Wedding Information
At
First United
Methodist Church
At
First United Methodist Church
CONGRATULATIONS!
We at First United Methodist Church want to help make your wedding a most memorable event in your lives. We are pleased you are interested in celebrating your wedding here. Since we are here to serve the community, you need not be a member of this church to be married at First United Methodist Church.
Careful advance planning will contribute to a meaningful wedding. It is very important that both the bride and groom read this brochure in order to be clear about the church's policies. There is more to marriage preparation than simply going through a check-list of details for the wedding, reception, and honeymoon!
The first step is to call the church office, (510)483-0606, to get the number for our Wedding Coordinator: Judy Pitcher (evenings, messages)
Please feel free to ask her questions.
WHO WILL OFFICIATE AT THE WEDDING?
Our church's pastor, the Reverend Dennis Taber, officiates at our weddings. The services provided by the pastor go far beyond conducting the ceremony and signing the license. Our pastor has many years of training in marriage and family counseling.
There will be premarital conversations in which the bride, groom, and the pastor will participate. Consultations are kept confidential. The value of these sessions is enhanced by your commitment.
The second step is to call the church office and request an
appointment with the
pastor.
LEGAL INFORMATION
A marriage license and certificate must be obtained from a county clerk's office. For full information on California legal requirements, telephone the Alameda County Clerk's office at: (510) 272-6363.
When you receive your license and certificate, give them to the wedding coordinator to be filled out prior to the wedding and placed in your file for safe keeping.
Policies and procedures will be reviewed with you by the wedding coordinator, but here is . . . SOME BASIC INFORMATION Nature of the Ceremony: Each wedding in this church is a service of Christian worship. Since it is a celebration, the ceremony is joyful. If you wish to create portions of the ceremony, or request special readings, you will be able to do so in your meeting with the pastor.
Wedding Coordinator : The coordinator shows the facilities, answers questions, coordinates date and times with the church staff, and assists the couple in making the rehearsal and wedding go smoothly. She is also prepared for emergencies and special needs.
Music: Our church organist is authorized to play the church organ. Musicians using other instruments, such as piano or guitar, may be considered after consulting the pastor. The organist, coordinator, and pastor will be happy to discuss music selection with you.
Sanctuary: The sanctuary seats 350, including use of the balcony. The chapel, a small intimate setting, seats up to 50 comfortably. Candles, prayer benches and other special wedding decor are available for your wedding. Weddings planned close to religious observances, such as Christmas and Easter, will need to incorporate the seasonal decor that cannot be removed.
Photography: No flash photography or floodlight filming is permitted during the ceremony. Flash photos are allowed only during the processional and recessional. The videographers and photographers will consult with the coordinator.
Alcoholic Beverages: The United Methodist Church policy on alcoholic beverages seeks to assist those for whom alcohol is a stumbling block by providing alcohol-free zones. Alcoholic beverages of any kind are not permitted on the premises before, during, or after the wedding, or at receptions held on church property.
Reception: Reception space and fees are available upon request.
Thank you very much for your kindness in respecting and observing the customs of our church.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Wedding Deposit: A $100 deposit will confirm the wedding on the church calendar. This deposit applies to the total wedding fee, and is non-refundable unless the church must cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances.
Reception Deposit: If the reception is to be held at the church, a $100 deposit will also be required before confirmation of the reception date for Hale Hall.
Security Deposit:A security deposit of $200 is required for all weddings and receptions. The deposit will be refunded based upon the condition of the premises at the end of the reservation.
* * * * * * *
WEDDING FEES
Sanctuary 350.00
Chapel 200.00
Reception Hall 450.00 (four hours)
Wedding Coordinator 150.00
Organist (as needed) 250.00
Custodian for Sanctuary 40.00
Security Deposit (refundable) 100.00
Clergy Honorarium 250.00
Wedding and reception fees may be paid when arrangements are first made, or in increments; but full payment must be made no later than 14 days before the wedding rehearsal.
Payment may be made by cash or check. Please make checks payable to:
Attention: Bob Tanquary
1600 Bancroft Avenue
San Leandro, CA 94577
PERSONS HERE TO SERVE YOU
Wedding Coordinator: Judy PitcherFacilities Manager: Bob Tanquary
Church Office (510) 483-0606
Secretary: Beth Stutzman
Organist: Zachary Gordin
Pastor: The Rev. Dennis Taber
If you have any questions or if you want to talk about your plans, the best place to begin is by calling our wedding coordinator. She will help answer questions about a variety of options, resources, possible soloists, church member rates, planning and preparation. She is here to be of help to you!
God bless you in your preparation for your wedding and your married life together!