Wedding Guidelines
- Weddings may be conducted in the main church Sanctuary, the courtyard, or any place where the arrangements conform to such practices as are in accord with Christian custom.
- Membership of bride, groom or parents for 1 or more years entitles the couple to schedule the wedding, membership fees, and option of the hour for the wedding.
- It is expected that one of the Pastors of this congregation will officiate at all weddings.
- Because of the program of our church, weddings are not performed on Sunday, nor on the Saturday prior to Christmas and Easter.
- If a formal rehearsal is required, the rehearsal is under the direction of the officiating Pastor working with the Westminster Wedding Director.
- Both the wedding and the rehearsal will be conducted in the Christian spirit and with dignity. A church wedding is a worship service. It is an act of adoration of God.
- The use of liquor is forbidden at any time on the church's property. It is expected that members of the wedding party will refrain from alcoholic beverages. The bride and groom shall be under obligation to make this rule known to all members of the party.
- Rice, birdseed, confetti or grain may not be thrown outside the church
building. It is the responsibility of the bride and groom to see that this is made known to the wedding party and guests.
- Weddings are scheduled four hours apart and no more than two per day.
- A couple will not be notified when another wedding is scheduled the same day as their wedding; however the Wedding Directors will work to arrange a schedule that will accommodate everyone.
Application
A wedding application should be filled out and returned to the church secretary. Each week the staff meets to approve such requests. You will then receive a letter from the church secretary confirming your wedding date and time. A questionnaire should be acquired from the pastor at the time of pre-marital counseling.
The Pre-Marriage Interview(s)
It is the responsibility of the couple to arrange the pre-marriage interview(s) with the Pastor at the earliest possible date. During the pre-marriage interview, your Pastor will share some perspectives on the meaning of marriage and the marriage ceremony. You will find this to be an enjoyable and productive part of the wedding planning experience. The order of service will also be discussed during this interview.
The Marriage License
It is the responsibility of the couple to obtain the marriage license. This should be done well in advance. It should be left with the Pastor at the rehearsal. For information on blood tests, licenses, etc. in Allegheny County, you may call 412-355-4230. Requirements in other counties may be different.
Photographers
During the Processional and Recessional, photographers are to stay near the back of the Sanctuary and out of the aisle. They should not block the aisle. During the service, no flash photos may be taken. Natural light photos may be taken from the balcony or the back of the church.
Videographers
Video cameras may be set up in the balcony and/or in the choir loft in the Sanctuary. Video cameras are not to be placed or held in the front of the church or in the center aisle at any time. A camera may be set up in front of a side aisle pillar. The videographer must understand this prior to the wedding. If a video camera is set up in the choir loft, the operator should be seated during the service and not stand by the camera. The operator may step up to the camera to adjust it when the wedding party enters the chancel, but the operator must then sit down again for the rest of the service. Photography lighting is not permissible.
Bulletin
If you wish to provide a bulletin for your service, we suggest that you make arrangements with a local printer. Appropriate bulletin covers may be purchased through Cokesbury or Family Bookstores. Examples of bulletins can be obtained from the Wedding Director. If there is a bulletin, it is helpful to put a reminder in it that taking pictures is not permitted during the service. The officiating Pastor should review the bulletin before it is printed.
Music
A Christian wedding is a service of the worship of God. As in all worship, the music is to be chosen with care and discrimination. Because the assembled people of God join with the bride and groom in asking for God's blessing upon the marriage, the music should accentuate the reverence of the service.
The texts and music should enhance the worship. The texts should correspond to the themes which are inherent in a Christian marriage service (e.g., God's love for the church displayed through Christ, forming the foundation for the love a man and a woman share; God's blessing petitioned for the marriage; the praise of God expressed when Christians rejoice).
Music has its own contribution to make to the worship service; it is not to be seen merely as a filler between sections of the service. Our Music Director will be glad to help you plan the music for your wedding.
If you desire a vocalist or instrumental soloist, we will be glad to recommend some excellent ones to you. Any special music, instrumental and/or vocal will be rehearsed with the organist. If desired, the congregation may be invited to join in the singing of hymns at the beginning and conclusion of the service ... (from the Directory of Worship, Chapter VII)
Flowers
In the sanctuary - Flowers are usually in a single bouquet on the retable (the shelf behind the communion table). The communion table itself is not used for flowers.
Kneeler
If you desire to use a kneeler for the wedding prayer, please advise the Pastor and the Wedding Director prior to the rehearsal
Aisle Runner
If desired, a crash may be supplied by your florist. The sanctuary requires 30 yards.
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