Wedding Policy for Grace United Methodist Church
Carbondale, Illinois
We are honored that you are considering Grace United Methodist Church as the location for your wedding ceremony. A church wedding is a service of worship and consecration and must always be treated as such. The church should always be made as festive and beautiful as possible, while maintaining the atmosphere of a Sanctuary. As a service of worship, the Ceremony of Christian Marriage is under the direction of the pastor of Grace United Methodist Church. The wedding service is one of the most sacred and beautiful ceremonies of the church. We will do everything we can to make your wedding and wedding rehearsal go as smoothly as possible. These policies are designed to accomplish this purpose and to promote the sanctity of the ceremony.
Scheduling the church for your wedding:
Weddings are scheduled through the church office. The wedding date is not considered firm until a completed fees sheet, policy agreement form, and deposit have been received in the church office and approved by the appropriate staff.
In setting a date for your wedding please keep in mind that we must give priority to regularly scheduled activities of the church. Therefore, dates and times for weddings cannot conflict with these activities.
When you turn in the wedding fees sheet and policy agreement form you signify that you have read these policies and that you agree to abide by them. You also signify that you will make these policies known to photographers, caterers, florists, other members of your wedding party, and guests as necessary. The person(s) who sign(s) the wedding fees sheet and policy agreement form is (are) financially responsible for any loss or damage to the facilities as a result of carelessness, negligence, or insufficient supervision.
Church host/hostess:
The church host/hostess is a liaison between you and the church. He/she will assist the minister, care for church property, and ensure the appropriate communication regarding the church’s policy takes place. If you choose to employ a wedding consultant/coordinator, that person will work directly with the church host/hostess.
Ceremony:
We approach marriage as a Christian, sacred event of commitment, and the ceremony as a worship experience. We use the basic United Methodist Order of Service. Variations or innovations to personalize your wedding shall be discussed with and approved by our minister.
Rehearsal:
Your rehearsal is a time for you and your wedding party to become familiar and comfortable with the flow of the ceremony. All persons who are to participate in the wedding should be present and on time for the rehearsal.
Even though it is a rehearsal, like the actual wedding it should be approached with reverence and dignity in conduct and dress.
The marriage license must be given to the pastor no later than the start of the rehearsal.
The officiating pastor is in charge of the rehearsal as well as the wedding ceremony. Outside wedding consultants/coordinators are welcome to assist, but must confer and comply with the direction of the pastor.
Pastor:
If an ordained pastor other than Grace United Methodist Church’s pastor is desired to perform or assist with your wedding, our pastor must give consent. The resident pastor is expected to participate in the wedding ceremony. The pastor may excuse him/herself from participation.
Premarital counseling:
The couple must make arrangements with the pastor for premarital counseling. This time allows for getting acquainted and for discussing marriage responsibilities, and concerns and issues.
Communion:
The marriage service is worship and the celebration of Holy Communion may be included. Methodist practice and tradition instruct that the whole congregation be invited to receive communion and therefore offered to everyone present at the wedding. While this is preferable you may make that decision. If you chose to serve communion, you will be responsible for providing the cups, bread, and juice.
Music:
A wedding is a sacred service. All music should be appropriate for Christian Worship. Please keep that in mind as you select your music. Many traditional and contemporary Christian vocal solos will be appropriate, as will some love songs. The pastor will have final say as to the appropriateness of all music selected.
The church has an organ and grand piano available for weddings. If you choose to employ the church organist/pianist it will be your responsibility to contact that person to arrange for the music. If you choose to have special vocalists, the organist/pianist will rehearse with the vocalist(s) at the wedding rehearsal. The vocalist will need to provide the organist/pianist with the sheet music. For legal and moral reasons a photocopy of the music is not acceptable.
If you wish to use taped music you will need to provide the tape/CD. A fee of $50.00 will be added to cover the cost of providing a trained sound technician. Only church sound technicians will be permitted to operate and adjust the sound system.
The sound system can be requested for use in the Family Life Center for the reception for an additional fee of $50.00. This fee will be waived if the equipment requested is simple, i.e. microphone and can be set up by the building host.
Photography:
To ensure an atmosphere of worship no photography is permitted during the wedding ceremony. Photos may be taken during the processional and recessional. The pastor or church host/hostess will provide guidance for the taking of photos.
