Congratulations on your upcoming marriage!

We at Nichols-Bethel Church are committed to assisting you during this exciting time of your lives. This brochure establishes the Church’s policies regarding being married here. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions concerning this form or anything else pertaining to your wedding.

 Prerequisites:

1. Scheduling far enough in advance to be scheduled on the Pastor and Church’s calendars.
2. Attendance of at least two worship services prior to the Wedding. This allows you to get acquainted with the church and the Pastor’s style. This is a Christian Marriage and attending worship provides you the Christian context in which you will be getting married.
3. Pre-marital Counsel Option. This consists of at least one session with the pastor and completion of the Prepare & Enrich on-line inventory administered by Life-Innovations.
   • Making an Appointment. Call or email the office Administrative Assistant for an appointment. In scheduling, be mindful that 95% of the Pastor’s evening and weekend availability is routinely committed, and there are very few blocks of time open. 
   • Inventory Procedure. Once your deposit is received the Pastor will register you with Life Innovations, and will send you an internet link to their website that will allow you to take the inventory. This requires an active email address for both the bride and groom.
4. Deposit. A non-refundable $100 deposit is required at the time the wedding is confirmed on the Pastor’s/Church’s calendar.

Bride's Family

Groom's Family

1. 3 Week Deadline. All the pre-requisites (above), marriage license, and full payment of fees must be completed three weeks ahead of the wedding date. If not, the wedding may need to be cancelled or postponed until another date.
   • Worship Service. Your Wedding is a Christian Worship Service of the United Methodist Church, and the ritual service will be used as the guiding format for your wedding. If you have elements you want to add to the Worship Order, please discuss them in detail with the Pastor. The Pastor has the final word on what elements (including the music) are appropriate.
     Host Pastor. The Pastor of Nichols-Bethel United Methodist Church is the host pastor.
     Co-officiating Pastor. Another pastor may co-officiate in the service, but must be invited by the host pastor and agree to what role(s) the host pastor dictates.
2. Outside Professionals Florists, photographers, wedding consultants, and musicians must consult with and agree to follow the guidance of the host pastor.
3. Music. The Director of Music Ministries/Organist must be consulted on all music being considered for the ceremony. The Director will provide recommendations to the Pastor on whether the music is appropriate and if it can or cannot be done, and/or other musicians who’ll play. The Director, of course, has standard music typically played at weddings.
4. Alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs of any type are not permitted in the dressing rooms or anywhere in the church. The officiating pastor may refuse to perform the wedding if a member of the wedding party is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
5. Smoking is forbidden within the church building (including restrooms).
6. Prepared Wedding Bulletins. These may be prepared by the Church office staff however they must be to the office at least three weeks prior to the wedding. If you desire special covers you can purchase them at the local Christian Book Store, or you can order them through the church office.
7. If you desire to use an aisle runner and flower petals, discuss this with the pastor.
8. If birdseed is to be thrown, it needs to be thrown away from the building.
9. Furnishings in the sanctuary are not to be moved or altered without permission.
10. No tape, tacks, staples, or nails are to be used in the sanctuary.
11. Members of the wedding party may choose to dress at the church; however, the church is not responsible for articles left unattended. Discuss the availability of rooms with the Pastor
12. Due to space limitations, nothing may be left at the church following your wedding. This includes personal effects as well as items used in the wedding, such as candles or bows. The Church is not responsible for any of these items.
13. Rehearsals. The Pastor or someone he or she designates will conduct wedding rehearsals.
    • They are normally scheduled the afternoon/early evening before the wedding. However, due to scheduling issues, the Pastor may have to schedule an alternative date.
    • Musicians are not required to be present, however, their presence is recommended if there is more than one musician performing the processional; or the couple making a special request.
14. Photography. Only the official photographer is allowed to take pictures during the wedding ceremony. Consult with the Pastor for further guidance.
15. Videotaping will be allowed only with the use of a tripod and only in a designated place.

Agreement

We the undersigned have read, understand, and agree to fulfill the pre-requisites, fees, and policies above. Further, in addition to adhering to these rules and guidelines ourselves, we will instruct those with whom we will contact, i.e., consultant, photographer, florist.