WEDDINGS
This policy, revised on February 1, 2007 , supersedes all previous editions.

UMC Beliefs
We at Lake Travis United Methodist Church are delighted to be part of this special time in your lives. In choosing to have your wedding in the church, you are choosing to make your covenant with each other before God and in the context of a Christian worship service. The wedding is a religious celebration and everything must be in keeping with the ritual of the United Methodist Church and the Book of Worship. We are committed to insuring your wedding glorifies God and serves as a proclamation of the divine love which is ground of all lasting human love. The UMC Social Principles defines our beliefs as follows: “We affirm the sanctity of the marriage covenant that is expressed in love, mutual support, personal commitment, and shared fidelity between a man and a woman. We believe that God’s blessing rests upon such marriage, whether or not there are children of the union. We reject social norms that assume different standards for women than for men in marriage.” Therefore, “obey” has not been in our vows for over 100 years due to women’s suffrage. Christian marriages versus “modern culture” weddings are not the same.

Officiating Pastor
Couples desiring to be married at Lake Travis UMC are urged to consult with one of the pastors as far in advance as possible (6 to 9 months is appropriate). The couple then enters a time of counsel and consultation. The pastor may decline to marry any couple for reasons of conscience or for the sake of maintaining the standards of the church.

One of the pastors of Lake Travis UMC shall serve as the officiating pastor of the wedding. Because of UMC’s continued commitment to the full and equal responsibility and participation of men and women in the total life and mission of the church, either one of the pastors may officiate in this capacity. The officiating pastor will be identified after the wedding date has been given to the administrative assistant. All couples are required to spend time with the pastor in pre-marital discussions and/or counseling. The couple is to contact the pastor and arrange for an appointment to discuss the wedding plans and determine if the pastor can perform the ceremony. No date is officially on the church calendar until this meeting takes place. In planning the wedding, the pastor will deal with the bride and groom only. No other family members will be involved. If an outside wedding consultant is involved, they must contact the pastor and the Lake Travis UMC wedding consultant at least three weeks before the wedding and schedule a face-to-face meeting.

Sometimes it is the desire of the couple to have another pastor share in the service. This arrangement must be agreed upon at the initial meeting between the officiating pastor and the couple. The pastors of Lake Travis UMC will do their best to be helpful. It must be understood that the pastor of the church where the wedding is performed is in charge of the service. Under certain circumstances, we will consider another ordained pastor to officiate without a Lake Travis UMC pastor being present. The UMC Social Principles must be reviewed and agreed to in writing by the visiting pastor.

Date and Time
The sanctuary is available for weddings of church members and their immediate families on a priority basis, and for non-members at the church’s discretion. The date and time of the ceremony, rehearsal and decorating must be cleared with the officiating pastor and the calendar of the church office. Weddings may be scheduled up to one year in advance. The date is “penciled in” when the first contact is made, but no final approval is given until the couple meets with the officiating pastor. This should take place within one month after the date is penciled in. Upon approval, couples must pay the non-refundable security deposit fee of $250. Formal announcement of the date is premature prior to the meeting with the officiating pastor and payment of the fee.
Please do not order your invitations before these steps have been taken. Any changes in your wedding, rehearsal or decorating schedule must be cleared through the officiating pastor.

Lake Travis UMC’s first commitment will always be to our church programs. prefer no Saturday weddings after 5:00 p.m. Please note when selecting a date for your wedding that seasonal decorations, such as Christmas poinsettias, may not be removed to accommodate wedding decorations.

There will be no weddings scheduled on the following days:
*New Year’s Eve
*Palm Sunday through Easter
*Annual Conference week (varies – usually last week in May thru second week in June)
*Thanksgiving weekend
*Saturdays before special Christmas programs
*Christmas Eve or Christmas day
*Scheduled worship services

The Wedding Rehearsal
The rehearsal is normally scheduled for the same time as the wedding on the day before. It will begin promptly with all parties present. It will proceed in a dignified and reverent manner. All those attending the rehearsal should be appropriately dressed for a place of worship. The following guidelines apply:

*The Lake Travis UMC pastor(s) and wedding coordinator are in charge of the rehearsal. An outside wedding consultant may be present but does not preside over the rehearsal. The outside wedding consultant takes direction from the officiating pastor.
*The rehearsal will require approximately one hour.
*All ushers, attendants (including ring bearer and flower girl, if applicable) and parents of bride and groom should be present.
*The marriage license should be delivered directly to the officiating pastor at the rehearsal.
*Organist and musicians should be present.

