YOUR WEDDING
This page is designed to explain our policies and fees, as you consider selecting First Presbyterian Church for your wedding ceremony. Our sincere desire is to make your Christian marriage and wedding service one of the most important days of your life, and as memorable as possible.
The first step should you desire to have your marriage service performed at this church, the first step is to determine the date for your wedding and see if that date is available on the church calendar. Two weddings can be held on the same date provided there are at least four hours between them. A specific date may be reserved upon receipt of the deposit. This deposit is non-refundable since we will be holding this date for you.
The second step is consultation with our pastor, who can assist you with planning this wonderful event.
THE SERVICE
The pastor of First Presbyterian Church will normally conduct all weddings. Should the pastor be absent on the date you have chosen, arrangements can be made for other clergy to officiate. The pastor will consider a request for a relative or friend who is a member of the clergy to assist with the service. Regardless of who performs the ceremony, the bridal couple should meet with the pastor well in advance of the wedding date.
The marriage service is the heart of any wedding celebration. The type of service you are contemplating will be discussed at the initial conference. Our pastor is very experienced in planning ceremonies and can help you structure one that will be uniquely yours. Personal touches within the bounds of good taste are welcome.
THE MUSIC
The music at your wedding will help establish the mood of solemnity and joy for the ceremony itself, and it is important to make appropriate choices. Since this is a Christian marriage, it is appropriate that the music glorify God. You may schedule a pianist, or you may play taped music.
THE DECORATIONS
Flowers and decorations are not to be unduly elaborate. Simple and tasteful decorations provide the best background for the bridal party. Since more than one wedding may be scheduled, please be considerate of the need for those behind you or ahead of you to decorate or clean. Care should be taken that no staples, tacks or other materials are left on the floors or used to secure decorations. Only dripless candles may be used. Candles are not provided by the church. Specific questions concerning decorations and the moving of sanctuary furniture can be answered by the pastor or wedding coordinator.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Preserving the memories of your wedding day is important. The bride or groom must inform photographer of our policies. Videotaping may be done at the side, front or back of the sanctuary during the service provided the video camera is on a tripod. Flash photographs and moving about during the ceremony distract from the occasion and are not permitted. Your photographer should consult with the pastor concerning the taking of pictures of the bridal party before, during, or after the wedding.
REHEARSAL
Rehearsals are usually held early in the evening the day before the wedding by 6:15pm. All members of the wedding party should attend the rehearsal. The pastor is in charge of the order of service and the duties of each person participating in the ceremony. No changes are to be made after the rehearsal is held. Remember to bring the marriage license with you to rehearsal with the stamped envelope. The license must be presented to the pastor at this time. A dressing area will be designated for the wedding party at this time. Personal items and clothing are the responsibility of the wedding party. In inclement weather, arrangements must be made by the wedding party to provide for the protection of the participants between the dressing area and the narthex.
RECEPTION
We do not have the facilities for a reception.
FEES
$350.00 non-refundable deposit is required before the date is reserved.
an addtional
$550.00 is due for all weddings (includes honorarium for minister and
wedding coordinator) for a total of
$900.00
If you choose to use our pianist, her fee is $150.
BUILDING SPACE
We look forward to sharing our facilities with you for your wedding. Our building is dedicated to the glory of God, so your cooperation with our guidelines is appreciated. The wedding party will be responsible for all damages incurred to the church facilities during the time you are at the church. Saturday weddings will be completed and the premises vacated by 8:00pm in order for preparations to be made for our Sunday Services. No rice or birdseed may be thrown on the church grounds or parking lot. Cigarettes and other tobacco products may not be used in the building nor thrown on the grounds outside of the building.
Kitchen facilities and cupboards are not available. You are asked to leave the building as clean and as tidy as possible. Inspect rooms for personal belongings.