The church provides a most appropriate setting for a marriage service. In the church God's people come together and ask God's blessing on the marriage, God's presence in the marriage, and give thanks for Christ's partnership in their life together.

We welcome you to begin your married life at Bethlehem, whether or not you or your spouse-to-be is a member.

The marriage ceremony is a service of worship. This fact should guide you in making plans for your special day.

Meet with a pastor of Bethlehem, who will want to discuss with you the nature of marriage, as well as the form of the marriage service. At that time, after checking with the church calendar and the pastor's calendar, you can confirm the date and time of the wedding and make the appropriate deposit to secure the date. (Call the church office for information about costs.)

Premarital counseling sessions: With rare exceptions, a minimum of three premarital counseling sessions must be scheduled so that the pastor can get acquainted with you as a couple, share thoughts, and provide counsel about the various dimensions of married life, your relationship to each other and with God. Of course, your pastor can ask questions and propose answers, but only the two of you can prepare yourselves for a home that exhibits a Christ-centered life-style, a love that finds its inspiration in God's love, and a commitment rooted in God's promises.

Our Sanctuary holds up to 250 people, and our Fellowship Hall seats up to 120.

The Wedding Coordinator is a member of the congregation who is well-equipped to assist you in the practical preparationsfor your wedding service, i.e., flowers, photographers, dressing areas. The coordinator will know what can be done with the facility, and are available prior to the wedding for consultation and at both rehearsal and wedding to help things run smoothly for the wedding party and the Pastor. The coordinator will be your primary contact with the church for questions or concerns you might have regarding your wedding plans.

Alcoholic Beverages may not be served or consumed on the church premises, including the parking lot. You are responsible for supervising in this area. Failure to comply could result in immediate cancellation of the service.

Wedding music: Please consult the assigned organist about your wedding music. Since the wedding is a religious ceremony, all vocal music should have appropriate lyrics for a Christian Service of Marriage. Secular music that distracts or does not enhance the worship experience will not be allowed. All music must be approved by the Pastor.

Children in the Wedding Group: Little children are adorable and cute, but we strongly suggest that if you plan to use a ring bearer or flower girl, that they be at least five years old. Even at five years, it is very difficult and tiring to stand for half an hour. They can prove to be quite a distraction for you during the ceremony. If you have a ring bearer, we ask that he not have the rings on the pillow. Our custom is to ask the best man and/or the maid- or matron of honor to handle the rings.

Photography: The general rule for both amateur and professional photographers is that no flash pictures are taken during worship, and no pictures, including flash, DVD, or digital, are to be taken from anywhere that the Pastor or wedding coordinator considers distracting. Please have your photographer(s) consult with the Pastor prior to your wedding rehearsal. Pictures of the wedding party in the altar area may be taken (with available light) from the balcony.

Audio or Video Recordings: If either type of recording is to be taken, the equipment should be inconspicuous to the guests and in place well ahead of time. Video recording should be done from the balcony.

Throwing rice or birdseed is NOT ALLOWED. Popping streamers and bubbles have become preferable means of sending someone off.

The wedding license may be left with the Church Secretary at any time. It must be in the church office at least five days before the date of the rehearsal.

Access to the church building: Please consult with the church office during working hours or with the wedding coordinator regarding access to the building.

Wedding Rehearsal: If a wedding rehearsal is scheduled, you will want all of your attendants to be present along with those you have asked to serve as ushers. Parents of the bride and groom are welcome to attend. The organist and other musicians should also attend the rehearsal. The wedding coordinator will be present to conduct the rehearsal. Your Pastor may be present if available. As a matter of courtesy to all involved, please ask your wedding party to be prompt in arriving at the time set for the rehearsal.