Wedding Planning Information
The Staff and Session of First Presbyterian Church, San Pedro, hope this planning booklet will answer many of your questions regarding a wedding ceremony at this church.
A marriage in the church is more than a civil ceremony — it is a service of Christian worship, expressing praise and thanksgiving to God for the gift of marriage. The promises of marriage are made in response to the Word of God, in the context of prayer, and in the presence of the community of faith.
How Arrangements are Made
1. Call the Church Office, 832-7597. At your request, the secretary will send you a Wedding Application for you to complete, and will inform you of the following:
The availability of the church and pastor for a desired date and time for the wedding and the rehearsal. Because of the active Sunday schedule of the church, Saturday evening weddings are discouraged. Also, we do not schedule weddings on Sunday.
2. Return the Wedding Application to the Church Office with a $100 deposit as soon as possible as this confirms your date and time.
The Wedding Coordinator of the church will be your contact person and will assist you with the arrangements.
Helpful Information
Conference with the Pastor
All weddings will be preceded by at least two conferences with the pastor. The Christian ideals of marriage and family life and the structure of the wedding ceremony are discussed. Arrange for the conferences by calling the church, 832-7597, to arrange times with the pastor.
Wedding and Rehearsal atmosphere
The church wedding is a religious service. Church Regulations prohibit smoking and the use of alcoholic beverages on the church grounds. Also, we do not allow rice, confetti, or bird seed to be thrown in the church or on the church grounds.
The Wedding Service
The wedding service in the Worship book of the Presbyterian Church USA is generally used. The wedding couple, however, may work with the pastor to prepare a special ceremony which meets with the pastor's approval.
By direction of the Session (the governing body of the church), the pastor of the church will conduct the service. If you wish to have another pastor also participate in the service, discuss this possibility with the church pastor.
The Wedding Coordinator
The church wedding coordinator will be your advisor, as called upon, in planning arrangements. She will assist the pastor in conducting the rehearsal and directing the wedding. You must be prompt at the rehearsal, which lasts approximately one hour.
The coordinator will supervise preparations in the sanctuary and see that the wedding goes as smoothly as possible. She will open the church one hour prior to the wedding. If other arrangements need to be made, you must contact the wedding coordinator in advance.
Wedding Organist
The services of the church organist are provided in your fee. If soloists and additional instrumentalists are desired, it is at your arrangement and expense. Please inform the church organist if you have made such arrangements.
The selection of music for the wedding must be suitable and reverent, directing attention to God. ("Show tunes," popular songs and love songs would be more appropriate at the reception.) The organist must approve all music selected for the wedding. If you have requests, please feel free to contact the organist.
Photography
Please inform your photographer of the following regulations:
1. The photographer may take pictures before and after the ceremony, but may not delay the start of the wedding (subject to determination by the Wedding Coordinator).
2. During the processional, the ceremony and the recessional, the photographer may take timed pictures from the rear of the church only – being careful to use good judgment so the wedding party and guests are not distracted and the dignity of the ceremony is not diminished.
3. Photographs following the service should be taken as soon as possible so guests at the reception are not kept waiting.
4. Guests should be cautioned not to take photographs during the ceremony.
5. If a video camera is being used, the operator must remain in a stationary position (usually in the side choir loft) during the ceremony.
Decorations
You may decorate the Chancel area as you wish; however, the church does not provide baskets. It has two pedestals for your use. A floral arrangement can be placed on the communion table. The placement of flowers can also be supervised by the Wedding Coordinator. The church provides two brass candelabra and a Unity Candle candelabra.
If using the Unity Candle, please provide two tapers approximately 18" and one large candle about 3" in diameter.
Information for your florist:
It is approximately 20 yards from the doors of the sanctuary to the Chancel steps. There are 34 pews and the circumference of each pew is 40 inches. Secure decorations to the pews with ribbon, rubber bands or soft, flexible ties (do not use tacks, wire, screws, tape). The sanctuary is fully carpeted and an aisle runner is not necessary.
Wedding Fees
The fee for a wedding is for people who are not members of the church $1200 (members receive a $325 discount). This includes payment for the use of the sanctuary for a one hour rehearsal, 1.5 hours for wedding preparation, and 1.5 hours for wedding and photo session (additional time may require additional payment, as would a reception at the church). The fee also includes the services of the Wedding Coordinator, Church Organist, Sound Technician, Custodian, and Pastor—the fee is the same regardless of whether or not a particular service is used.
The deposit of $100 is paid at the time you submit your Application. The balance in full is paid no later than the wedding day. Checks are made payable to First Presbyterian Church.
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Page Last Updated: Sun Oct 14, 2007