My preference changed over the years. If you read the archives of this blog, I probably mentioned in the past on wanting to marry in a big church with a long majestic aisle (think Manila Cathedral or my parents' San Agustin Church in Intramuros).
For our real and actual wedding next year - my simple demand wish is to get married in a small and 'unknown' chapel surrounded by greens outside the city. Caleruega and Chapel on The Hill in Nasugbu, San Antonio de Padua in Silang, and Madre de Dios Midlands Chapel in Tagaytay Highlands were good choices but countless friends and cousins already got married in those churches so it's not exactly 'unknown' in my book. I want a church where even Waze will get confused. Plus, I heard that Caleruega is now extremely popular and you have to book it 2-3 years in advance.
If there's one thing I did in the 4 months of non-wedding prep (post-engagement) is to research for possible churches for our wedding. An aunt suggested this small church near Ayala Westgrove. So one Sunday afternoon - my family and I checked St. Benedict Church in Silang, Cavite.
St. Benedict Church in Silang, Cavite
The church is very very nice. I fell in love with it immediately. I actually have a 'this is it' feeling the moment I entered it. But the fiance attributed that feeling to the nice air-conditioning and the nice set-up of the church in preparation for a wedding that afternoon.
We are (unfortunately) not getting hitched at St. Benedict Church in Silang since we stumbled upon another church/chapel to our liking at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Montecito, Nuvali. Plus - the only weekend afternoon dates available are November 14 and December 6, 2015, when we inquired. The next available Saturday is already for February 2016. It was quite surprising because we inquired a year and two weeks before our target date. It's now fast becoming a popular wedding church that follows a 2-wedding-only per day rule with an afternoon slot that strictly starts at 2:30 pm.
The Good:
- It's a nice little solemn church tucked away in the greens of Silang, Cavite.
- Awesome church aisle which can give the grand entrance that the bride wants.
- The church's secretary is very nice and accommodating.
- They can pencil-book the date/s for you for a week. You can confirm after a week with P5,000 to reserve the date that you want.
- There's a provision for air-con and non-air-con weddings.
- There are many reception options if you choose this church. Angelfields in Tagaytay is less than 15 minutes away. There are also a lot of villages near the church with nice clubhouses.
The Not So Good:
- Rates are quite high compared to other churches in nearby areas.
- St. Benedict is very strict. They only allow the use of standard Marriage Ritual with no modification in the wedding missalette, and strictly no photographer/videographer allowed within the sanctuary within the wedding rites. They are only allowed to shoot on the sides. There are videographers and photographers who are banned and not allowed to shoot in St. Benedict. So check with them first if your supplier is in the "naughty list".
Other Details:
- How to go to St. Benedict Church: The church is in Silang, Cavite near Nuvali but you have to enter Laguna Technopark via the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road to reach the road leading to the church. The church is just before Ayala Westgrove.
- The church's office days are from Wednesdays to Sundays only.
- No plunging necklines and revealing clothes even for your guests. Marshals may require guests to wear white shawls that they have in stock.
Here are more details of St. Benedict Church for those who are considering this as their church:
Wedding Package/Rates 2015:
Php 28,000 - With Air-Conditioning
Php 23,000 - Without Air-Conditioning
Additional Php 2,000 if Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation
Terms - Php 5,000 non-refundable downpayment to book the date, another Php 5,000 right after the Canonical Interview, remaining balance to be paid 30 days before the wedding.
The package includes the following:
The Canonical Interview with the Resident Priest is also required.
Php 23,000 - Without Air-Conditioning
Additional Php 2,000 if Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation
Terms - Php 5,000 non-refundable downpayment to book the date, another Php 5,000 right after the Canonical Interview, remaining balance to be paid 30 days before the wedding.
The package includes the following:
- Officiating Resident Priest
- Two (2) hours of church use including pictorials
- Church's lighting and audio and video systems
- Wedding chairs and kneelers for the couple
- Marriage certificate
- Use of red carpet
- Two (2) wedding candles at the altar
The Canonical Interview with the Resident Priest is also required.
The altar at St. Benedict
St. Benedict Church in Silang
Diocese of Imus
Resident Priest - Fr. Isagani Avinante
Secretary - Ms. Myra L. Romabiles
(046) 511-1005
(0915) 414-3785
E-mail - st.benedictchurchawh@yahoo.com
