Wedding Information and Guidelines

St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church

Wedding Policies Effective June 1, 2006

MAKING RESERVATIONS

You are encouraged to schedule your wedding at St. Andrew’s as far in advance as possible. The earlier we know the date of the wedding, the better the chances of us accommodating your request. Weddings are scheduled through the Church office and can by accomplished by calling 431-8560, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Though tentative dates may be checked by telephone, weddings will not be placed on the church calendar until the wedding date has been approved by a representative in the church office, the reservation deposit is paid, and the requested information contained in this packet is completed and mailed back to the church office. This must be done at least six months prior to wedding date. Weddings may not be scheduled to start later than 6:00 p.m. and must by completed by 8:30 p.m. Weddings or rehearsals may not be scheduled on certain holidays. Chapel weddings are available for a maximum of 20 people. Please check with the church office for availability.

After a wedding is scheduled a wedding facilitator will be assigned to your wedding. You may contact your facilitator with any questions. Wedding facilitators will meet with the couple at least one month prior to the wedding date to discuss the details of the ceremony and will be present at the rehearsal and the wedding.

COUNSELING

All engaged couples being married at St. Andrew’s Church will be required to take part in a 4-week series offered by the Samaritan Counseling Center. The cost is $150.00 per couple for the four-week series. The Pastor scheduled to celebrate the wedding ceremony will meet with the couple at least one time prior to the wedding rehearsal.

REHEARSAL

The rehearsal will begin on time, since a large number of people are involved and delays consume every person’s time. There will not be time during the rehearsal for soloists to rehearse songs. Rehearsal with the accompanist should be arranged at another time. Please remind members of the wedding party that, throughout the entire rehearsal, they are in a holy place dedicated to the worship of God. The wedding rehearsal must proceed in a dignified manner.

All guidelines, policies, and fees subject to change

DECORATIONS

No furnishings may be moved from other parts of the building.

Facilities staff will move any furnishings customary for all weddings.

Nails, tacks, staples, screws, pins, tape, or anything that will mar chairs and wall finishes may not be used.

The three floor candles on the chancel are available for use during weddings. Unity candles are the responsibility of the bride and groom. Clear plastic must be used under all candelabras to protect the carpet. Candle lighters are provided by St. Andrew’s.

The florist or assigned attendant is expected to remove all decorations and equipment promptly following the ceremony. No equipment may be left at the church after the wedding.

St. Andrew’s decorations will not be removed from the chancel/altar area. This includes seasonal decorations, banners, chairs, risers, and music equipment.

Facilities staff will not load or off-load equipment or decorations to be used in the wedding.

Runners are not allowed at St. Andrew’s.

DRESSES AND VALUABLES

The bride and groom are strongly urged to designate someone to watch wedding gifts during the ceremony and remove them from the church following the ceremony. Also, do not leave money, jewelry, and other valuables unattended in the dressing rooms, restrooms, etc. St. Andrew’s cannot be responsible for gifts or any personal items or cameras brought to the church for use in a wedding.

PHOTOGRAPHY/AUDIO VISUALS

The photographer may take pictures before or after the ceremony in any part of the building. No pictures may be taken in the Sanctuary during the ceremony except for time exposures. The photographer may take a picture of the wedding party, as they process down the aisle, and as they leave. No pictures may be taken by guests during the Wedding Ceremony. Photographers are not allowed to stand on the chairs.

The bride should appoint an assistant to help coordinate the photographer. The assistant will be in charge of making sure the people who need to be photographed are where they need to be at the appropriate time.

The wedding may be video taped using existing light. Slide or video presentations may be used in the actual wedding service. However, the content must be keeping with a Christ centered wedding and must be approved by the Lead Pastor or Wedding Facilitator.

OTHER IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS

Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on church premises including the parking lots and vacant land. If any member of the wedding party is found to be intoxicated the officiating pastor may exclude that person from the wedding ceremony.

No smoking is allowed in any of the church facilities.

No unsightly or inappropriate materials shall be used to decorate the wedding car.

Due to insurance liabilities, no childcare may be provided at St. Andrew's Church for weddings.

No rice shall be thrown. Birdseed may be used, but must be thrown outside the buildings.

Only trained technicians of St. Andrew’s are allowed to operate sound equipment, Power Point, computers or any other church owned equipment.

All members of the wedding party must attend the rehearsal.

