Wedding Ministry

YOUR WEDDING
One of the most sacred and beautiful ceremonies of the church is the marriage service.  It is ALWAYS a service of worship in which a man and a woman, in the company of their loved ones and friends, publically covenant with each other under the blessing of God.  A Christian wedding is much more than a social event.  Two persons are united by God in holy marriage.  
 
Scheduling A Wedding
Weddings are held at Central Baptist Church for members and non-members.    If the bride, groom, parents or grandparents of the bride or groom are church members, the fees will be at the member rate.  A church member is defined as someone who has joined Central Baptist Church by baptism, letter or statement six months prior to requesting a wedding date.

When you are ready to request a wedding date, you will receive an information packet including a Wedding Application and Contract, which you will fill out and return to the church office.  Within about two weeks you will be notified whether your date has been approved or not.  Your deposit is due within two weeks of this notification.

Following your wedding date confirmation, the Central Baptist Church Wedding Liaison will contact you to set up an initial meeting to review policies, answer questions and begin filling out the wedding worksheet. 

Weddings may not be scheduled after 6 P.M. 
Weddings may be scheduled up to 9 months in advance.


Available Facilities
Sanctuary:       Seating Capacity:  950 
                          600 on main floor ● 350 balcony
Chapel:             Maximum room capacity is 50.

Family Center for Reception:
Seating Capacity in Main Room:  180  
Seating Capacity Using Main Room plus North & South Assembly Rooms:  250
(Maximum seating allowing for NO serving tables.)         

Note:  The Worship Center has an elevator.  The Worship Center and Family Center are wheelchair accessible.

Wedding Liaison
Central Baptist Church provides the services of a Wedding Liaison who is experienced in managing and directing the wedding ceremony.  This position represents the church and provides guidance and assistance to the wedding party regarding the church’s wedding policies and procedures. 

Pastor
Ordinarily, one of the pastors of Central Baptist Church will officiate in the wedding ceremonies held at the church.  If the couple wishes another clergy person to participate and/or officiate, this must be approved by the pastors of Central Baptist Church. Only ordained ministers will be permitted to perform the wedding ceremony.

Wedding License
We recommend you begin arranging for your license at least one month before the wedding.    The wedding cannot be held without the license.

Rehearsal (Sanctuary Wedding Only)
Rehearsal is vital to ensure that the ceremony goes smoothly and it also allows the bride and groom to make final changes and decisions.  One hour, 6:00—7:00 P.M., is set aside for the rehearsal on the evening before the wedding.  You will need your music for the rehearsal as well as the entire wedding party to be present.
 
Reception
The Wedding Reception is a time for family and friends to celebrate with the bride and the groom and is another important and memorable part of the wedding day.  If you decide to hold your reception at CBC, a Reception Hostess will be assigned.  The Family Center is not automatically available due to the church’s busy calendar, so if you desire to have your reception at CBC, you will need to schedule it at the time you schedule your wedding.

Music
Because of the importance of the wedding service, the music used should serve as an aid to worship.  All music chosen should flow together to accomplish the spiritual reverence of the occasion.  All music must be approved by the Central Baptist Church Music Minister.  Vocalists and musicians are to be contacted directly by the bride or groom. 

Technical Crew
Our sound and video equipment and lighting is complex and requires a trained CBC technician.  Your Wedding Liaison will coordinate these services.
 
Deposits and Fees are available upon request from the church office.          

PLEASE NOTE:
The information on this page covers the basics.  A complete packet of information is available upon request from the church office.  Policies and fees are subject to change without notice.