Marriage has been instituted by God and is understood as a sacred rite within the church. Couples planning to enter into this covenant and desiring the blessing of God through Jesus Christ are urged to prayerfully plan their wedding in consultation with the Pastor of this congregation. Thus, the ceremony will truly serve as worship to God in the binding of the hearts and lives of the couple in Christian love.
PREPARATION
1. The date for your wedding is to be reserved with the church office in order to avoid schedule conflicts before invitations are printed and public announcements of your wedding is made. This should take place no less than two months prior to the desired date.
2. The Pastor of this congregation shall preside at the wedding service, member and non-member alike. If you desire to have a guest Pastor assist with the wedding, the Pastor of this congregation shall preside, at minimum, during the exchange of vows.
3. The Pastor will meet with you for premarital sessions according to the Pastor’s approach and program for these sessions. These provide the opportunity to deepen your preparation for marriage, to discuss the nature of marriage, and to plan your wedding ceremony.
CEREMONY
1. Since you desire to be married at Groveport Zion, you indicate that your wedding is to be a service of worship to God and to reflect that in the ceremony. The service used is printed in the congregation’s approved worship book, the Lutheran Book of Worship. The color of the paraments shall be the color of the Church season or festival day.
2. Since this service is basically an outline, the Pastor will work with you in tailoring it by the decisions you make from such choices as: scripture readings, hymns, forms of vows, celebrating Holy Communion, etc.
3. Flowers for the wedding service, other than personal flowers, shall be discussed with the Pastor as to placement around the altar.
4. No pictures requiring flash shall be taken during the service. Ushers shall advise camera-carrying guests of this policy. The Pastor will discuss the picture-taking policy with the appointed wedding photographer prior to the ceremony. Video cameras may be used upon approval of the Pastor.
5. The altar candles will be used for all weddings. A Unity Candle, if you desire, may also be used and will be your responsibility to provide, probably in consultation with your florist. Candelabra are available through the church for use in weddings (see attached fees). Additional candles may be used, with due regard for safety and protection from wax, subject to approval of the Pastor.
6. Wedding bulletins, listing the order of service, the music, and names of the wedding party will, if you desire, be provided and printed by the church secretary.
MUSIC
1. Normally, our staff organist will play for all church weddings. Exceptions, if any, will require the approval of the Pastor.
2. Music for your wedding shall be planned in consultation with the church organist at least two months prior to the wedding. If vocal and/or instrumental music be desired, arrangements shall be made in consultation with the organist.
3. Music selected for your wedding should embody high standards of composition, being in harmony with the theme of marriage. The music should reflect the praise of God, the steadfast love of Christ for his church, and the asking of God’s presence in and blessing upon your marriage. Wedding music should not be clouded with triteness and sentimentality but reflect a sense of joy, celebration, and dignity.
FACILITIES
1. Care is to be taken and exercised in the use of the facilities of Groveport Zion.
2. Smoking is NOT permitted on church property.
3. Alcoholic beverages are NOT permitted on church property.
4. All decorations must be placed so as not to damage the walls or furnishings.
5. Reimbursement shall be made in full by the couple for any damages to church property.
6. Rice, birdseed, or confetti is strongly discouraged. But if any are used, it will NOT be thrown inside the building. They may not be handed out to the guests until after the wedding service is completed or when you leave the reception if you are holding it in the Fellowship Hall.
ADDITIONAL
1. Your marriage license is to be given to the Pastor at the time of the rehearsal.
2. All fees are to be paid at the time of the rehearsal.
3. A rehearsal dinner in the Fellowship Hall may be arranged with the Women of the ELCA group (see attached fees).
4. The Fellowship Hall is available for your wedding reception. This would be either by your own arranging or may be handled with the Women of the ELCA group (see attached fees).
5. Where one or both persons being married is/are member(s) of Groveport Zion or parents of either are members, wedding plans will be published and announced to the congregation at least a week prior to your wedding date. Normally, all church weddings are open.
FEE SCHEDULE
| Active Members (Bride, Groom, or Parents of either) | |
| Pastoral Services | No charge |
| Church Sanctuary for Wedding | No charge |
| Fellowship Hall for Reception | No charge |
| Custodial Fee: Sanctuary | $50.00 |
| Custodial Fee: Fellowship Hall | $50.00 |
| Use of Church Candelabra | $30.00 |
| Bulletins per 100 | $15.00 |
| Secretarial Fee | No charge |
| Rehearsal Dinner | $3/person |
| Reception: Under 100 guests | $50.00 |
| Over 100 guests | $100.00 |
| In-Active Members & Non-Members | |
| Pastoral Services | $200.00 |
| Church Sanctuary for Wedding | $200.00 |
| Fellowship Hall for Reception | $150.00 |
| Custodial Fee: Sanctuary | $75.00 |
| Custodial Fee: Fellowship Hall | $75.00 |
| Use of Church Candelabra | $40.00 |
| Bulletins per 100 | $20.00 |
| Secretarial Fee | $35.00 |
| Rehearsal Dinner | $5/person |
| Reception: Under 100 guests | $200.00 |
| Over 100 guests | $250.00 |
Fee Schedule for Organist
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