Wedding Guidelines

To The Bride and Groom:  Almonesson United Methodist Church is glad to serve you in the name of Jesus Christ as you make one of the most important decisions in your life. We hope that our church can help you as you begin your marriage. To assist you in planning your wedding, the church suggests you consider the following:

Wedding Date:  Please let us know, as far in advance as possible, your wedding date so that we can reserve the building. Call the Church office at 856-227-0802 to schedule a preliminary conference with the Pastor. Only the Pastor can schedule a wedding.

Sessions With the Pastor:  After the initial meeting and the date has been confirmed, the minister will contact you to set up dates for pre-marital sessions and planning of the service.

Marriage License:  A N.J. State Marriage License is valid for 30 days and must be obtained at least 3 days before the date of the wedding, from the town where the bride resides. After the wedding, the minister files the license in the township of Deptford, and gives a copy to a person that you designate to hold it for you. You may pick up an official copy at Town Hall (Cooper St. & Rt. 47), anytime after the minister has filed it.

Rehearsal:  All persons who will be in the wedding party are to attend the wedding rehearsal. It is expected that you will be on time for your rehearsal. Another rehearsal or church event may be scheduled or the Minister or Organist may have later appointments or responsibilities.

Bring the Following Items to Rehearsal:

1.      The Marriage License

2.      The Unity Candles (if using them)

3.      The Guest Book

Fees:

Church:                       $200.00

Pastor:                        $200.00

Organist/Pianist:        $75.00

Custodian:                  $50.00

A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to place your wedding on the church calendar and should be brought with you to the first meeting with the Pastor. Bring the remainder of the fees in cash either at a pre-marital session or to the church office before the date of the rehearsal, and you will receive a receipt.

Photographs:  You are welcome to take photographs and use video cameras during the service as long as they are done with respect, keeping in mind that this is a service of Worship. The Photographer must contact the Pastor prior to the service. All inside photography must be completed before you leave the church.

Music:  Contact our Organist regarding music. You will be given her number after the first meeting. If she is not available she will give you a list of people who might be. If you wish to supply your own organist, they must contact her.

Flowers and Decorations:  Our Sanctuary is beautiful by itself, but appropriate flowers and decorations are welcome. The Church florist is available, if desired, and may be contacted at Fireside Florist- 227-7657. The flowers that we will be using for Sunday Worship can be done in a color to coordinate with your wedding party if you request it at no charge. If you provide your own flowers, you will want to arrange for someone to take them from the Church following the wedding, or inform the Pastor if the flowers are to be given to the Church. Please check with the pastor as to a delivery time to ensure that the Church will be open. Use of Candelabrum and other decorations are available. Check with the pastor for availability and fees.

Communion:  Communion may be served at your wedding if requested. It is our practice that the Sacrament of Holy Communion be open to everyone who desires it; it is never to be served to just the wedding couple. In that light, Communion will only be served during a wedding service if everyone is invited to participate. We use unfermented grape juice, not wine in the UM Church.

Premises:  We do not permit the use of rice or confetti, however birdseed, bubbles, or bells are permitted. 

Alcoholic Beverages:  No beverages containing alcohol are permitted on church premises, indoor or outdoor, at any time. If the wedding party shows evidence of the influence of alcohol, the minister will decline to perform the service.

General Information:  It is expected that the Pastor of our Church will officiate at all weddings. If a family desires to have other clergy participate in the service, such desires should be made known to the Pastor. At the Pastor’s discretion an invitation will be extended to other clergy. If you would like the Pastor to attend the reception, please extend an invitation to the Pastor (and spouse). Invitation is not automatically assumed.