Congratulations on your desire to enter into the bonds of Christian marriage. Except for your personal
commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, marriage is one of the most important decisions you will
ever make. Marriage is "not to be entered into unadvisedly, but reverently, discreetly, and in the
fear of God."
The celebration of marriage in a church indicates your desire to commit yourselves to following Jesus Christ
for your entire lives. It is a worship service first and a social event second. All that is done in your
wedding should reflect a reverent and God-focused attitude. A church wedding is about worship and covenant.
Therefore, it is expected that all persons married in Cabot Church should have an active relationship at Cabot
or some other congregation or should have the desire to establish such a relationship. If you are seeking
only a pretty background for your pictures or have no intention of following God for the rest of your lives,
it would be more appropriate to be married by a justice of the peace.
The following information highlights the wedding policies of Cabot United Methodist Church and is designed to
help you as you plan your wedding. Any questions about these policies should be directed to the pastor.
Contacting the Pastor:
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Contact the pastor as soon as possible to reserve your wedding date (preferably 4-6 months in advance).
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A minimum of three (3) counseling sessions with the pastor is required. These sessions will cover a range
of topics including the nature of marriage, communication, and planning the wedding ceremony.
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The pastor is expected to officiate at all weddings. If you would like another minister to assist,
an invitation must be extended by the pastor.
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The pastor reserves the right to refuse to officiate at any wedding if he deems the couple is not
compatible or has no true interest in anything more than a secular ceremony.
The Wedding Service:
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The wedding ceremony is a worship service. Therefore, it is assumed that everything related to
the service will be spiritual in nature.
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All music should be in good taste and highlight the celebration of marriage. Non-sacred music is
permitted upon approval of the pastor.
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The church organist is expected to play at all weddings. If she is unavailable, it is at her
discretion to name a replacement.
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The floral arrangements are the responsibility of the wedding party. Absolutely no tacks or staples
may be used. Tape may be used if it is removed carefully. The best option is the use of rubber
bands or other ties. Local florists can accommodate this request.
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Candles for the candelabra are available at cost. If a unity candle is to be used, it must be provided
by the wedding party.
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Flash pictures distract from the atmosphere of the service. Therefore, the photographer may take flash
pictures only during the processional and recessional. Flash pictures at any other time are not permitted.
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Home videos are permitted under the following conditions: they must be unattended, on a tripod and
located at the back or sides of the sanctuary (in an inconspicuous area). No spotlights are permitted.
The pastor will determine what is and is not an appropriate location.
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The sanctuary seats approximately 200 people.
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No confetti or rice shall be thrown inside or outside of the church building. Birdseed or bubbles
outside the church building are acceptable alternatives.
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The wedding party is encouraged to schedule a rehearsal on the day before the wedding in order to
facilitate a smooth wedding service the following day. All members of the wedding party and anyone else who will be participating in the service are expected to attend.
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Please give the pastor the marriage license in advance (at least 3 days is best) so that it can be
filled out in the office. No marriage will be conducted without a valid license.
The Reception:
Because the sanctuary space also doubles as our fellowship hall area, it is not feasible to have both your
wedding and reception in the church. It is advisable to make other reservations for your reception.
Fees: Members
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In consideration that church members have given of their time, talents, and finances for the ministry
of the church, no building usage fees will be charged.
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There will be no charge for the services of the pastor. This is part of his ministry. An honorarium
for the pastor will be graciously accepted.
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The organist shall receive a minimum of $50 for her services ($75 if there is a soloist).
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The custodian shall receive a minimum of $25 for her services. There will be an additional charge
if the clean up is excessive, in the estimation of the pastor or Trustees.
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All checks should be given to the pastor on the night of the rehearsal.
Fees: Non-members
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There will be a charge of $100 for the use of the sanctuary.
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The fee for the services of the pastor shall be $100.
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The organist shall receive a minimum of $50 for her services ($75 if there is a soloist).
