"He loved us, not because we were lovable, but because he is love."
Membership
Wedding Policies for Saint Patrick Presbyterian Church
Procedure for reserving the church: Call the church office and leave your contact information. One of the wedding directors will then call you to set up an appointment to meet with you and your future spouse. At the meeting you will need to pay your reservation fee of $200 (non-refundable) before we can put your wedding date and rehearsal on our calendar. We do not hold weddings on the weekends of Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Pre-marital Counseling: Pre-marital counseling is required for all members of Saint Patrick Presbyterian Church. This usually consists of three sessions with the officiating pastor.
Wedding Directors: You must use one of the Saint Patrick wedding directors if using our church for a wedding; you may wish to have your own wedding director in addition to the church-provided one. The wedding director must be present when the building is in use. They will be familiar with the rules for use of the building and will work through the rehearsal and your wedding day to be sure everything runs smoothly.
Rehearsal: Typically the rehearsal is scheduled the evening before the wedding. The purpose is to help participants understand their roles and responsibilities in the ceremony. It cannot begin until all are present. The officiating pastor will be in charge of the rehearsal. The wedding director, sound tech, and musicians will also schedule an hour of their time. Therefore, it is important that the wedding party arrive on time. Decorators are allowed into the sanctuary 2 hours before the rehearsal. If extra time is needed you will be charged an additional $25 per hour.
Wedding Service: A wedding ceremony is a worship service. This should be reflected in the attitudes of the wedding party, the music and the decorations. For members of Saint Patrick Presbyterian Church, the pastoral staff reserves the right to say ‘no’ to some music and/or songs. Photography should be completed at least 45 minutes before the ceremony. Ushers should be on duty at least 1 hour before the ceremony. The building has been reserved for your wedding for a five hour period. Weddings will not be scheduled after 4:00 pm on Saturdays if pictures are being taken after the ceremony or after 5:00 pm if all pictures are taken before-hand or before 2:00 pm on Sundays in order to give time for the sanctuary to be prepared for Sunday services.
Marriage License: A marriage license may be obtained at the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder, 1402 N. 17th Ave., between 8:00am and 5:00pm Monday-Friday. Information needed when applying for a license is proof of age and Social Security numbers for both the bride and groom. The cost of the marriage is $20 payable in cash only. Please have the license at the wedding so that it can be signed by the minister, bride, groom, and two witnesses after the ceremony.
Building Use: Rooms will be available for use of the bridal party on the day of the wedding; your wedding director will let you know which rooms those are.
Reception Use: The fireside room, overflow room, fellowship hall will be available for use during the reception along with the lawn, weather permitting.
Guidelines for other professionals you may choose:
Florists: Please protect center aisle from candle wax. Use drip-less or spring loaded candles. Anything applied to pews must be attached with floral wire or elastic- no tape, glue, pins, or heavy gauge wire. Please provide the wedding director with a name and phone number so they can make arrangements for a time to decorate the church. If there are items that the florist will be picking up at a later time, please let the coordinator know, so that they will be able to set a time with the florist for a pick up.
Photographer: No flash pictures shall be taken during the actual worship service. Non-flash picture may be taken from the balcony and from behind the last row of guests during the ceremony. All photos taken before the ceremony should be completed before 45 minutes before the service starts. A video camera may be placed at the back of the sanctuary so as not to interfere with the ceremony.
Sound Technicians: If you need to use the church’s sound equipment please talk with the wedding director. Only church personnel may operate the equipment.
Musicians: Saint Patrick has a worship/arts director that will be happy to recommend musicians for you to hire if you need them.
Caterers: Your caterers will have access to the kitchenette upstairs and the kitchen downstairs. Storage will not be available.
General Rules and Guidelines:
It is an honor and privilege to work with you on this special occasion. Please feel free to call with any further questions that you may have.