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Guiding Principles
Each service will be under the sole direction of the pastor or someone
designated by him/her.
The church organist will be the organist for all weddings at FPC -- unless
He or she is unable to play -- in which case the organist will arrange for a
substitute.
Elaborate floral decorations and floor runners are discouraged. Weddings are
services of worship to be conducted with dignity, reverence and joy.
In the spirit of worship, no flash pictures may be taken during the wedding
service. Flash photographs may be taken prior to and following the service.
Photographs of the bride may be taken in the narthex before she enters the
sanctuary. (The photographer should not enter the sanctuary.) Photographs may be
taken from the back of the sanctuary during the service if desired, provided
that a flash is not used. Arrangements should be made with the photographer
prior to the service to make sure that he/she fully understands the policies of
the church. A videotape of the service may be made. The camera must be set up in
the choir area and must remain stationary. No extra lighting may be used.
The bridal party should be prompt for the wedding rehearsal which lasts about an
hour. All participants should attend the rehearsal including the parents of the
bride and groom.
All weddings conducted at FPC must conform to the policies and theology of the
church and the Presbyterian Church (USA). |
Wedding Procedures
Introduction
The Christian wedding is fundamentally different from a secular wedding in its
basic presuppositions of faith, hope, and love in Jesus Christ. Presbyterians
consider the wedding ceremony a service of worship. Reverence shall be expected
on the part of all present, and the service shall be under the sole direction of
the pastor.
This web page is intended to answer certain questions for those planning a
marriage service at the First Presbyterian Church. It is not intended as a
substitute for premarital counseling with one of the pastors. The pastor will
decide the direction and number of counseling sessions needed. Premarital
counseling is designed to help the couple see their marriage in light of the
spiritual, physical, social, economic and intellectual adjustments which
marriage requires.
You may also
download our wedding brochure.
See pictures of our sanctuary & social hall.
Early
Arrangements
The following steps should be taken well in advance of the wedding:
1. Consult with the church office regarding the availability of dates for
weddings and rehearsals. Weddings are not performed on Sundays or during Holy
Week.
2. Obtain the necessary forms. Fill them out and return them to the church
office as soon as possible.
3. Thereafter one of the pastors will contact you to set up a time to talk about
your wedding. If the pastor agrees to perform the wedding, you will need to make
financial arrangements with the church office. The wedding date will be placed
on the church calendar only after the forms have been returned and fees paid.
To be eligible for the
member rate, the bride or groom must have been a member of FPC for a minimum of
one year.
4. Before making arrangements with a photographer and florist, please contact
the wedding coordinator to discuss the details of your wedding.
5. Consult with the organist as far in advance as possible. The organist will be
happy to discuss the choice of music to be used at your wedding. The church can
provide soloists, or the bride and groom may wish to suggest a soloist.
Fees for a soloist are in
addition to the standard fee. Music should be suitable for a worship service.
6. If a wedding is canceled the following policy applies:
Up to thirty days before the
wedding there will be a full refund,
Two weeks before the wedding
a fifty percent refund will be made,
Less than two weeks before
the wedding all money is forfeited.
Use of the Church and Its Furnishings
1. A schedule of fees is available from the church office. The basic wedding fee
for members is $500 and for non-members is $1,000.
2. The Lied Sanctuary is available for weddings and seats approximately 700. The
Social Hall is available for receptions. Various fees and restrictions apply.
Call the church office for details.
See photos of the Social Hall and Sanctuary.
3. A bridal dressing room is available.
4. Candles: Wax Candles are not permitted. Electric candles and a candelabra are
provided.
Unity Candles are the only exception to this rule. Wax candles for this purpose
may be placed on the communion table. The couple is responsible for unity
candles and holders.
5. The following are not permitted:
* alcoholic beverages, smoking, or
* throwing of rice, birdseed, or
confetti.
6. Receiving lines are appropriately held at the reception festivities, and are
not held immediately following the service of worship.
If you have questions about your wedding or need more information, please
contact:
* the church office,
* one of the pastors, or
* the wedding coordinator.
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