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VGBC Wedding Policies Guide
This wedding policy is a guide for the church and participants to prepare for a Christian wedding and to explain the use of the facilities. Vista Grande Baptist Church is available for weddings only to members, their children, or if approved by the ministerial staff. Either the bride, the groom or the parents of either the bride or the groom, must be members of Vista Grande Baptist Church in order to be married in the church.
Scheduling the Wedding
When a couple plans to be married at our church, the bride or groom should contact the church office as far in advance of the wedding as possible. The office will help the couple schedule and plan for this special day. A minister will be designated (or staff of your choice) to assist you. The minister reserves the right to decide whom he will marry when his services are requested. He will expect to spend time counseling the couple concerning Christian marriage. The pastoral staff must approve visiting ministers, and pre-marital counseling will be encouraged.
Auditorium Facilities
The auditorium and other facilities in the church may be used for wedding ceremonies, when available. Weddings, rehearsals, receptions, and dinners can not be held during regular church services. If previously scheduled events require the use of the same facilities following the wedding, the wedding should be scheduled early enough to allow for the rearrangement of the room without undue pressure on any group. Furniture in the auditorium will not be moved from stationary positions. The pulpit furniture and the Lord’s Supper table may be moved under supervision of the ministers or custodian. If special arrangements are needed in the fellowship hall, please let the church office know or speak to the minister in charge of the custodian.
Music & Musical Instruments
The organ and/or piano may be used in wedding ceremonies. The couple should arrange for the use of these instruments with the Minister of Music. The organ may not be played by anyone except a church approved organist or someone cleared through the Minister of Music. The couple is responsible to consult with the soloists and/or instrumentalists used as to their personal policies concerning the fees they charge.
Since this is a religious service, the Minister of Music may provide counsel to your wedding if you do not have fully developed music plans. He can arrange for soloists in addition to musicians, if you desire. It will be the responsibility of the couple to arrange for a sound technician to run the church sound equipment. Only approved technicians may operate this equipment. See the Minister of Music or the church office for a list of approved personnel.
Wedding Party
Since this is a religious service, every member of the wedding party is expected to act with reverence and dignity. Drinking will not be tolerated by any member of the wedding party at either the wedding or the rehearsal. Smoking is also prohibited in the church building.
Flowers and Decorations
The florist selected will be responsible for decorating and removing decorations without interfering with other scheduled activities. Dripless candles must be used during the ceremony and also at the reception. Oil candles are not permitted. Floral arrangements must not drip water on carpets or woodwork.
Miscellaneous
- The Hostess Committee can help you at the reception with set-up, serving and clean up. The committee has many items for receptions including: candelabra, tablecloths, silverware, silver serving pieces and punch bowls.
- Please do not throw rice or birdseed inside or outside the building. A nice alternative is providing liquid bubbles for guests to blow.
- If formal wear is desired for the Minister performing the wedding, the couple will need to make arrangements with the rental agency on his behalf.
- Designated classrooms may be used for dressing rooms with the understanding that you will be responsible for removing wedding items and returning the room to its original order.
- The minister or person officiating will direct all weddings.
- A love offering for the following would be appreciated, but is not required: church building, minister, sound technician, custodian, wedding coordinator, Hostess Committee.
