Frequently Asked Questions

Where do people park?
There is an acre of parking behind the church. Invited guests should not park on the road or on the chapel lawn. Space is reserved in the front of the chapel for the bride's vehicle.

We would like to see the chapel. What do we do next?
Call me (Wendy Lyon) at 518 882-6773 (evenings are best) and arrange a meeting with me. I will meet you at the chapel, give you a tour and answer any questions you have. You can pay your deposit at that time and secure your wedding date immediately or you can go home and talk about it.

How long can we wait before deciding to book the chapel?
Once you have seen the chapel, if you want to go home and think about it, that's fine but there is no way to prevent someone else from booking the chapel while you are deciding. If you love the chapel and want a specific date the best thing to do is make your deposit the day of the showing. Unfortunately, couples who wait often lose their desired date. If the date of your wedding doesn't matter and you are willing to have your wedding on a day that is available, then paying your deposit and signing the agreement the day of your visit is not that important.

Who do I make the deposit check out to?
Your deposit check for the use of the chapel should be made out to
A Wedding in the Country

Where do I mail the agreement to?
Please mail the agreement and the deposit check to
A Wedding in the Country
Box 414
Galway, New York 12074
(The mailing address is also located on the top of the agreement.)

Will you pencil me in?
There have been times when couples ask to be "penciled in" and then did not follow up or changed their minds and never contacted me. All of the weddings at the chapel are booked on a first come first served basis based on a signed agreement and deposit. Unfortunately, we will not be able to "pencil you in".

How do I find the chapel using Google maps or MapQuest.com?
The address to use for finding driving directions is
6305 Jockey St. Middle Grove, NY 12850. This is NOT the mailing address. There are detailed directions on the map and directions page.

What address should I put on my invitations?
A Wedding in the Country Historic Chapel
6305 Jockey St. Middle Grove, New York

Can you do more than one wedding a day?
The answer to this question is yes, depending on the timing. The first person who books their wedding gets their choice of ceremony time and rehearsal time. If the second wedding will not impact on the first, then I will book another wedding. However, I do not book weddings too close together. For example, if the a couple books their wedding at 12:00 noon, I can host another wedding at 3:00 or later. It all depends on timing.

How long does it take for a rehearsal?
The rehearsal usually takes 45 minutes if everyone is on time. It is important that your rehearsal start on time. There may be another rehearsal scheduled before or after yours. It is a good idea to give out-of-town attendees a map and specific directions to the chapel so that they don't get lost and are not late.

Is the chapel already decorated?
Yes, it is already decorated but you can change the decorations at your expense if you want to spend extra money. It really isn't necessary unless you really want to have an elaborate, customized wedding.

When can we decorate?
Decorations can be brought to the rehearsal the night before the wedding. Arrangements can be made to have flowers delivered the day of the wedding by having the florist call us. Decorations brought in for a wedding must be removed from the chapel right after the wedding. It is best to assign several people to be responsible for this task if there are a lot of items.

How many pews are there?
There are actually 15 pews. Two rows of 7 on a side and one at the very back of the church. If you decide to make your own pew bows, you will need 14. You should plan on using ties to fasten the bows to the pews. The plastic clip-ons won't work because of the carving on the top of the pews.

How long is the aisle?
The aisle is about 30 foot long. You should buy the smallest size aisle runner you can find. The paper runners look much nicer and work much than the plastic ones. If you are buying a runner, make sure it has tape on the end to hold it in place....the less expensive runners may not have tape on them. Always check before you buy one. If the runner doesn't have tape already on it, you can purchase 2-sided tape to hold it down.

What size is the table where the unity candle is set-up?
The table is 29.5 inches tall, 20.25 inches wide and 59.25 inches long. If you want to cover the table with a cloth that you make yourself and you want it to reach the floor on all sides, make the table cloth 79 inches by 118 inches.

What is the measurement of the railing around the the alter?
The railing is a total of 18 foot. 11 foot across the front and 3 1/2 foot on each side. You will need to allow for extra material if you want it to swag.

Can we use a CD instead of hiring a musician?
Yes. There is a CD player available but someone will need to be assigned the duty of starting and stopping the music.

Do you provide witnesses when someone wants to elope?
Unfortunately we do not provide witnesses for couples who choose to elope. Plan on bringing 2 friends with you.

Can we bring our own minister or Judge?
Yes, of course! If your minister or the Judge has any questions they can feel comfortable in calling us.

How long can we use the chapel for our wedding?
Ample time is allotted. The chapel will be available for your wedding 1/2 hour before the designated ceremony time and 1 hour and a half afterward for pictures unless you have contracted to use the dining room in addition to the ceremony.

What is included in the $500 fee?
The $500 fee includes the services of Rev. Wendy Lyon to officiate your ceremony. This includes meeting with the couple to discuss the details of the ceremony as well as writing the ceremony with your input. The fee does not include the fee if anyone else officiates. (Judges or other clergy all have their own different fees.) The $500 fee also includes the time for the rehearsal, time for the wedding and time afterward for photographs. Rev. Wendy Lyon or the wedding coordinator will conduct the rehearsal and will be there the day of the wedding to make sure everything runs smoothly. Rev. Wendy Lyon will be there the day of the wedding to help other officiants. The fee also includes the use of the dining room for rehearsal dinners for less than 20 people.

Can we have our reception at the chapel?
The chapel has a small dining room and kitchen in the back. The room can be used for a cake and champagne reception for less than 30 people for an additional fee of $250. The use of the dining room for a rehearsal dinner is at no extra cost but I will need to know that you want to use the dining room for your rehearsal dinner at the time you book the chapel.

Can we have a bridal shower or a baby shower at the chapel?
Yes! The dining room is available for rent on Sundays during the wedding season. The fee for the use is $250

Can we have our dog included in the bridal party?
Yes! A Wedding in the Country is pet friendly. Visit our pet friendly page Pet friendly page