Organist and Music
Music is one of the most significant factors in establishing the proper environment for meaningful worship. Music should be in keeping with the mood of reverence, joy and dignity. It should be an affirmation of the Christian life and faith and be consistent with music used in Sunday morning worship. For these reasons, each couple will consult with one of the members of the music staff for counsel and guidance.

Vocal music must be judged by both music and word content. While romance is an important aspect of marriage, romantic songs do not represent the profound nature of Christian marriage and are not conducive to worship. Popular love songs and Broadway show tunes are more appropriate at the rehearsal dinner and reception and are not used as part of the wedding services.

The church staff organist shall play the organ or piano for all church weddings or be given the right of first refusal. No pre-recorded music is permitted. Once the wedding date becomes official on the church calendar, it is the responsibility of the bride or groom to contact the church organist or director of music within 30 days.

If the couple wishes to invite a guest organist, the Lake Travis UMC music staff has the responsibility of approval. The staff organist shall meet with the guest organist to assign pistons and answer any questions about registrations.

The director of music and officiating pastor shall exercise their discretion to approve the selection of music. The Lake Travis UMC music staff will be glad to work with the couple for any additional music needs or wishes.

A church member trained on the sound board will be available for the ceremony. No outside operators will be allowed.

Decorations and Flowers
A florist engaged for the wedding must read and sign the “Instructions for Florist”. The completed agreement must be received in the church office no later than one month prior to the wedding.

Rice, confetti, birdseed, rose petals and any other material shall not be thrown inside or outside. They create a hazard as well as an inconvenience to the maintenance department. Flower girls may drop artificial petals only. Live birds or other animals are not permitted on the premises. For ecological reasons, balloons may not be released. The families of the bride and groom are responsible for informing the guests.

Reception
The fellowship hall is available to church members only. We do not assist with the reception even if it is held at the church. Use of the fellowship hall kitchen is permitted providing all plates, flatware, service utensils and paper products are provided by the bride and groom or their caterer. If Lake Travis UMC maintenance staff is used for clean up, an additional charge is required. If Lake Travis UMC maintenance staff is not used, it is the bride and groom’s responsibility to ensure the entire kitchen and fellowship hall areas are clean and in order.

Photographs
A photographer engaged for the wedding must read and sign the “Instructions for Photographer and/or Videographer. The completed agreement must be received in the church office no later than one month prior to the wedding. Lake Travis UMC permits photography only under conditions that maintain the reverence and dignity appropriate to a service of worship. Pictorial records are permitted as long as the photographer adheres to the following policies:

*No flash pictures are to be taken in the location of the ceremony from the time the music begins playing until after the benediction is pronounced.
*Photographs taken without flash during the ceremony are to be made from the back of the sanctuary.
*Photographs should be kept at a minimum during the ceremony using a camera that causes little noise. Even the clicking of a camera is a distraction in a service of worship.
*The Fellowship Hall may be used for picture taking before the ceremony begins. Scenes from the actual ceremony may be reconstructed following the wedding.
*Videotape machines or cameras on tripods are permitted only at the back of the sanctuary.
*Family members and guests may not take pictures (flash or otherwise) during the ceremony. The bride and groom are responsible for seeing that this requirement is made clear to those attending the wedding.
*Clergy will be available briefly before or after the ceremony for photographs if requested in advance.

Photographers who choose to ignore these policies will not be allowed to photograph at future Lake Travis UMC weddings.

