Wedding Policies and Fees
Hope United Methodist Church likes weddings! We hope that we can work with you so that you can have the best wedding possible. Here are a few items of which you need to be aware:
Every effort will be made to accommodate members of Hope United Methodist Church who wish to be married in our church. We do not charge a set fee to members and their families for building use or pastor, as it is assumed that members are already supporting the ministry of the church by their prayers, their presence, their gifts, and their service. However, both members and non-members will be charged fees for the services of our organist and custodian.
Non-members of Hope United Methodist Church will be accommodated when possible, although the pastor reserves the right to refuse a non-member wedding if he or she believes it to interfere with other church activities or priorities. The pastor has the right to adjust building fees up or down based on additional requirements (weddings outside the area, aboard alien spacecraft, etc.) or economic need. Weddings in the church will be officiated by the current pastor unless he/she sees a need to invite other clergy to participate. At least three sessions of premarital counseling with the pastor (when officiating) are required.
No use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or tobacco will be permitted on church premises.
Candle opera’s are available and it is the responsibility of the wedding party to provide the candles. Please use dripless candles, or place plastic on the floor underneath the candles to keep the wax from dripping on the floor.
It is preferred that tape not be used on the walls and furniture, since tape may cause damage to these items.
The alter table may be moved, but for symbolic purposes it should always have a cross on it. It is assumed that Christ will be the center of every wedding celebrated in the sanctuary.
We will provide a list of approved organists upon request. If none of then are available (or there are other extenuating circumstances) the pastor, or one of these musicians, may be able to suggest or approve other musicians. It is expected that all music will be appropriate to a Christian wedding, and will be chosen in consultation with the organist/pianist.
Wedding Fee Schedule
| Non-Member | Member | |
| Use of Church Sanctuary | $75.00 | No set Fee |
| Use of Wesley Center for Reception | $200.00 | No set Fee |
| Pastor | $50.00 | No set Fee |
| Organist at Service | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Organist at Rehearsal | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Custodian to Clean Church | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Sound System Technician (if used) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
In addition to these fees, a $100.00 deposit is required. This shall be returned after the wedding if the building is left in a clean condition, and no damage has been done. For the deposit to be returned, the following conditions must be met.
All furniture and other items must be returned to original place.
The floors must be clean. Any birdseed or rice used in the wedding must be swept off the carpet and off the sidewalks and front steps.
No damage done to the building, furnishings, or property.