Information and Suggestions for Prospective Brides and Grooms

Marriage can be one of the most significant and spiritual events that can occur in any person's life. We are pleased that you have considered Forest Grove as the place for your Marriage ceremony. The sanctuary, where the ceremony will take place, makes a beautiful setting.

But more importantly, we know that in coming here you have chosen to be married in a Spiritual Ceremony. One could be married just as validly in a 'civil' ceremony, but we are convinced that there is no better way for your marriage to begin by seeing God's presence and by seeking God's blessing on your lives together.

You should understand that we operate from a first-come-first-served basis and it is in everyone's best interest that you confirm your date and time of day as soon as possible with the church office. Further, you are to make an appointment with the minister for a pre-marriage consultation.

We offer the following suggestions in the hope that they will help to make your wedding a happy and beautiful experience.

  1. After arrangements have been made for your wedding at Forest Grove, you would be wise to contact the Secretary of the church. The Secretary can be helpful to you in making a number of decisions pertaining to the wedding. (Eg. pew bows, flowers, candles, service bulletins, etc.)

  2. It is required that you contact the minister to set up a Pre-Wedding Consultation. This is best scheduled about 3 months prior to your wedding date.

  3. You may wish to meet with the Organist of the church. It is important that you meet with the Organist WELL IN ADVANCE of your wedding, so that you may have some input in the selection of Music.

  4. We ask that NO CONFETTI be scattered in the building. It is VERY DIFFICULT to clean up.

  5. Photographers will be offered every possible co-operation. However, we wish to emphasis that this is a sacred service and intrusive photography tends to distract from the meaning and dignity of the wedding ceremony. Pictures may be taken before and after the service and during the signing of the register. Special arrangements MUST be made in ADVANCE if extra time is needed for photographs, or if a video is to be used.

  6. You may wish to use fresh flowers. If so, arrangements for these should be made privately with your florist. The florist should contact the church office (222-2781) to make sure the church is open for delivery.

  7. White bows are also available at the church to use as pew decorations.

  8. No Minister has the authority to marry any couple who have not obtained from the Registry Office, a LICENCE to be married, which is at least THREE DAYS OLD. If you are being married by LICENCE, the LICENCE MUST BE BROUGHT TO THE CHURCH AND GIVEN TO THE MINISTER AT THE TIME OF THE INITIAL INTERVIEW.

    There are a number of details to be completed and it is easier to do this before, rather than at, the wedding itself.

  9. Your PROMPTNESS, both at the Rehearsal and the DAY OF THE WEDDING is MOST IMPORTANT. When there is more than one wedding or rehearsal on any given day, PUNCTUALITY IS A NECESSITY.

  10. When your wedding takes place in the Sanctuary, it involves EXTRA WORK for certain members of the church staff AT A TIME WHEN THEY WOULD NORMALLY HAVE LEISURE. It is therefore important that these people be adequately recompensed for their work.

    11. FEE SCHEDULE

    Hostess / Co-ordinator - $150.00
    Organist (if required) - $175.00
    Use of church by non-members / non-adherents - $250.00
    Minister's honorarium - $300.00 is suggested as an appropriate honorarium.

    We suggest that the balance of fees be paid on the NIGHT OF THE REHEARSAL, a preference of cash over cheques and that a separate envelope of the stipulated amounts be used in each and every case.
    NOTE: The fee for the soloist will depend upon the availability of a choir member, or some other qualified person.

CHURCH OFFICE 222-2781
MINISTER (Rev. James Lepard) 222-2781
ORGANIST (Dr. Christopher Burton) 222-2781
CHURCH SECRETARY (Marilyn Bartholomew) 222-2781
e-mail: marilynb@foresgroveuc.com
FAX: 222-6168

Revised: October 2006