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The custodian shall receive a minimum of $25 for her services. There will be an additional charge if the clean up is excessive, in the estimation of the pastor or Trustees.
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All checks should be given to the pastor on the night of the rehearsal.
Other important items:
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Due to our Saturday evening worship service, no weddings will be performed after 3:30 p.m.
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No alcohol or smoking is permitted in the church building or on church property.
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Absolutely no one who has been drinking or appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will
be permitted to be married in the church or to participate in the service in any fashion.
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We will be happy to produce your bulletin and copy it in the church office. The wedding party must
provide the paper/bulletin covers and get it into the church office at least 1 week in advance.
There will be a $25 fee for bulletin production.
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The movement of any sanctuary furnishings must be supervised by the pastor, custodian, or member of
the Trustees.
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Although an invitation is not necessary, the pastor and his family welcome the opportunity to attend
the rehearsal dinner and/or reception. Because of the pastor's busy schedule, please extend an
invitation well in advance, if you wish to do so.
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If you desire an aisle runner, the length of the side aisle is approximately 40 feet.
Order of the Wedding Service:
For your benefit, the following is the standard order for a wedding service. These items are the necessary
and fundamental elements of the wedding. If you wish, you can add to this order (congregational singing;
solos or special music; presenting flowers to parents; are all additions. Common elements that are not
necessary but often included in most ceremonies are marked with an asterisk *)
*Prelude (music while people are being seated)
*Seating of the parents
Processional (how the bridal party gets to the front of the church)
Statement of Purpose (Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to join together. . .)
Charge to the Bride and Groom (I require and charge you both. . . that you have duly considered the covenant
you are about to make)
Exchange of Promises (Will you have this woman/man to be your wedded wife/husband. . .)
*Presentation of the Bride (Who gives this woman to be married to this man?)
Scripture Reading (selected Bible verses are read)
Meditation (the pastor shares a short message with the couple and congregation)
Exchange of Vows (I take you to be my wedded wife/husband. . . for better, for worse. . .)
*Exchange of Rings (. . . with this ring, I thee wed)
Declaration of Marriage (. . .I pronounce that they are husband and wife together. . .)
Prayer of Blessing (asking God's blessing and help in your new life together)
The Lord's Prayer (Our Father. . .)
*Lighting of the Unity Candle
Benediction (dismissal of the congregation with God's blessing)
*Presentation of the Bride and Groom (I am pleased to introduce Mr. & Mrs. _____.)
*Recessional (how the wedding party gets out of the church)
*Postlude (music while the congregation leaves)
Suggested Hymns
61 Come, Thou Almighty King
62 All Creatures of Our God and King
66 Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven
89 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
92 For the Beauty of the Earth
98 To God be the Glory
102 Now Thank We All Our God
126 Sing Praise to God who Reigns Above
139 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
384 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
451 Be Thou My Vision
475 Come Down, O Love Divine
549 Where Charity and Love Prevail
642 As Man and Woman Were Made
643 When Love is Found
644 Jesu, Joy of our Desiring
645 O Perfect Love
646 Canticle of Love
647 Your Love, O God, Has Called Us Here
Suggested Scripture Readings
Genesis 1:26-31
Genesis 2:18-25
Song of Songs (any of these verses) 1:15-16a; 2:2-3a, 8-14, 16a; 4:1a, 9-10; 5:10, 15b-16; 6:3a; 8:6-7
Isaiah 54:5-8
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Hosea 2:16-23
Matthew 5:1-10, 13-16; 7:21, 24-29, 19:3-6; 22:35-40
Mark 10:6-9; 13-16
John 2:1-11; 15:9-16
Romans 12:1-2, 9-18
I Corinthians 6:15-20; 13
Ephesians 3:14-21; 5:2a, 21-33
Colossians 3:12-17
I Peter 3:1-9
I John 3:18-24; 4:7-16
Revelation 19:1, 5-9a
