Rocky Mount United Methodist Church
“WEDDING POLICY”
(updated 9.30.09)
The United Methodist Church recognizes that marriage is a gift from God, and therefore to be celebrated in a service of Christian worship. The Book of Worship directs that wedding ceremonies be characterized by dignity, beauty, joy, and reverence. Rocky Mount has established the following guidelines to be used by those who are married in this church.
Arrangements
Initial Contacts: Initial arrangements for church weddings are made through the church office. The office will put the couple in contact with the persons who will help them plan their wedding, such as; the Music Director, Rocky Mount’s Wedding Director, and our Associate Pastor.
Application for Marriage: The Bride & Groom will be asked to complete and sign “The Application for Marriage” and submit a photo of the couple. This application and photo will be given to our Associate Pastor who will then coordinate with the couple their pre-marital conferencing and counseling.
Setting the Date: Weddings should not be scheduled on Sundays or during Holy Week; neither should they be scheduled for New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, or Christmas Day. Only after a)“The Application for Marriage” has been returned to the church office, b) any “fees paid” (see attached sheet), and c)confirmation given from both the church office and the presiding Pastor, will the wedding date be put on the church calendar. From the date “The Application for Marriage” has been submitted, to the proposed date for the wedding, there is to be no less than a period of 6 months.
Conferences and Pre-Marital Counseling
Pre-marital counseling with the couple is a requirement. The churches major concern is that the couple is prepared to make their vows to each other with a sense of genuine commitment to each other and to God. The pastor will emphasize the religious significance of the marriage ceremony and the importance of marriage within God’s will and purposes.
We believe it to be vital that a couple invest in preparations, not only for the wedding day itself, but in the marriage union of which ideally will last a life-time. Throughout the season of engagement the couple is invited to invest in the following over period of at least 6 months prior to their wedding…
6 Pre-marital counseling sessions with our Associate Pastor discussing such topics as: your coming together story, a biblical perspective of marriage, goal setting, conflict/resolution, love languages, and a detailed personality inventory.
1 session with the presiding Pastor approximately 3-4 weeks before the wedding to go over the wedding day ceremony and any additional questions.
Schedule a meeting with at least one of several seasoned couples who have been married for over 30 years, to see what you might glean from them and their marriage. (see attached)
Schedule and attend your Engaged Encounter Retreat Weekend. Or commit to a Marriage Encounter Weekend within the first year of marriage.
Read the following book together and be prepared to discuss it during your premarital counseling with our Associate Pastor: The Five Love Languages by: Gary Chapman
The Wedding Ceremony
The Pastor will provide a copy of the wedding ceremony at the initial conference and will review the service with the couple and advise them of other parties with whom the bride should meet.
Another minister can conduct or assist in the ceremony only upon an invitation from the officiating minister. It is important that our minister be in charge of the ceremony.
For weddings requested by “non-members,” the Senior Pastor or Associate Pastor will decide whether the marriage ceremony may be conducted at the church.
Decorations
Flowers, decorations, and other appointments should not be unduly elaborate. Candelabras may be used. Candles: Dripless spring-loaded or artificial candles must be used. If aisle candle holders are used, dripless candles are required. Candles in windows must be used with a globe. Aisle and pew entrances cannot be obstructed by decorations. No tape or adhesive can be used on pews or wood surfaces.
Chancel Furnishings
The altar may be moved back against the organ pit, but cannot be moved from its place as the center focal point. The cross, candles, bible, and paraments should not be removed. Kneeling rails may be moved out of the sanctuary and into the commons area. Flower stands may be removed and stored in the handbells room. The banner may be removed and stored in the narthex. The Lenten cross (if applicable) may be removed and stored in the narthex.
Videography and Photography
Videography is permitted and must be done from the sound loft. Flash photography during the ceremony is permitted only in designated areas.
Music
Sacred Christian music is strongly recommended and secular music is permitted, but must be approved by the Director of Music and presiding Pastor.
Musical Equipment
The following musical equipment can be moved: The keyboard (not the piano), the drums, the timpani, microphones, and music stands. These items may be removed and stored in the handbells room. Wires for musical equipment should be disconnected from the equipment and remain connected to the floor or wall. Please communicate these requests with our Music & Arts Director.
Fees
A schedule of fees, for members and non-members, is available in the church office. No fees other than custodial expenses will be charged to the church member for the use of the facilities.
“Member” is the bride or groom, but should be one who has been an active, contributing and participating individual for at least 3 months prior to the submission of “The Application for Marriage.”
Wedding services for “non-members” will not be confirmed until six months prior to the wedding date.
A “walk-in” wedding is one that is supervised solely by a pastor of Rocky Mount UMC and does not require a rehearsal or a wedding director.
