Wedding Photographers & Videographers at St. John the Baptist Church (Erie), Erie

A wedding at St. John the Baptist Church brings you to East 26th Street in Erie, to one of the oldest parishes on the city's east side. The church's front, covered in a stone-like finish, gives your photographer a solid, classic backdrop for wedding photos of the families on the steps, and the parish grounds around it hold the old school and rectory that tell the story of a big neighborhood parish.

Inside, the church was completely renovated in the years after the Second Vatican Council, so the altar sits forward where your guests can see your vows. Before your wedding day, walk the church with your photographer and wedding videographer at the hour of your ceremony. Look at where the daylight comes in, how long the aisle is for your processional, and where a camera can stand during the vows without blocking anyone. Ask too how the music is planned, since the organ and singing are part of what your wedding video will carry.

This church is partnered with Holy Rosary and Holy Trinity, and the three share one pastor and office, so the same staff will help you whichever church you choose. The parish asks couples to make arrangements at the rectory office at least six months before the date, as the Diocese of Erie requires, and Pre-Cana or Engaged Encounter is required for every couple. The church is for your wedding ceremony; plan your reception at a hall or venue elsewhere in Erie.

• Call the rectory office at (814) 454-2873 at least six months ahead.
• Sign up for Pre-Cana or Engaged Encounter through the diocese.
• Ask about photo and video guidelines and where guests should park.

A little about St. John the Baptist Church

The parish began as a mission in the 1860s and became a parish in 1869. The present, much larger church was dedicated on the feast of St. John the Baptist, June 24, 1900, and is still in use.