Every United Methodist Pastor is charged with the responsibility to perform the marriage ceremony after due counsel with the parties involved, providing guidance and spiritual counsel to them as they seek to prepare emotionally, physically, financially, and spiritually. The decision to perform the ceremony shall be the “right and responsibility of the pastor” (UMC Book of Discipline) That decision shall be made by the Pastor on the basis of premarital counseling which is designed to strengthen the couple’s relationship, and demonstrate a knowledge of covenant.
Marriages for members of the local United Methodist Church are part of the responsibility of the pastor for which he or she is often given an honorarium. The church building is available to members and regular participants in the life of the church free of charge.
Code of Conduct:
- The pastor of the local United Methodist Church shall perform or participate in all weddings held in the building. Exceptions may be made as a pastoral consideration for other clergy to officiate.
- The Church Organist shall play for all weddings or approve any musician that shall play the organ or piano- - All couples shall participate in premarital counseling by meeting with the pastor at least three times. (The pastor may require UMC marriage manual or other appropriate literature as well as evaluation instruments.)
- Should, in the process of counseling, it become obvious to the pastor that in-depth professional care be needed, the couple may be required to seek additional counseling at their own expense.
- Wedding dates, rehearsals and counseling will be scheduled with the Pastor in advance.
-Couples shall pay all fees at the time of the rehearsal.
-Couples shall present the Marriage License to the Pastor at the rehearsal.
-Photography is not allowed during the speaking parts of the wedding ceremony. Photographs may be taken before or after the ceremony. No flash photography is allowed after the processional or before the recessional. The Pastor will be available, if the couple wishes, for photographs following the ceremony.
- Video taping is allowed only in consultation with and by prior approval of the Pastor..
-No wedding will be performed where it is evident that members of the wedding party have been indulging in drugs or alcohol prior to the wedding or the rehearsal; nor is alcohol allowed on church property at any time before, during or after the wedding.