Wedding guidelines

PROCEDURES FOR WEDDING SERVICES

Bethesda Presbyterian Church

Since you have selected a church and a minister, you have decided upon a wedding plan that is sacred in nature. Therefore, all that is involved should portray a spirit of worship and reverence.


1. It is understood that the minister of Bethesda Presbyterian Church is in charge of weddings held at Bethesda Presbyterian Church, whether formal or informal. Plans should be thoroughly discussed at an appointed time so it can be both memorable and in keeping with a service of Worship.

Ordained clergy from other Christian religions may conduct wedding services only with the permission from our Session.

Should you choose the pastor of BPC to perform your ceremony, please contact him directly as he has
a separate contract he uses with the couple to be married.

If you would like the pastor to attend the wedding reception and/or the rehearsal dinner, please send an invitation.

2. Music, both organ and vocal, that is appropriate and in good taste, preferably sacred in nature, should
be selected. Arrangements for desired music will be made directly between the bride and the organist.
Our organist has first rite of refusal on all weddings. Only if she is unavailable for a selected date can a substitute organist be brought in.

3. Flowers are permitted for the wedding. Pew bows are also permitted as long as they are not attached
with nails, thumbtacks, adhesive or tape. For safety reasons, aisle runners are NOT permitted.

The florist should deliver the flowers and any set up of same should be completed at least one hour prior to the start of the service.

Flowers should be removed after the ceremony. If you wish to leave the flowers for our Sunday service please advise the church office.

We provide at no charge, a kneeling bench, 2 candleabras that hold 7 candles each. The bride is responsible for providing 14 dripless candles if she chooses to use the candelabra.

4. Time allotment: On the day of the wedding, we allow 3 hours from start to finish. The time begins when either the bride or the groom arrives. We feel 3 hours is ample for dressing (or freshening up), ceremony and picture taking.

We provide a room for the bride and her bridal party to dress in (if desired) or to wait in. We will supply
a mirror, iron and ironing board (if needed).

Plans for the wedding should be completed as early as possible. Notify the church office of your rehearsal time and wedding time.

There will be No Smoking and No Alcoholic Beverages allowed on the property.

5. Photography and/or Videography: Photographs are important to remember every wedding. Please check with the pastor performing your wedding whether flash photography will bother them.

It is encouraged to have your receiving line take place at the reception.

6. Fees for Weddings:

A. Sanctuary** $500 (wedding day)
$200 (rehearsal day)

B. Chapel ** (50 people max) $150
C. Fellowship Hall ** (informal receptions) $200 (2 hr min/$75 ea add’l hour)
D. Pastor (see pastor’s contract)
E. Organist $350 (covers rehearsal & wedding)
F. Sexton $100 (3 hours on day of wedding;
$25 each add’l hour)
$150 (reception clean-up fee)
F. Wedding Coordinators (2 required) $300 (covers rehearsal & wedding)

** Fees for the sanctuary, fellowship hall or chapel are NOT imposed if the bride, groom or any one of the four parents is on the active membership roll of BPC.

These fees are not to be considered “renting the building”; they are a service which helps cover the cost of heating, cooling, etc.

7. ALL payments are to be given to the Church Office, along with the marriage license, ONE WEEK PRIOR to the wedding day. For non-members we require a $200 security deposit. If the wedding is cancelled within 45 days of date secured, a $75 cancellation fee will be imposed and given to a local mission of our choice.

8. A Check List is attached for your convenience in arranging your wedding. We ask that you sign the statement at the bottom of the Check List acknowledging that you have agreed to all of the stipulations outlined in the “Procedures for Wedding Services, Bethesda Presbyterian Church”. Please return the Check List with all information filled in (at least 12 weeks prior to wedding date), along with deposit (if applicable).

9. Children are a welcome and charming part of a wedding, but they should be attended and kept under control at all times.

10. Wedding Coordinators from our congregation are present at each rehearsal and wedding to assist the couple, families and clergy with the details of the rehearsal and wedding day.

11. No throwing of rice or birdseed is permitted on church property.

For further assistance please contact the church office at 301-986-1137.

Pastor: Reverend Charles Booker-Hirsch 301-986-1137
Organist: LeeAnna McQueen 703-329-8294
Office Administrator Debbie Crown 301-986-1137

If you are interested, please click and fill in this form.







rev. March 2010