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wedding Policy Manual
 YOUR WEDDING PLANS
God bless each of you as you prepare for marriage. Marriage was instituted by God himself and is to be a blessing to all who chose to enter this Holy estate. Your wedding day is one of the most important events of your life. Redeemer Lutheran and her pastors are pleased to share this happy occasion with you. In order that you and your family remember and enjoy all of the events pertaining to your wedding, we want to do everything possible to make this joyous occasion a most God pleasing and memorable experience.
You are now preparing to go through this event and as you do, we begin by focusing on the truth that we are a Christian congregation and the first question we ask you is, “Are you looking for a Christian marriage and wedding?”
A Christian wedding and marriage begins by regular attendance of services and Bible study during courtship and engagement. It, also means that Christian couples do not approach this special day by living together before marriage as a husband and wife or engage in behavior that is reserved for marriage. It also means, that the couple may still be learning what God’s will is before and after the wedding day.
To help you on your new journey as husband and wife we ask couples to: a) view a video, “Before You Say I Do…”, b) complete a workbook, and c) have four to six pre-marital counseling sessions with the pastor.
The wedding ceremony and its accompanying elements also need to reflect the Christ-centered character of this solemn ceremony. You are blessed with a rich heritage of customs and traditions in the Lutheran Church, which supports the spiritual aspect of your marriage. When discussing the details of your wedding service plans with the pastor, please note that there are certain areas in which the Lutheran Church speaks with clarity so that proper emphasis and decorum are maintained. We therefore want to outline below requirements and suggestions this congregation observes.
As soon as you and your fiancée have decided on a tentative date and time for your wedding, it is important that you call the church office and set up an initial appointment with the pastor to confirm the date. This contact should be made 5 to 6 months prior to your wedding. Please do not plan any part of your wedding ceremony until after you have confirmed the availability of the church and the pastor for the date you have selected. We do not want you to be disappointed in any way!
The initial meeting with the pastor will answer many of the questions you have about the ceremony. Appointments for pre-marital counseling sessions will be arranged at this time. (These sessions must be attended by both the bride and the groom.)
This congregation’s wedding coordinator will be contacted by the pastor after your wedding date is finalized. The coordinator will then contact you and discuss the details of their services and responsibilities. The services of the church organist should be engaged at this time. Please note that all organ music and vocal selections must be in keeping with the Christian nature of the wedding ceremony and approved by the pastor. (Also, the photographer must meet with the pastor one week before the ceremony to discuss the guidelines of picture taking before, during and after the marriage ceremony.)
The pastor, with the assistance of the wedding coordinator, directs and coordinates both the rehearsal and the wedding service. It is the policy of this congregation that a pastor from this congregation perform the wedding service. (If you would like to request another Lutheran pastor to participate in your wedding service, please remember that this is decided on a case-by-case basis and is a privilege, not a right. An invitation must be extended by the pastor.)
The pastor and wedding coordinator wish to be as helpful and supportive as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact either one of them with any question or concern that you may have.
All furnishings are dedicated items, and are not to be removed or concealed by your wedding decorations. All decorations should be in place at least two hours prior to the beginning of the wedding. Decorations may not be fastened to the woodwork or furnishings. The throwing of rice or birdseed inside or outside of our church is prohibited.
FLOWERS AND DECORATIONS
- The Wedding Coordinator will be the contact person for your florist.
- Flower placement must be completed two hours prior to the service.
- The church has a center aisle runner (white fabric) available for a cleaning fee of $50.00 or you may also obtain one from your florist. However, if one is to be obtained from a florist, please check with the wedding coordinator. NO paper runners may be used
- The church decorating is to be done only on the day of the wedding. The decorations are NOT to be attached with tacks, nails, etc.
- Removal of decorations following the wedding service will be supervised by the Wedding Coordinator.
- Special arrangements for the altar flowers to coordinate with your color theme should be discussed with the Wedding Coordinator.
- The floral decorations, aisle runner and candles (other than altar candles) are an expense of the Bridal couple. The Wedding Order of Service folder, if printed by the church, is offered at a nominal fee. Otherwise you may order them with your invitations. However, before you purchase or have these printed, you will need the approval of the Pastor for the Order of Service, etc.
