Weddings

Marriage

The congregation of Bremerton First Christian Church welcomes you to our house of worship. Your marriage is meant to be a source of deep joy in your life. We believe this is God's desire for you.

Christian marriage is a sacred and joyous covenant, a gift from God, a holy mystery in which a man and woman become one flesh, an image of the union of Christ and the church.

In the wedding ceremony a woman and a man share their love, joy, and hopes with each other in the presence of God and make public their commitment to one another.

Because of its great significance, every effort should be made to solemnize marriage in a respectful and reverent manner. It is a joyful occasion for celebration. In the midst of celebration, care must be taken to maintain the dignity and holiness of the ceremony that is a service of worship of God.

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The Wedding

You may wish to have a simple wedding or a more formal ceremony. In either type of ceremony there is little difference in the elements of the service and vows to be exchanged. The pastor is responsible for the content of the ceremony and works with the couple to create the service. In the case of a formal wedding, a rehearsal is scheduled preceding the actual ceremony. The pastor and/or the wedding coordinator will conduct the rehearsal. If the wedding is held at First Christian Church, Bremerton, the resident minister is expected to perform the ceremony. Exceptions must be approved by the resident minister.

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Reception

If you would like to plan a reception at the church, please contact the reception hostess and they will help make plans for the reception. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the church building or on the grounds.

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Procedures

• Contact the church secretary to determine availability on the church calendar.
• Schedule your wedding date with the wedding coordinator. An advance deposit of one half of the building use fees is required to reserve the date on the calendar. Fees are non-refundable up to ten days before the wedding.
• Contact the pastor for an appointment to plan the wedding ceremony. Pre-marital counseling with the pastor may be one to three sessions which will provide an opportunity for you and the pastor to get acquainted, to address issues of marriage, and plan the wedding ceremony.
• Contact the wedding coordinator for detailed planning of the wedding. The wedding coordinator can relieve you of anxiety by answering your questions and aiding the wedding party and guests prior to the ceremony, and guiding the participants in the processional. She will also help with the reception if a church reception is desired.
• Contact the organist to arrange music. The music selected should be suitable for church use and is subject to approval by the organist and pastor.
• Plan to obtain the marriage license well in advance of the wedding day. The license is valid sixty days after it is issued. A three-day waiting period is required between the time of issuance and wedding date. Both parties make the application in person. Cash is required. Only marriage licenses issued by counties in Washington State are valid for weddings to be performed in Washington. Deliver the license to the church secretary or minister at least five days prior to the ceremony.
• Photographs - No flash pictures are to be taken during the ceremony, although most photographers with adequate equipment can take "Timed Photos." Formal pictures taken before the ceremony must be completed at least one-half hour prior to the scheduled time for the wedding.
• The bridal party and families need to arrive in time to be dressed and ready by the time set for pictures. The wedding director will give you time guidelines. Pictures by the cake can also be taken prior to the ceremony. With prior arrangements, video taping is permissible.
• The rehearsal is the forerunner of an orderly and happy wedding. The pastor and/or wedding coordinator will conduct the rehearsal. Every member of the wedding party needs to be present including the parents of the bride and groom. A rehearsal can be completed in one hour if all are present on time and give careful attention. Bridesmaids should wear their wedding shoes while practicing the processional.
• If members of the bridal party have children with them for the rehearsal and/or wedding, an adult or child care provider is responsible for supervision of the children at all times.
• No alcoholic beverages are allowed on church premises.
• No rice or confetti may be thrown either in the building or on the church grounds. Bird seed is permissible outside but part of the deposit will be retained for the additional clean up.

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Decorations

• The natural beauty of the sanctuary and chancel should be considered in any plans for decorations.
• The alter candlesticks and candle lighters are provided by the church. We also have candelabra's if you wish to use them. All other decorations are provided by the wedding party.
• Weddings during special church seasons (Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter) will need to keep in mind the existing sanctuary decorations will remain in place.
• Candles may be used in decorating if proper care is taken. Candles must be dripless.
• If you wish to leave flowers for the Sunday worship service, please tell the Wedding Coordinator in advance.
• In decorating the church or any other space in the church, do not use anything which will leave holes or remove paint, such as nails, tacks, thumb tacks, scotch tape or duct tape. Making tape and other easily removed adhesive are allowed. Part of the deposit will be retained if there is extra work to clean up wedding decorations.

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Music

• The church organist will be the organist at all weddings. The organist should be contacted by the couple well before the wedding date to discuss music.
• All music should be in keeping with the dignity of a worship service and is subject to the approval of the pastor and organist. The organist is willing to help with the music selection.
• Other musicians, such as a soloist, if one is desired, are to be secured by the couple and arrangements made for practicing with the organist.
• We discourage the use of recorded music.
• Soloists shall provide a copy of their music for the organist. If another organist is wanted for the wedding, the church organist must approve the request.

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Fees

One half of the building use fees (see * above) must be submitted to the Wedding Coordinator or church office in advance to reserve a date on the church calendar. Please make checks payable to First Christian Church.

All other fees must be paid in full directly to the Pastor, Wedding Coordinator, Hostess, Organist and Custodian prior to the wedding.

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