Sleepy Hollow church: No Halloween-themed weddings

[October 29, 2009]  SLEEPY HOLLOW, N.Y. (AP) -- A church made famous by Washington Irving's short story, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," has rejected a couple's request to hold a Halloween-themed wedding.

Lisa Panensky and Jim Nieves signed a contract 13 months ago to get married on Halloween at the Old Dutch Church in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.

Church officials balked at the couple's plans to wear costumes and include theme music from "The Addams Family" and "The Munsters."

The Rev. Jeff Gargano said he only recently learned of the Halloween theme. He offered instead to marry them in the cemetery of the 17th-century church, but the couple declined.

The church has offered to refund their deposit. The couple say they may get married at home.

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Information from: The Journal News, http://www.thejournalnews.com/

[Associated Press]

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