Contents:
Introduction: Weddings at Elim Lutheran Church
Congratulations. Marriage is a gift of God, given to all for the well-being of the entire family. For Christians, marriage is a covenant through which a man and a woman are called to live out their lives together before God. A Christian marriage ceremony is an affirmation of the joining of a man and woman in a lifelong commitment to each other before God, publicly witnessed and acknowledged by friends and family.
In addition to an exchange of vows, the wedding service includes appropriate passages of scripture, prayers and music as determined by the minister and the couple. At the close, the minister declares publicly that the woman and man are now joined in marriage. Other actions common to the community and its cultures may appropriately be observed when these actions do not diminish the Christian understanding of marriage.
Your wedding is a time of great promise, hope, joy and celebration; and we at Elim are pleased to offer this sacred place of God in honor of your very special day.
Making Your Reservation–Members and Non-members
An appointment may be arranged with our Church Wedding Coordinator to view the church, review the Wedding Guidelines, and address any other questions or requests. Our church’s Wedding Coordinator, Erin McClelland, can be reached at (home number) 360-254-4835 or by email at e.mcclelland@yahoo.com .
To make your reservation, please fill out the Reservation Form and bring it with you when you meet with the coordinator or mail it to the church with your $50 non-refundable deposit (deposit required for non-members only—will be applied to the actual fees unless the wedding is cancelled.)
Facilities Available for the Wedding and Reception
The sanctuary is used for the rehearsal and wedding. A bride’s room is available for the bride and her attendants. It is located in the Council Members Meeting Room adjacent to the Pastor’s office. The groom and his attendants meet in the library in the Fellowship Hall. The Fellowship Hall is available for receptions.
Non-members may be married at Elim Lutheran Church. If a guest pastor is presiding over the ceremony, the Elim Wedding Coordinator is required to be on site for the rehearsal and wedding.
Pastor Steve Smeback is available for weddings of members and non-members. A conference to discuss the ceremony will be arranged with you and the pastor. Pastor Steve does not require marriage counseling prior to the wedding but is happy to do so if you choose. Pastor Steve has several wedding ceremony “templates” of different wedding ceremonies that can be used to help you determine your ceremony. These will be provided if you choose when you meet with the wedding coordinator.
You are welcome to bring your own pastor into Elim Church, as long as the pastor is an ordained minister by a recognized Christian church (please, no internet ordinations.)
If music is desired, please contact Lois Ann Davisson, to check her availability. Her number is 360-687-1879. Lois Ann and her husband are very talented and offer a variety of music accompaniment—traditional organ, piano, violin, to name a few. If you have special music requests, please ensure that Lois Ann has the music no later than one month before the wedding to allow adequate time for rehearsal.
The bride and groom should insure that all members of the wedding party are able to attend and are on time. Wedding rehearsals are scheduled for one hour.
Elim’s Wedding Coordinator will confirm your day and time and assist you with arrangements for use and access to the Church Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall.
The Church Wedding Coordinator’s responsibilities at your rehearsal and wedding are as follows:
- Providing access to sanctuary.
- Overseeing logistics and use of the sanctuary, especially if a guest pastor is to preside over the ceremony.
- Providing emergency assistance if required.
The Fellowship Hall is available for receptions. Tables and chairs are available for your use. We have 16- 48″ tables, which comfortably seat 6-7 people. We also have 6 and 8 ft. tables which may be used for serving tables. We have table cloths available, if you wish to use them.
We respectfully request that no alcoholic beverages be served on the premises, and in accordance with state law, no smoking is permitted in any of the church buildings.
The caterer is responsible for kitchen cleanup. If an outside provider is arranged, representatives of Elim’s Women’s group will be present to oversee use of the facilities and address any questions that may arise.
We ask that all respect the sanctity of our church; thus, no arches, gazebos or other similar structures may be used in the church sanctuary. A Unity candle set (which may include flowers) or a Bible is allowed as “decor” on the Communion table. In accordance with safety and fire regulations, no candelabra are allowed on the pews or aisles. Pillar candles, metal shelled candles, or pegged votives are permitted. Equipment: Elim has a wooden pedestal approx. 48″ tall that may be used for a central arrangement. Elim also has a candelabra and 2 pedestals that may be used for side arrangements.
Photographers and/or videographers may not be set up on the main floor of sanctuary for the wedding service; however, they may use the church entry way or choir balcony.
Understandably, Elim Lutheran Church assumes no liability for any of the wedding party or guests. It is always a good idea to take out “event insurance” for any possible problems. Elim Lutheran Church is not liable for the loss of personal belongings for any of the wedding party or guests. The church office, which can be locked during the service, is available for securing valuables. We strongly encourage attendants (bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.) to leave purses and wallets locked in their vehicles.