Weddings

Weddings

Whether you are just dreaming of a church wedding, or well into the planning phase, North Charleston United Methodist Church wants to support you. From pre-marital counseling to the recessional, let us help you make your wedding personal, meaningful, spiritual, and beautiful.

For more information, please contact us.

Wedding Policy

Non-Members

Non-members of the church are defined as neither the bride nor the groom is a member of the church. With the exception of the fees listed, this policy may not be changed without the expressed consent of the Commission on Worship of the North Charleston United Methodist Church. The fees may be adjusted by the minister on a professional courtesy basis where the family of another United Methodist minister is concerned.

Please remember that a wedding is a sacred Christian ceremony and an occasion for worship. All who participate should respect the sacredness of the ceremony and conduct themselves in a proper decorum at all times. Anyone not conducting themselves in a proper manner will be asked to leave the rehearsal or the wedding or the reception should it be held on church property.

The Social Hall will not be rented to or used by non-members.

Special Note

The person reserving the church for a wedding shall be responsible for any breakage or theft or vandalism regarding church property and furnishings during the rehearsal or the wedding.

Arrangements

A. Reservations for any part of the church for the rehearsal, wedding, or reception must be made through the church office during regular working hours. Reservations will be made on a first come basis. Reservations must be confirmed with a $100.00 non-refundable fee no more than ten days after the reservation is made.

B. If the minister of the church, or the associate minister, is to officiate at the wedding, the date of the wedding and rehearsal shall be cleared through him before the date is entered on the church calendar. The ministers of the church reserve the right to refuse to perform the marriage ceremony for anyone.

C. Should a minister who is not on the staff of the North Charleston United Methodist Church be the one who is to perform the ceremony, it must be cleared through the senior minister of the church. Any invitation to visiting clergy shall be issued through the church office in writing and signed by the senior minister of the church. Only ordained clergy of recognized denominations will be allowed to perform a ceremony on the church property.

D. Alcoholic beverages of any kind are not allowed on church property.

E. The Church Hostess, or her designated assistant, will direct all weddings at the North Charleston United Methodist Church. The Church Hostess will assist the bride and inform the bride of available equipment and materials.

F. The bride is encouraged to dress at the church in the church parlor. The Church Hostess will assist the bride and her party in this effort if needed.

Pictures

A. Flash pictures are not allowed in the sanctuary. The wedding service is a sacred service and the use of flash attachments detract from the meaning of the service and the loveliness of the bride and her party.

B. No one will be permitted to stand in the aisle, to walk around, to stand in front of the pew screen, to stand in the chancel area, or to block anyone's view of the wedding party to take a picture.

C. The official photographer shall check with the minister or the church hostess to find out what may not be done with pictures.

D. Video cameras are permitted in the balcony and the chancel area as long as they do not interfere with the movement of the wedding party, the minister, the church organist, or the soloist. No one will be allowed to be in the chancel area to operate a camera located there.

Decorations

A. All decorations will be in accordance with fire ordinances.

B. No decorations will be permitted that will mar or deface any part of the building. Staples, nails, tacks, screws, wire, thorny vines, artificial greenery, or artificial flowers are not permitted.

C. The Bible is not to be moved, covered, or hidden in any manner.

D. Decorations for weddings must be removed immediately following the service.

E. White paraments and furnishings will be used for wedding services.

F. Decorations are not allowed on the outside front of the church.

G. No decorations will be allowed in, or, around the altar with the exception of a flower arrangement that may be placed on the altar.

H. Decorations are to be kept modest so as not to detract from the Christian symbols in the sanctuary or chapel.

I. Decorations are not allowed on the pulpit, lectern, or communion rail.

J. Only artificial flowers are to be used in the basket carried by the flower girl.

Music

A. All music selected for use in the wedding service shall be in keeping with the sacred nature of the service. It is the responsibility of the bride to discuss musical selections well in advance with the Director of Music of the North Charleston United Methodist Church. If the bride chooses not to consult with the Director of Music, then the Director of Music will make all selections regarding music.

B. Should a guest organist be used, it will be upon the invitation of the Director of Music of the church with the approval of the senior minister of the church.

C. Providing music for weddings is beyond the realm of responsibilities for the church organist. Therefore, a fee is charged for her services.

Fees

A. All fees must be paid to the office at least ten days prior to the date of the wedding. Should the wedding be canceled, all fees, less the one hundred dollar reservation fee, will be refunded.

B. The following fees apply:

1. Custodian	$50.00 Sanctuary
	$50.00 Davis Hall
2. Organist	$150.00
3. Soloist	$100.00
4. Church Hostess	$100.00
5. Minister	$150.00
6. Church Use	$300.00
7. Sound System	$100.00
8. Refundable Damage Deposit	$100.00