Weddings are expensive and First Wesleyan Church on Shallowford Road wants to help.
First Wesleyan pastor Kevin Dunn said he saw a need in the community for a venue for couples who want a church wedding but are not affiliated with a church.
First Wesleyan Church is offering its wedding services for free to couples."We just want people to know that they can come to us. Whether the need is large or small, we're here for them," he said.
Twenty-five couples have already signed up for the wedding ministry.
The program is completely free and open to any couple in need of a church wedding. However, Dunn said he would like to limit the program to couples within a 30-mile radius. The program includes use of First Wesleyan as a free wedding and reception hall venue (no alochol) as well as officiating and premarital counseling by Dunn, all for free.
Dunn said he thinks some couples are unaware of the six hours of counseling required for couples to get married in Hamilton County and believes that his program is a great opportunity to minister to these couples. But the goal of the wedding ministry is not to increase attendance at First Wesleyan, but rather is a chance for Dunn and his staff to show the community that they are cared for, he said.
"A few people have wanted to know what the gimmick is, but there isn't one," said Dunn. "I just want to help couples start their journey."