Videotaping
A videographer engaged for the wedding must read and sign the “Instructions for Photographer and/or Videographer”. The completed agreement must be received in the church office no later than one month prior to the wedding. Videotaping is allowed only under conditions that maintain the reverence and dignity appropriate to a worship service. Any videotaping must be inconspicuous and not distract from the worship service. Videographers are expected to consult the church wedding coordinator for appropriate locations. A maximum of two video cameras may be used during the service. Only existing lighting may be used.

Church Wedding Coordinator
The extent of the wedding coordinator’s involvement will vary according to the desires of the wedding party. Duties include:
*Pre-wedding consultation once the date is confirmed
*Liaison between church staff and wedding party
*Help in giving direction at wedding rehearsal
*Wedding protocol
*Access to church facility for wedding party and decorations

Guidelines
*It is the responsibility of the bride, groom and their families to inform their guest of all policies regarding the use of church property.
*The church will be unlocked two hours before the scheduled wedding unless otherwise approved. Deliveries and wedding party members are welcome during those two hours.
*The church is not responsible for personal items.
*Wedding dresses may not be delivered to the church.
*Decorations and rental equipment are to be removed promptly following the ceremony. They may not be left overnight.
*The church will not be responsible for removing and storing equipment. It is not responsible for any articles left after the wedding.
*No alcohol consumption is allowed in the building or in the parking lots. No rehearsal or wedding will be conducted if any member of the wedding party is under the influence of alcohol. The Lake Travis UMC pastor or wedding coordinator has the authority to postpone or stop the ceremony if necessary. There are NO exceptions to this policy.
*No food or drink is allowed in the sanctuary at any time. Please remember this is a place of worship.

Wedding and Associated Fees
Fees for church members on request.
Fee for non-church members - $1700.
This is paid directly to Lake Travis UMC and includes the officiating pastor, organist, building use, wedding coordinator, sound board operator and maintenance services.
This fee schedule is subject to change without notice.
All fees must be received by the church office one month prior to the ceremony.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORISTS
(This Instruction Form is shown here for informational purposes only. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THE THIS FORM)

DECORATING FOR WEDDINGS
LAKE TRAVIS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1502 Ranch Road 620, North
Austin, TX 78734

The following guidelines are for the protection of the Church Buildings and property. By signing this form the florist agrees that he/she has read these guidelines and will comply with them.

If wax candles are used, carpets are to be fully protected from tallow drippings.
Nails, tacks or uncoated wire are not to be used any place in the church.

Decorations (bows, flowers, etc.) attached to the ends of pews are to be secured with fabric protected fasteners.

Only masking tape is to be used to secure anything to the carpets.
Due to fire hazard, no candles are to be placed in the aisles or attached to the end of pews.

Furniture or altar appointments are not to be removed or hidden by decorations. Flowers may not cover the cross. Flowers are not to be placed on the altar in the sanctuary.

Wet or damp decorations are to be in moisture-proof containers.

Since flower petals contain oil, petals may not be dropped in the aisle (as by a flower girl).

The florist will consult with the Church Wedding Consultant regarding lighting controls.

Candles are to be lighted with a fuse or protected taper (not other candles).
If the wedding is on Saturday, the florist shall clean the Sanctuary immediately following the wedding. If the wedding is on any other day or night of the week, the florist is to see that the church is cleaned the morning following the wedding.

Flowers should be brought in and removed through the front door.

The minister has the final authority for a Church Wedding.

Florist Statement
I have read these guidelines and agree to respect them. I will be responsible for any damage to Church property incurred by the use of flowers, greenery, candles or other decorations and materials used in connection with the wedding or occasion for which I serve as florist.
_______________________________
Event Florist

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR PHOTOGRAPHER AND/OR VIDEOGRAPHER
(This Instruction Form is shown here for informational purposes only. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THE THIS FORM)

LAKE TRAVIS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1502 Ranch Road 620, North
Austin, TX 78734

PHOTOGRAPHY
No flash pictures shall be taken in the location of the ceremony from the time the music begins playing until after the benediction is pronounced.

The taking of pictures or video recordings must be unobtrusive.

