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Community Presbyterian Church is pleased to host weddings for members and friends who desire a service that is honoring to God and conducted in a way that is beautiful, joyful and meaningful. We hold this as a high and holy responsibility. We want our church to be a place where marriages are firmly established and then are nurtured and can grow. The policies outlined below are intended to help us meet that goal. (Policies subject to change.)
WEDDING POLICY
Weddings in our sanctuary will be conducted only for those whose spiritual commitments
are in conformity with the purposes of our church. Our three-fold purpose, which is consistent with Scripture and established by the Session, is:
1. To proclaim Christ as Savior and Lord of the world, calling men, women and children to faith in Him;
2. To nurture the body of believers in that faith;
3. To deploy them into the world for service in Christ’s name.
The constitution of the United Presbyterian Church (USA) also speaks clearly and practically regarding marriage: “God has ordained that a man and a woman may enter together into the estate of marriage, pledging their love and promising fidelity to each other, as long as they both shall live. As Jesus Christ has blessed this relationship and it has been declared Holy throughout the life of His Church, those who pledge themselves to each other in sight of God are promised His help as they enter into the joys and duties of life together. Seeing that their love for each other may be expected to increase according to the increase of their love of God, they are called upon, with God’s help to create a home in which they and their children can truly grow in grace.”
REQUIREMENTS FOR WEDDINGS AT COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1. Either the bride or the groom must be:
a member or the child of a member of this church; or
someone who has grown up in this church; or
attending and showing interest in the life and ministry of this church
and willing to explore a saving faith in Jesus Christ and possible church membership.
2. It is not appropriate that a Christian ceremony be performed in the sanctuary for couples that do not share a common faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (A staff member may, however, officiate at a civil ceremony elsewhere.)
3. Because we affirm God’s gifts of marriage and sexuality, our staff will decline weddings for couples that are living together or otherwise ignoring biblical standard of pre-marital continence.
4. For those who have been divorced, it is expected that the divorce be final for at least a year prior to the ceremony.
Even with the above requirements, the pastoral staff has the final responsibility to determine which couples they may or may not, in good conscience, marry.
CHURCH STAFF PARTICIPANTS
1. PASTOR It is expected that a pastor on our church staff will officiate (opening statement, vows, pronouncement and registration of the license) at all weddings. If the family would like another minister to participate in the service, that desire should be made known to the wedding coordinator at the first appointment so that one of our pastors can extend an invitation the guest minister to co-officiate.
2. WEDDING COORDINATOR One of our wedding coordinators will help you plan your wedding. They have years of experience and know our facility and the many ways weddings can be arranged. Although outside wedding consultants may assist in your planning, we have found that their help is not necessary.
3. RECEPTION COORDINATOR
4. SOUND TECHNICIAN
5. ORGANIST
Custodial support is provided from the time the bridal party arrives at the church until after the wedding.
Wedding Fees:
For the current wedding fees, please call Phyllis at 648-2737 x230.
Use of Sanctuary for ceremony*
Use of Courtyard or Fireside Room for Ceremony*
Wedding Coordinator*
Custodian*
Organist*
Wedding Ceremony*
Rehearsal with soloist(s)*
Soloist** (provided by the church)*
Sound (Sanctuary Weddings only)*
Suggested minimum honorarium for officiating Pastor:*
If the church organist or pianist is to accompany the soloist, a fee is required for rehearsal time.*
If the soloist is not provided by the church, the bridal couple is responsible for setting and paying the soloist fee. The soloist will rehearse with the organist or pianist.
The wedding coordinator will compute all fees at the time of her meeting with you. A deposit of $100 is required at this time. The balance of the fees are to be paid to the church office at least four weeks before the rehearsal. Make checks payable to Community Presbyterian Church.
Refund policy:
If the wedding is canceled three or more weeks before the scheduled wedding date, all fees, except the $100 deposit, will be refunded.
RECEPTION FEES
Reception includes tables and chairs, candles, napkins, punch, coffee, tea, sugar, cream, and ample help. Decorations, cake, etc. are not included. The church cannot host receptions for more than 300 guests or 200 sit-down affairs.
Reception for up to 100 guests*
Reception for 101-200 guests*
(Note: For church members, the above fees are reduced by $50.)
