WEDDING POLICY AND FEES

Introduction
We stand before the altar of God for the great events of our lives. Therefore, it is fitting that marriages occur before the altar. Standing there in the presence of God, we take vows of mutual love, respect and faithfulness, committing ourselves to a lifetime relationship.

Our goal in the church is to help you make this a joyful and meaningful event, rich with promise. Premarital counseling is required prior to the wedding. There can be some latitude in planning the service (i.e. dress, music, processional, etc.)   The ritual of the service itself, however, must reflect the Christian understanding of marriage expressed in the rituals of the United Methodist Church. In consultation with the minister, a couple may write some of their own ritual, if they choose to do so.

A licensed and ordained minister must perform the ceremony. If a guest minister is requested, he or she may come by invitation from the minister of Grace United Methodist Church. The minister of Grace Church is completely in charge of the rehearsal and wedding. Outside wedding consultants may provide assistance, as requested by the minister. All arrangements between the consultant and the minister must be made in advance of the rehearsal.

Considerations
Photographs may not be taken during the ceremony; photographs are permitted from the rear of the aisle during the processional and recessional. We will recreate portions of the ceremony afterward for your photographer. Video cameras discreetly placed on a tripod, or hand-held in one spot, are permitted.   Please provide a copy of this policy to your florist, other decorators, photographer and any outside consultant before the rehearsal.

The Church organist is the approved organist for weddings, unless permission for another musician is given by the minister and organist. Additional instrumentation and vocals may be used when approved by the minister. The organist will be available to provide consultation on appropriate music for the ceremony.

The minister and the organist must approve music selected for the wedding. Appropriate music includes hymns, musical prayers, songs with scripture base and other church music. All other suggestions will be carefully reviewed to see if they fit into the context for Christian worship.

Please do not throw rice. Even birdseed requires a great deal of clean up afterward. Only rubber bands or soft plastic clips may be used to attach bows to the pews.

NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE PERMITTED in any building or on the church property. Smoking and other tobacco products are not permitted in any building.

You are welcome to bring in candelabras, greenery and/or flower arrangements, which may not be placed before the altar or on the chancel rail Please use dripless candles and place clear protective plastic sheets beneath them and be sure all equipment and material is removed immediately after the ceremony. Grace Church cannot be responsible for equipment and personal possessions left in the church buildings. Our sanctuary and classroom areas must be restored to normal order following the ceremony. Please have your florist and/or caterer call the church and set plans for decorating and removing decorations.

Fees  (Adjustments may be made to these fees for smaller weddings at the discretion of the


Organist      150.00..................Building use (non members)      500.00

All fees include rehearsal. It is important that all members of the wedding party be present for the rehearsal including mothers and grandmothers who will be specially seated during the service.

In order to schedule a wedding a $250 deposit toward these fees is required. The balance including Minister’s honorarium must be paid no less than one week prior to the wedding. The marriage license should also be delivered to the church office by this time.

We have read and agree to comply with this policy. 713 862-8883

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..Signature...............................................................Date

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WEDDING RESERVATION FORM | GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Wedding Date _____________ Time _________ Rehearsal Date ____________ Time _________

Brides Full Legal Name ___________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________

Phone: Home __________________________ Work___________________________

Grooms Full Legal Name __________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________

Phone: Home __________________________ Work___________________________

Church Affiliation: ___________________________   _________________________
........................... BRIDE                                  GROOM

Relatives in Membership at Grace: __________________________________________

Approximate number of guests __________

Number of Attendants _________________

Location of Rehearsal Dinner ______________________________________________

Location of Reception ____________________________________________________

Florist _____________________________________            Phone _________________

Photographer______________________________            Phone _________________

_____________________________________                       Phone _________________

Planner________________________________            Phone _________________

_____________________________________                       Phone _________________

Minister ____________________________________           Phone _________________

 If guest minister, please provide church name and address

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