Wedding Policy
Revised February 1, 2010
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1. It is the policy of this church to welcome all those who wish to be married within the context of a Christian worship service, whether members or not. We are happy to share our beautiful facilities with all who wish to be married as Christians and intend to live so afterward.
2. A member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church may be assigned to coordinate wedding arrangements. The coordinator may help arrange counseling sessions, be present at the rehearsal, help direct the wedding service, and be available to assist as needed to make your wedding a truly memorable day. If a church coordinator is used, there will be a fee negotiated directly between you and that person. In any and all cases, we urge you to find and use a good wedding director. This is money well-spent and will save you much time, trouble, and embarrassment.
3.The Senior Pastor or his designee will be in charge of all wedding events. However, ministers of other Christian denominations are welcome to officiate. All couples married at First Cumberland are required to participate in Christian pre-marital counseling. The Senior Pastor will either conduct or approve the counseling plan.
4. Weddings may be performed in the sanctuary, the pastor's office, or other appropriate places in the facilities.
5. Reservations for weddings will be made through the church office. Weddings will be scheduled around normal church activities. Weddings during Lent and Holy Week are strongly discouraged because of the solemn character of that time. Weddings during the week of Christmas are also strongly discouraged because attentions are focused on the Nativity. Sunday weddings are discouraged because of normal church activities. Please consult the Senior Pastor if you are considering a Sunday wedding.
6. Evening weddings will always be scheduled to begin prior to 6:00 p.m.
7. Receptions may be held in the Fellowship Hall.
8. No dancing, alcoholic beverages, or use of tobacco in any form are allowed on church property.
9. All couples wishing to be married at First Cumberland will be asked to complete and sign an application. Included in this document is a pledge to inform florists and photographers of our polices.
The fee structure for the use of our facilities is as follows: For church members and immediate family, the use of the sanctuary is free. There will be a custodial fee of $75.00, a sound technician fee of $65.00, and an optional organist fee of $300.00. Gratuities for soloists and other musicians are extra and at your option, but payable on the day of the wedding.
For those who are not members of the church, the fee for the use of the sanctuary and other areas is $500.00 with custodial, sound technician, and organist fees the same as above. A check for the estimated total of the above is required when placing the event on the church calendar.
Gratuities for other musicians, soloists, and/or ministers are extra and at your option, but payable on the day of the wedding. You will be billed for any damages to the facility.
Counseling
Pre-marital counseling is required for those being married at First Cumberland. Usually, our Pastor provides such counseling on an agreed basis, but upon request, the Pastor may approve counseling from an alternate source. In no case will a marriage be allowed without Christian pre-marital counseling.
The Rehearsal
If there is to be a rehearsal dinner, the rehearsal should always precede the dinner or other special event. The preferred time is early evening on the day preceding the wedding. It is extremely important that members of the wedding party are punctual. The rehearsal should last approximately one hour and will be directed by the officiating pastor and the wedding coordinator.
Wedding Music
The music chosen by the bride and groom is an expression of the sacredness of the occasion. It is also a reflection of the couple themselves. The bridal couple will want to give thoughtful consideration to both of these aspects. Our organist (guest organist will require prior approval) and pastor will assist you in your musical planning. Only music approved by the Church organist or Senior Pastor will be allowed.
Sound System
The sound system is available for use during the wedding. Arrangements for use of the sound system should be made when facilities are reserved for the wedding. A sound technician from this church will operate the system.
Dressing Area
Dressing rooms will be assigned by the Pastor and/or the wedding coordinator.
The Photographer
The taking of photographs is permissible only by a professional photographer from a fixed position. In other words, the photographer must be in one place during the service. The service begins when the Bride arrives at the chancel and continues until the last person in the wedding party exits. Prior to the Bride's arrival at the chancel, it is permissible for photographers to move around in a tasteful manner to take pictures, but once the service starts all such movement must cease. When you sign the application to be married here, you will be asked to inform your guests and photographer of this policy.
Should an audio/video recording of the service be desired, all equipment must be in place at least one hour before the service. Video taping is permitted using stationary cameras, without floodlights, positioned in an inconspicuous place. Please consult with the wedding director or Senior Pastor regarding the use of video equipment.
Cell Phones, Personal Cameras, and Other Electronic Devices
We ask that all personal electronic devices of any kind be turned off before entering the sanctuary. Further, we ask that your guests refrain from taking pictures during the ceremony. That's what you hired professionals to do!
A Note About Etiquette and Decorum
Your marriage ceremony is a Christian worship service. We expect all participants and guest to conduct themselves accordingly. We don't allow "dance-in or dance-out" either before or after the service. Amateur videography and photography during the service is prohibited. We ask and expect you to inform your guests of our policies. Your minister can explain before the service begins, and you are asked to print a similar request in your program or order-of-service bulletin.
A Note About Accessories, Decorations, and Flowers:
The nave of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church is very beautiful and reverent. Elaborate decorations are not needed. Every effort should be made to maintain a worshipful atmosphere because a wedding is a worship service. The communion table, pulpit, baptismal font, lectern, candles, crosses, paraments, etc., all have significant meaning for Christians. Therefore, these items must not be moved, covered, or altered in any way, unless express permission is obtained from Senior Pastor. A Christian wedding presupposes that the wedding party wants their ceremony to be conducted in a church because of what it is rather than what it can be transformed into. Therefore, the use of external appointments which have little or no relevance to holy things is unnecessary.
1) Dripless candles are required. Wax damage will be corrected at the couple's expense. Protective coverings are suggested.
2) The beauty and simplicity of the sanctuary should be maintained. Items dedicated to the glory and honor of God must remain visible at all times.
3) Clean-up:
The florist is expected to begin cleaning the sanctuary immediately following weddings conducted on Saturday evenings.
The florist is responsible for the removal of all items brought into the facility. It is also the responsibility of the florist to leave the facility broom clean, and to rearrange any chairs that were moved in the choir loft.
4) Accessories should be free standing. This prevents damage to the furnishings by the use of tacks, screws, clamps, tape, wire, nails, etc.
5) Failure to respect these requests may restrict caterers, florists, and photographers from future access to these facilities.
The Reception
The fellowship hall is available for receptions, if there is no conflict with existing church programs. Arrangements for using this area must be made at the time other areas of the church are reserved.
If a caterer is employed, it is expected that he/she will provide all the equipment needed to serve the guests, including table cloths, flatware, china, glassware, flower containers, etc. The church's dining tables are available, but any special tables must be provided by the caterer.
Rice, Birdseed, Bubbles, Balloons...
We do NOT allow rice to be thrown, balloons to be released, or sparklers after the service. Birdseed may be thrown on the parking lot. Soap bubbles are OK too.
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