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(download as a pdf here)
Weddings at First United Methodist Church
We rejoice with you on the occasion of your wedding, and want to help you plan the ceremony so it may be a joyous celebration before God and with those who will share it with you.
1. Weddings held at our church will be solely under the supervision and direction of our pastor. Our sanctuary is not available for rental to the community for services conducted by ministers who are not associated with our church. However, at the request of the bridal party, other clergy may be invited to assist.
2. Requests for use of our facility should be made at least six months in advance of wedding date. When persons who are not members of First United Methodist Church request the use of our facilities and staff for weddings, we welcome the opportunity to extend our ministry at this joyous and significant time. However, it should be clearly understood that the standards and policies developed by our congregation shall apply, and pastor shall conduct and direct the service. It is strongly recommended that couples attend either the Pre-Marriage Counseling offered by "Marriage Encounters" or other similar programs.
3. Couples requesting our services are required to attend a worship celebration before plans for the wedding can proceed.
4. Couples should call the church office to make a request for a date and time for the ceremony. The pastor will call the couples and arrange an appointment to discuss the wedding.
5. Saturday weddings that require the use of the sanctuary will not be scheduled before 11:30am. 6. The license for the marriage must be obtained in DuPage County. The facility is located on County Farm Road in Wheaton.
7. Music is an important part of the wedding ceremony and should be in keeping with the traditions of the church. Only the appointed church organist may play the organ, piano or keyboard for weddings. Special accompanists can be approved solely at the discretion of the pastor.
8. It is very important for all members of the wedding party to attend the rehearsal and be on time. This includes ushers and parents. 9. Photographers will be permitted to take pictures before the ceremony begins and during the processional and recessional. No photographs are to be taken in the sanctuary after the processional except for non-flash pictures from the rear by the official photographer. 10. Family and friends must refrain from taking pictures during the service. After guests have left the sanctuary, pictures may be posed. Use of video equipment must be discussed with the pastor prior to the rehearsal.
11. It is the responsibility of the couple to inform the florist when the church building will be open for flower delivery. Flowers will be removed after the wedding, or we will assume we have permission to use them for worship services and dispose of them. 12. The Altar and Chancel areas must be protected from damage due to moisture from flower arrangements. Plastic dishes under arrangements will accomplish this. Flower girls can only use flower petals when a runner is used to protect the carpet. Church policy does not allow for changing church decor for weddings ( i.e., removing banners, furnishings, or seasonal decorations). 13. The throwing of rice, birdseed, or confetti, as the couple leaves the church, is not permitted. Use of any other kind of materials as the couple leaves the church must have the permission of the pastor. 14. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on church property. 15. Smoking is not allowed in the building. It’s the law!
FEES:
Non-Members
Use of the Facility: $750.00 (non-member)
*Use of the facility includes the sanctuary and conference room. The kitchen and Fellowship hall may also be used for up to three hours immediately following the wedding.
Wedding Reception: $750.00 (non-member)
Organist/Pianist’s: Negotiable with the Music Director
Pastor’s: Negotiable with Pastor
Maintenance fee: $100.00 (non-member)
Members:
*$100.00 only for members -(maintenance fee)
*To qualify for the membership discount one of the persons getting married, or a mother or father of one of the wedding couple, must be a member in good standing for at least a year before the day of the reservation is made.