CHURCH POLICIES ON WEDDINGS

CHURCH POLICIES ON WEDDINGS

Virgil Warren, PhD

  1.    In this church’s facilities what officiating personnel may be used? May weddings be performed by persons other than a paid staff member? Is there a church receptionist in charge of scheduling, planning, and supervising rehearsals and ceremonies?

  2.    May musicians other than the congregation’s regular organist(s) or pianist(s) play for a wedding? May the couple bring in outside soloists and musicians who have their own instruments? Are there any limitations on what kinds of instrumentation or music styles may be used for the wedding ceremony and reception time?

  3.    What fees are there for the building, custodian, sound technician, wedding hostess, nursery workers, or other personnel? Is there a refundable deposit required ahead of time to cover any damages? Is there a non-refundable fee for reserving the building? To whom is the set of fees paid?

  4.    What policies apply to the use of church equipment: reception materials, kitchen facilities and appliances, candelabra, candle lighters, tables, chairs, dressings rooms?

  5.    Who oversees the decorating of the sanctuary and reception area?

  6.    May rice, popcorn, or bird seed be thrown at the wedding?

  7.    Who takes care of re-arranging furniture as well as cleaning up after the wedding?

  8.    Are smoking and alcoholic beverages allowed on church property or in church building(s)?

  9.    What kinds of scheduling limitations are there for ceremonies and rehearsals? How far in advance must arrangements be made for the use of the church building?

10.    Does the church take the attitude that weddings held here are religious services?