Download the following forms for reserving the Chapel for weddings.
Wedding Paperwork—HPC Member
Wedding Paperwork—Non-member
PRELIMINARY INFORMATION FOR PLANNING WEDDINGS
A church wedding is a service of worship. When two people enter into the Holy bond of marriage, they pledge their faith and trust each to the other and enter into a covenant with God.
The planning process, itself, should be entered into with a Christian sensitivity for the integrity of the church and the feelings of all concerned. To this end, the church officers, staff, and the Wedding Guild stand ready to help the couple and their families achieve an experience that will be profoundly spiritual in nature and memorable in beauty.
In keeping with this philosophy of the church, simplicity should be the guide in the selections of the music, flowers, greenery, candles, poems, and optional Bible verses. Selections should be chosen with great care to elicit in all participants a combined sense of reverence, dignity, and joy.
It is the belief of this church and its minister that excessive decorations detract from the worship service and are, therefore, prohibited. Toward this end, the policies listed above in the Wedding Guidelines have been established.
INITIAL ARRANGEMENTS
Arrange an appointment to reserve the use of church facilities with the church office.
Members may reserve the church 6 months prior to the wedding date and receive “Wedding Guidelines” packet. Complete and return “Wedding Reservation Form” [in the packet]. Confirm date with minister, director of music, pianist, wedding party, florist, accompanying musicians, etc. A deposit is made to secure the reservation.
Non-members cannot reserve the church prior to 6 months from the wedding date. Complete and return “Wedding Reservation Form” [in the packet]. Complete and return “Wedding Covenant” [in the packet]. Confirm date with minister, director of music, pianist, wedding party, florist, accompanying musicians, etc. A deposit is made to secure the reservation.
Weddings will not be scheduled on Easter or Christmas weekend or Sundays or to conflict with activities of the church. Once placed on the church calendar, church activities will not be scheduled to conflict or disturb the wedding or reception.
MINISTER and the CEREMONY
The minister of Heritage Presbyterian Church officiates at weddings of both members and non-members.
Three premarital counseling sessions with the minister are required. The marriage license must be presented to the minister prior to the ceremony. If the bridal couple wishes another minister to help officiate, the request must be discussed with the minister of Heritage Presbyterian Church.
The minister will discuss the wedding ceremony with you. He will go over the standard order of the service. Any additions or changes, such as optional Bible verses, poems, or candle lighting as part of the ceremony, should be discussed with the minister at this time and must have his approval in order to be included.
RECEPTION
In the case of usage of the Mission and Ministry Center for receptions, the Wedding Guild director will provide information on available equipment. The bride must furnish a caterer who will be responsible for all details and leave the Center clean and orderly. The kitchen is NOT available for cooking or preparation of food. No smoking or alcoholic beverages are permitted. Birdseed may be thrown OUTSIDE the building only. No confetti or rose petals are allowed.