First Universalist Church of Minneapolis has a unique event to celebrate the legalization of gay marriage in Minnesota.

On Sunday, the congregation will provide private chapels at its campus for same-sex couples to get married. Some 14 couples are expected to wed in a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces at the church, with nearly half a dozen ministers available to officiate.

That same day, the church is also hosting a public ceremony celebrating marriages that have taken place in other states, which will now be legally recognized in Minnesota.

"This historic event in our state law was such an incredible ... time for the whole congregation," said Ruth MacKenzie, a minister at the church. "We decided we really want to celebrate this in a big, openhearted way."

Private marriage ceremonies will be available to same-sex couples from 3 to 8 p.m. At 4 p.m., the church will hold its public "Community Wide Blessing of Marriage" in the sanctuary. Around 5, a public reception will take place in the church's social hall, marking the historic event with a celebratory toast, wedding cake and dancing.

"We've set up different chapel settings within the church," MacKenzie said. "We have a beautiful north garden that will be set for weddings ... a courtyard, that will be another space. We have a small indoor chapel. And a library and a living room setting, and the sanctuary itself ... many different spots where people might choose to be married.

"It's a joyous event. We're marking not only the ability to get married if you want to, but also the ability to have your legal marriage marked on this day."

For years, the congregation has held "blessing" ceremonies for same-sex couples. Now officiating ministers will be able to sign legal marriage licenses.

"Love is love, and commitment is commitment, and we celebrate that in all its forms," she said. "That's been our sort of clarion call we lived by for a very long time, and now we're getting a chance to truly celebrate it in this big event."

Rose French • 612-673-4352