Weddings

Download a Wedding Application

As United Methodists, we believe that marriage is a sacred three-way covenant between the bride, the groom and God. The marriage ceremony is neither a performance nor a social gathering, but a service of worship. With this in mind, the plans you make for your wedding should create an atmosphere of dignity, beauty and good taste. The rule of the scriptures is wise: "Let all things be done decently and in order."

Within these guidelines, the pastors and staff of Grace United Methodist Church want to assist you in making your wedding a meaningful and joyful experience. Contact our Wedding Coordinator, Jane Flora, for information regarding rates and availability.

Meeting With the Wedding Coordinator

Details of the wedding will be under the initial direction of our wedding coordinator.  The coordinator will meet with the bridal couple to plan for the service.  This meeting should precede any consultation with the officiating pastor.  The coordinator will assist the pastor in conducting the wedding rehearsal.

Choosing a Pastor

One of the pastors at Grace United Methodist Church is expected to officiate for all weddings.  You may indicate which pastor on the Grace staff you wish to officiate.  If you would like to have an additional pastor from another church assist in the service, the invitation will be extended by the senior pastor at Grace.  The officiating pastor will meet with the bridal couple for counseling concerning the issues of marriage.  Prior to this meeting any requested written material must be returned to the church.

Wedding Music

Music for the wedding will be discussed at the meeting with the wedding coordinator.  The Grace Church organist is expected to play for all weddings.  Any alternative must be approved by our organist.  Music chosen for the wedding should be suitable for use in the worship service.  The organist may have suggestions for instrumental or vocal soloists.

Photography

Since the wedding ceremony is a service of worship, flash pictures are not permitted after the entrance of the bride.  Please remind your family and friends that no flash pictures may be taken until the recessional.  Your wedding photographer may photograph the processional from the back third of the sanctuary.  Please make your photographers aware of Grace Church's policies.  Couples are encouraged to have as many pictures taken prior to the ceremony as possible.  All photography, including videotaping, is regulated under the direction of the building staff members. 

Policies and Facilities

Grace Church is a smoke free environment; smoking is not permitted in any part of the building.  Alcoholic beverages are also prohibited on church premises.  The use of rice, confetti or birdseed is discouraged.  Any flower petals used indoors must be artificial.

Bride's Room

For your convenience a Bride's Room, located on the upper level, is provided for the bride and her attendants.  The building supervisor will assign a room on the lower level where male participants may dress and gather before the wedding.  The families may gather in the parlor.

Seating

The sanctuary can seat approximately 350 guests.  The chapel is very small and can seat only about 25 persons.

Rehearsal

Rehearsal times will be scheduled with the wedding coordinator.  Usually, the rehearsal is held on the evening before the wedding.  Please arrive promptly so the rehearsal may begin on time.  It will last approximately one hour.  All persons involved in the ceremony should be present for the rehearsal.  This includes parents as well as the wedding party.

Flowers and Decorations

No decorations will be allowed which would obscure the central symbol of the Christian faith, the cross.  Decorations may not use nails, tacks, or wire on walls or woodwork.  Pew bows may be attached with large rubber bands, elastic ribbon, or our plastic clamps.

The center aisle must be left open for the seating of guests.  Aisle runners are available from your florist.  The center aisle is 75 feet long.  There are 19 pews on each side of the sanctuary.

There are two 7-branch and two 5-branch candelabra at the church.  Candles will be provided at cost.  If a Unity candle is to be used in the ceremony, the couple is expected to supply it and the two lighting tapers.

All decorations should be removed after the wedding.  Flowers are appreciated if left for the Sunday worship services.  Please make such arrangements in advance with the coordinator.

Indiana Marriage Laws

The legal age for marriage without parental consent is 18 for both male and female.  At age 17, parental consent is required.  Both applicants must present proof of birth date.  Applicants, age 22 and under, MUST present a birth certificate or baptismal record.  Applicants, age 23 and over, may present a driver's license.

The marriage license must be obtained from County Clerk's office (both persons to be married must go to the office):  South Bend - basement of County Court House, 101 S. Main; Mishawaka - County Services Annex, 219 Lincolnway West.  Hours:  8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday - Friday.  (If both applicants are out-of-state residents, they must apply for a license in the county in which they are to be married.) 

The cost of the license is $18 (cash) per couple if Indiana residents; $60 for out-of-state residents.  The license is valid for 60 days.