A Christian wedding is a special type of wedding, set apart from both a civil ceremony and a non-Christian ceremony. A Christian wedding should be planned by couples who clearly want their marriage to be set within the context of the Christian faith and Christian worship.
Weddings should take place in community, not in isolation. They are acts of public worship set within the context of a community of love and concern. The congregation participates in the event, as in any other worship service.
At Monroe United Methodist Church we see weddings as an important ministry of
our church. In order that your wedding may be as lovely and meaningful as
possible, we offer the following guidelines for the use of our church
facilities.
Selecting a Date
The date and the hour for both wedding rehearsal should be scheduled well in
advance with the Pastor and cleared with the church office.
The Minister
The Pastor will officiate at your wedding. If you wish to invite another clergyperson to participate in the wedding, it is customary to obtain the permission of the Pastor, who will invite the guest minister to assist in the ceremony.
Three pre-marital conferences with the Pastor are required. The first
conference should be set at least two months prior to the wedding service.
These conferences will be arranged on an appointment basis with the Pastor.
The Music
The church organist is usually available to play for church weddings. If he is
unavailable, other arrangements will be made. The organist's fee is $100.00
for playing at both the rehearsal and the wedding. Occasionally a couple
requests a close friend to play. In such instances, it is requested that they
obtain the permission of the Pastor well in advance of the wedding. Couples
are encouraged to confer with the organist regarding the choice of music.
The Use of the Church
If neither of the principals in the wedding is a member of the Monroe United
Methodist Church, it is expected that a donation will be made for the use of
the sanctuary. While we are generally happy to undertake these weddings as a
ministry of our church, it will be readily understood that there is expense
involved in heating and lighting the church and custodial care. The suggested
donation is $125.00 plus $25.00 for the custodian.
Receptions
Our Fellowship Hall is someimes available for weddng receptions. A schedule
of fees is available from the Pastor or church office. Catering arrangements
must be made by the wedding party.
The Wedding Steward
Mary Danzeisen is our wedding steward. Functioning as a coordinator to
assist the Pastor and the wedding party, she will be present at both the
rehearsal and the wedding. Her fee is $50.00 and may be paid directly to her
at the rehearsal or the wedding.
The Rehearsal
Wedding parties should arrive promptly for the rehearsal. Rehearsals usually
take about one hour. At this time, the marriage license will be signed and
given to the Pastor. All fees should also be paid to the Pastor at this time.
Flowers
A center bouquet on the altar in the sanctuary is traditional, although
additional flowers may be used. Normally, the wedding party assumes
responsibility for the floral appointments. If desired, flowers from Saturday
weddings may remain on the altar for Sunday morning, with a notation in the
Sunday bulletin regarding the wedding.
Photographers
There is no objection to photographers taking pictures from the rear of the
nave before the ceremony itself begins, and again as soon as the benediction
has been pronounced. The wedding party may pose in the chancel after the
service has been concluded. Experience has shown that pictures taken during
the ceremony detract from it. PLEASE! Instruct your photographer to refrain
from taking pictures from the time the wedding party reaches the chancel
until the time that the benediction has been pronounced.
After the Service
Throwing of birdseed is permitted outside the frnt entrance of the church.
Fees for a Church Wedding
We want to make your wedding as happy and memorable as possible! If you
have specific ideas or requests concerning your special day, please
consult with the Pastor well in advance.
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