Ceremony Backdrop DIY?? No nails allowed!

How high up is the cross?

If it isn't too high, maybe make an actual frame for a backdrop - I would do something like the attached and then decorate accordingly.

Do you have a more open shot of the space. Hard to visualize with a tight shot.

The Arch is about 11.5 ft tall, the cross goes up to 10 FT. We might could make something, but I am just not sure if it would look good. Anyone use "command strips"? I have heard that they don't do damage to sheetrock...do they work? Could I just hang fabric that way?

(new photos added)

Can you use those 3M hooks and some fishing wire to make a fabric backdrop? You may need several hooks to distribute the weight, but it would eliminate the need for nails.

The command strips work, provided you remove them in a timely manner. If left on more than a month or so they do damage the paint. I dont think you would have that worry, but just putting it out there so you dont use them in your home. They would work great for something like this.

I would definitely say use command strips they work great but idk what you could really put there that's not gonna look out of place since it is the main focus of the room. i would say try and make something drape in the shape of the arch so that it doesn't look like you just put a curtain in front of it. but idk how hard it is with it being that tall. is the venue okay with you covering up their cross though?

We would definitely hang in the shape of the arch so to keep the focus. Thanks you all for the feedback on command strips (and 3M - I didn't even know about those!). They will only be up a day or so, so it should not damage then. GOOD TO KNOW! That makes me feel much better

Command hooks are a great short term solution. However, before looking into that, I would recommend checking with the venue. They may prefer that NOTHING be attached to the walls at all even if it just specifies "nails". If that is the case, I think you could certainly create a backdrop free from walls...however, I'm not sure if it would interfere with the flow of the building...putting something square may look strange. Maybe I'm wrong. But it's a lovely building!

Agree with MM - I don't think my church would let you put anything up to hide the cross, or especially to attach something to it. If you really don't want anything, ask before you sign

How about a tension rod. Then hang fabric over the cross.

Second the command hooks!!! They're life savers!!!
Tension rod from above is also a good one..
is it something your photographer might be able to edit out or make sure they keep it out of focus???

You cant just leave it?? I think with it being the same wood as all of the other details in the palce, I dont think its that distracting. I think if you try to cover it up it will be more distracting than just leaving the cross.

Future Ms. Clark: I guess we could have it photoshopped out, but it definitely is a preference. Yes the wood looks good together, but the cross represents something we don't believe in. And, those of our family that are super religious would abhor the fact that we had a cross but not a ceremony before God etc. It is just better if it is gone.

Kate: Command hooks are allowed, and we can cover it up. This is not a church. It is a wedding venue that just happens to have an un-removable cross.