Wedding Policy

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“Marriage is God’s gift for the well-being of the entire human family. While marriage is also a civil contract between a woman and a man, for Christians marriage is a covenant through which a man and a woman are called to live out together before God their lives of discipleship. In a service of Christian marriage a lifelong commitment is made by a woman and a man to each other, publicly witnessed and acknowledged by the community of faith.” (Directory for Worship, W-4.9000) Book of Order Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Marriage

Weddings will be performed for members of Echo Hill Presbyterian Church by Pastor Bill Warhover. It is the policy of Echo Hill to not perform weddings for non-members except those who have taken an active role at Echo Hill church and/or have an active family member. Weddings are at the discretion of the pastor.

Pre-Marital Consultation

“In preparation for the marriage service, the minister asked to lead the service shall provide for a discussion with the man and the woman concerning
(1) the nature of their Christian commitment, assuring that at least one is a professing Christian
(2) the legal requirements of the state
(3) the privileges and responsibilities of Christian marriage
(4) the nature and form of the marriage service
(5) the vows and commitments they will be asked to make
(6) the relationship of these commitments to their lives of discipleship
(7) the resources of the faith and the Christian community to assist them in fulfilling their marriage commitments. This discussion is equally important in the case of a first marriage, a marriage after the death of a spouse, and a marriage following divorce. This will include 6 hours of consultation for the bride and groom.

“If the minister is convinced after discussion with the couple that commitment, responsibility, maturity, or Christian understanding are so lacking that the marriage is unwise, the minister shall assure the couple of the Church’s continuing concern for them and not conduct the ceremony.”

(Directory for Worship, W-4.9002) – Book of Order Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Planning
Once a couple decides they want their wedding to be held at Echo Hill, they must:

Clear the date and time for the building and pastor with the church secretary.
Turn in information form and damage deposit.
No date will be confirmed until the deposit has been paid.
Schedule the counseling sessions with the pastor.
Weddings should be planned for no more than 300 people which is the capacity of the Sanctuary.
Weddings may not be scheduled Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, or Holy Week.

Wedding Coordinator
Echo Hill will provide a Wedding Coordinator who will assist with the planning and ceremony arrangements. She/he will meet with the bride, explain the building use policy and work with the couple in the preparation and arrangements of the wedding. The coordinator will be present at the rehearsal and wedding to assist and answer questions as necessary.

Music
A piano is available in the Sanctuary for wedding use however the church will not provide musical accompanist. The Wedding Coordinator may have alternative accompanist sources.
Instrumentalists or vocalists must have the approval of the pastor before any official invitations are issued.
The music to be used must have the approval of the pastor. It must be in keeping with the Christian nature of the service and also with the style of music used in our worship services.

Services
Wireless audio sound is available through Echo Hill. (1st Technician required)
Pre-recorded music on CD/flash drive may be played pre, post and during the wedding ceremony from the sound booth. Material must be ready for use. (1st Technician required)
Multi-media DVD’s may be played pre and post ceremony. Material must be ready for use. (1st Technician required)
In house DVD recording of the ceremony may be made, at an additional cost, utilizing the Echo Hill camera system. (2nd Technician required)
Candelabras and a kneeling bench are available.
If a unity candle will be used, the candle holder and candle are to be provided by the family.
Aisle runners are not recommended for use.

Photographs and Video Tape
Guests may not take pictures or video tape from the end of the processional until the beginning of the recessional.
Ushers are asked to advise guests carrying cameras that no photographs may be taken in the sanctuary during the wedding service.
The professional photographer is allowed to take photographs during the processional and recessional keeping a respectful distance.
During the ceremony those videotaping and the photographer are to remain in one place.

Photography is not allowed in/from the chancel area during the ceremony.
Professional photography may be done pre or post ceremony.
Photography arrangements must be coordinated and approved by the wedding coordinator.
Videotaping and photographs by the official photographer are allowed during the ceremony provided no lights are used and equipment is quiet and a respectful distance is maintained.
All pre-wedding ceremony photography in the chancel must be completed forty-five minutes prior to the scheduled time of the ceremony.
Any photos taken in the bride’s or groom’s dressing area are to be concluded no later than fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled time for the ceremony.

Rehearsal
A rehearsal with the pastor and wedding party is scheduled for the evening preceding the wedding unless otherwise arranged. The wedding coordinator will be present at the rehearsal and at the wedding to assist.
The processional and recessional procedures are rehearsed with music.
Selected sections of the wedding liturgy, the ring ceremony, ushering procedures, lighting of candles, etc., are reviewed at the rehearsal.

General
All weddings must conform to the Echo Hill Building Use Policy. The fee schedule is not applicable.
Wedding receptions are subject to the Echo Hill Building Use Policy and the fee schedule.
The wedding coordinator is the official representative of Echo Hill.
A refundable deposit is required to cover any damage or breakage that may be caused by the wedding party during the event.
All in-house audio visual equipment must be operated by an Echo Hill Technician.

Wedding Fees
The following wedding fees are applicable and to be paid as indicated.

Refundable deposit of $60.00 payable to Echo Hill Presbyterian Church at time of booking.
Church use fee of $60.00 payable to Echo Hill Presbyterian Church.
Pastor fee of $150.00 payable to (as assigned)
Janitorial fee of $40.00 payable to (as assigned)
Coordinator fee of $75.00 payable to (as assigned).
1st audio visual technician fee of $75.00 payable to (as assigned)
Video option usage fee of $ 225.00 for camera system and DVD recording including (5) five copies of ceremony payable to Echo Hill Presbyterian Church. (2nd Technician required)
Video option requirement, 2nd technician fee of $75.00 Payable to (as assigned)

All payments must be made by the conclusion of the rehearsal.