Wedding Photographers & Videographers at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (Altoona), Altoona

A wedding at St. Luke's Episcopal Church on 13th Street in downtown Altoona follows the Book of Common Prayer, word for word, in a traditional Episcopal service. For wedding photos and video, that means a calm, unhurried ceremony at the altar, with your photographer and videographer working by available light from the back of the church or from a spot the celebrant approves at your rehearsal. No flash bursts during the vows, just the room as it is.

The parish is generous about pictures around the service. Your photographer can take photos before and after, and parts of the ceremony can be restaged afterward for the pictures you want. Music is chosen with the parish Music Director, and selections are approved a month ahead, which helps your wedding videographer too, since the sound in the church will be planned well in advance.

Getting married here takes some preparation. Contact the parish at least 12 weeks ahead and plan on three or more sessions of pre-marital counseling. At least one of you must be a baptized Christian, and couples from the Altoona area are expected to worship at St. Luke's while they prepare. Couples who aren't members may ask. The parish hall can be used for a wedding reception with approval, though alcohol normally isn't permitted, and the parish doesn't work with outside wedding coordinators.

• Contact the parish office at least 12 weeks before your wedding day.
• Read the parish marriage page, including its photo, video, music and flower guidelines.
• Bring your marriage license to the parish office at least five days before the wedding.

A little about St. Luke's Episcopal Church

St. Luke's is a downtown Altoona parish of the Episcopal Church. Weddings aren't normally held during Lent or Holy Week, so check the church calendar before you settle on a spring date.