Weddings

Please read and follow these wedding policies

1. Reserving the Date:

Wedding dates may be reserved upon request and will be held for two weeks pending an initial consultation with a pastor. Normally, reservations occur a year before the wedding.

2. Premarital Counseling:

Couples meet with the pastor to prepare for the marriage. One session is required, but can be up to four sessions.

3. Music:

Music selected should be appropriate to Christian worship.

4. Photographs may be taken prior to and following the service of marriage.

Flash pictures are not allowed during ceremony. Pictures may be taken after the service, including re-enactments. Photographs taken after the service must be completed by 4:30 p.m., so as not to conflict with the 5:30 p.m. contemporary worship service. Videotaping is permitted. The camera operator must consult with the pastor for instructions.

5. Restrictions:

• No bird seed or rice will be allowed on church property, either inside or outside.
• Alcohol and tobacco are prohibited. Wedding party members under the influence will be asked to leave.
• Other groups use the building. Room use is restricted to those agreed upon.

6 Wedding Coordinator:

The Wedding Coordinator is a staff member of First United Methodist Church. She should be contacted by the couple as soon as possible after the initial consultation. She will assist in the rehearsal, supervise activities at the church: pew bows, candles, aisle runners, etc.

Wedding Coordinator: Tammie Bryant, (608) 365-6537.

7. Visiting pastors:

Couples who are active members of other United Methodist churches may have their wedding at First United Methodist Church by having their pastor make arrangements with a member of the staff of 1st UMC. Their pastor is welcome to perform the service.

8. No wedding can be scheduled later than 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.

FEES

For Members

• Organist -- $75
• Wedding Hostess -- $75
• Custodian -- $65 (check for custodian should be made out to the church.)
• A gratuity may be given to the pastor at the family's discretion.

For non-Members

• Organist -- $75
• Wedding Hostess -- $75
• Custodian -- $65
• Pastor -- $150
• Chapel -- $100
• Sanctuary -- $200
• Fellowship Hall & Kitchen -- $150
• A deposit of $150 is required when the wedding is scheduled on the church calendar.

Revised December, 2002