By Antoinette DeNise

Though the option to get married on a tranquil beach, in a majestic park, or at an exclusive wedding facility seems very tempting, countless couples are still opting for a more traditional religious ceremony. And having a wedding in an old sanctuary, with a formal ceremony following centuries-old customs certainly has its charm.

Rabbi Ben Shull from Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley in Woodcliff Lake says that the first step in preparation of a wedding is to find a rabbi to officiate the wedding. “It’s important for the rabbi to meet with the couple first, in order find out more about them, their likes, their personalities, etc,” says Rabbi Shull.

A traditional Jewish ceremony is quite intricate, with several blessings and customs performed. Included in the wedding is the huppah, a canopy which covers the couple during the ceremony; two glasses of wine, one for the engagement blessing and the other for the seven blessings of marriage, the Ketubah, which is the wedding contract; and the breaking of glass at the closing of the ceremony.

Unlike other religions, it is not necessary for a Jewish ceremony to take place in a temple, and timing is solely based on the availability of the temple or rabbi. Temple rental fees vary, and can start at $600. Rabbis have a fee as well, which is usually around $300.

For a traditional Catholic ceremony, preparation is focused largely on the couple and their relationship. Required for all brides and grooms, Pre-Cana is a class where happily married Catholic couples share their insight and wisdom.

“Couples are usually hesitant to attend Pre-Cana, thinking it’s going to be a lecture on marriage, but it’s actually informal and enjoyable,” says Father Dean Gaudio, pastor at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Toms River. “The sacrament of marriage is discussed, but we also talk about finances and communication, and young couples get the chance to meet and mingle.”

Another thing couples should keep in mind is the church’s waiting period. At Saint Joseph’s, couples must wait one year before getting married, regardless of church availability. This time gives the couple to customize their wedding, deciding between having a traditional ceremony with or without a full Mass and choosing the Bible readings for the first and second reading, the Psalms—which are scriptures sung at the wedding, and the Gospel.

Church rates start at around $200, with the organist and cantor charging additional fees. Some churches also ask that the flowers used to decorate the altar during the wedding be left behind for later Masses.

For couples interested in a modern ceremony in a traditional setting, a non-denominational church, like the historic Kirkpatrick Chapel at Rutgers University offers a happy medium. They welcome all faiths and often host interfaith marriages. They charge $600 for a two-hour wedding and a rehearsal, and often have last-minute availability.