Faith United Methodist Church
Saturday, May 19, 2012

Wedding Policy

wedding rings

 
Congratulations on your up-coming wedding! Faith United Methodist Church welcomes people from the community as well as members and their families to use its building for such joyous occasions. We want to help you prepare for your wedding in our sanctuary.
 
We ask that you care for our facilities in respectful ways. You can therefore understand that we have certain guidelines for those using the building and that we request that the bride and groom take responsibility for the wedding party and guests.
  • Facilities and equipment are to be left in the same condition in which they were found.
  • The building is available for 1 hour the day of the rehearsal and for 3 hours on the day of the ceremony, including decorating, dressing, photographs, and clean-up.
  • All personal items should be removed from the church when the wedding party leaves the building.
  • No food or beverages are to be brought into the sanctuary.
  • There is no smoking in the building or within 10 feet of its entrances. (Please remove any cigarette butts on the property.)
  • Use of alcoholic beverages on the church property is prohibited.  
  • Throwing of rice, birdseed, confetti, flower petals or similar material is prohibited inside or outside of the building. Bubbles may only be used outside.
 
FAILURE TO ADHERE TO THESE GUIDELINES WILL RESULT IN THE FORFEITURE OF THE $100.00 SECURITY DEPOSIT.
 
Sanctuary:
  • Holds up to 250 people comfortably. 
  • Is not air-conditioned.
  • The seating is arranged in a semi-circle configuration with a center aisle and two side aisles. 
 
Rooms: You may use the nursery (for bride and bridesmaids to dress), the parlor (for the groom and groomsmen), the restrooms, the narthex and the sanctuary.
 
Security Deposit: A security deposit of $100.00, required of all couples, is due when the wedding is scheduled. This reserves the wedding date. It will be refunded in the week following the wedding provided that all other fees have been paid and that the guidelines above have been met.
 
The Clergy: Faith's pastor will officiate at wedding ceremonies. Another clergyperson may assist at our pastor's invitation. The couple is expected to meet with the pastor at least 3 times before the wedding. The decision to perform the wedding is at our pastor's discretion. Another pastor may perform the ceremony after consultation with our pastor. (There will be an outside clergy administration fee of $50.00 when our pastor does not participate in the wedding.)
 
Wedding music: The marriage service is a time of worship, and the music should be appropriate to the occasion. Soloists, musical selections, and recorded music should therefore be approved by the pastor and the organist. Our organist can provide music (prelude, processional, hymns optional, background for the lighting of the unity candle, recessional and postlude). The organist's fee includes one consultation, wedding rehearsal, and the wedding service. If additional consultation is needed, an additional fee will be charged. Request for use of a guest organist will be considered on an individual basis. If you have a soloist, please request our Sound Operator to run the sound system.
 
Decorations: Pew bows should be attached with masking tape or filament tape - no duct tape or adhesive tape shall be used. Pew clips can be purchased at some craft stores. We provide two 7-branch brass candelabra, a brass unity candle stand, and one complete set of candles. An additional set of candles costs $28.00. The couple may wish to use our wooden kneeling bench with a burgundy cushion (the couple kneel side by side). Decoration and flower delivery should be accomplished during the 3 hour time period on the day of the wedding. With prior arrangement other times when the building is regularly open may be suitable. (Note: aisle runners are provided by your florist or can be purchased at paper goods stores).
 
Wedding programs (bulletins): These can be prepared by the church secretary. The couple should provide the program covers and all information to the church office no later than 10 days prior to the wedding, and proof read it up to 3 days before the ceremony.  
 
Reception: Receptions held in the church are arranged with the Faith Women in Service.  Contact information is available from the pastor.