The use of a video camera without lights is permitted. However, the placement of the camera must be approved by the pastor or church host/hostess prior to the start of the wedding.
Flowers and other decorations:
Floral and other decorations should be in keeping with the spirit of the ceremony. Flowers and other decorations should not detract from the sacred symbols of the church. Simplicity is always the standard. No tacks, pins, nails, screws, etc. may be used to secure decorations in any area of the church. Non-drip candles must be used as well as protective bases for flowers. The church does not provide any candles other than those already on the altar. If you choose to use an aisle runner it must be pinned down.
All decisions concerning flowers, decorations, and additional fixtures, i.e. candelabra, Unity Candle, etc. and their placement will be made in consultation with the pastor or church host/hostess. No decorations or flowers may be placed on the alter other than the existing candles and/or a Unity Candle, and Bible.
If you would like to leave flowers to be used in the worship service on Sunday, please let the church secretary know so that our church members who provide flowers each Sunday can be alerted and appropriate recognition can be given to you in the Worship bulletin.
Should your wedding take place during the seasons of Advent or Christmas (Sunday after Thanksgiving through the Sunday after January 6th), seasonal decorations in the Sanctuary must remain in place. You may add decorations but those in place may not be removed or altered in any way. Time to decorate will be provided. However, the building host must be present and the church calendar must be consulted to prevent conflict with other church activities.
Dressing rooms:
Dressing rooms are available for the wedding party. We ask that you pick up all belongings after the wedding/reception is over. The church is not responsible for lost articles. Do not leave money or other valuables in the dressing rooms at any time.
Reception in the Family Life Center:
If you choose to have your reception in the Family Life Center our Kitchen Ministry may be contacted to provide food and beverages. They will, if available, provide you with a beautiful reception, delightfully served at a fair price. They will also clean up after the reception. You may, of course, select any licensed caterer to do the reception and clean up. However, only the Grace United Methodist Kitchen Ministry or a licensed caterer will be allowed to use the kitchen due to Health Department regulations. If alcoholic beverages are desired the reception must be held at another location. In consideration of church activities which may require set up for the next day all wedding activities must conclude no later than 8pm.
Food and beverage may not be taken out of the Family Life Center.
The Kitchen Ministry may also be contacted regarding the rehearsal dinner.
Fees:
Church members support the ministry of the church through prayer, presence, gifts and their service to the church. Therefore, our fees are different for those who are not members. We feel that nonmembers who use this facility should make a contribution as well.
If you do not have a church family, we invite you to become active in this congregation.
Some other basic rules governing the use of the church for weddings:
The pastor is the final authority should any questions arise regarding church use and policy.
Use of our church host/hostess, sound/AV technician, and custodian are required and are not negotiable.
The church office is open 8am to 3pm Monday-Friday. On the day of the wedding rehearsal the church host/hostess will open the building one-hour before the scheduled rehearsal time. On the day of the wedding the church will be opened up to four hours before the wedding.
No rice, confetti, or grain/birdseed may be thrown in the church or on the church grounds. We recommend real flower petals or bubbles outside the church. Real flowers petals may not be used in the Sanctuary unless a carpet runner is provided.
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the premises under any conditions. This includes the parking lot and all church property. Persons in the bridal party appearing for the rehearsal or wedding under the influence of alcoholic beverages, as determined by the pastor, will cause cancellation of the ceremony in the church.
Absolutely no food or drink is allowed in the Sanctuary.
No furniture or musical instruments/equipment may be rearranged in the Sanctuary without the consent of the Grace United Methodist Church pastor.
Candles used in the Family Life Center must be enclosed with an appropriate (fireproof) surround and base. All candles must be non-drip.
Heating or air conditioning will be adjusted to an appropriate temperature in sufficient time to allow comfort for preparations before the wedding, during the wedding ceremony, and reception.
Smoking is not permitted in the church building.
Children must have adult supervision.
Facts about the church’s facilities:
The Sanctuary will seat 150-175 people
There are 24 round tables and 216 chairs available for use in the Family Life Center.
The Church does not provide:
Bulletins/printing of bulletins
Aisle runner
Candles other than those already on the altar.
Childcare
Download the appropriate form.
Wedding fee form for non members
Wedding fee form for members
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