Wedding Procedures
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 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.
Content ©2008 Lake Travis United Methodist Church