Wedding Guidelines (Special Events, too!)

 

      Welcome to Fair Oaks UMC!      

 

We are so pleased that you're considering our church for your upcoming, special day! Wedding services are not restricted to our members and are available to all who desire a sacred union with an emphasis on obtaining a Christian marriage.  At Fair Oaks, we strive to establish a relationship with every couple entering our doors.  We will do everything necessary to assure that your wedding day and new life together will be everything you are hoping for. 

 

In celebration of your memorable occasion, we wish to make your union a joyful success through a premarital counseling program conducted by our clergy.  This 6 week period enhances your relationship with your spouse-to-be and fosters a new relationship with a reverent, professional, caring pastor and our church.  Your wedding service, if conducted by our pastor, will be consistent with the ritual of the United Methodist Church.

 

 

A refundable deposit is due to reserve your wedding date - this deposit books your date.  Remainder of fees are due one (1) month prior to the wedding date.  Checks or money orders can be made to: Fair Oaks UMC and must be marked in the memo field with "wedding fees" along with the groom's last name.  Initial deposit will not be refunded if the wedding is canceled within three (3) months of the wedding date (this will be mailed to the address you provided).

 

A completed Wedding Request form and deposit/payment are regarded as a contract & thereby indicate that the bride * groom have read the policies and intend to abide.

 

Dates that are discouraged are: Sundays, days during Holy Week, weekends associated with the following holidays: New Year's Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Easter or Christmas.  Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the pastor.  Reservations of dates must be cleared through the church's activities and events calendar, this can be done by speaking with the church secretary. 

 

We are a non-smoking facility and our thermostats are secured for set temperature programs and may not be adjusted.

 

Due to inflation, fees are subject to review & may change periodically.  If and when changes are made, a revised schedule will be furnished to the bride-to-be prior to the wedding.

 

The Board of Trustees requires that the person making the reservations accept full responsibility for any damages to church property, complete all forms and sign a liability agreement on behalf of all wedding participants & guests.

 

- Nothing is to be moved or rearranged on or near the altar and altar area

- Nothing is allowed on the cross or communion rail

- There is to be no sitting or standing on the communion rail

- Simple decorations are encouraged

- Only drip-less candles may be used, with additional plastic sheeting underneath for added protection

- No nails, tacks, staples or tape that leaves residue may be used to attach any decorations to anything in the church

- Holiday decorations may not be taken down or moved

- Hymnals & Bibles may NOT be removed

- Flower petals may be used by the flower girl if an aisle runner is used

- Rice/confetti may NOT be used inside or outside the facility - for environmental & practical reasons

- Bubbles may be used outside the facility in lieu of rice-throwing

- Decorations must be removed immediately after formal photos are taken (typically after the ceremony) - flower  

  arrangements may be left if deemed appropriate for Sunday Service, should you desire

 

- Your wedding in the church is a worship experience as well as a celebration of your love and vows.
  Please select music that reflects the spiritual nature of this wedding celebration, as well as your relationship.

- Music will need to have the pastor's approval

- The sound system must be operated by a person from the Fair Oaks staff (fee schedule to follow)

 

- Pictures with flash are not allowed during the ceremony

- Discreet videotaping is allowed
- Videotaping persons should not move around during the ceremony

- Please inform family members (perhaps with a “Thank you for not taking flash pictures during the wedding”    

  announcement

- Photographs taken before the wedding must be completed at least 30 minutes before the ceremony is scheduled to   

  begin - this allows for the sanctuary and chapel to be in good order for the service

 

- The church does not supply a runner - runners can normally be purchased from your florist

 

- A stand for your Guest Book is available

 

- You may choose to set up a table to receive gifts - Please select an appropriate place for this
  table - It would be advisable to have someone assigned to watch this table before the service and remove the
  gifts immediately after the ceremony

 

- Rehearsal times are scheduled with the Pastor and the church office (normally takes less than an hour & scheduled the

  day before the ceremony, this date must be set when booking the ceremony date)

- Please inform all parties in the wedding to be at the rehearsal on time

 

- A Parlor room is available in which to change and prepare for the bride & attendants

- Please keep clothing and other articles in these areas only

 

- Absolutely NO alcoholic beverages or smoking allowed on the premises

- The use of alcohol or any illegal drugs anywhere on the property is prohibited

- Usage by anyone prior to the rehearsal or ceremony will result in the IMMEDIATE CANCELLATION of the wedding
- During the reception, food and beverages are allowed in the fellowship hall & kitchen ONLY

- Reception area/kitchen should be returned to their original arrangements after use

- A custodial fee for general clean-up is applicable but does not include doing dishes or pans - you are responsible for

  the cleaning of any items used from the kitchen during the reception

- Please have your caterer contact the church office for clarification of use and availability of equipment

 

- An outside pastor may be used to officiate you wedding but a $50 fee will still be assessed due to the

  requirement of having one of our clergy on-site during the ceremony

 

- Please do not leave vehicles in the parking lot overnight - It is an invitation to vandalism and takes parking places

  for worshipers on Sunday morning

 

- The license must be in the possession of the officiating pastor before the ceremony can be performed

- Please deliver the license to the church no later than one (1) week prior to the ceremony

 

- Sanctuary, approximately 300

- Chapel, approximately 96

- Fellowship Hall, approximately 160