Below is the wedding policy of Epworth United Methodist Church. It is a guide to help you in planning your wedding. Our desire is that you should have a religious service and that it will be meaningful to all involved. We seek to maintain the deepest religious traditions of our faith. Through this service, two people created by God as unique individuals become one in purpose and love, and here they take responsibility to love, honor, and cherish each other until death. It is a high and holy experience. It is a moment of worship.

These policies have been recommended and decided upon based on experience and after careful deliberation. It is the hope of Epworth United Methodist Church that you will understand the full significance of the wedding ceremony, and that it will be a memorable event for you. May God continue to add His richest blessings to you as you begin to share completely with each other and with our Lord.

EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH WEDDING POLICY

RESPECT FOR THE CHURCH:
It is expected that all members of the wedding party will conduct themselves with reverence and respect for the Church and its furnishings. We ask that members of the wedding party respect the Church building by refraining from smoking or using alcoholic beverages in or around the building.. No rice, confetti, or other items shall be thrown in the Church building or on the Church grounds. Bird seed may be used outside the Church building if desired. The wedding couple is liable for any damages to the Church.

PASTORAL CONSULTATION:
All couples who desire to schedule a wedding shall consult with the pastor of Epworth Methodist Church before the wedding is reserved on the church calendar. This consultation does not just determine their readiness for marriage, but is a means of preparing them for a Christian marriage rather than just a lovely ceremony. Even if a guest pastor is to participate in the ceremony, Epworth’s pastor will counsel with the couple. Although every effort will be made to incorporate special requests by the couple, the wedding is a service of Christian worship and final decisions as to the content of the ceremony will be made by the pastor of Epworth UMC.

RESERVATIONS:
Dates for both the wedding and rehearsal should be cleared in advance on the church calendar. Reservations will be set up with Administrative Assistant at Church Office (856-829-1908).  It is recommended that weddings or rehearsals not be scheduled on Sunday.

RECEPTION:
The church has facilities to host a reception. If the reception is to be coordinated by a caterer, the arrangements must be discussed. The caterer will be responsible for furnishing all necessary items for the reception. No alcohol may be part of the reception. You are responsible for cleanup. Any damage will also be your responsibility. Church events have priority.

DECORATIONS:
We recommend simple decorations which will emphasize the natural beauty of our sanctuary. Every precaution should be taken to prevent damage to flooring and furnishings. Furniture, such as the altar table, pulpit, and pews may not be moved due to damage to flooring and furniture. Discuss with the pastor any ideas you may have. There is to be no tacking or stapling of decorations. You are responsible for any damage that is incurred through the decorating of the Church.

MUSIC:
All music used in the ceremony should reflect the Christian ideals of faithfulness and commitment as are appropriate for a worship service. You are expected to use our Church Organist/Pianist.  If you wish to use other Organist/Pianist, you are still responsible for Church Organist fee.
 
PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEOTAPES:
Photographs may be taken at your discretion as long as it doesn’t interrupt the service.
Photographs can be taken during the ceremony. A video camera being operated by an individual may be used at the back of the sanctuary, or one may be placed on a tripod in the choir loft and turned on at the beginning of the ceremony.  Please respect the ceremony and be discreet. Consult with the pastor if other photography is desired.

FEE PAYMENT:
Church use fee ~ $100     

Pastor ~ $300 (which covers all the counseling, rehearsal, and ceremony).  
Organist ~ $150 (If you want more service from Organist other than the rehearsal and the wedding, there will be additional $50 charge)
Program ~ $60 (Optional)
Cleaning ~ $50 (If there is a reception at the church, there will be extra fee.)
All fees must be paid in full in cash at rehearsal.

Please contact the church office with any questions or for more information.