Fellowship Bible Church Wedding Policy

The Church Council has adopted these guidelines in order to promote a clear Christian testimony about the nature and meaning of marriage. Since we believe that God instituted marriage, that the joy of a wedding is intended to be pure and that every couple who chooses to be married in this church intends to honor Jesus Christ, we will give specific guidelines about what we believe to be best. Within these guidelines we know there is room for individuality and creativity and we encourage each couple to enjoy planning t heir wedding in such a way that it honors the Lord Jesus Christ and provides a beautiful and enjoyable time for their families and friends.

The wedding includes the ceremony of exchanging vows and the celebration that follows. The atmosphere of the complete wedding, even including the rehearsal and functions associated with the rehearsal, such as dinners, ought to be consistent with your love for the Lord and His holiness.

1. We will not perform marriages between saved and unsaved people. The Scripture gives clear prohibition of this and adequate example of the hurt and harm that comes from joining a believer and a non-believer (2 Cor. 6:14-8:1).
2. As a rule, you should contact the full-time Pastor about your wedding at least six months prior. This allows time for adequate premarital counseling. Please remember, the Pastor reserves the right to refuse to perform a wedding, even between two believers, if he sees clear biblical problems that are not being corrected. The full-time Pastor may also perform a wedding on shorter notice if he feels there are good reasons.
3. As a rule, the full-time Pastor will officiate only if one person is a regular attendee at FBC and is well-known to him and the spouse-to-be is of good Christian reputation from another sound church.
4. Music used during the wedding should reflect joyful dignity and must be consistent with the conservative music standard of this church. As a rule, born again believers should be asked to participate in the music portion of the wedding.
5. Dress should be in good taste and unquestionably modest.
6. Pictures and/or videos may be taken, but photographers are asked to be as inconspicuous as possible in order not to detract from the ceremony.
7. There is to be no alcohol served at all at any reception, whether on the church premises or off. If the reception is in a restaurant, there must not be an open bar in the reception area.
8. There should be no immodest or undignified practices, such as throwing the bride's garter. Because of potential problems with immodesty, dancing is prohibited.
9. Smoking by the wedding party and/or guests is not allowed on the church premises.
10. As a rule, born again believers should be asked to participate in the wedding party. This includes immediate family members.

BRIDE ____________________________

GROOM ___________________________