Newburgh Presbyterian Church
642 State Rd. 662, P.O. Box 1, Newburgh, IN 47629-0001
812/853-3038
Wedding Policy
Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the
entire human family. Marriage is a civil contract between a woman and a
man. For Christians marriage is a covenant through which a man and a
woman are called to live out together before God their lives of discipleship.
In a service of Christian marriage a lifelong commitment is made by a man a
woman to each other, publicly witnessed and acknowledged by the
community of faith.(1)
As you plan your wedding, the pastor, officers and members of the Newburgh Presbyterian
Church extend to you their congratulations and best wishes. Undoubtedly your wedding
represents the fulfillment of years of hoping, dreaming and planning. It is the beginning of your
life's greatest commitment.
In preparation for your wedding it is required that you meet with the pastor. Non-members
should know that the performance of the marriage will not be approved if one of the couples is
lacking in commitment, responsibility, maturity or Christian understanding.(2)
Because a Christian wedding is a service of worship, it is conducted with the same dignity,
reverence and orderliness as a regular worship service. As a service of Christian worship, the
marriage service is under the direction of the pastor. All weddings at the Newburgh Presbyterian
church are performed by the pastor. Others may be invited to participate as leaders in the service
at the discretion of the pastor. The order of service published in the Presbyterian Book of
Common Worship will be used in all ceremonies. During one of your meetings with the pastor,
the order of service will be reviewed. (2)
Just as dignity, reverence and orderliness are to be observed in the ceremony, the same is to be
observed in music, decorations, conduct of all members of the wedding party and guests and with
those representatives who are employed to provide specific service such as photographers,
florists, etc.
The officers of the Newburgh Presbyterian Church have established the church property as a
smoke free facility. No smoking is permitted. Nor are alcoholic beverages permitted on the
church property. Also the use of rice, birdseed or confetti is prohibited.
Those persons arranging for the wedding are held responsible for the condition of the property
and assume the liability for the full cost of any restoration. They are also responsible for all plans
and details pertaining to the wedding and for the notification of all parties involved (the bridal
party, organist, florist, photographer, etc.) regarding that which needs to be communicated to
them.
Scheduling: You are advised to consult the church early about your wedding plans - at least
three months in advance of the anticipated date. The church secretary will place the tentative
date on the church calendar. Church program and church member's will have priority in
scheduling events and weddings until six months prior to the desired date. Dates for nonmembers will not be confirmed before six months prior to the wedding. All applications for
marriage will be referred to the Session, the church's governing board, for approval at the
recommendation of the pastor.
Meeting with the Pastor: Meetings with the pastor are required for the purpose of developing a
pastoral relationship, reviewing the details of the wedding service and discussing the meaning of
Christian marriage. It is the responsibility of the couple to be married to schedule the meeting
with the pastor. It is preferable that the first meeting be about three months prior to the
ceremony.
Fees: The fee schedule has been revised from time to time. Please refer to the Wedding Fee
Schedule on the Wedding Request Form. Fifty percent of the fees are to be paid at the time the
Wedding Request Form is submitted and the balance of all fees and honoraria must be given to
the pastor at the rehearsal.
Coordination of Weddings: The Newburgh Presbyterian Church has identified hosts and
hostesses who are willing to function in the role of coordinators to assist in the preparation for
and execution of weddings. The name(s) and telephone number(s) for these individuals will be
given to the couple after their application for the use of the facility has been approved.
Music: Since a Christian wedding is a service of worship, it is fitting that all music in the
service suitable for sacred worship directing attention to God and expressing the faith of the
church. The couple to be married is responsible for contracting the organist. The church organist
is available schedule permitting. Any musicians other than the church organist must be
approved by the pastor.
Rehearsals: Rehearsals are usually held the day before the wedding at a time suitable to the
pastor and the parties involved. The couple to be married are responsible for notifying and
providing directions to the wedding party (including parents) of the time and place of the
rehearsal. The pastor or his designee is in charge of the wedding rehearsal.
Florist and Decorations: In planning decorations, be sure that the florist is familiar with the
policies of the Newburgh Presbyterian Church. No nails or tape, wire or other injurious material
is permitted. The persons arranging the wedding are liable for any property damage.
