Frequently Asked Questions

How many people does the chapel seat?

The chapel can seat a maximum of 150 people. There is standing room for any additonal people.

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 want to book the chapel for our wedding. 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. You can then send the agreement and the deposit at a later date providing your wedding date is still available. I will make a photo-copy of the agreement and return it to you in the U.S. mail. If you have ever attended a wedding at the chapel you know how beautiful it is, and want to book the chapel on line, and set up a meeting for a later date, that if fine. agreement

Who do I make the deposit check out to?

Deposit checks for the use of the chapel should be made out to A Wedding in the Country.

Will you pencil me in?

There have been times when couples ask to be "penciled in" and then do not follow up or change their minds. 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 MapQuest.com?

The address to use for finding driving directions is
6305 Jockey St. Middle Grove, NY 12850. The chapel is physically located in East Galway.

What address should I put on my invitations?

A Wedding in the Country Historic Chapel
6305 Jockey St. East Galway, New York

Do 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 choice of their 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. It is important that your rehearsal start on time. There may be another rehearsal scheduled before or after yours. Out of town attendees should be provided with 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 a really 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.

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. 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.

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?

Yes, of course! If your minister has any questions they can feel comfortable in calling us.

How long can we use the chapel?

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.

Can we have our reception at the chapel?

The chapel dining room only has a very small dining room in the back. It can be used only for a cake and champagne reception for less than 30 people. For weddings booked after February 16th, 2007, an additional fee of $100 is required for the use of the dining room for receptions. The rental fee must be paid at the time of signing the agreement. This additional fee is non-refundable.

I would recommend that you consider having your rehearsal dinner at the Village Pizzeria and Ristorante. They are within walking distance of the chapel and have a much better set up for dinners. Sandy, the owner is a fabulous cook and makes everything from scratch. You will not be disappointed! Village Pizzia Please let her know you found her through my web site.

What is included in the $500 fee?

The $500 fee includes the services of Rev. Wendy Lyon to officate 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 co-ordinator 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.