Wedding Guidelines
CLC welcomes you and desires to be
of service to you in the preparation of your wedding. It is a sacred
and celebrative worship service requiring excellence in preparation.
The couple being married is expected to prepare through an initial
conference with the pastor followed by a meeting with the organist.
Our hope is that the suggestions and information in these guidelines
will be helpful to you in planning your wedding.
Setting of Date and Times
As soon as possible check with the church secretary for the availability of the date and facilities desired. Dates are set on a "first come first served" basis. Your date is firm when it is on the church secretary's calendar and has the pastor's approval. The sanctuary capacity is approximately 200 persons.Premarital Counseling
It is expected that couples under age 50 will take an premarital inventory called PREPARE, which is administered by the pastor. The cost of the inventory and its scoring is $35, which the couple can pay at the time that they come to take it. The couple will meet with the pastor 2 or 3 additional times for about an hour each session for feedback and discussion of the inventory. The PREPARE inventory does not predict marital success or compatibility, but will increase the couple's awareness of relationship strengths and potential growth areas. It is a helpful tool to guide discussion.An additional session to plan the details of the wedding worship will also be necessary. The pastor has a handout of commonly used scripture and vow options to assist in your planning.
Wedding Music
Music is an important part of a wedding service. The church organist can help you with your choice of music. The music should direct attention to God, who sanctifies marriage. Special care should be taken to assure that it is suitable and reverent. The music may include hymns sung by the congregation.The organist of Christ Lutheran Church will play for your wedding. A change in these guidelines can be made only with the permission of the Christ Lutheran Church organist.
The listed fee for the organist will include:
* A meeting to work out details of the music
* Attendance at the wedding rehearsal
* Playing for the wedding
* Rehearsal with the soloist
* An additional fee will be charged for such things as additional rehearsals.
Rehearsal Dinner/Reception held at the Church
All arrangements for dinners and receptions in the church are to be cleared with the pastor.Any meals or other social events must be conducted in keeping with the standard of the congregation.
The caterer is responsible for furnishing all dishes, table cloths, etc.
Clean up is to be completed after the reception. The kitchen is to be left clean and ready for use.
The women of Christ Lutheran Church are also available to host events.
Anyone judged to be intoxicated will not be permitted to participate in the wedding service.
Smoking, Tobacco Use, Drug and Alcohol Policy
1. Smoking of cigarettes, cigars, pipes or any other material is prohibited anywhere in the buildings of this church. Prudent smoking is permitted outside the buildings provided that all safety precaustions and cleanliness are observered.2. Chewing tobacco, snuff or illegal drug use in any manner is prohibited anywhere on the premises of this church including, buildings, parking lots, gardens and lawns.
3. Wine may be served during any communion celebration.
4. Wine and beer may be served on church property during organized meals such as wedding receptions, or events approved by the Congregation Council. No alcoholic beverages may be served or consumed at any other time.
5. Beverages containing a higher alcohol level than 14% may not be served or consumed at any time on the premises of this church. This prohibition includes fortified wine.