Wedding Policies

We of First United Methodist Church are pleased that you have contacted us regarding your wedding. We are happy to help you in every possible way, so that your wedding will be a joyous and memorable experience. The following policies and procedures are designed to insure that your wedding service will be beautiful and appropriate for all concerned. A representative of the church will review this policy in detail with the bride or her representative. The bride or her representative and the church representative will initial each page of the policy as it is discussed to signify an understanding of the terms. The bride will receive a copy of this policy and the original will be kept on file at the church.

Marriage

Christian marriage is a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman. They fulfill each other, and their love gives birth to new life in each and through each. This union is possible when Jesus Christ is the basis and bond of unity. Christ becomes that bond of unity when the couple is centered on Him. Christian marriage confirms this grace-filled equality of female and male in Christ.

The Christian marriage ceremony is a Service of Worship before God, the direction of which is the responsibility of the pastor. Reverence shall be expected on the part of all participants.

Pre-Marital Consultation

The couple shall participate in a minimum of four hours of instruction and discussion relative to the privileges and obligations they will assume in Christian marriage at the direction of the pastor. It is the responsibility of the couple to schedule these sessions to be completed at least one month prior to the wedding.

Officiant

It is expected that a First United Methodist Church pastor will officiate at all weddings. If another is to officiate or co-officiate, a request shall be made to First Church’s pastor for approval. If approved, FUMC’s pastor will issue an invitation to the guest officiate.

Wedding Director

The FUMC Wedding Director will attend and take a leadership role in both the rehearsal and wedding. The director is familiar with the building, wedding etiquette, and the traditions of First Church. The FUMC Wedding Director will arrive 1_ hours before the ceremony.

Consultation between the bride and the Wedding Director is required no less than one month prior to the wedding. The bride is responsible for scheduling this consultation.

Reservations

The Program Assistant is responsible for scheduling all weddings. A reservation is considered to be tentative until the signed Wedding / Reception Reservation Request Form and deposit are received. Tentative reservations will be held for two weeks. In the event of a need to cancel, deposits are refundable up to 60 days prior to the wedding. All forms must be completed in their entirety and returned to the Program Assistant no less than two months prior to the wedding date.

Wedding Location

The Sanctuary and Clayton Hall provide a reverent and beautiful wedding setting.

• The Sanctuary provides a traditional, spiritual setting that can accommodate up to 725 guests.
• Clayton Hall provides a more contemporary but equally beautiful setting that will accommodate 300 guests in theater seating.