Additional Fees:
Security deposit (refundable)*
Kitchen use:*
Heating or cooking food during the wedding/reception time: More than three-hours usage must be cleared on the church calendar, and there will be an additional charge.*
A deposit of $100 is required when the date is “penciled in” on the calendar. After the initial meeting with the wedding coordinator, the $100 deposit is non-refundable if the event is canceled.
The bride and groom are accountable for any damage to facilities or equipment. Nothing may be attached to curtains, windows or walls. No alcoholic beverages are permitted on the premises and no smoking is allowed within the buildings. The security deposit will be refunded with 10 days after the event, provided there is no damage.
*For the current wedding fees, please contact Susanna by email or phone at: 648-2737 x222.
PHOTOGRAPHY
In order to maintain the sacred nature of the wedding ceremony, a few rules are helpful:
1. The photographer should be at the church no earlier than 90 minutes before the ceremony.
2. Pictures (with flash or special lighting) may be posed anywhere prior to the ceremony.
3. From the moment the bride has entered the sanctuary until the service is concluded, there are to be no photographs, except from the balcony--and there, only by quiet cameras without flash or special lights.
4. Ushers will be instructed by the wedding coordinator to ask guests not to take pictures during the ceremony.
5. Following the ceremony, pictures (with flash or special lighting) may again be posed anywhere. As a courtesy to the pastor, pictures that include him/her should be among the first poses, and his/her participation ought to be secured prior to the service.
SOUND
Our sanctuary has a professional sound reinforcement system. Our sound technician will work with the musician(s), soloist(s), and pastor in providing microphones and other sound needs as required. No other PA system, tape system, or amplification of any kind (except those provided by our church) may be used before, during or after the wedding ceremony.
FLOWERS AND OTHER DECORATIONS
The flowers and any other decorations are your responsibility. All flowers, decorations, and other appointments should be appropriate to a place of worship and reflect the integrity and simplicity of the Christian life. Our lectern, pulpit, communion table, cross, and the Bible may not be moved or obscured.
MUSIC
Your wedding in our church is regarded as a worship service. Music suitable for the marriage service is that which directs attention to God and is an expression of faith. In worship, music is not for entertainment or artistic display. It is expected that our staff organist will play the church organ. The wedding coordinator must approve any deviation from this policy. A meeting with the organist may be arranged if you desire.
VIDEOGRAPHY
Any videographer will have to set up all equipment in the balcony only, and tape the ceremony from there.
No special lighting is allowed.
REHEARSALS
The rehearsal is preparation for worship and is recommended for large or small weddings. When processional and recessional marches are planned as part of the wedding, a rehearsal is required. The rehearsal date may be “penciled” on the church calendar along with the wedding date.
Alcohol, substance abuse or disrespectful behavior by any member of the wedding party during the rehearsal may result in termination of the wedding ceremony.
RECEPTIONS
We have a beautiful facility and setting, and our equipment and personnel can provide the very finest of experiences for large or small receptions. The wedding coordinator will call you for an appointment to help
you plan the specifics. Although outside consultants may assist, we have found that their help is not necessary.
OTHER INFORMATION
1. Wedding parties should arrive no earlier than 90 minutes before the ceremony. They may be on church property no more than 90 minutes following the ceremony, except when the reception will take place on the church property.
2. No smoking is permitted inside the church buildings.
3. No alcoholic beverages or chemical substance abuse are allowed on church property.
4. No rice or birdseed may be scattered in or about the church property since it causes a safety hazard. Silk flower petals may be scattered down the center aisle of the sanctuary.
5. Receptions must be concluded within three hours from commencement of the wedding. Live background music (piano, guitar, harp, etc.) is permitted, but no lights or sound amplification equipment may be used in addition to that provided by the church.
6. The bride and groom are responsible for the conduct of members of the wedding party and guests. Lack of cooperation and respect toward church personnel or property may result in the termination of the wedding arrangements. Charges for any damage and forfeiture of some fees may be made, even on the wedding day.
7. The wedding ceremony cannot take place unless a valid California marriage license has been presented to the pastor—usually at the rehearsal. Marriage licenses may be obtained fro the Ventura County Clerk, located at the County Government Center, 800 South Victoria Avenue. An informational tape on marriage licensing procedure and fees can be heard by calling the County Clerk at (805) 654-3788.
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