THE WEDDING DATE
· needs to be scheduled on the church calendar with pastor approval before you make any other arrangements
· couples wishing to become members of FLC will receive the reduced fees (below) after one year of active membership
· non-member weddings will not be considered until 90 days prior to the preferred wedding date
COUNSELING
· needs to be arranged well ahead of the wedding- the couple needs to call the church office to arrange counseling dates. The pastor's fee of $150.00 is due at the first counseling session
· at least two, usually three counseling sessions will be scheduled
· the PREPARE marriage inventory will be used
· the PREPARE inventory will cost the couple $35.00, due at the 1st session
· make checks out to “Life Innovation, Inc.”
(If you live a long distance from Alexandria arrangements can be made for
counseling with another facilitator after discussing it with the First Lutheran Pastor)
EXPENSES
· a deposit is required within one week after the wedding date is scheduled with us
· the deposit is based on the fees listed below: (exceptions may be if the organist or soloist is a friend or relative- then you may wish to give them your gift directly)
· you may write one check to cover all the applicable fees payable to First Lutheran Church (address above)
· the deposit will be refunded if wedding is cancelled at least 30 days prior to date
· your date will NOT be guaranteed until your deposit is received
FEES for Members:
Pastor: $150.00
Organist: $ 150.00
Soloist: $ 100.00
Custodian: $ 100.00
Use of Church Facility: N/C
FEES for Non-Members:
Pastor: $ 300.00
Organist: $ 150.00
Soloist: $ 100.00
Custodian: $ 100.00
Use of Church Facility $ 200.00
CHURCH POLICIES
· NO smoking in the church building
· NO alcoholic beverages allowed in the church or on any part of the church property
· NO property shall be removed from the church building or grounds
· NO rice or confetti are allowed on the church premise- bird seed or bubbles are okay for outdoors
THE WEDDING SERVICE
· scripture, and music can be discussed with the Pastor at the counseling sessions
· guest Pastor participation must be discussed with the FLC Pastor
· the FLC Pastor is the only one who can extend an invitation to another Pastor for participation in your wedding ceremony
· NO flash photos are to be taken during the service (it is suggested that “no flash photos be taken during the service” be added to your ceremony folder)
· videos can be taken from the balcony or either side transept
THE REHEARSAL
· needs to be scheduled with the Pastor (usually for the evening before the wedding)
· the Pastor and wedding party will go thru the service so that everyone will be comfortable and able to relax during the wedding
· be on time, plan on 45 minutes
THE LICENSE
· your license is valid for 6 months prior to the wedding date
· can be issued in any County Courthouse in MN and will be valid in any county in MN
· the license fee is your expense (after completing the prepare marriage counseling the pastor will give you a certificate to reduce the cost of your marriage license).
· can be given to the church secretary at any time prior to the wedding but must be received within one week before the wedding with the legal names of your witnesses
· the Pastor must have your license before he can perform the ceremony
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE SANCTUARY
· maximum Sanctuary seating capacity is 350
· the church aisle is 100 feet long
· there are 20 pews on each side of the center isle
· the altar paraments will remain the color of the church season
CHURCH SUPPLIES AVAILABLE FOR YOUR USE
· for use on the altar we have 2 candelabras with 7 candles each, or 2 brass candlesticks with single candles, or 2 granite bases with 3” diameter candles, all use oil which we supply, (oil candles have a burning time of approximately 4 hrs.)
· unity candle stand
· microphones provided for Pastor, soloist, and organist (arrange with secretary if other microphones are needed)
· guest book stand
· gift table
· inform the church secretary the week of the wedding which of the above supplies you’ll be using
A Marriage/Wedding Checklist and a complete packet of information on planning your wedding at First Lutheran will be sent to you when you schedule the wedding date. This packet will include information on scheduling your organist and soloist and decorating the church in addition to the above information.
