The Wedding Policy of St. John Lutheran Church
Elizabeth, Illinois
Revised. September 2001
This policy is currently under review, this current policy will remain in effect until a new one is approved. Those who wish to be married at St. John are advised to also refer to the Premarital Counseling policy.
Setting the Date
Unless a situation is an exceptional one, a minimum 30-day notice is required for church weddings. The date can be reserved on the church calendar by contacting the pastor. The pastor reserves the right to decline a wedding.
Financial Arrangements
St. John Lutheran Church does not charge members for the use of the sanctuary nor for the use of the basement for weddings and receptions. However, if neither the bride or groom is a member of the church, a minimal contribution of $100.00 for the use of the church sanctuary and $100.00 for the use of the basement for a reception. Use charges must be paid in advance of the wedding ceremony.
The bride and groom are responsible for arranging fees with musicians. Generally, a minimum of $50.00 is given to each for their services. The couple before the ceremony will pay the cost of any wedding planning booklet, premarital inventory (which costs $30), bulletins and printing, and optional items such as the unity candle by arrangement with the pastor.
Seating Capacity
The seating capacity of the church is approximately 200. If more guests are expected to attend the wedding, a larger location may need to be selected, which can be done in consultation with the pastor.
Who Officiates at the Wedding?
The pastor of St. John will at the minimum co-officiate at all weddings held at St. John. If the couple wishes to have other clergy conduct or participate in the ceremony, they are to receive the consent of the pastor of the church. If guest clergy are to participate in the service, the invitation will be extended by the pastor of St. John. The pastor of St. John will arrange the division of the service in consultation with the guest clergy. During a pastoral vacancy the church council will approve the officiating pastor.
Pre-Marriage Counseling
A series of interviews concerning the nature of marriage is required. The couple normally meets with the pastor at least four times in order to complete counseling, plan the ceremony, and rehearse the ceremony with the entire wedding party.
Marriage Service Arrangements
The couple will work out the details of the service with the pastor. There are a number of decisions to be made regarding the service itself (scripture readings, vows, order of procession. etc.), which help make the service personal.
Use of the Church
Cleaning of the church sanctuary and basement after the wedding ceremony is the responsibility of the couple and/or their families.
Alcoholic Beverage Policy
The use of alcoholic beverages, other than for use during Holy Communion, is prohibited on church grounds on the day of the wedding rehearsal and on the day of the wedding.
Altar Paraments
The color of the paraments (altar cloth, pulpit hanging, etc.) will be governed by the seasons of the church year or white. Changing of the paraments is the responsibility of the couple and/or their families or by contacting the altar guild.
Wedding Bulletins
The bride and groom are responsible for the purchase of, typing of, and printing of wedding bulletins. Bulletin folders may be ordered through the church. A nominal fee will be assessed to the couple and paid before the wedding service if the couple desires the church office to find a typist to type and print the bulletins.
Floral Arrangements
The bride and groom are responsible for floral arrangements for the ceremony if they desire to have them. Floral arrangements should not be so elaborate that they distract from the ceremony. Fresh flowers are preferable for the altar. The flowers may be left for the worship service on the following Sunday.
Music for the Ceremony
The bride and groom are responsible for obtaining musicians for their wedding. The pastor can recommend instrumentalists and vocalists. The pastor and the organist must approve all music. When selecting music it is important to keep the following in mind; the texts should reflect the praise of God, the steadfast love of Christ for the church as the foundation and model for love and fidelity in marriage, the invocation of God's presence and blessing. The organist should prepare appropriate selections to be played in advance of the ceremony (usually 15-20 minutes). Vocal soloists and instrumentalists are welcome provided that their music is in keeping with church standards. Hymns sung by the congregation during the ceremony are appropriate.
Photography and Videotaping
Photographs of the wedding party may be taken before or after the ceremony as the couple chooses. Any part of the ceremony may be recreated for pictures afterwards. No flash photography, by professional photographers or friends, is permitted once the bridal party has proceeded up the aisle to the altar. Photographers may not distract worshippers by moving around with their camera during the ceremony.
Videotaping is permitted from the balcony or another inconspicuous location when a stationary tripod is used and no floodlights are utilized.
Bird Seed and Rice Throwing
The throwing of birdseed outside of the church building is acceptable. The throwing of rice is not permitted. Clearing the church steps and sidewalk of birdseed is the responsibility of the couple and/or their families.
Wedding Receptions at the Church
If the bridal party plans a reception at the church and needs assistance, the women of the church have a committee to help them. The committee may be contacted directly or through the pastor.
The wedding party is responsible for setting up before and cleaning up after the reception when held in the church basement. (A diagram of the proper basement set-up can be found on the door of the metal cabinet near the piano.)
The wedding party is responsible for its own food and decorations. They are also responsible for any damages to the building due to reception activities. Details regarding a church basement reception must be cleared with the pastor.