Careful planning is necessary for ALL weddings. You will want to plan as early as possible so that the church space can be arranged without conflict. It is important that the date and exact times be established for the rehearsal and wedding. Member arrangements can be finalized one year from the wedding date. Non-members can make arrangements six months ahead of the wedding date. It is understood that all parties will respect the property of the church and honor the guidelines for a service in God’s house.
The pastor will meet with the couple a number of times for premarital counseling. These times will concern the style of the service, the readiness of the couple for marriage, and the interpretation of the Christian understanding of marriage. These appointments will be the responsibility of the bride and groom. If you are hoping to have another minister assist at the wedding let the APC pastor know so that an invitation may be extended by the church.
The services of the wedding coordinator are required for all weddings at Atascocita Presbyterian Church. You will find the coordinator to be a valuable part of your planning team. She will answer your questions and go over your plans for the wedding. The coordinator will orchestrate the rehearsal and will assist the minister to insure the wedding will proceed as planned.
It is important that the date and exact times be established for the rehearsal and wedding. To insure a smooth worship experience, it is expected that all members of the wedding party, including the parents and ushers, will be on time and participate in the rehearsal. The rehearsal will not last more than one hour. The marriage license should be given to the the pastor. The wedding coordinator will assist the bride in making sure the bride’s pre-determined order of attendants, escorts, ushers, and any other features, such as the Unity Candle or special flowers for parents are carried out. Ushers will be told to inform persons with cameras that pictures may not be taken in the sanctuary during the wedding service.
The comfortable sealing capacity of the sanctuary is 250. The front rows on either side may be designated for family. No more than two flower arrangements may be placed in the chancel area. Furniture will not be moved out of the chancel. The Communion table may be moved to the side of the sanctuary. The banners hung in the front of the church will not be taken down for any reason. They are a part of our liturgical worship.
Although music is a very personal consideration, the purpose of music is to enhance the sacred aspects of the occasion and to set the warmth and tone of the service. It is the tradition of the church to not allow prerecorded music (Canned Music). Both sacred and contemporary music is permitted, however, the minister and music director will have the final authority as to the appropriateness of a particular piece. If you would like suggestions for the musical selections, ask the coordinator to make arrangements with the music director for a consultation. You may request the church pianist to play, or you may have another musician or musicians.
The photographer should be instructed by the bride and groom that flash pictures during the service are not permitted. Flash pictures are allowed as the bride and her party begins to process and at the conclusion of the service in recession. It is requested that the photographer be as unobtrusive as possible. Posed pictures may be taken after the service. Plans for audio or visual records of the ceremony must be discussed with and approved by the pastor.
It is recommended that the florist make an appointment with the wedding coordinator so that there is a dear understanding of what arrangements are acceptable for the service. The coordinator also needs to make arrangements for the florist to prepare the sanctuary the day of the wedding. Whenever candles are used, they must be the drip-less variety, and must be in candelabras that will catch and contain any wax drippings. The floor is to be protected. Decorations cannot be attached to the pews, other furniture, or walls by pinning, gluing, taping, of nailing. The facilities must be left clean after removal of the decorations. Air conditioning or heat will be turned on four hours prior to the service. Should more time be needed, there will be an additional charge of $25.00.
The bride and her party will have the use of the parlor. There is an attached bathroom available. The groom and his party will have access to the classroom off the sanctuary.
The bride and groom are reminded that every wedding is a worshipful event, and that the members of the wedding party should be emotionally, spiritually, and physically prepared for the ceremony. There can be no alcohol on the premises, either indoors or outdoors, and no tobacco in the building.
Wedding fees are divided into two categories depending whether or not the participants are members of the church. Unless otherwise specified, the fees are the responsibility of the bride.
A. FOR MEMBERS: (Bride, groom, or at least one parent must be an active church member.)
Use of sanctuary - No charge
Ministerial Counseling & Service - $300
Wedding Coordinator - $150
Custodial Care (Sanctuary only) - $200
Custodial Care (Including Fellowship Hall) - $250
Building reservation & damage deposit - $200
Sound Person (Necessary for microphones etc.) - $100
Pianist, soloist, or group fees are at the discretion of the individual instrumentalist. However, the church pianist is generally available for members and non-members for $200 if no extra soloist rehearsal is required or $250 with a soloist rehearsal.
B. FOR NON-MEMBERS:
Use of sanctuary - $1,000
Ministerial Counseling & Service - $500
Wedding Coordinator - $150
Custodial Care (Sanctuary only) - $200
Custodial Care (Including Fellowship Hall) - $250
Building Reservation & damage deposit - $200
Sound Person (Necessary for microphones etc.) - $100
Pianist, soloist, or group fees are at the discretion of the individual instrumentalist. However, the church pianist is generally available for members and non-members for $200 if no extra soloist rehearsal is required or $250 with a soloist rehearsal.
The bride and groom are required to sign the enclosed reservation form agreeing that they will comply with the foregoing rules. Reservations for the building will be considered firm when the Wedding Reservation Form has been filled out and, along with the deposit, are given to the church administrator.
Checks for the wedding fees should be made out to Atascocita Presbyterian Church. The ministerial fee, normally paid by the groom, should be paid directly to the pastor. Soloist or other persons hired by the wedding party shall be paid directly by the couple, normally at the rehearsal. It Is understood that the church is in no way responsible for any legal obligations that may arise from the hiring of such persons.
A Wedding Application is available in both WORD format and PDF format.
The telephone number of the church is 281-852-8990. The office hours are from 10-3, Monday - Thursday. The minister may be reached at the church office.
