Historic Mission Church

When Weddings May Be Scheduled at Mission Church

Weddings may be scheduled from May 6 - June 6, 2008 and August 24 - October 12, 2008 to begin between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. From June 7 through August 23, 2008, weddings may be scheduled to begin between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. or between 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily. Seating capacity of the church is 160 people. Mission Church has no resident or affiliated clergyman.

2008 Mission Church Wedding Guidelines and Procedures

Mission Church is Michigan's oldest standing church building and a Michigan state historic site. It has been carefully restored to its original appearance. Please consider the importance of maintaining the condition of this treasured building as you review these guidelines.

1. Mission Church, erected in 1829-1830, is no longer an active church. This museum building is operated for the public by Mackinac State Historic Parks. It is open for public viewing from June 7 to August 23 from 12 noon - 4 p.m. and is also available for viewing by appointment. Mission Church is a historic structure, not currently accessible to people with disabilities. Please consider this limitation carefully when making your plans.
2. The church is available by pre-arrangement for wedding ceremonies. Reservations should be made through Mackinac State Historic Parks by filling out an application. Applications may be downloaded by clicking the link near the top of this page or requested by contacting Scott Witsman at (906)847-3328 (Summer) or (231)436-4100 (Winter). The completed application and fee should be mailed to:
   
   
   Mackinac State Historic Parks
   Attention: Group Travel Coordinator
   Box 370, Mackinac Island, MI 49757 (May-September)
   Box 873, Mackinaw City, MI 49701 (October-April)
                              
3. From June 9 through August 25, wedding ceremonies may be scheduled (on a first come/first served basis) to begin between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. or 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. daily. In the spring and fall, weddings may be scheduled to begin between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. Reservations should be made as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
4. Mission Church has no resident or affiliated clergyman. Each couple married in the church must select a clergyman or public official to perform the ceremony. (see attached Minister List)
5. If floral arrangements are part of your wedding decor, flowers may arrive no earlier than 45 minutes prior to ceremony time. If you have scheduled musicians, soloist and/or an organist they are to arrive no earlier than 45 minutes prior to ceremony time. If you are working with a wedding planner, be sure they are aware of this time frame.
   
   Church use for MAXIMUM of two hours- $1000.00, payment required with application.
   
   Fee Includes:
   • Up to two hours of the same day for decorating, rehearsal (see rehearsal under Church Information below), wedding ceremony, pictures and clean-up.
   • Services of a personal Mackinac State Historic Parks representative.
     
     Refund Policy: $500.00 is non-refundable under any circumstances.
   • Cancellation received in writing 61 days or more prior to reserved date - $500 refund.
   • Cancellation received in writing 31-60 days prior to reserved date - $400.00  refund.
   • Cancellation 30 days or less prior to reserved date - $0.00.
6.                  *church fees subject to change in 2009
7. Church Information:
   
   
   • Maximum seating is 160 people.
   • A unity candle is permitted.
   • There is no dressing room at the church. The restroom is very small and should be considered emergency use only.
   • There are five electrical outlets.
   • There are no lights in the church.
   • The antique organ is part of the MSHP historical object collection and under no circumstances can be played.
   • A keyboard organ is provided. The organ is located in the balcony area. 
   • No pew bows. No tape or tacks of any type may be used to install decorations.
   • No alcoholic beverages are permitted.
   • The church bell may be rung.
   • Mission Church is not heated or air conditioned.
   • No rice, birdseed or similar material may be scattered inside or outside the church.
   • MSHP will attempt to accommodate rehearsal requests on days prior to your wedding day based on the following:
     
     
     Spring and fall rehearsal must be scheduled between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. for a period of no longer than one hour. MSHP reserves the right to reschedule or cancel rehearsal if weddings are scheduled for that day.
     
     June 7, 2007 through August 23, 2008 rehearsal can be scheduled between the hours of 12:00 p.m.and 5:00 p.m. for a period no longer than one hour. Please keep in mind the church is open for visitors from 12 noon to 4 p.m. and your rehearsal must work around our guests.
     
     When planning a wedding, keep in mind that Mission Church is an old, historic building. The church has been restored to its original state. The pews and floors are old and historically accurate. Great care must be taken to protect the building. Please do not ask the MSHP representative to waive these guidelines.
8. It is the responsibility of the wedding party to designate an individual to remove flowers, wedding decorations and other items immediately following the ceremony, otherwise the items will be removed and discarded by Park staff one hour after the wedding. We are unable to store any items at Mission Church before or after the ceremony.