“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Matthew 19:6
Western Hills United Methodist Church is honored to have a part in this most important event in your lives. We wish you God’s blessing and happiness. We hope that the information provided here will help make your wedding a joyous experience.
A wedding service is one of the most sacred of all the services of worship. It is a time in which we recognize the presence of God in a special way. The pastor in charge of the service will help you to enjoy the beauty and sacredness of your wedding.
Pastors
If one of our pastors is not available to perform the ceremony, you may bring in another pastor, on approval from the senior pastor.
Our pastor will schedule your counseling sessions at your convenience. All couples married at WHUMC must attend pre-marital counseling with either the pastor or associate pastor. United Methodist vows or some variation thereof shall be used for any wedding.
Facilities
Seating capacity in the sanctuary is 650 people. You will find it to be a beautiful, worshipful setting for your wedding. If you would like a tour of the facility, please come by any time during office hours, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday If you would like a tour other than these hours, please call the church to make arrangements. Please have your receiving line at the reception, not at the church, due to compliance with fire and safety regulations.
Confirmation of Date
Your wedding date will be confirmed once the nonrefundable deposit has been made. Please make your check payable to Western Hills United Methodist Church. The Business Manager or Secretary will discuss the charges with you if there are any questions.
All fees must be paid no later then one month prior to the date of the wedding. If all fees are not paid by this time, the reservation will be removed from the church calendar and the date will be available to another party.
If the wedding is cancelled, please notify the church as soon as possible. All fees, with the exception of the non-refundable deposit will be refunded if cancellation is within two weeks of the wedding. Within two weeks of the wedding refundable fee will be limited to 50%.
Music
It is the church policy that only our church organist is authorized to play for weddings at WHUMC. If you wish to have someone else play the organ or piano for your wedding, permission from the church music director must be obtained.
You may wish to have a soloist, upon request, we will supply names of possible church soloists. We ask that you make financial arrangements directly with your soloist. As this is a worship service, it is our wish that musical selections are limited to sacred music. If you have a special request, you should discuss it with the Director of Music or Pastor.
Florist
If you do not have a florist, Designs by Dov, 585-0467, is the florist the church uses for all services and social functions. He is very familiar with the church layout and will be happy to assist you with floral designs and arrangements.
We ask that florists do not move any furniture without prior permission from the church. We ask that no glue, tape, tacks or anything else that may leave a mark be used on the pews and altar rails. If the pews are to be marked, it is preferred that the florist tie ribbons on the reserved pews. If extra candles are used, the florist should be sure to use protective coverings on the carpets. You are welcome to use the chancel candelabras and candles without charge. All equipment belonging to the florist must be removed immediately following the wedding. Please inform the church if you wish your flowers to remain in the sanctuary for worship services the following Sunday.
Photography
Cameras are distracting to the sacred wedding ceremony. Please ask your photographer and guests not to take flash pictures during the actual service. The photographer may take pictures immediately following the service and at the rear of the sanctuary as the bride processes and recesses. Video photography can be utilized, but must be set up at the rear of sanctuary on a tripod.
Lighting/Sound
A sound/lighting technician will be present at the rehearsal and wedding. He will be responsible for setting up the microphones, dimming the lights, etc.
Non drip candles must be used at Western Hills United Methodist Church.
Dressing Rooms
The parlor will be the dressing room for the bride and her attendants. This room is located on the left side of the sanctuary. It has a large mirror with nearby restrooms for men and women. The men’s restroom in the narthex can be used for the groom and groomsmen.
Wedding Coordinator
This person will be present at the rehearsal and wedding. She will be responsible for assisting the pastor, bride, groom, and other members of the wedding party. You should contact her one month before the wedding. Please get her name and telephone number from the church.
Marriage Certificate
Please have a copy of your marriage certificate in the church office by the wedding day. This information will be needed to update church records.
Reservations, Deposits and Guidelines
A non-refundable deposit is required before the date you have chosen can be reserved. The deposit is necessary in order to reserve the date on the church calendar. If the deposit has not been received the date remains available to another party.
1. All fees must be paid in full one month prior to the scheduled date. All fees except for the initial deposit will be refunded should it be necessary to cancel the wedding.
2. The WHUMC wedding coordinator must be used.
3. No alcoholic beverages of any kind are allowed on the grounds of WHUMC.
4. No rice, birdseed, etc. are permitted on the grounds of WHUMC. Soap bubbles are permitted. No scattering of flower petals allowed in the sanctuary or any place at WHUMC. Church organist must normally be used. Exceptions must be negotiated with Music Director.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call the church office at 584-2133, we will be glad to answer any questions you may have.