Congratulations!

We join with you in expressing our joy at your decision to marry and to celebrate
this Rite in the Church.  We are honored to become part of the journey you have already begun and to help you celebrate your union.

This booklet contains items for you to consider as you make your preparations.
In order for the planning to be as joyous as possible and free of
misunderstandings, we urge you to read this brochure before you call the church office.  Be sure also to make the necessary appointments as soon as possible.

A Community of Faith

The marriage liturgy is normally preceded by a period of preparation.  In the
Lutheran Church we understand marriage to be a gift of God, intended for the joy
and mutual strength of those who enter it and for the well-being of the whole
human family.

Marriage is also a human estate, with vows publicly witnessed.  The church in worship surrounds these promises with the gathering of God’s people, the witness
of the Word of God, the Sacrament of Holy Communion, and prayers of blessing
and intercession.

The Church assumes that you are planning your wedding here as part of your participation or interest in the life of this congregation.  It is our expectation that
you will attend services with regularity.

At St. Paul we recognize as sacred and holy the desire to marry, and solemnize marriages for all who are seeking to live out their baptism in an ethical and loving relationship, LGBTQ and heterosexual couples are equally welcome to celebrate their marriages with the full support of the church.

Setting the Date

After reading this brochure and discussing it with your partner, you should call
the church secretary and make an appointment to see the Pastor.  We do not
discuss a wedding date until after that meeting.  Only upon receipt of the fees
is the church committed to the date and time agreed upon.

St. Paul does not solemnize church weddings during the seasons of Lent or
Advent as these are penitential seasons.

Premarital Counseling

You will need to have a series of three appointments with the pastor.  These premarital counseling sessions are designed to help explain the liturgy, review
with you your relationship and the expectations you bring to it, and to plan the ceremony.  It is wise to make these appointments before you secure reception
halls or make other plans since the pastor cannot perform wedding ceremonies without certifying that these sessions have taken place.  If you have been
married previously, you will be asked to bring a copy of your divorce decree.



Music

The Marriage Rite is a service of worship, and the music therefore must be
carefully chosen.  It should embody high standards of quality and the texts
should reflect the praise of God, the steadfast love of Christ for his church and
the invocation of God’s presence and blessing.  Secular music is not appropriate.

Please be sure to speak with our Music Director/Organist to arrange for a time
to review the music.


Flowers

The flowers are customarily left at the church to be taken to the sick and shut-ins.
If you choose to make other arrangements, please speak to the Pastor.
Artificial flowers are not permitted.

Leaving the Church

Birdseed and bubbles are permitted after the ceremony.   (Outside only, please!)

Photography

Still and motion photography within the context of the liturgy demands a
sensitivity that most professionals understand.  Photography and videography
are permitted. Flash photography and artificial lighting are permitted only during
the processional and recessional. Once the bridal couple reaches the altar, all photography and videography will be accomplished using existing light.
Please inform your guests of this rule.  Moving about the sanctuary unobtrusively
is acceptable for the professional.  We ask that photographers remain behind the
front pews, and do not enter the chancel.

Fees

Members of the congregation, by their stewardship, support the church with
their offerings. The only fees due from members are for the organist, sexton,
and printing bulletins. However, a financial gift to the church and the pastor reflects the generosity and joy of this special time, and is greatly appreciated.

All fees are due after the first appointment with the Pastor.  Only then is the date
and time reserved.

Church Fee: $500

Organist:  $250                                                                  

Sexton: $100

Altar Guild: $100

Pastor: $600


Please note:  Fees for soloists, choir or instrumentalists are to be arranged with
the Minister of Music/Organist.

Download and print our Parish Wedding Registration form HERE.
Fill it out, and bring it to your appointment with Pastor.
Suggested scripture readings HERE
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