Rocky Mount United Methodist Church
“MEMBER” WEDDING FEE SCHEDULE
All persons using Rocky Mount United Methodist Church facilities for weddings will be required to pay the full fee prior to setting a date on the church calendar.
CUSTODIAL FEES:
Sanctuary $50.00
Fellowship Hall (rehearsal or reception) $50.00
WEDDING DIRECTOR: $100.00
MISCELLANEIOUS:
DVD of wedding ceremony if desired $75.00 (paid directly to them)
Console/sound operator at wedding $75.00 (paid directly to them)
Console/sound operator at rehearsal if needed $25.00 (paid directly to them)
TOTAL DEPOSIT TO R.M.U.M.C. $_______
* above items must be paid to reserve date on church calendar
PRE-MARITAL COUNSELING:
Engaged Encounter Weekend $________
HONORARIUMS
Presiding Pastor $________
Organist/Music Director $________
Pre-Marital Counseling Pastor $________
*All weddings held at Rocky Mount United Methodist Church require the services of our wedding director.
* It is appropriate and customary to give an honorarium, but no fee is set.
*Honorariums are payable directly to the individual.
DATE PAID_________________________
Revised 9/11/09
Rocky Mount United Methodist Church
“NON-MEMBER” WEDDING FEE SCHEDULE
All persons using Rocky Mount United Methodist Church facilities for weddings will be required to pay the full fee prior to setting a date on the church calendar.
PRESIDING PASTOR: $250.00
WEDDING DIRECTOR: $100.00
ORGANIST/MUSIC DIRECTOR: $200.00
PRE-MARITAL COUNSELING:
Counseling Sessions: $50/session $300.00 (minimum of 6 sessions req.)
Engaged Encounter Weekend $________ (paid directly to them)
2 Books: The Five Love Languages $20.00
CUSTODIAL FEES:
Sanctuary $50.00
Fellowship Hall (rehearsal or reception) $50.00
MISCELLANEIOUS:
DVD of wedding ceremony if desired $75.00 (paid directly to them)
Console/sound operator at wedding $75.00 (paid directly to them)
Console/sound operator at rehearsal if needed $25.00 (paid directly to them)
TOTAL DEPOSIT TO R.M.U.M.C. $_______
* above items must be paid to reserve date on church calendar
* Fees to the Presiding Pastor, Music Director/Organist, Wedding Director, and Pre-marital Counselor are payable directly to that individual. The names of these persons is available from our church secretary.
* If the organist is to accompany a soloist and/or an instrumentalist, rehearsal time is necessary and a fee of $25 is to be added to the organist’s fee.
*All weddings held at Rocky Mount United Methodist Church require the services of our wedding director.
DATE PAID_________________________
Revised 9/11/09
Rocky Mount United Methodist Church
“THE APPLICATION FOR MARRIAGE”
BRIDE
Name__________________________________________________________________Age:_______
First Middle Last
Current Address:____________________________________________________________________
Address after Marriage:____________________________________ email: _____________________
Phone: (H)______________________(W)__________________________(cell)__________________
Parents’ Names_______________________________ Phone # (s)_____________________________
Parent’s Address(es) _________________________________________________________________
Do you work, if so where and what do you do? ______________________/______________________
Member of_____________________Church in _______________ Date of Engagement ___/___/___.
If divorced, date of divorce_____________ Children & Ages if any_____________________________
*please provide a copy of divorce certificate w/application
GROOM
Name__________________________________________________________________Age:_______
First Middle Last
Current Address:_________________________________________ email: _____________________
Address after Marriage:_______________________________________________________________
Phone: (H)______________________(W)__________________________(cell)__________________
Parents’ Names_______________________________ Phone # (s)_____________________________
Parent’s Address(es) _________________________________________________________________
Do you work, if so where and what do you do? ______________________/______________________
Member of_______________________________Church, in _________________________________.
If divorced, date of divorce_____________ Children & Ages if any_____________________________
*please provide a copy of divorce certificate w/application
WEDDING DATA
Date of Wedding 1st Choice ____/____/____ Time: _____ 2nd Choice ____/____/____ Time: _____
Rehearsal 1st Choice ____/____/____ Time: _____ 2nd Choice ____/____/____ Time: _____
Estimated # of Guests: _____ Other Attendants: ____ # Bridesmaids: _____ # Groomsmen: _____
Reserve Fellowship Hall, when? ________________ Presiding Pastor: _________________________
DVD of Wedding $50 (please circle) Yes / No Sound/Tech at Rehearsal $25 (please circle) Yes / No
Do you have a Rocky Mount “Church Member” Sponsor? If so, who? ___________________________
* Please remember to submit a photo with this application.
FOR OFFICE USE: Date Application Submitted to Church: ___________
