WEDDING GUIDELINES

1. Who can be married at Travelers Rest United Methodist Church?

a. Members and children of members.

b. Non-members who have obtained permission from the pastor. 

2. Setting a date: Contact the pastor to set a date, then turn in a Building Use Form.

3. Pastor: In accordance with the policy of the United Methodist Church, the pastor of the church where the service is held shall officiate, be present at, or have a church representative present at all rehearsals and wedding ceremonies. Any leadership roles taken by other clergy should be at the invitation of the pastor. No church representatives are required during the reception. 

·  The decision to perform the ceremony is the right and the responsibility of the pastor, in accordance with the laws of the state and the United Methodist Church. All plans should be approved by the pastor. 

·  To assist in the preparation for marriage, Travelers Rest United Methodist Church requires a certain level of premarital counseling. During this counseling time, the pastor of the church reserves the right to refuse to perform the wedding. The timing and number of sessions will be made at the mutual agreement of the pastor and future couple. For those who are using clergy from another church or congregation, pre-marriage counseling will be performed by the clergyperson who will be conducting the wedding. 

4. Wedding coordinator: All weddings shall be directed by Travelers Rest United Methodist’s wedding coordinator or a coordinator approved by the pastor.

5. Wedding ceremony: The officially approved and authorized rituals of the United Methodist Church shall normally be used at all weddings in the church. The pastor will work with couples who desire to personalize their wedding service, but within the structure of the United Methodist Guidelines.  Couples might consider special scripture, poems, etc. to add a personal touch to the service. The pastor will assist you in the preparation of the order of the service. Printed orders of service may be used to guide the congregation’s participation in the service. The cost of printing shall be the responsibility of the bride/groom. 

6. Music: Always keep in mind that a wedding is a service of worship as you consider music selections. It is our policy that all music selected for a wedding shall be suitable for a service of Christian worship. Please seek the aid of the pastor and church musician in making your musical selections. If you desire soloists or other musicians to perform, it is your responsibility to contact them and make appropriate arrangements, including their fees.

·  If piano/organ music will be used, the church organist or pianist have first right of refusal on all weddings and should be contacted as soon as the date for your wedding has been established. The fees for these persons are listed on the Facility Usage Fees page. If you desire the services of another organist or pianist, that person must be approved by the pastor. We do not control the fees for these other musicians. 

7. Decorations: Remember that a wedding is a service of worship and decorations should complement the setting and ceremony rather than detract from it. Flowers, candles and other decorations should not interfere with the appropriate movement of the pastor or any other participant. Paraments (liturgical colors of the season) are appropriate for a wedding, however, when requested, white paraments may be used. 

·  Floral arrangements and decorations are to be in place in the sanctuary or chapel at least two hours before the appointed time of the wedding. All decorations must be removed from the church immediately following the wedding activities so as not to interfere with other church activities. Flowers which are used in the wedding may be left for the Sunday morning worship services. Please share these instructions with your florist.

8. Photographs/Video Recordings: Photographers and videographers must not interfere with or intrude upon the worship experience of the congregation. With that in mind, pictures and video recording of the ceremony may be made with noiseless, flashless cameras during the ceremony. Photographs of the wedding party may be made from the center aisle during the procession and recession under the balcony overhang. Please share these guidelines with your photographer. 

9. Fees: Fees are to be paid the day of the wedding ceremony. See the Facilities Usage Fees page for fees.