Ceremonies and Rehearsals

We have two beautiful locations here at The Abbey for outdoor ceremonies: the Harbor Gazebo and The Pavillion Gazebo.


Harbor Gazebo on Geneva Lake

Pavillion Gazebo on west side of property


I would guess that about 80% (probably more) of our wedding receptions hold their ceremony on property. It's wonderful to have guests walk right across the lawn to cocktails immediately following. (The pictures sure are pretty, too, huh?)

Prior to all those ceremonies there are rehearsal ceremonies, primarily on Friday nights. I believe that with any wedding ceremony, whether in a church, a gazebo, a field or wherever, there should be a full rehearsal. Speaking from personal experience, I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't had one for my wedding. My nerves were bad enough - if we hadn't walked through it all step-by-step a couple of days prior, I would have been a wreck!

Because Friday night ACTUAL weddings are becoming increasingly popular, we do not book rehearsal ceremonies until 30 days prior to the wedding date. Most couples want the rehearsal ceremony to transition directly into their rehearsal dinner, so early evening slots are in high demand. Timing preference is given in order of when the wedding contract was signed.

For couples getting married in our gazebos, we ask them to give some thought to how they want to walk to the ceremony. Do they want the groomsmen to just line up at the front or do they want them to be part of the processional? Do they want the bridesmaids to walk down alone or with the groomsmen? Another option is to have the groomsmen meet them halfway. All of this needs to be agreed upon BEFORE the rehearsal. Because we frequently have more than one rehearsal on Friday nights, we can only allow 1/2 hour for each wedding party.

You will also want to speak to your officiant about his/her availability for the rehearsal. If your officiant cannot attend, it will be up to YOU to run the show. Are you comfortable with that? Someone needs to let the readers know where to stand and allow them a "practice run." If you have anyone singing, you would need to give them the same direction. If there is a unity candle or sand ceremony, you would need to know how to incorporate that, too. Hayley and I are happy to assist with the processional portion of the rehearsal, but the actual ceremonies are so personalized we simply cannot facilitate those.

When you are interviewing prospective officiants, please ask them if they are able to perform a rehearsal ceremony for you. You'll be glad you did!