Video cameras will be stationary at all times at an approved location by the minister and church wedding coordinator.

The photographer/videographer shall consult with the minister and church wedding coordinator before the ceremony to coordinate and clarify acceptable procedures.

Photographer/Videographer Statement:
I have read the “Instructions for Photographer/Videographer” and agree to respect them.

Event:_____________________________

Signature of Photographer/Videographer: _________________

Company name: ___________________________________

Phone number: ____________________________________

Date: __________________________________________

Family Representative: ______________________________

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WEDDING RESERVATION
(This Wedding Reservation form is shown here for informational purposes only. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THE THIS FORM)

LAKE TRAVIS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1502 Ranch Road 620, North
Austin, TX 78734
512.266.9877
Fax: 512.266.0048

Date of wedding: ___________________________________
Name of bride: _____________________________________
Street address: ____________________________________
City, state and zip code: _____________________________
Phone: (home) ______ (work) _________ (cell) __________
Fax number: _______________________________________
E-mail: ___________________________________________
Church membership: ________________________________

Name of groom: ____________________________________
Street address: _____________________________________
City, state and zip code: ______________________________
Phone: (home) ________ (work) ______ (cell) ____________
Fax number: ________________________________________
E-mail: _____________________________________________
Church membership: _________________________________

Presiding LTUMC clergy: ______________________________

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BOOK OF WORSHIP
A SERVICE OF CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE

This service of Christian marriage is provided for couples who wish to solemnize their marriage in a service of Christian worship, parallel in its structure to the Sunday service, which includes the proclamation of the Word with prayer and praise. Christian marriage is proclaimed as a sacred covenant reflecting Christ’s covenant with the church. Everything about the service is designed to witness that this is a Christian marriage.

Both words and actions consistently reflect the belief that husband and wife are equal partners in Christian marriage and that they are entering into the marriage of their own volition.

Those present are understood to be an active congregation rather than simply passive witnesses. They give their blessing to the couple and to the marriage, and they join in prayer and praise.

Holy Communion may or may not be celebrated. If it is, it is most important that its significance be made clear. Specifically: (1) The marriage rite is included in a Service of Word and Table. (2) Not only the husband and wife but the whole congregation are to be invited to receive Communion. It is our tradition to invite all Christians to the Lord’s table. (3) There should be no pressure that would embarrass those who for whatever reason do not choose to receive Communion.

Other approved services are found in The Book of Ritual of the former Evangelical United Brethren Church (1959), pages 34-38, and The Book of Worship for Church and Home of the former Methodist Church (1965), pages 28-31
.
ENTRANCE

GATHERING
While the people gather, instrumental or vocal music may be offered.
During the entrance of the wedding party, there may be instrumental music, or a hymn, a psalm, a canticle, or an anthem.

GREETING
Pastor to people:
Friends, we are gathered together in the sight of God
to witness and bless the joining together of Name and Name
in Christian marriage.
The covenant of marriage was established by God,
who created us male and female for each other.
With his presence and power
Jesus graced a wedding at Cana of Galilee,
And in his sacrificial love
gave us the example for the love of husband and wife.
Name and Name come to give themselves to one another
in this holy covenant.

DECLARATION OF INTENTION

DECLARATION BY THE MAN AND THE WOMAN
Pastor to the persons who are to marry:
I ask you now, in the presence of God and these people,
to declare your intention
to enter into union with one another
through the grace of Jesus Christ,
who calls you into union with himself
as acknowledged in your baptism.
Pastor to the woman:
Name, will you have Name to be your husband,
to live together in holy marriage?
Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him,
in sickness and in health,
and forsaking all others, be faithful to him
as long as you both shall live?
Woman: I will.
Pastor to the man:
Name, will you have Name to be your wife,
to live together in holy marriage?
Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her,
in sickness and in health,
and forsaking all others, be faithful to her
as long as you both shall live?
Man: I will.

