Weddings






















We are glad that you have inquired about having your wedding in our
Church. This policy will inform you about our procedures. Please always keep
in mind that this is a Church, a place built and designed for worshipping God
and carrying out ministry in our community. Weddings are a part of that
ministry. We want to do all that we can to make your wedding memorable, as
we recognize it is one of the most important events of your life.

It is best to begin your preparation a minimum of 16 weeks before the
wedding, which will allow adequate time to schedule meetings with those
involved. After you are familiar with all of the following information, please call
our Church Office to see if your preferred date is available. If so:

•        You will have to complete a Wedding Agreement form.
•        You will arrange to meet twice with the minister. Each meeting will be
at least an hour long and will be for the purpose of getting to know you and
to plan the wedding ceremony.
•        You will arrange to meet with the wedding coordinator; whose name
and telephone number you will be given. The wedding coordinator will assist
you in the details of your wedding.
•        You will arrange to meet or speak with the organist/pianist, whose
name and telephone you will be given, and you will assist you in your music
plans. If he/she is unavailable, we will discuss options.
•        If you plan on using a vocalist, you will work out the fees with the
Vocalist and details of accompaniment with the organist/pianist.
•        If you plan to use other musicians, details need to be worked out with
the Wedding Coordinator and Minister.
•        Music on tape or CD is permitted.

Minister refers to the minister of our Church. All weddings are conducted by
our Church’s staff. The Church is available to those who want to bring their
own clergy and simply use the facility with the express consent of our
minister and the governing body of the Church or its representative.


Fees

ITEM                                                 MEMBER                        NON-MEMBER                Payable T0:
                                  
Walk-In Wedding                  Honorarium                       $100             First Congregational UCC

Rental of Sanctuary                No Charge                        $350             First Congregational UCC

Minister                                Honorarium                       $150               Rev. Kevin McLemore

Organist/Pianist                     $75 - $225                    $75 - $225           To Be Arranged

The wedding date/time will be reserved upon receipt of a non-refundable
cash deposit of $100.00. The balance of all costs must be paid to our Church
Office four weeks before the wedding service. The wedding ceremony will
not take place if the total amount is not paid in advance. Members may
reserve the church up to 18 months before the wedding date. Non-members
may reserve the church up to 12 months before the wedding date.

Photography

The primary considerations in photography are good taste and avoiding
distraction. Photographs of the wedding party and church may be taken
before the service and after the service. Any portion of the wedding
ceremony may be reposed. Photos of the processional or recessional are
allowed. Videotaping is permissible from the balcony as long as it does not
obscure anyone’s vision. Professional photographs need to speak with the
Minister before the wedding begins.

Decorations

We suggest one floral arrangement of appropriate size for the altar. No
flowers or candles may be placed on the pulpit, lectern or piano. Flower
stands are available without charge. Ribbons and greens can be added to the
ends of pews, however only with rubber bands; no glue, wire, or tape. All
decorations must be removed from the premises immediately after
photography is finished after the wedding.

Rehearsal

The church will be open for a rehearsal of the wedding ceremony for two
hours on the evening before the day the actual wedding is held. Only
members of the wedding party are allowed to attend the rehearsal.

The Wedding Day

The church will be open three hours before the actual ceremony and one
hour after it concludes. Everybody must be out of the facility in order to
prepare it for services the next day.

Dressing Facilities

Dressing facilities are available for the couple and wedding party in the lower
level of the building.

Responsibility

Responsibility for decorations or gifts brought to, displayed, or left in the
Church shall be that of the person making arrangements for the wedding.
The Church cannot accept responsibility for either damage to, or loss of,
items which are not the property of the Church. The one making
arrangements for the wedding assumes responsibility for reasonable care of
the facilities and is liable for any damage to property or equipment.

General Rules

•        Please do not throw rice, bird seed, or confetti, and please notify all
members participating concerning this request.
•        Please have the flower girl scatter artificial flower petals. Real flower
petals cause stains.
•        Please observe our No-Smoking Policy for the building and grounds.
•        Please do consume any alcoholic beverages in the facility or on the
grounds.
•        Please treat the Church and those involved in the service with respect.

Wedding Reception

If you would like to consider holding your reception in our Church, we will be
happy to assist you in making those arrangements.


Documents (in MS Word)

Wedding Agreement

Sample Wedding Services & Outline

Marriage Service Planning Checklist

Links To Resource Your Wedding Planning

www.theknot.com

Sample Service One-Gill

Sample Service Two-George

Sample Service Three-Harper (Unitarian)

Sample Service Four-General Religious Service


Updated May 2009
Wedding Services Information