It is our prayer that God, the giver of life and love, will bless the beginning of your married life, as you look forward to the vows that you will take in the House and Presence of God.
Please contact Joan Berglund, Wedding Hostess for more details (joanlberglund@gmail.com) and refer to our Wedding Booklet (pdf).
From the Book of Order, Presbyterian Church (USA):
Music suitable for the marriage service directs attention to God and expresses the faith of the church. The congregation may join in hymns and other musical forms of praise and prayer. Flowers, decorations, and other appointments should be appropriate to the place of worship, enhance the worshipers’ consciousness of the reality of God, and reflect the integrity and simplicity of Christian life.
Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire family. Marriage is a civil contract between a woman and a man. For Christians marriage is a covenant through which a man and a woman are called to live out together before God their lives of discipleship. In a service of Christian marriage a lifelong commitment is made by a woman and a man to each other, publicly witnessed and acknowledged by the community of faith.
Christian marriage should be celebrated in the place where the community gathers for worship. As a service of Christian worship, it is under the direction of the minister and the supervision of the Session. The marriage takes place in a special service that focuses upon marriage as a gift of God and as an expression of the Christian life.
- In accordance with our church rules, persons are asked to refrain from smoking in the church building. Smoking is only permitted outside the east entrance and cigarette butts must be disposed of properly.
- Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed in the church building or on the grounds. Members of the wedding party who arrive at the church under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to participate.
- Rice, bird seed, and confetti create problems both inside and outside the church building. These items are not to be distributed to guests. Bubbles or real flower petals may be used outside the church building but may not be used inside. If flower petals will be strewn inside, they must be artificial. (If you question any item, please check with our Wedding Hostess.)
- If a flower girl and/or ring bearer are to take part in the wedding, they should be old enough to carry out these duties. Children vary in their abilities and should be chosen carefully.
- Ushers are needed for weddings that include a number of guests – one usher for every fifty guests is suggested.
- No food or drink are allowed in our sanctuary or parlor. These items may be consumed only in the Kitchenette, Great Hall and Fellowship Hall and the remains must be disposed of properly.
After reading our Wedding booklet this booklet, please contact the wedding hostess, Joan Berglund at 402-440‐5478 to schedule your wedding and rehearsal. This should be done as soon as possible.
A non‐refundable $50.00 deposit is required.
Ordinarily, wedding rehearsals are scheduled the day before the wedding and no later than 6:00 p.m. and wedding ceremonies are scheduled no later than 7:00 p.m.
Any changes in wedding rehearsal dates or times must be cleared with the church office – again, to prevent conflicts in schedules or to clear a date that is not going to be used.
Video taping of the ceremony (if done by the Church) should be scheduled with the videographer, Jim DeFrain, 484‐8284. A $100 non‐refundable deposit, which will be applied to the total fee of $225.00, is due at the time of scheduling and the balance is payable at the time of rehearsal.
An audio fee of $75.00 is required to set up the audio for the ceremony if you will not be using our video team. This fee is payable one week before the wedding.
Our wedding hostess officially represents First Presbyterian Church, and her services may not be replaced by anyone else. An appointment must be made with our wedding hostess to go over wedding plans. Our wedding hostess helps the bride and groom with details of the wedding, ushering, and seating arrangements, and is present at both the rehearsal and the wedding.
A wedding is a church worship service. Therefore, all music must express a Scriptural view of love and marriage. The organist and ministers must approve all musical selections. All musical arrangements must be made with our organist. If he is not available for your wedding, we will supply another organist.
Prior to your wedding, arrange a time to meet with the organist to coordinate music selections for your wedding. If you have specific music you want for your wedding you are responsible for obtaining it and getting it to the organist or pianist in a timely manner. If you need help in obtaining vocal or instrumental soloists or groups, our Director of Music will assist you if desired.
Arrangements for payment for the services of any soloists or groups is to be handled directly with such individuals or groups. If the organist or pianist is required to be at extra rehearsals with soloists, etc., additional fees may be required and should be negotiated directly with the organist/pianist.
Premarital counseling sessions with the Premarital Counselor are mandatory and are to be arranged directly with the counselor prior to the wedding. In order for this to be a successful and productive experience, it is recommended that the counseling sessions begin approximately four months before the wedding date. (Plan to meet approximately for four sessions.)
The fee to have the counseling instructions processed is $35.00. This is in addition to the $175.00 counseling fee. The processing fee is due at the first appointment, and the check should be made out to “Life Innovations, Inc.”