RESPONSE OF THE FAMILIES AND PEOPLE
Pastor to people:
The marriage of Name and Name unites their families
and creates a new one.
They ask for your blessing.
Parents or other representatives of the families may respond:
We rejoice in your union,
and pray God’s blessing upon you.
Pastor to people:
Will all of you, by God’s grace,
do everything in your power
to uphold and care for these two persons
in their marriage?
People: We will.
PRAYER
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
God of all peoples,
you are the true light illumining everyone.
You show us the way, the truth, and the life.
You love us even when we are disobedient.
You sustain us with your Holy Spirit.
We rejoice in your life in the midst of our lives.
We praise you for your presence with us,
and especially in this act of solemn covenant:
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

PROCLAMATION AND RESPONSE

SCRIPTURE LESSON(S)
A hymn, psalm, canticle, anthem, or other music may be offered before or after the readings.

SERMON OR OTHER WITNESS TO CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE

INTERCESSORY PRAYER
An extemporaneous prayer may be offered, or the following may be prayed by the pastor or by all:
Let us pray.
Eternal God, creator and preserver of all life,
author of salvation, giver of all grace:
Bless and sanctify with your Holy Spirit
Name and Name, who come now to join in marriage.
Grant that they may give their vows to each other
in the strength of your steadfast love.
Enable them to grow in love and peace
with you and with one another all their days,
that they may reach out
in concern and service to the world;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

THE MARRIAGE

EXCHANGE OF VOWS
The woman and man face each other, joining hands.
Man to woman:
In the name of God,
I, Name, take you, Name, to be my wife,
to have and to hold
from this day forward,
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
until we are parted by death.
This is my solemn vow.
Woman to man:
I, Name, take you, Name, to be my husband,
to have and to hold
from this day forward,
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
until we are parted by death.
This is my solemn vow.

BLESSING AND EXCHANGE OF RINGS
The pastor may say:
These rings (symbols)
are the outward and visible sign
of an inward and spiritual grace,
signifying to us the union
between Jesus Christ and his church.
The pastor may bless the giving of rings or other symbols of the marriage:
Bless, O Lord, the giving of these rings (symbols),
that they who wear them may live in your peace
and continue in your favor
all the days of their life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The giver(s) may say to the recipient(s):
Name, I give you this ring
as a sign of my vow,
and with all that I am,
and all that I have,
I honor you;
in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.

DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE
The wife and husband join hands. The pastor may place a hand on,
Or wrap a stole around, their joined hands.
Pastor to husband and wife:
You have declared your consent and vows
before God and this congregation.
May God confirm your covenant
and fill you both with grace.
Pastor to people:
Now that Name and Name
have given themselves to each other by solemn vows,
with the joining of hands,
[and the giving and receiving of rings,]
I announce to you that they are husband and wife;
in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Those whom God has joined together,
let no one put asunder.
Amen.
A doxology or other hymn may be sung.
Intercessions may be offered for the church and for the world.

BLESSING OF THE MARRIAGE
The husband and wife may kneel, as he pastor prays:
O God,
you have so consecrated
the covenant of Christian marriage
that in it is represented
the covenant between Christ and his church.
Send therefore your blessing upon Name and Name,
that they may surely keep their marriage covenant,
and so grow in love and godliness together
that their home may be a haven of blessing and peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

If Holy Communion is to be celebrated, the service continues with A Service of Word and Table III (page 15).

If Holy Communion is not to be celebrated, the service continues with the Lord’s Prayer (Nos. 894-896).

In either event, the service concludes with the sending forth.

SENDING FORTH
Here may be sung a hymn or psalm.

DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING
Pastor to wife and husband:
God the Eternal keep you in love with each other,
so that the peace of Christ may abide in your home.
Go to serve God and your neighbor in all that you do.
Pastor to people:
Bear witness to the love of God in this world,
so that those to whom love is a stranger
will find in you generous friends.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit
be with you all.
Amen.

THE PEACE
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
And also with you.
The couple and pastor(s) may greet each other, after which greetings may be exchanged through the congregation.

GOING FORTH
A hymn may be sung or instrumental music played as the couple, the wedding party, and the people leave.