Weddings at First Lutheran

Since marriage is "a holy estate, ordained of God, and to be held in honor by all, it becomes those who enter therein to weigh with reverent minds."  First Lutheran Church regards marriage as the fine art of creating personal beauty out of the splendid blending of two lives. To prospective brides and grooms who entertain such a regard for marriage, First Lutheran Church offers a joyful, beautiful, sacred ceremony.  Our wedding and marriage policy is found at the bottom of this page.


To you who desire to so celebrate your marriage in our Church, we ask that you adhere to the following procedures:

  • Make your reservations by filling out an wedding application form (see below) which may be secured from the Church Office with a non-refundable $100 deposit to secure your date and time.
  • Keep in mind that weddings may not be scheduled on the following days:
    • Ash Wednesday
    • Maundy Thursday
    • Good Friday
    • Palm Sunday
    • The Saturday before Easter
    • Christmas Eve/Day
    • Thanksgiving Weekend
    • No Wedding may be scheduled after 7:00 p.m. on Saturdays
  • The Wedding rehearsal is under the direction of the officiating pastor in consultation with the bride and groom.
  • The marriage license should be in the Pastor's hands no later than the day of the rehearsal, along with the wedding fees.

Pre-Marital Counseling Sessions
The bridal couple should arrange for a conference with the Pastor of First Lutheran Church. Normally, there will be a minimum of three sessions of pre-marital counseling. This should be completed several months prior to the wedding. The marriage is to be performed by the Pastor of the First Lutheran Church.

The bride and groom may wish a conference with the church organist who will assist in selecting music. Unless a qualified organist is approved by the church organist, the church organist is to play for the wedding. Other instrumentalists may be used if approved by the organist.  Music must meet church standards.


Decorations
Decorations should not be ostentatious. The beauty and sanctity of our sanctuary is enhanced more with simple floral arrangements than too much decoration. Decorators should work with existing furniture placement and appointments. The use of rice, confetti, birdseed and flower petals inside, at the doors or anywhere on the church grounds is forbidden.


The Photographer
Photographers should be advised that flash pictures may NOT be taken during the ceremony. If  flash pictures are to be taken durring the recessional or processional, please keep in mind the effect of the flash on wedding guests. If pictures are to be taken during the wedding, the photographer should stand behind the last pew where guests are seated or in the balcony. The photographer should be dressed appropriately for the occasion, and together with the photographic equipment, be as inconspicuous as possible. After the wedding, pictures may be posed in the Chancel. Please inform the Pastor ahead of time if you wish him to be in any pictures and these shall be taken first.


Alcoholic Beverages
Wedding parties are to refrain from the use of alcoholic beverages immediately prior to the rehearsal and wedding. Alcoholic beverages are NOT to be brought upon the Church premisies, including in the parking lot. The bride and groom will be under obligation to make this known to all members of the wedding party.


Charges (All fees are to be paid in full prior to the rehearsal and wedding.)
  • Sanctuary: $1000
  • Organist: $150
  • Pastor: $150
  • Reception in fellowship hall: $350

    Sanctuary seating capacity is approximately 300 people
    PREPARE Inventory $30-$35 

        

Views of the sanctuary can be seen on the "Photo Albums" page.



FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH WEDDING AND MARRIAGE POLICY

AFLC - MARRIAGE RESOLUTION,

Adopted at Annual Conference 2000


WHEREAS, the attack against Biblical Christianity is so intense in society today, including a direct assault against the Bible’s teaching on marriage and the family,


BE IT RESOLVED, that we as the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations reaffirm our uncompromising stand on God’s Word that marriage is instituted by God to be between one man and one woman.


WHEREAS, we live in a culture in which homosexuality is being more aggressively promoted and more broadly accepted,


BE IT RESOLVED, that we the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations reaffirm our love in Christ for every person including those involved in the homosexual lifestyle while rejecting their lifestyle itself as sin,


BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we encourage our congregations to pray for and support with their gifts those individuals and organizations seeking to reach and rescue those in a homosexual lifestyle by Biblical means and message.


First Lutheran Church has been a member of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations since 1990. We are in full agreement with the Annual Conference resolution in 2000. Marriage was instituted by God to be between one man and one woman. Only marriage between one man and one woman are permitted as an extended ministry of First Lutheran Church.