The Christian Service of Marriage
At Hamline United Methodist Church, weddings are occasions of both joy and reverence÷joy because of the gifts of love and happiness that the bride and groom have found in each other, and reverence because of the deep commitment they have made to live out their vows under the grace of God. The staff of Hamline United Methodist Church is eager to help make your wedding a lovely and meaningful event and asks your careful attention to the following guidelines. Because the church receives many wedding requests, these guidelines are necessary to facilitate planning and to provide clarity both for you and for the church.
Wedding Date
Weddings are scheduled for both members and non-members. Reservations are made on a first come first served basis. They are normally held on Friday nights and Saturdays, there are some exceptions to these times. To select the time and date for the wedding, please contact the church office at: weddings@hamlinechurch.org
Wedding Coordinator
Hamline United Methodist Church provides a wedding coordinator to oversee the arrangements and details of the wedding service. Once the wedding date is confirmed, an appointment with the coordinator is required to discuss Hamline Churchâs wedding guidelines. Questions about arrangements, minister, music, fees, and use of the facilities will be discussed at this conference. The wedding coordinator is a member of the church staff.
If an outside wedding consultant has been employed, we request that his or her involvement be limited to the reception and other non-church activities. The rehearsal and wedding service are the responsibility of the wedding coordinator of Hamline United Methodist Church.
Fees and Honorariums
The wedding coordinator will discuss current fees with the bride and groom. A nonrefundable deposit is required at the time a wedding date is reserved. Final payment and all additional fees÷for such things as; the minister, soloist(s) and organist÷must be paid two weeks prior to the wedding day.
Presiding Minister
The Senior minister at Hamline United Methodist Church is available to perform the wedding service. He or she may also be available to attend the reception. He or she will meet with the couple and assist in planning the wedding service. Guest Clergy are also invited to perform weddings at Hamline. Credentials must be filed in a county in Minnesota.
The Service
A wedding at Hamline Church is an act of worship. It is appropriate for the service to include special music, hymns, Scripture readings and other sacred readings, and a brief message by the minister. The officiating clergy will review the order of service and appropriate options with the couple.
Clergy, other than from Hamline United Methodist Church, may participate in or preside over the marriage service. This must be cleared with the wedding coordinator. If the clergy is from out of state, that clergy must register in Minnesota with one of the counties.
Music
Your wedding at Hamline Church is a worship experience as well as a celebration of your love and vows. The Music Director will coordinate organists and other musicians for all weddings. All decisions regarding music are to be approved by the Music Director.