The Wedding Facilitator will direct the rehearsal. Please designate a person to coordinate the wedding party prior to the processional.

If a flower girl or ring bearer is to be used, please see that the children are over five years of age.

The number of ushers should be in keeping with the anticipated attendance. Usually, four are sufficient. If you cannot have four consider using some of the Groomsmen.

All musicians must attend the rehearsal.

The marriage license must be brought on rehearsal night and given to the pastor.

All members of the wedding party should be at the church no less than one hour prior to the ceremony.

The building will be closed and locked three and one-half hours after the time the wedding begins.

The church property must be left in the condition in which it was found. This includes clean up of all equipment and items pertaining to the wedding. If church tablecloths are used they must be returned clean no more than 3 days after the wedding.

St. Andrew’s is not responsible for any automobiles left on the property and has the authority to have vehicles towed at owner’s expense.

All guidelines, policies, and fees subject to change

FEE SCHEDULE

A member wedding is defined as one in which the bride, groom, or one of their parents, is a member of SAUMC when the wedding is scheduled.

Non-Member Member

Required Fees

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DATE WILL NOT HELD UNTIL THE INDICATED (*) FEES ARE PAID IN FULL

Scheduling Fee $150* $150*

This fee must be paid after your date has been

confirmed with the church office at least 6-months

prior to wedding date. This fee applies to rent.

This fee is non refundable.

The costs listed below are expected to be paid at the church office at least one week before the date of the wedding. Checks must be made out separately.

Sanctuary Rental Fee $600 $300

Pastor $200 $150

Non-members may not use any pastors other

than those affiliated with St. Andrew’s.

Members may be allowed to have outside pastors

such as relatives or family friends, however, this

needs to be discussed with and okayed by one of

the St. Andrew’s pastors.

Wedding Facilitator Fee $100 $100

Sound Technician Fee $100 $100

If more than one technician is needed each

will receive the $100 fee.

Custodial Fee $100 $100

Optional Fees

Vocalists $100 $100

If engaged by the church

Pianist $100 $100

If engaged by the church

Director of Music-Consultation $150 $150

This fee includes Prelude, Wedding March,

Bridal March, and Recessional. If the director

of Music also serves as the pianist for the

ceremony they will receive fees for both.

All guidelines, policies, and fees subject to change

Your Wedding

St. Andrew’s Member Yes No

A member wedding is defined as one

in which the bride, groom, or one of

their parents is a member at SAUMC

for 6 months prior to the wedding being

scheduled.

_______________________________________

Name of Couple

_______________________________________

Wedding Date / Time of Ceremony

Please consult the pastor before changing the ceremony time.

_______________________________________

Rehearsal Date and Time

Please consult the pastor before changing the rehearsal time.

________________________

Approximate Number of Guests

______________________________ _______________

Bride’s AddressDaytime Phone

_____________________________________________EmailAddressEveningPhone

______________________________ _______________

Groom’s AddressDaytime Phone

______________________________ _______________

EmailAddress EveningPhone

This form needs to be mailed tothe church office, with theReservationDepositof $150.00as soon as your date has beenconfirmed and approved by a representative fromSt.Andrews. By signing below you acknowledge receiptof SAUMC wedding policies andguidelines.

______________________________________

Signature/Date

If you have a change ofaddress or telephone number,

pleasebe sure to notify the church office.

Allguidelines, policies, and fees subject to change

Your Wedding

St. Andrew’s Member Yes No

A member wedding is defined as one

in which the bride, groom, or one of

their parents is a member at SAUMC

when the wedding is scheduled.

_______________________________________

Name of Couple

_______________________________________

Wedding Date / Time of Ceremony

Please consult the pastor before changing the ceremony time.

_______________________________________

Rehearsal Date and Time

Please consult the pastor before changing the rehearsal time.

________________________

Approximate Number of Guests

______________________________ _______________

Bride’s Address Daytime Phone

______________________________ _______________

Email Address Evening Phone

______________________________ _______________

Groom’s Address Daytime Phone

______________________________ _______________

Email Address Evening Phone

This form needs to be mailed to the church office, with the Reservation Deposit of $150.00 as soon as your date has been confirmed and approved by a representative from St. Andrews. By signing below you acknowledge receipt of SAUMC wedding policies and guidelines.

______________________________________

Signature/Date

If you have a change of address or telephone number,

please be sure to notify the church office.

All guidelines, policies, and fees subject to change