Our church is availabe for weddings - Grace Episcopal Church

COST:

$1,000.00 plus a $250.00 refundable cleaning fee for use of the church for a wedding ceremony only, and $2,500.00 plus a $250.00 refundable cleaning fee for use of the church and the parish hall for the ceremony, rehearsal, and reception.

The above cost includes the rental fee; a venue representative to assist in scheduling your ceremony, rehearsal, and event day booking; an onsite representative to oversee the venue on the date of the event; and the parish hall (for ceremony only rentals the parish hall is available to the wedding party for dressing and preparing for the ceremony). Booking includes a four-hour rental period--one hour designated for ceremony rehearsal and three hours for the wedding day—for ceremony only bookings and an eight hour rental period for ceremony, rehearsal and reception. Rental for rehearsal dinner may be arranged for an additional $500.00. If available, each additional hour or part thereof will be billed at $100/hour. Upon booking, 50% payment is due, with the remaining balance paid in full four weeks prior to the event. The additional $250 cleaning deposit will be due two weeks prior to event day, which will be refunded after the event provided no damages have occurred, the venue is left clean and in acceptable condition, and time limits are not exceeded. The 50% initial deposit – less a $150 administration fee – is refundable should you cancel your reservation 2 with a written notice via email to gracechurchcanton@att.net at least three months prior to your scheduled event.

You may book the Church organist for an additional fee. Please contact Cecil Fox at 601-859-2680 or gracechurchcanton@att.net to make arrangements.

SCHEDULING:

Schedule your wedding by contacting Cecil Fox at 601-859-2680 or gracechurchcanton@att.net. When reserving for a ceremony only, you will schedule the rehearsal and the wedding day times, based on availability. Flower and décor delivery, plus cleanup must be done within these designated hours.

CAPACITY:

Approximately 125 for the wedding ceremony. This number does not include bridal party (standing at altar). Capacity for receptions is approximately 50 seated and approximately 100 for cocktail type reception.

INSURANCE CERTIFICATE:

An insurance certificate must be provided by Renter at least two weeks prior to event, naming Grace Episcopal Church as additional insured with the individual(s) or organization - for the entire period of the event - in the minimum amount of $300,000 combined single limit of liability. Renter shall pay any claim that falls within the deductible. Renters may obtain this insurance through their homeowner’s insurance company, or one of several agencies specializing in event insurance. Proof of insurance must be submitted to the Rector at least two weeks prior to event day, via email: gracechurchcanton@att.net.

CONDUCT:

Grace Episcopal Church is a historic building, as well as an active church, and because of the building's unique features and historic furnishings, we ask that you help us preserve the integrity of our worship service and the beauty of our landscape. Because of the value of the collections and materials in Grace Episcopal Church, we ask that you maintain an appropriate level of respect as you celebrate your special day here. A staff or vestry member of Grace will be present at all times during your function and is the final authority on any questions or restrictions.

VENDORS:

Any vendors such as florists, photographers, wedding coordinators, caterers, musicians, etc., must be approved by the Rector.

FURNISHINGS, CANDLES, FLOWERS AND DÉCOR:

Because furnishings are either original to the building or are replicas of original pieces, they may not be moved without permission from the Grace Church representative.

Flowers and/or decor may be placed:

On the high altar against the wall but the height of the flowers may not exceed the height of the arms of the cross.
On the table in the vestibule.

Flowers and/or décor may NOT be placed:

On the altar.
On the piano or organ.

Pew markers may be used, but must be constructed of soft, non-scratch material and tied to the pew with ribbon, rubber bands, tulle or chiffon. No tape, tacks, clamps or sticky material.

Aisle runners may not be used.

Linens on tables and altar may not be moved or removed.

All flowers, décor and personal items must be removed from the church and parish hall immediately following the ceremony.

PARKING AND COORDINATION:

You may not use the Regions Bank parking lot on the west side of the church. There is a grass parking lot on the east side of the church you may use. Many special events are held in the area of the Canton Square. We suggest that you check with Canton Tourism for other scheduled events that may be occurring on the day of your event. Grace Church does not guarantee any parking and is not responsible for notifying you of scheduled events in surrounding areas.

ADDITIONAL TERMS:

Rice, birdseed, glitter, potpourri, flower petals or confetti may not be thrown anywhere on the church grounds.

Bubbles may be used outside only.

Sparklers are not permitted.

No smoking on grounds.

No adjustments may be made to the thermostat, and you are asked to keep doors to the church and parish hall closed at all times.

Please inform your photographers that they must use tripods with rubber tips on the bottom to prevent scratching the floors.

Additionally, photographer may not stand on pews while taking pictures.

Photographers may not move the chairs on either side of the altar, and camera cases and other equipment may not be placed on pews.

Musical instrument cases and other equipment may be stored in the parish hall during the ceremony. Rubber tips or mats must be used under all instruments to prevent scratching the floors.

Acoustic music is best suited for the building. Amplified music is generally too loud.

Any exception to these rules must be submitted in writing and approved by the Rector.

The staff member assigned to your event is the final authority on all matters relating to your event.

Guests are responsible for themselves and any small children attending events.

Any exceptions to these rules must be approved by the priest one month prior to the wedding.

INDEMNITY AND HOLD HARMLESS:

The Renter agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Lessors (Grace Episcopal Church, its employees, vestry, and/or agents) from and against any and all claims, 5 actions, suits, demands, penalties, judgments, damages, liabilities, fines, costs or expenses, arising out of the rental of catering at, or service of alcoholic beverages in or on the Grace Episcopal Church building and grounds, and use of the premises by Renter or any of Renter’s vendors, employees, agents, guests, invitees or invitees of the vendors. The Renter further agrees to indemnify and hold Grace Episcopal Church, its employees, vestry and/or agents harmless from any attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in defending any of said claims.

MISCELLANEOUS:

This Contract shall be governed by the laws of the State of Mississippi. This Contract shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and permitted assigns. If any legal action or any arbitration or other proceeding is brought to enforce this Contract because of an alleged dispute, breach, default, or misrepresentation in connection with any of the provisions of this Contract, the prevailing party or parties shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs incurred in that action or proceeding, including any appeals, in addition to any other relief to which it or they may be entitled.

The Renter is aware that this is a historic building and active church, and knowing so, is aware that situations may arise that could affect the rented date. Examples include attending to the interior or exterior of said historic building in order to protect its historic integrity, funerals or other special church services. This may lead to the cancellation of your event. Additionally, an event may be cancelled should the weather (i.e. wind, rain, lightning, flooding, etc.) or any other Act of God make it unsafe to hold an event. This decision is at the sole discretion of Grace Episcopal Church. Should any of the above prevent you from holding your event on your date, your deposit will be returned in full as a sole remedy, with Grace Episcopal Church held harmless.

Thank you for considering Grace Church. We look forward to sharing our Southern hospitality with you and your guests on your special day. For any additional information and to book the venue, please call Cecil Fox at 601-859-2680 or email gracechurchcanton@att.net.

Foregoing terms on pages one through five agreed to by:

_______________________

Renter

This the ___ day of __________, ____