Weddings at Chapel Lane Presbyterian Church

A Message From The Pastor:

It is a great joy for me to share in one of the happiest moments of life: your wedding. I want it to be all that you have wished for, and a service that celebrates what we believe is God's design for marriage.

To help you in your planning for the days ahead, we have prepared this booklet. We hope it will answer most of your questions, and if not, we are ready to assist with other questions you may have.

As pastor of Chapel Lane I am committed to healthy Christian marriages and to providing the best skills and assistance so that your marriage may be everything you want it to be. Couples who choose to be married in Chapel Lane Presbyterian Church are required to have a minimum of four pre-marital counseling sessions to be arranged with me. Our commitment to you goes beyond the mere wedding ceremony to providing solid Biblical nurture and practical insights.

Remember as you make your arrangements that your wedding is an act of Christian worship. It will be something to treasure in your memory all your life. Help us to make it a joyful time.

May God's blessings be with you.

"So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love."
(I Corinthians 13:13)

A Christian Wedding at
Chapel Lane Presbyterian Church

The Presbyterian Book of Order states: “Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire human family.” As members of the human family we welcome you as you come to join your lives together in Christian marriage.

A marriage is a civil contract between two people. But it is also a covenant made before God and witnesses. In coming to the Church, you announce your desire to seek the blessing of God upon your marriage. That blessing is given joyfully, in the confidence that your new relationship will lead to the establishment and maintenance of a Christian home.

A strong marriage is created by keeping God central in your lives. Your lifelong commitment to one another is one way in which you honor God and express the love of God to and for each other.

The following information is offered to help you in your planning and to make possible a worship service that is Christian in nature and appropriate for the celebration of your joyful union with one another.

Performing the Ceremony

The minister of Chapel Lane Presbyterian Church shall perform the ceremony. At the request of the couple, a guest minister may be invited by the host pastor to assist. Approval by the Session (the church governing board) and the pastor is required for a guest minister to conduct the wedding without the participation of Chapel Lane’s minister.

Counseling

The wedding will be scheduled only when the minister of the church has counseled with the couple and this wedding booklet has been reviewed. The minister needs to confirm the availability of the date and secure proper approval for the ceremony. The couple should make themselves available for as many sessions as may be required to discuss all matters relating to the marriage and the wedding ceremony.

Marriage License

The marriage license and all other necessary legal documentation must be delivered to the minister at the time of the rehearsal or earlier. A marriage ceremony will not be performed without the license in hand. A license may be obtained from the clerk of the county in which the bride resides. Check with the clerk to confirm current time requirements and limitations for license validity.

Wedding Coordinator

For your convenience, there is a wedding coordinator who is available to assist you in many ways! You will want to be sure to contact her as soon as your wedding date has been confirmed with the pastor.

FEES AND HONORARIA

A church wedding necessarily incorporates the use of church facilities and the assistance and guidance of professional individuals to serve you. Please make separate payments directly to the individuals involved in the service. The fee for building use and related additional costs for candelabra, etc., may be made out to Chapel Lane Presbyterian Church. The Session has determined that the following fees are appropriate:

Fees for the Wedding Ceremony:

The suggested fee for the minister is $300.00 for non-members. For members there is no fee. Custom leaves the matter of an honorarium in the hands of the groom.

ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION

Church Sanctuary

The sanctuary of Chapel Lane Presbyterian Church seats approximately 160 people. Chairs can be set to increase the seating capacity to approximately 250 people.

Sanctuary Flowers

Floral decorations may be placed in the sanctuary but restraint is to be exercised in the amount and placement of the decorations. The bride should discuss her plans with the Wedding Coordinator well in advance of the ceremony.

If you will be leaving the flowers for the church service on Sunday, please notify us so that we may acknowledge the gift in the Sunday bulletin. Prior notification is requested.

Silk Floral Arrangements - The church does have arrangements available and we will need to know in advance if you wish to use one of our arrangements.

Sanctuary Candelabra

If a candlelight ceremony is desired, the church has two seven-tier candelabra which may be used.

Aisle Runners

Aisle Runners are available from your florist or a rental center. The aisle runner should be 50 feet in length.

Dressing Facilities for the Wedding Party

We have dressing rooms and bathrooms available for your wedding party. Plan to arrive NO EARLIER THAN TWO HOURS prior to the ceremony and please notify the church office of your planned arrival. Please feel free to use these conveniences but please clear these rooms of all personal property following the ceremony! It may be convenient to assign this task to others in the bridal party.

Wedding Photography

Photography which disrupts the ceremony is not allowed. Flash photography is not permitted. Pictures may be taken as the bridal party enters the sanctuary and as the bridal party leaves following the benediction. The couple is asked to inform the official photographer, family and friends of these policies. The pastor may also remind participants of this policy.

Videotaping is permitted by one video camera on a tripod only. The person videotaping should speak with the pastor at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony regarding the location of the camera and the church policies regarding video taping.

Receiving Line

A receiving line may be formed in the narthex of the church or on the front walk. The throwing of rice, confetti or any other such material is prohibited in the church building. Bird seed is recommended for use outside of the church building.

No alcoholic beverages are permitted on the church grounds at any time. Cigarette smoking is permitted outside the building only. Please use care in disposing of cigarettes.

The Reception

If requested, the Presbyterian Women’s organization of the church will serve a simple reception consisting of punch, coffee, and cake. Presbyterian Women will provide the punch bowl and cups and will set up, serve and clean up. Reception size is limited to 150 250 people. The bride must provide all food and beverages, plus any decorations.

This service is provided to church members at no charge. When the service is provided for non-church members, the bride is requested to make a contribution to Presbyterian Women of $2.00 per guest. These arrangements may be made through the wedding coordinator.

Rehearsal

The date and time for the rehearsal will be set by the minister in consultation with the bride and groom. The rehearsal requires about an hour. It is important that all members of the wedding party be present at the rehearsal including the parents of the bride and groom. It is also essential that all arrive on time for the rehearsal. The minister is in charge of the rehearsal as well as the wedding.

Music

When an organist is required, the church organist will play for the ceremony. (A guest organist may be invited, but only upon permission from the minister and an instrument usage fee of $50.00 will apply). The bride is expected to contact the Director of Music regarding the music at least two months prior to the wedding to arrange a music consultation. All music must be approved by the Director of Music and Minister, including music performed by guest organists and other musicians.

Remember that the wedding ceremony is a sacred service and that the music should be chosen accordingly.

MUSIC FOR WEDDING CEREMONIES

Music from motion picture sound tracks, popular vocal music and country western music are not appropriate in a church wedding ceremony. It is recommended that this music be performed at the wedding reception.

The Director of Music will be happy to make some recommendations to assist you in your selections during your consultation.