Photography: Photographers may take photos before the wedding begins and following the
benediction. No flash photography, amateur or professional, is permitted during the wedding
service. Once the wedding service begins photographers are to remain seated until after the
benediction. The couple to be married is responsible to make this policy known to all
photographers. If video taping of the ceremony is planned, the video camera is to be placed in a
stationary location at the back of the sanctuary or in the entrance to the choir room.
As a Christian marriage begins in a service of worship glorifying God, so may it continue to
glorify God throughout a couples' life together.
Eternal God: without Your grace no promise is sure. Strengthen this couple with the gift of
Your Spirit, so they may fulfill the vows they will take. Keep them faithful to each other and to
You. Fill them with such love and joy that they may build a home where no one is a stranger.
And guide them by Your Word to service You all the day of their lives, that they live in Your
eternal Kingdom. Amen.
I have read and understand Newburgh Presbyterian Church's Wedding Policy and I agree to
comply with the policies. I also accept full responsibility for the behavior and actions of family,
friends and guests participating in the wedding.
___________________________________ Signature
___________________________________ Please print your name
___________________________________ Date
__________________________________________________
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.): Part II: Book of Order.
The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.): Part II: Book of Order.
The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.): Part II: Book of Order.
The Book of Common Worship.
Newburgh Presbyterian Church
642 State Road 662, P.O. Box 1, Newburgh, IN 47629
812/853-3038
Wedding Request Form
Bride_____________________________________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________________________________
Phone
(w)_________________________________________(h)___________________________________________
Groom____________________________________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________________________________
Phone
(w)_________________________________________(h)___________________________________________
Date of
Wedding_____________________________________Time_________________________________________
Date of
Rehearsal____________________________________Time_________________________________________
_
Guest Pastor to Assist?_______________________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________________________________
Phone
(w)_________________________________________(h)___________________________________________
Local Contact Person if Bride/Groom not available_________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________________________________
Phone
(w)_________________________________________(h)___________________________________________
Wedding Fee Schedule:
Non-Member
Sanctuary, Lounge & Dressing Area: Donation
Pastor: Honorarium
Organist: Direct Fee
Kitchen & Fellowship Hall: $100
Custodian: $100
Member
Sanctuary, Lounge & Dressing Area: Donation
Pastor: Honorarium
Organist: Direct Fee
Kitchen & Fellowship Hall: Donation
Custodian: $50 ($100 if Kitchen & Fellowship Hall used)
(revised 2/14/02)
Scriptures Appropriate for the Wedding Service
If you have scriptures which are meaningful to you, they may be included. Please discuss them with the pastor.
Some scriptures to consider:
Old Testament:
Gen. 1:2-31
Gen. 2:18-24
Song of Sol. 8:6-7
Prov. 3:3-6
Isa. 54:5-8
Jer. 31:31-34
Humankind created in the image of God
Bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh
Set me as a seal upon your heart
Trust the Lord with all your heart
Your Maker is your husband
The LORD will make a new covenant
Psalms:
Ps. 8
Mortals crowned with glory and honor
Ps. 67
May God be gracious to us
Ps. 91:1-2, 9-12, 14-16
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Ps. 95:1-7
O come, let us sing to the LORD
Ps. 100
Make a joyful noise to the LORD
Ps. 103:1-5, 15-18
Bless the LORD, O my soul
Ps. 117
Great is God’s steadfast love
Ps. 121
Lift up my eyes to the hills
Ps. 128
Happy is everyone who fears the LORD
Ps. 136:1-9, 26
O give thanks, for God is good
Ps. 145
I will exalt you, O God my King
Ps. 148
Praise the LORD
Ps. 150
Everything that breathes, praises the LORD
Epistles:
Rom. 12:1-2, 9-18
1 Cor. 13:1-13
Col. 3:12-17
1 John 4:7-12
Rev. 19:1, 5-9
Gospels:
Matt. 5:1-10
Matt. 5:13-16
Matt. 19:3-6
Matt. 22:35-40
Mk. 10:6-9
Jn. 2:1-11
Jn. 15:1-7
A living sacrifice...let love be genuine
Faith, hope, love...greatest is love
Clothe yourselves with love
Let us love one another...God is love
Rejoicing at the marriage of the lamb
The Beatitudes
Salt of the earth...light of the world
No longer two, but one flesh
Love the LORD with all your heart, soul, mind
What God has joined, let no one separate
The wedding at Cana
Jesus, the true vine