Preface - On - Marriage

Excepts from the Directory of Worship, Book of Order, The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

“God has ordained that a man and a woman may enter together into the estate of marriage, pledging their love and promising fidelity each to the other, as long as both shall live.

As Jesus Christ has blessed this relationship, and it has been declared holy throughout the life of his Church, those who pledge themselves each to the other in the sight of God are promised his help as they enter into the joys and duties of life together.

The Christian marriage ceremony is a service of worship before God, normally conducted within the house of God. Reverence shall be expected on the part of all present, and the service shall be under the sole direction of the Minister.

Such music as accompanies the ceremony should direct attention to God, who sanctifies marriage, and special care should be taken to assure that it is suitable and reverent. If desired the congregation may be invited to join in the singing of hymns at the beginning and conclusion of the service.

Flowers, decorations, and other appointments should not be unduly elaborate. In all activities surrounding the ceremony, excessive expense and ostentation should be avoided. “ BO S-5.0400

Policy revised by Session 7/13/05

A. Bride and Groom

• One basic premarital counseling session must be arranged for at least one month in advance of the wedding. Additional sessions (usually two) will be arranged by the minister and the couple to be married.
• Date of wedding and rehearsal must be set in consultation with the minister.
• It is expected that clergy on the staff of this congregation will perform all marriage ceremonies.
• Please note that Virginia law specifies that the marriage license must be secured not more than 60 days prior to the wedding.

B. Music

• Generally, the use of organ and performance of wedding music is by the organist of this church.
• The couple is responsible for contacting the organist as soon as possible after the wedding date is set to assure availability and to arrange music selection.
• The use of vocalists or other instrumentalists must be coordinated by the minister with the organist.
• In selecting music (organ, vocal, etc.), it should be kept in mind that the wedding is a service of worship. ‘Such music as accompanies the service should be to the glory of God who sanctified marriage, to which end the use of hymns by the congregation is appropriate.’

C. Photography

• Flash photography is not permitted during the wedding service. The minister will be glad to remain after the service for posed photographs. Non-flash photographs during the service may be permitted, if arranged previously with the minister.
• If a professional photographer is used, the photographer must meet with the minister prior to the service to review the ground rules.
• If video-taping is desired, camera and other equipment must be placed in approved areas only.

D. Flowers

• Simplicity is encouraged. The use of elaborate excessive decoration is strongly discouraged.

E. Candles

• A set of adjustable candelabra is available, using twelve or fifteen (12" or 15"), dripless candles (clear plastic shall be placed beneath the candelabra to protect the carpet).
• A three-candle “Wedding Candle Ensemble” is also available for those who want to use it for the “unity lighting”.
• All candles are to be provided by the wedding party.

F. Facilities for Reception

• When these are sought and permission granted, details may be obtained through consultation with the office manager.
• No alcoholic beverages are permitted on church property.
• Facilities must be left in order and vacated by 10:00 P.M.

G. Facilities for Dressing

• On either side of the Narthex are rooms that can be used for dressing. The parlor also has restroom facilities.
• The groom and best man may use the minister’s study for dressing if needed. A restroom is adjacent.

H. Scheduling

• Ordinarily no more than one wedding will be scheduled on any one day.
• Due to the difficulty of custodial services on Sundays, weddings are usually not scheduled for that day.
• Because weddings are services of worship performed by the church, facilities are not “rented” for weddings of non-members performed by clergy not associated with this congregation.

I. The Rehearsal

• The rehearsal is quite helpful in assuring that the members of the wedding party understand the flow of the ceremony, have clarified any questions regarding individual roles and responsibilities in the service, that the procession and recession are properly ordered, and that the ushers understand their responsibilities.
• The minister will direct the rehearsal: (Wedding consultants/Directors are not encouraged)

J. General Information

• The throwing of rice or bird seed is not permitted inside the church or in any area where stairs are located.
• For safety reasons, aisle runners are not permitted.
• Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church is not responsible for any articles left in our facilities.

K. Fees and other Charges

• Members of the congregation
• Organist: $150.00
• Sexton: $50.00 Wedding only.
  (Sexton: Wedding and Reception on site: $100.00)
• Minister: no fee
• Use of Sanctuary: no fee
• Non-Members
• Organist: $150.00
• Sexton: $50.00
• Minister: $250.00
• Use of Sanctuary: $150.00 (cost of opening, closing, lighting, heat or air- conditioning for both rehearsal and wedding.)
• Special services may require additional charges as determined by the minister.
• All fees must be paid by the time of the rehearsal. The pastor officiating the wedding will give the couple the names of those receiving payment for services. Please, if using checks, make separate checks payable to:
  Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church