'I love weddings': Former church set to become a new P.E.I. wedding venue

A P.E.I. couple is turning a church into a wedding event venue to offer brides and grooms a new option for their wedding day.

Marly Anderson and her husband, Greg, bought the former United Church in Victoria-by-the-Sea, P.E.I., and will soon begin renovations with plans to openThe Grand Victorian Weddings and Events Venue by June 2017.

"It became an idea in June and then it took about six months to kind of get everything all organized for this day," said Anderson.

Anderson told Angela Walker of Mainstreet P.E.I. they fell in love with the area and the church when they saw it was for sale.

With 16 years of customer service experience, Anderson said she was looking for something else and feels this is it.

"This really fits for us."

Perfect spot

The new owner says the church and area with its scenic views, restaurants and more are perfect for a wedding venue.

"Our idea really wouldn't work anywhere except this particular spot because of all the other services the community provides."

Anderson said they will keep the church feel of the venue, giving couples the option of getting married outside or inside with a more traditional style.

Renovations include turning the balcony into a wedding suite so members of the wedding party can get ready at the venue or for the bride and groom to spend the night.

'A stress free day'

The basement will have a commercial kitchen, two bedrooms and an area for other members of the wedding party to hang out in.

Anderson said many couples are looking for wedding venues that provide everything in one location including a wedding commissioner, something her husband plans to become.

"We just really want to create a stress free day for the couple," said Anderson. "I love weddings."

Anderson said they plan to be ready for operation in the spring and hope over time to be able to have 30 to 60 weddings at the venue.

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