Trinity-First United Methodist Church

Marriage is one of the most important steps that two people can take. It is a sacred event signifying a covenant made between the bride and groom and God. We ask couples to take seriously the spiritual significance of being married in the church. It is a sacred occasion symbolizing the beauty, majesty and power of God. We pray that as you enter this covenant, you will keep God at the center of everything you do and continue your commitment to Christ and His Church by faithful and active service after you are married. Getting married in the church is not a fad. It signifies your willingness to live a Christian life and to be in covenant with the faith community

The wedding service you are planning has special significance because it is conducted in a church. A marriage ceremony is an act of worship. The guests will not only gather to celebrate your marriage, but give thanks for God’s blessings. The ceremony is a sacred service of worship and is to be conducted with integrity, sanctity and dignity.

This page offers guidelines to couples planning their wedding. Questions about these guidelines may be referred to the Pastor of Trinity-First United Methodist Church.

PASTORAL INTERVIEWS AND CONCERNS

To avoid scheduling conflicts, couples should meet with the Pastor before any public announcement of the wedding. The Pastor will counsel the couple regarding their readiness for marriage, the meaning of Christian marriage, and their plans and expectations concerning the ceremony itself. The number of sessions varies according to need.

The Pastor will ordinarily conduct all weddings. A request for a guest minister to participate in the services should be directed to the Pastor of Trinity-First United Methodist Church. The Pastor will make all final decisions regarding the nature of the wedding ceremony.

FACILITIES

Weddings are held in two areas of the church:
The Sanctuary has a seating capacity of approximately 450.
The Chapel has a seating capacity of approximately 50. The Chapel is used for small, informal weddings.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Photographers generally take pictures of the wedding party before and after the ceremony. Picture taking is forbidden while the vows are in progress. Videos are permitted during the entire service. Photographers should not, under any circumstances, impede the movement or flow of the wedding service once it has begun. It is the responsibility of the ushers to inform guests to refrain from taking pictures during the ceremony.

FLOWERS AND DECORATIONS

Floral decorations and bows are acceptable, if desired. The use of nails, tacks, or clamps on church furnishings is not permitted. The use of candles of any type must be approved by the Pastor. Masking tape may be used; however, pew clips are preferred. No other tape is permitted. All masking tape, candles, flowers, decorations, etc. must be removed immediately following the ceremony. Delivery and set-up of the flowers and other decorations is ordinarily scheduled during the rehearsal or during the hour prior to the ceremony itself.

Trinity-First United Methodist Church will provide up to four candelabras and a Unity candle holder for the ceremony, if desired, but couples must provide their own candles. All candles must be dripless. Each candelabra requires 7 (seven) 10” dripless tapers.

MARRIAGE LICENSE

The Marriage License should be given to the Pastor one hour before the wedding ceremony.

MUSIC

Trinity-First United Methodist Church organists and soloists are available for weddings. Outside soloists may be used, but outside organists or other musicians requiring the use of our instruments must be approved by the Pastor in advance of the ceremony before being allowed to play. All soloists and musicians are to be present at the wedding rehearsal.

FEE STRUCTURE

Reserving the wedding date on the church calendar requires a $50.00 down payment once the date has been approved by the Pastor. All fees must be paid in full prior to the wedding.

SANCTUARY CEREMONY - MEMBERS

CHAPEL CEREMONY - MEMBERS

SANCTUARY CEREMONY - NONMEMBERS

CHAPEL CEREMONY - NONMEMBERS