First Reformed United Church of Christ

WEDDING POLICY

First Reformed United Church of Christ
Lexington, N.C.

At First Reformed United Church of Christ we believe the wedding ceremony to be one of the most sacred rites of the church. It is an act of worship and consecration and all preparations should be made with this in mind. It is assumed that when a couple comes to this church for marriage they are affirming love for God, commitment to the person of Jesus Christ, and support for the work of the church in the world.

The Minister

Those wishing to be married at First Reformed United Church of Christ should contact the minister as far in advance of the wedding as possible so that the date can be solidified on the church calendar, on a first-come, first-served basis. This will afford the minister the opportunity to schedule a minimum of several hours of counseling with the couple. His major concern during these hours together will be to assist the couple in becoming ready to take their vows meaningfully and with a real sense of commitment to each other and to God. Occasionally, a couple may desire that a minister of another church assist in the wedding. This request is properly made to the officiating minister, who then issues the invitation. Non-church members, who wish to use the sanctuary and have the services of another minister, must consult the minister of First Reformed United Church of Christ with respect to permission and arrangements of the facility.

The Music

We believe that music is an integral part of the wedding ceremony and should give meaningful expression to God's place in the event.

Pre-service recital of organ music is used in our church, and this is sufficient unless solos or instrumentalists are desired. If soloist(s) and/or instrumentalists are desired in addition to the organist, they should consult with the organist. All music must be planned in consultation with the First Reformed United Church of Christ Minister and our Organist. Other organists are permitted to play for a wedding only when approved by our minister and organist. If secular or popular love songs are desired, the rehearsal party or reception are the appropriate place for these.

Decorations

Our sanctuary is a place of exquisite and grace-filled beauty. The sacred atmosphere that has been created in this place of worship does not need to be enhanced by elaborate decorations. Flowers and candelabra should be limited and care should be taken that decorations do not obscure the symbols that are an integral part of our worship. Limited greenery and candelabra may be used in the chancel, but never so as to obscure the altar or to compete with the centrality of the cross. All decorations should be removed immediately after the wedding so that the sanctuary will be ready for other church functions.

Photographs

Photographs are a cherished part of most weddings. They may be taken before or after the ceremony and during the reception. No flash photographs are to be taken during the processional, recessional, or while the ceremony is in progress. When the service is completed, the wedding party may return to the sanctuary for the taking of photographs. Video recordings of the service may be allowed only if the minister determines that it in no way will distract the congregation from an act of worship. A free standing, unattended video camera may be set up in the choir loft with the minister's approval.

General Rules

1. Smoking is not permitted in the sanctuary or any other part of the church buildings.

2. No alcoholic beverages are permitted on church property.

3. Rice is forbidden indoors and around entrances at any time. Rice on floors and steps can be extremely hazardous. We suggest that if this custom is followed, bird seed be used instead of rice and that it be thrown well away from the entrances to the church building.

4. The rehearsal will begin within minutes of the appointed time even if all members of the wedding party are not present. The wedding director will be responsible to see that things move according to schedule (no rehearsal should take more than one hour). No rehearsal shall be conducted while any member of the wedding party is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or is in any way disrespectful of the occasion.

5. The wedding party to be married shall arrange for the chancel furniture to be moved or shall contact the custodian to do so. They shall be responsible for replacing the furniture in its original state after the wedding.

6. No plants, palms, or tape may be placed on the pews or chancel furniture.

7. No tape, tacks or adhesive may be used for pew markers.

8. Candles used in candelabra must be protected by shields, cups, and/or foil on the carpet to prevent dripping wax. The florist or person decorating must effectively prevent dripping wax on carpet.

9. In case of damage, the florist or person decorating will be held responsible. The church will have damages repaired and bill the person responsible.

10. The church requires the parties being married to assume responsibility for seeing that pews, pulpit and other furniture are not scarred nor damaged in any way by those making preparations for the wedding.

Wedding Accommodations

In addition to the church sanctuary, we have a lovely chapel in the Education Building that can be used for small weddings of fifty to seventy-five. The church parlor in the Education Building may be used as a dressing room for the bride and bridesmaids. In case of inclement weather the choir room in the sanctuary may be used.

Fees

Please contact the Church office for a current fee list. All fees must be received prior to the wedding.