Help! Our church burned down!

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this! See if everyone you know can reach out to all nearby churches to find an alternative. If there aren't any available, maybe you could just get the priest to perform the ceremony elsewhere. Maybe at the reception venue? Or you could find another pretty place that's more out of the box like a barn or museum?

I know Catholic priests don't usually perform weddings outside of the church (not sure if it's a Catholic church?) but if this happened to me I would ask them to do that... since it's extenuating circumstances! I would ask the priest to come to your reception venue- is there ceremony space there?

Definitely haven't gone through this but I like your idea. Maybe just do a private ceremony on a weekday and still hold the reception. People will definitely understand why plans abruptly changed. I am so sorry by the way! Praying for you!

I think you would regret not having the ceremony as that is the most special, symbolic part of a marriage for many. I would look at maybe a park or a more affordable venue and due to the circumstance as the priest would be perform the ceremony off site. I am so sorry that this happened and I completely understand your devastation but I think you should still do the ceremony but find an affordable, local venue even if not the same day of the reception. What do you think?

If your church is affiliated with other churches (ours is a Church of God) ask your pastor or priest if there's another church that can step in and fill the gap. The head of your church would know better who in the area will make allowances even during "busy" times. Talk to them!

Or you could do your ceremony at the place you're having your reception?

At this point I'd 1) ask reception venue if they've a space to do it or can transform the venue around to accommodate it


2) find any kind of chapel or community Hall near by enough

In addition to asking the church for alternate options, ask every vendor you’ve hired for ideas as well! Here in my city the vendors are very familiar with each other and we’re always willing to help with recommendations when asked. Next, once you find a new location for the ceremony, don’t forget to let everyone know of the change in plans: guests, wedding party and vendors! Ask your family and wedding party to help let your guests know, you have enough on your plate.
Hang in there! I’m happy the fire didn’t happen on your wedding day, yet still feel for you!!

Check with the local schools. They may be willing to let you rent out an auditorium for a couple hours. Also, ask the church if they can help. Churches usually step up to help each other out when crisis happens, so they may be able to help you get in somewhere. Otherwise see if your reception venue can make accommodations. I would let your guests know now that there is a definite change in ceremony location, just so they have a heads up and aren’t confused if it takes you until the last minute to sort it out. Good luck!

I’m so sorry this happened to you! I can only imagine your stress but it will work out somehow!


I would ask your priest if they have connections to assist with this. They may use a school chapel, hospital chapel, or as someone mentioned, an exception to marry outside the church structure such as your already booked reception venue.
I don’t have experience with this but I can share that I had asked my venue during booking what would happen if there was a fire and they responded they would host our wedding at a sister venue. Hopefully your church has a sister parish or network of schools and hospitals they can reach out to for even a chapel.
Best of luck!

Can you get married at your reception location? I would do that!

I am so sorry you are going through this. if with even knowing your circumstances no other church can fit you in, then i would suggest maybe a small ceremony with just a few immediate family members elsewhere and have everyone just head straight to the reception. i do wish you the best of luck and hope everything works out for you