We believe that a Christian marriage is a covenant between a couple and God. Our desire is to conduct wedding services that acknowledge the covenantal nature of marriage and affirm the unique qualities of each couple. We require each couple that is married in our church to receive premarital counseling. A couple will typically meet with one of our pastors for three or four sessions before the wedding. Our pastors use the Prepare/Enrich survey as well as other resources to help a couple begin their marriage with a solid foundation.
If you are interested in being married at Christ Presbyterian Church, then the following information should be helpful to you:
Scheduling
Make arrangements for your wedding as early as possible by calling the church office at 419.475.8629. Weddings are normally performed on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. You need to make sure that our church and one of our pastors are available on the date you desire. Only a pastor on the Christ Presbyterian Church staff may officiate at your service.
Coordinating
A wedding coordinator will be assigned to help you with all your wedding details at the church. You should schedule a meeting with our wedding coordinator at least three months before your service.
The Music
You will need to schedule a meeting with our Music Director/Organist at least two months before your wedding. Since a wedding is a Christian service, music chosen shall be suitable for a service of worship. Other appropriate instrumental and vocal music may be included. Taped music in lieu of the organ or other instruments is not recommended. Our organist can advise you of other musicians. Our Music Director/Organist arranges the music and plays for all weddings. If you desire another organist or pianist, that person must be approved and you must still pay the Christ Presbyterian Church's organist the required honorarium as a professional courtesy.
Flowers
Simple bouquets, sprays, candles and candelabra are appropriate in the Chancel area, if you choose to have them. Very elaborate decorations are unnecessary and often distract from the service.
Photography
No flash pictures may be taken during the wedding service. Time exposures may be taken from the back of the Sanctuary or Chapel. It is also permissible to videotape the service, but the videographer must take his or her pictures from the back of the Sanctuary or Chapel. Please consult with the pastor concerning any changes to this policy. Most couples choose to have the wedding party return to the Sanctuary or Chapel following the service to pose for formal photographs.
The Rehearsal
A rehearsal is usually held on the Friday evening before the service at 4:00, 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. It is important that all members of the wedding party be present at the stated hour of rehearsal, which will last about one hour.
Church Policies
The use of alcohol or drugs is not permitted on the premises (building or parking lots) under any circumstances. Christ Presbyterian Church is a smoke-free facility.
Rice or rice substitute may not be thrown.
Available Facilities
The Sanctuary and Chapel - Most weddings are held in the Sanctuary. Its graceful architecture, excellent acoustics and fine pipe organ provide a beautiful setting for your wedding. Smaller weddings can be accommodated in the Chapel, which seats eighty people. The church's candelabra and aisle candles are available for your wedding at a cost of $2.00 for each candle.
Fees for Services: (all fees subject to change)
Pastor Fee - $200.00 (non-member fee)
Pre-Marital Survey - $35.00 (mandatory for all couples)
Deposit - $125.00 (non-refundable for non-members to reserve wedding date)
Organist Fee - $125.00 (additional rehearsals of soloists with organist - $25.00 per 30 minutes)
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