date. The remaining balance is due 30 days before your event. This deposit is Non-Refundable.

Q. What type of payments do you accept?
A. We take cash, checks, visa and master card.

Q: Will you permit us to have a unique or non-traditional event?
A: Yes. We welcome civil ceremonies, religious vows of any faith, commitment ceremonies, renewals of vows, wedding anniversaries, music recitals and plays, memorials, luaus, and many other diverse events.

Q. Are there candles at the altar?
A. Yes, there are two large candelabras on either side of the alter. We also have a stand you can use if you choose to use a unity candle. The wedding party is responsible for lighting the candles.

Q. Is there a Unity candle?
A. You must provide your own unity candle and holder. We have a large variety of them which we sell here in our showroom.

Q. Does the Chapel have a sound system? Can CD's be played?
A. Yes, we have a sound system in the chapel where we play music for your ceremony. We can play your music for your ceremony if you bring us your own CD.

Q. Can flower petals, birdseed, bubbles or rice be used inside or outside the Chapel?
A. You can use silk flower petals only during the ceremony. You may use bubbles outside after the ceremony. No real flower pedals, rice or birdseed please.

Q: May we have an outdoor wedding?
A: Yes. We have a garden area which is lovely for outdoor weddings. You can choose inside out out at no additional cost.

Q: If it rains, would we be able to move indoors?
A: Yes. The Chapel will be set up and ready for this possibility.

Q. Is there an area for a reception?
A. No, an area is not available here. Food and drink are prohibited in the Chapel (except for ceremonial purposes). HOWEVER, We do have a banquet center next door to us... Please call LAUREL MANOR at 734-462-0770 for more information. They are in our same parking lot and is a very short walk from us after your ceremony.

Q: Is there be room for parking?
A: Yes, there is plenty of parking space available. We also have a covered carport to enter from in the case of bad weather.

Q: What is a private ceremony?
A: It is a wedding ceremony with up to 4 guests attending.

Q: Is alcohol allowed?
A: NO

Q. How long is the aisle?
A. The aisle is about 42 feet long.

Marriage Licenses

Residency Requirement:

You do not have to be a resident of Michigan, but the fee is $10 more for non-residents.

Residents need to apply for their marriage license in the county in which one of them lives. Non-residents need to apply for their marriage license in the county where they plan on getting married.

Previous Marriage:
You need to know the date (mm/dd/yy) and how the last marriage ended. If it was within the last 6 months, you will need to bring proof of the divorce that can be left with the Clerk.

ID Requirement in Michigan:

Picture id such as Drivers License. You can also use Military ID, DD 214, You must also have a certified copy of your birth certificates. You will also need to know your parents addresses, and your mothers' maiden names. Foreign birth certificates need to be translated into English, and be notarized.

Covenant Marriage Option:

No.

Waiting Period:

There is a three (3) day waiting period in Michigan. This may be waived by the county clerk for "good and sufficient cause shown."

Fees in Michigan:
$20 if you are a resident of Michigan. $30 for non-residents. Some counties may charge more. Bring cash. Most counties do not accept checks.

Other Tests: None.

Proxy Marriages:

No. However, only one of you need to be present when applying for a marriage license. You will need to show a photocopy of the front and back of your partner's driver's license.

Cousin Marriages:
No.

Common Law Marriages:
No, unless entered into the relationship prior to January 1, 1957.

Same Sex Marriages:

No. In November, 2004, voters passed a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage.

Under 18:

If you are 16 or 17 years old, you can get married with parental consent. Your parents must appear with their own identification and if a custodial parent, proof of their custody. If you are 15 or younger, you will need both parental consent and the approval of the probate court.

Secret Marriages:

Back in 1897, secret marriages were approved. If a couple requests a secret marriage, if permitted by a judge, after the ceremony is solemnized, the officiant returns the certificate, but the judge may seal the file and allow no publicity about the marriage.

What Qualifies One for a Secret Marriage?

Witnesses:

Witnesses do not have to be 18 years of age, but they do need to be able to understand what they are witnessing, and to be able to sign their legal signature.

Officiants:

Marriages may be performed by federal, probate, district, and municipal judges, and district court magistrates, in their court area; mayors, in their city; County clerks; ministers and pastors of the gospel, both resident and non-resident.