weddings

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

WEDDING POLICIES / GUIDELINES

Because the primary purpose of FBC is to train fully devoted followers

for Jesus Christ (not to provide religious services for the community), the following policies will serve as guidelines for all weddings

held in our facilities.

MEMBERSHIP/BELIEFS

Although membership is not required for use of church facilities, weddings will only be conducted for persons who regularly attend our church or a church with similar beliefs. Based on 2 Cor. 6:14, the facility cannot be used for weddings that unite believers with unbelievers.  Couples may not live together, for 3 months prior to the wedding.  As a witness of your commitment to honoring Christ and one another, we encourage all couples to be living separately during their whole engagement, waiting for the commitment and vows of marriage, God’s perfect plan and blessing.

THE CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR

A pre-event consultation must be scheduled with the Church Administrator a minimum of three months prior to the wedding.  Availability of the pastor and church facilities must be confirmed through the Church Administrator prior to all other arrangements. 

THE MINISTER

A consultation with the pastor and the couple must happen, before any date may be confirmed on the church calendar.  All weddings at FBC will be conducted by a member of the church pastoral staff, or by a visiting pastor who has been approved by the FBC staff and has conferred with them about the couple and the wedding.

COUNSELING

Because FBC is committed to strong marriages, a minimum of 5 hours of
pre-marital counseling, or participation in a 5 hour pre-marital class,  is required for all weddings performed in our facilities.  The counseling must be done by a member of our pastoral staff or by someone qualified and approved by the staff.

MUSIC

Music of a religious or devotional nature is encouraged. The officiating pastor must approve all music.  It is understood that the prospective couple will arrange for the vocalist and musicians.

PHOTOGRAPHY / VIDEO

In order to preserve the spirit and dignity of the occasion and avoid distractions, good taste should be used in how and when pictures are taken.  Any pre-ceremony photography must be concluded no later than 30 minutes prior to the wedding.  Be sure you communicate these guidelines to your photographer.

RICE THROWING

Due to the danger posed and the difficulty of cleaning, no rice, confetti, bird seed, glitter, or similar material will be permitted to be used or thrown inside or outside the building, including in the adjoining parking areas.  Bubbles are permitted outside the building.

SMOKING

There is to be no smoking in any portion of the building at any time.  Members of the wedding party and ushers are expected to remind guests of this should the need arise.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

No alcoholic beverages are permitted on the church property.

CUSTODIAL STAFF

FBC custodial staff will be on-site for all weddings. 

Appropriate fees will apply.

DECORATIONS

All furnishings in the Worship Center and Family Center which are moved must be put back as they were found.  NO musical instruments may be moved.  Florists are asked to protect the furniture and carpets from the dampness of plants and flowers.  Only dripless candles are to be used.  The use of tacks or scotch tape is not permitted because of potential damage to the building and furniture.  In the event of any damage to church property, it will be the bride and groom’s responsibility to ensure the situation has been satisfactorily corrected or that restitution has been made.

MONEY

Monies for all wedding/facility use charges should be given to the Church Administrator per the Facility Use Contract, BEFORE the wedding rehearsal day.  Checks should be made out to First Baptist Church.

TIME

Morning or afternoon weddings are advised on Saturdays. On Saturdays no weddings will be scheduled later than 3:00 p.m. and no wedding receptions will be permitted after 4:00 p.m.

FAMILY CENTER

FBC custodial staff will be on site for all receptions in the Family Center.  Appropriate fees will apply.

ACCESSORIES

Accessories brought in by the wedding party should be removed immediately following the wedding unless other arrangements have been made.  It is expected all rooms used by the bridal parties will be left in ready to use order.

REHEARSAL DINNERS

FBC members may use the Family Center for rehearsal dinners.  The Reception Coordinator must be in attendance.  Plan your rehearsal so you can leave the church by 9:00 p.m.  The kitchen facilities must be left clean and in ‘ready to use’ order.