The Meaning of the Wedding Ceremony

There is a clear-cut distinction between a civil marriage and one performed in the church of Jesus Christ. A civil ceremony is presided over by a legally-authorized officer who is respoonsible for seeing that two persons make a legally binding contract with each other. A marriage performed in the church accomplishes this same thing, however it adds a religious dimension. Those who choose to be married in the church do so within the context of the worship of God and with the awareness that the vows they make to each other are made as sacred promises to God and as a celebration of the love existing between the two persons. It must therefore be planned, conducted, and considered a worship service above all else.

A church marriage, however, should not be viewed as superior to a civil marriage. A church wedding does not guarantee the success of the marriage. A successful marriage is built on the love and the commitment to continue working on the relationship after the wedding.

If a couple represents different faith backgrounds, it is often possible to have pastors or priests from both Christion traditions.

Advance Planning

The pastor prefers at least a three month's notice of the wedding - longer if possible. This allows the couple the opportunity to attend one or more worship services prior to deciding whether or not this is the church in which you choose to get married. By attending worship, you can determine if you are comfortable with the church, the pastor and her style of leadership, and the United Methodist form of worship. The church is more than a building to be used for a wedding, it is a worshipping community.

For non-church members, a meeting with the pastor is required, after you have attended worship once or twice. This will help her decide whether or not she id comfortable marrying you. It will also provide you with the opportunity to decide if Drew is the church for you to be married in, prior to scheduling the wedding date.

Worship attendance for a minimum of 4 services is mandatory. It is also required that those wishing to be married meet with her ofr at least three pre-marriage counseling sessions. The purpose of these is for her to get to know you, for you to get to know each other better, and to discover some of the strenghts and weaknesses of your relationship.

Music

All decisions regarding music, instrumentalists, soloists, etc., must be made in consultation with the pastor and Minister of Music, Anthony Rispo. As a professional, he will help the couple make selections appropriate for a church wedding and, as much as possible, reflect the wishes of the couple. Prior to the wedding rehearsal, he will be in contact with the couple to discuss music for the ceremony.

Rehearsal

A rehearsal is required for almost all wedding ceremonies. Rehearsals usually are held on the evening prior to the wedding. At the rehearsal, all those taking part in the ceremony should be present. Please tell all members of the wedding party to be on time. The wedding license and all fees must be brought to the rehearsal or the rehearsal will not take place.

Fees

Please place each honorarium in a separate marked envelope. No checks. Cash only.

Pastor: $250
Organist: $150
Sexton: $75
Use of Sanctuary: $250
Optional: Wedding Candle Ceremoney and Candleabra: $35
Bulletins: approximately $20, depends on number ordered

Flowers

It is suggested that the florist come and see the sanctuary if they are not familiar with it. This will insure ordering the most appropriate flowers and their best placement. Please advise the pastor if the flowers will be remaining or if you will be taking them afterwards. Also, let her know when they can be delivered.

Pictures

Pictures may be taken only during the processional and recessional. This request should be relayed to relatives and friends as well as to professional photographers. After the ceremony, the wedding may be restaged for pictures if desired.

The ceremony may be videotaped from a stationary camera, however no lights or equipment other than the camera will be allowed.

The Wedding Ceremony

The pastor will be using the 1984 United Methodist Service of Christian Marriage which she will give to you the night of the first counseling session. Additional scripture readings, prayers, hymns, or other music may be added with her permission. Please advise her of these additions as soon as possible.

Miscellaneous

Absolutely NO ALCOHOL is allowed on the church property. On the day of the wedding, any members of the wedding party who are believed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, will not participate. In the case of the bride and/or groom, there will be no wedding.

NO runners down the central aisle may be used due to liability problems.

Tell your guests, NO RICE OR CONFETTI! (An extra charge of $25 for cleanup will be charged if either is thrown.) Bird seed is fine.

It is the pastor's intention to help make your wedding go as smoothly as possible. She hopes that this will be a day that you will always remember.