- If a unity candle is to be used as part of your service check with the Wedding Coordinator for ordering instructions.
- A kneeler is available through the Church if you would like to use it as part of your service. Kneeling pillows are furnished by the church.
PHOTOGRAPHS
- Flash photographs during the ceremony disturbs the reverence and sanctity of this Holy Occasion. Therefore, the taking of flash pictures during the ceremony are prohibited. Your professional photographer may take flash pictures as the wedding party enters and leaves the sanctuary.
- Time exposures during the ceremony are permitted. These time exposures are to be taken from the very back of the sanctuary.
- Video cameras should be discreetly placed and should be discussed with your Wedding Coordinator in advance or at the rehearsal.
- If you wish to have the Pastor included in your wedding pictures, please inform him ahead of time.
- The photographer must meet with the pastor one week before the ceremony to discuss the guidelines of picture taking before, during and after the marriage ceremony.
THE REHEARSAL
- The rehearsal is to begin promptly at the designated time. The length of the rehearsal should not exceed one hour.
- Attire should be in good taste.
- ALL expenses and fees are to be paid by this date.
- The marriage license is to be brought to the rehearsal.
THE WEDDING PARTY
- All ushers should arrive at least forty-five minutes prior to the wedding.
- Ushers will be responsible for the lighting of the candles, unless arrangements have been made for an acolyte.
- Immediate family members and others designated by the bride are traditionally seated in reserved pews in front of the church. All other guests will be seated on both sides.
- Following the recessional, selected ushers are to return at once to escort the parents from the sanctuary and then the congregation from the sanctuary.
- All ushers are to remain after the wedding for pictures.
- The Bride and her attendants should arrive one hour prior to the wedding, if they are dressing at home. If dressing at the church, allow at least two (2) hours. The Groom and Best Man should arrive at least one (1) hour prior to the wedding.
- Ring bearers and flower girls arrive at church the same time as the attendants.
- The Wedding Coordinator must be advised of any last minute absences and/or missing wedding party members.
THE MUSIC
- Your wedding is a service of worship, therefore the music used throughout the wedding should be sacred in nature.
- There is an abundance of appropriate organ and vocal music available. The organist will be happy to help you select music for your wedding.
- If you choose to use an outside organist for your wedding service, the music must be reviewed by the Coordinator & Pastor.
- If you need the services of a soloist, our organist can offer candidates for your consideration.
REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH HUNTINGTON BEACH
Our Sanctuary has been dedicated to the spiritual welfare of all who seek its privileges and responsibilities. However, good Christian stewardship for the maintenance of the Lord's house and its staff is required.
The following donations are requested for the wedding ceremony. We provide kneeling pillows and altar appointments for your marriage ceremony. (These include 2 sets of candelabras on the altar and chancel area. Candles are provided.)
Church Facilities Donation
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$200.00 for non-members |
Organist (including rehearsal)
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$100.00 |
Custodian
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$75.00 |
Wedding Coordinator
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$100.00 |
Aisle Runner
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$50.00 for cleaning of runner |
Pastor
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In accordance with service rendered. |
A $50.00 (non-refundable) deposit is required at the time the wedding date is reserved. ALL other fees are to be PAID AT THE TIME OF THE WEDDING REHEARSAL, to the Wedding Coordinator.
All marriages performed at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Huntington Beach, must be performed by our Pastor unless other specific arrangements are made with the Pastor.
Any wedding held in Redeemer Lutheran's sanctuary requires the services of our Wedding Coordinator and Custodian.
Many of our fees are set by the provider. These private contractors, such as the custodian and organist, set their fees. We have agreed to abide by their wishes.
Unless specific arrangements are made with the Wedding Coordinator thirty (30) days before the wedding, the Wedding Party will need to provide helpers to clean up after the Service. These names are to be given to the Wedding Coordinator as plans are being made. They will help to remove decorations, clean out the pews and help remove items from preparations room. The Wedding Coordinator will give specific details.
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