FAQ

  • How many hours does the rental fee include, and is there an overtime fee if I stay longer? We really like to party.
    • Our Small and Medium packages each come with four (4) hours of reserved space. Our large package includes any time between the hours of 8:00 AM and 11:00 PM. Extra time is negotiable.
  • What’s the payment plan for the entire bill? What forms of payment do you accept?
    • A security deposit of $300 is required at the time of signing of the contract, unless waived in writing. A deposit of fifty percent (50%) is needed to confirm the event date and space(s). The total remaining balance will be due thirty (30) days prior to the event date. Cash, check, and credit cards are accepted. 
  • Can I have my ceremony here, too? Is there an additional cost?
    • All of our packages include space for your ceremony at no additional cost to the base package rate.
  • Are there changing areas for the bride, groom, and/or wedding party?
    • We have two rooms on the first floor designated as changing areas as well as a wedding suite on our second floor. 
  • Can we have our rehearsal dinner here? 
    • Yes! Our kitchen is fully operational and certified, and our social hall provides an open floor plan for tables and seating.
  • How much time is allocated for the rehearsal?
    • Rehearsals at First Unitarian are available for a rate of $150 per hour. If you are using our minister there is an additional fee on the minister’s package as well.
  • What’s the cancellation policy?
    • We understand that cancellations happen. Should you need to cancel the contract within 14 days of the scheduled event, you will forfeit your security deposit.
  • What’s your weather contingency (backup) plan for outdoor spaces?
    • In the event of inclement weather and you have reserved our outdoor courtyard for any part of your ceremony or reception you will have access to an appropriate alternate space indoors. 
  • Do you have liability insurance?
    • First Unitarian Church does have liability insurance. We encourage our renters to purchase their own personal liability insurance to ensure all parties are covered. All renters serving alcohol at our location must have a licensed and insured bartender. In the event of any property damage, the renter is responsible for replacement or repair. The cost will come out of your security deposit. Any further costs will be charged to the renter.
  • Do you have an in-house caterer or a list of “preferred” caterers, or do I need to provide my own? Even if there is an in-house caterer, do I have the option of using an outside caterer instead?
    • We have an open vendor policy. You are welcome to hire the caterer of your preference!
  • If I hire my own caterer, is there a kitchen available for them?
    • We have a certified kitchen available for your caterer. We ask that  anyone preparing food in our kitchen be certified as a food manager. If the person preparing your food needs to be certified, they can do so here.
  • Are tables, linens, chairs, plates, silverware, and glassware provided, or will I have to rent them myself or get them through my caterer?
    • We provide 12 5’ round tables, 8 6’ long tables, and metal folding chairs. We do not provide linens, plates, silverware, or glassware.
  • Can I bring in a cake from an outside baker or do I have to use a cake made on site?
    • Yes, you are welcome to bring a cake from an outside baker! 
  • Can we bring our own wine, beer or champagne? What about hard liquor?
    • You are welcome to bring your own wine, beer or champagne, but you must have a licensed and insured bartender to serve your alcoholic beverages. We prefer that hard liquor not be served. 
  • Are we allowed to bring in our own decorations?
    • Absolutely! We have some guidelines on how to set up your decorations (such as no tape or tacks on the walls), but you are free to decorate as you wish. Detailed restrictions can be found in the wedding contract.
  • Do you have an inventory of décor (lighting, candle holders, vases, etc.) we can borrow from?
    • We do have a selection of candles, candelabras, vases, etc that you may borrow, but we do not have an extensive inventory of decor items.
  • Can I move things around or do I have to leave everything as is?
    • One of the best features of our space is that almost everything can be moved! All changes must be approved by the building supervisor. If you need a full change of layout, there is an additional fee.
  • Can we use candles/confetti/sparklers/fireworks/animals/lawn games/bounce houses/food trucks/insert your own fun-but- potentially-dangerous liability here?
    • We do not allow confetti/sparklers/fireworks, but other items may be negotiated depending on the situation.
  • Do you provide heaters and/or umbrellas for the outdoor spaces?
    • We do not.
  • Can I hire my own vendors or is there a preferred vendor list we need to stick to?
    • While we do have a list of preferred vendors if you do not have a vendor for a given aspect of your event, we do not require you to use our preferred vendors.
  • Can the venue accommodate a DJ or live band?
    • Yes! We have a sound system available with staff for an extra fee.
  • What time can my vendors start setting up on the day of the wedding?
    • If you have reserved the entire church for the full day, we are able to meet your vendor at 8:00 AM. For packages not including use of the church for the entire day, meeting times for vendors are negotiable. 
  • Does the venue provide assistance getting gifts and/or décor back to a designated car or hotel room after the wedding?
    • We are more than happy to help transport your gifts and decor from the building to a designated car, but are unable to assist in getting your items to a different location.
  • Do you have a sound system and/or microphones for speeches?
    • Yes! Our sound system package comes with use of the system as well as staff.
  • Are there any noise restrictions?
    • First Unitarian Church follows any noise restrictions set forth by the city of Louisville.
  • Is there parking on site and if so, is it complimentary? If not, where will my guests park?
    • We have complimentary on site parking on weekends. 
  • Are cabs/rideshares (like Uber, Lyft, etc.) easily accessible from the venue?
    • All transportation options have easy access to our parking lot for pick up and drop off.
  • How many restrooms are there?
    • Our building has two all gender restrooms and one changing table on our first floor, and three restrooms on our second floor.
  • What are the nearest hotels to the venue?
    • We are fortunate to have many hotels within one mile of our location! Some of the hotels that are closest to us are The Brown Hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Downtown, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Louisville Downtown, and the Seelbach Hilton Louisville. There are also many bed and breakfasts in the area! Click here for a list of nearby hotels.
  • Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
    • Yes! First Unitarian Church strives to maintain a facility that is accessible to all.
  • Do you have a recycling policy? We’d love for our wedding to give back.
    • Environmental justice is one of our most important causes. We recycle what we can, and prefer to utilize reusable materials when possible.