Congratulations on your decision to marry!
Christian Marriage is a sacred covenant reflecting Christ's covenant with the church. It is expressed in a life-long relationship of love, mutual support, personal commitment and shared faithfulness between a man and a woman.
Weddings held at Pendleton Center Church are Christian Weddings and most couples choose a very traditional ceremony. At least one consultation with a pastor is required before a date is set. Please contact our office to schedule a meeting!
May God bless you as you make plans to dedicate your lives to each other, before Him
The Facility
Our sanctuary, built in 1997, holds a maximum of 450 people. Please, no food or drink in the sanctuary! Alcohol or drug consumption and smoking are not allowed on church property.
Setting the Date
We must be contacted at least 3 months before your chosen date! We will try to accommodate your plans for a specific wedding date, but we are a very active church with a full calendar, so the sooner you can reserve a date, the better. Saturday Weddings are scheduled for 2pm or earlier due to our 5pm Worship service. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your wedding date on our calendar. It will be deducted from the remaining amount due.
The Rehearsal
Rehearsal dates must be booked several weeks ahead of time. Usually, the evening before your wedding is best, but other times can be arranged. All members of the wedding party should be present, including parents and musicians. Please remember to bring your marriage license, and any fees still due, to the rehearsal.
Premarital Sessions
At least one consultation with a pastor is required before your wedding. Group sessions may be set up throughout the year. You may call the office to sign up for one that meets your schedule. Both marriage partners must attend. You will be given a workbook to read and fill out before your session.
The Pastor reserves the right to deny performing the wedding if there is sufficient reason. If both the Pastor and the couple decide to go forward with the ceremony after the first consultation, one more session may be scheduled if desired.
Costs
Costs for a wedding at PCUMC are $800. This includes the deposit, and fees for the pastor, organist, facility, bulletins, printing, utilities, and custodian. An additional $50 may be required for extensive heating or cooling during extreme weather. You may write one check to the Church, “PCUMC,” and our treasurer will disburse it appropriately. Soloist fees are extra; If you hire your own organist or soloist, you will pay them directly. These details will be discussed during your wedding consultation.
The Ceremony
This is a Christian wedding. Most couples choose a very traditional ceremony, including the celebration of Holy Communion. Personalized variations must be approved by the Pastor. A sample bulletin with the order of Worship can be obtained from the office, which a Staff person will go over with you as you make plans for your ceremony.
We have several pastors at PCUMC who are available to perform weddings. When you call to set the date, we will try to accommodate your request for a specific pastor. Please note that each of them has performed numerous weddings and will ensure you have a very special service.
Music
A Staff person will discuss music arrangements with you. We have several organists and soloists on staff who would be happy to assist you. If you choose to employ an outside musician, the church organist and/or Pastor must be notified. They reserve the right to refuse access to church instruments or sound equipment to any guest musician. All arrangements for service music must be confirmed at least 45 days prior to the wedding.
Bulletins
Full-color wedding bulletin covers are available through the office, or you may purchase your own at a church supply store. We will type and print them for you at no additional charge.
Candles
White candles for the candelabra are provided by the church. Special wedding candles can be purchased at church supply stores, or we can order them ahead of time for you through one of our catalogs.
Aisle Runner
An aisle runner can usually be rented or purchased where you get your formals or flowers. However, it is not a necessity because our sanctuary is carpeted.
Decorations
You may decorate the sanctuary with ribbons on the ends of the pews, or flowers for the altar. (We may have ribbons you can use.) Please use masking tape, not staples or pins, to attach them.
After the Wedding
Please be sure to pick up after yourself and leave the building arranged the way you found it. We hold worship services every Saturday evening at 5pm, and weddings often take place just before that time.
You may give your guests rice or birdseed to toss (or bubbles to blow) at the newlyweds for good luck outside the church.