First Evangelical Lutheran Church
Wedding Policy

Getting Ready

The date of the wedding should be approved by the Pastor as early as possible. (Six months to a year is not too soon.) An initial pre-marital counseling appointment should be made with the Pastor about six months prior to the wedding. Couples should expect to meet with the Pastor three or four times in preparation for the wedding.

Weddings outside of the church are at the discretion of the Pastor.

Other clergy may be invited to assist with the service with the approval of the Pastor.

For the church records, couples will need to provide:

• Name, address, phone number, date and place of birth of the bride and groom.
• Name and address of the maid/matron of honor and best man.
• A marriage license is required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Pastor can not celebrate the Rite of Marriage without one. The license must be given to the Pastor at least one week before the wedding.

The Rite of Marriage

The Rite of Marriage is first and foremost a service of worship. We come together to give thanks and praise to Almighty God, asking his blessing on the couple as they join together in the holy bonds of marriage.

The form of the marriage ritual follows the liturgy as found either in the Lutheran Book of Worship, pages 202-205, or Evangelical Lutheran Worship, pages 286-291. The liturgy allows for some flexibility in wording, but any changes must be made in consultation with the Pastor. The use of a hymn or hymns must be in consultation with the pastor and organist.

Couples are encouraged to consider celebrating the Eucharist as part of the wedding. This should be discussed with the Pastor and the Worship Committee notified. If Communion is celebrated, all must be invited to receive.

All chancel furnishings are items blessed to the glory of God. They are not to be removed or covered with decorations.

NO decorations are to be attached to any furnishing with tacks or tape.

The altar paraments reflect the season of the year and not the individual celebration. As such they will remain the color of the liturgical season and/or day.

The liturgical calendar dictates several times when weddings are not appropriate because of the liturgical character of the day. No weddings will be celebrated:

• From noon on December 24th to the 26th
• From Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday [usually late March/mid-April]
• On Pentecost Sunday [usually late May/early June]

Sunday weddings must be approved in advance.

Nothing can be thrown at the couple leaving the church. Soap bubbles are acceptable.

Music

The congregation's Organist has the right of first refusal for all weddings held in the church. The Organist can be contacted through the church office. If a guest organist or other musician is desired, please speak with the Pastor as early as possible. A guest soloist is permitted, but must meet with the Organist ahead of time.

In accordance with the standards of the American Guild of Organists, a guest organist or other instrumental musician must be approved by the First Lutheran Church Organist. A consultation fee of $200 will be paid to the Church Organist should a guest organist be approved.

Wedding music is a part of the worship service. As such, it is meant to glorify God and edify the congregation, while contributing to the reverent spirit of worship. All music, both instrumental and vocal, must be submitted to the Pastor and Church Organist for approval.

Photography

Due to its sacred nature, NO PICTURES MAY BE TAKEN DURING THE SERVICE!

• If a wedding program is used, a line stating: "No pictures or videos may be taken during the service" must be included
• The photographer may take photographs from the rear of the church during the processional and recessional music. Under no circumstances may pictures be taken from the front of the church during the wedding.
• Following the service, pictures may be taken. It is requested that any pictures involving the Pastor be taken first.
• A stationary video camera or still camera without flash may be used in the balcony or choir loft, using only natural light.

Floral Arrangements

All flowers placed in the church must be real. No silk flowers may be placed on the altar. If flowers are placed on the altar, the arrangement must fit the altar vases. Please discuss ideas for floral arrangements with the Pastor. There is a restriction on the use of flowers during Lent [generally late February to early April].

Expenses

There is no charge for use of the church by a member of the congregation.

There is a flat charge of $150 for use of the church by non-members.

The Organist's fee is $200.00, plus an additional $50.00 to accompany a soloist.

Fees for a soloist should be arranged by the couple.

There is a $35.00 fee for custodial services.

There is a $25.00 fee if an acolyte or crucifer is desired.

Adopted July 8, 2008