Wedding Guidelines
It is our pleasure to welcome you to St. Lucas United Church of Christ. As you prepare to embark on one of the most meaningful and blessed events of your lives, please know that we at St. Lucas will support you, encourage you and assist you to the best of our abilities to help make your wedding day an event to remember.
INITIAL ARRANGEMENTS
The desired date and time of the ceremony should be communicated to the minister as early as possible. This date must also be cleared with the office administrator in order to avoid conflict with other events on the church calendar.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Officiant: It will be expected that the minister of the church will officiate at all weddings. If the bride and groom wish to invite another clergy person to participate or conduct the ceremony, this shall be made known to the minister who may then extend a personal invitation to that person to participate as a guest minister. Fees remain the same whether or not the pastor's services are utilized. It is at the minister's discretion regarding the officiant of the ceremony. However, every effort will be made to consider the bride and groom's request.
Organist: It is expected that the church organist will be available to play for weddings. If a guest organist is desired, such arrangements must be made with the knowledge and permission of the pastor and organist. Fees remain the same whether or not the organist's services are utilized.
Music: Music to be used in the ceremony must be reviewed with the pastor during initial planning stages. The organist has the option to format the music as needed.
Rehearsals: Rehearsals are required to provide an opportunity to plan and execute appropriately and smoothly all parts of the ceremony. At that time or before, the marriage license should be delivered to the minister.
Holidays: Weddings held on holidays or holiday weekends need to be negotiated with the minister. Fees for all church personnel will increase proportionately.
Deposit: In order to reserve a date, a $75.00 non-refundable deposit is required. This deposit will be applied toward the total cost associated with the wedding ceremony. The remaining wedding fees are to be paid thirty (30) days prior to the wedding ceremony.
Childcare: There is a "crying room" located in the balcony. If the couple elects, they can use the nursery located in the educational wing of the building. This room may be used for a nominal fee. A childcare attendant should be obtained by the wedding party and must be over eighteen (18) years of age.
Bulletins: Bulletins, if used, must be selected and purchased by the wedding party. If necessary, the church secretary can type and run the bulletins for a nominal fee.
DECORATIONS
All decorating must be completed at least one hour before the service is to begin. If there are no conflicts with the church calendar, access to the sanctuary is available during normal business hours during the week preceding the ceremony. In the event that special arrangements are required, a custodial fee may apply. We prefer to supply the candles, both for the chancel and for the pew candelabras. If candles are supplied by the florist or another source, precautions must be made to protect the floor, carpet and other structures within the sanctuary. Pew candles must be used with hurricane chimneys. Aisle runners may be provided by the florist or the wedding party. If used, discuss with the pastor or custodian the proper set up and use. All decorations and/or personal items must be removed as soon as reasonably possible after the conclusion of the ceremony. Any damage to the pews, carpet, or other facilities within the church and/or grounds will be the responsibility of the wedding party and remuneration is expected.
Our policy is to open the church two (2) hours prior to the start of the wedding ceremony. If additional time is needed, there will be a per hour charge for custodial fees.
PICTURES
We request that flash pictures not be taken during the speaking part of the ceremony, either by a photographer or by anyone in the sanctuary, so that the beauty and solemnity of this holy even can be maintained. If pictures of the wedding party at the altar are desired, the party may assemble before or reassemble after the ceremony. Discreet videotaping of the ceremony is permissible.
RECEPTION
For those who wish to hold a reception at the church, our multi-purpose room is available. If a caterer is used, the service desired and the costs involved are to be negotiated directly with the caterer. Saturday functions must terminate by 10:00 p.m. so rooms can be readied for Sunday morning activities.
For a non-member reception, a host or hostess from the church must be in attendance. A nominal fee is charged for this service.
No rice or bird seed is to be thrown in the building or on the grounds. Flower petals may be used inside the sanctuary and/or on the grounds. Bubbles may be used outside only (but a note of caution: bubbles can be slippery and they do stain clothing).
PLEASE NOTE:
No alcoholic beverages or smoking are allowed in the building or on the grounds.
* Contact the church office at (812) 422-5528 for services and wedding packages
available.
* Non-members are welcome.
