Weddings
Planning Your Wedding at Northminster Presbyterian Church
To the Bride & Groom
We are pleased that you are considering Northminster Presbyterian Church as the site for your wedding. This information outlines the wedding policies of the church. It will also serve as an important reference during the wedding planning process.
Christian Marriage
"Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire human family. Marriage is a civil contract between a woman and a man. For Christians, marriage is a covenant through which a man and a woman are called to live out together before God, their lives of discipleship. In a service of Christian marriage a lifelong commitment is made by a woman and a man to each other, publicly witnessed and acknowledged by the community of faith." "Directory of Worship" in the Book of Order (Presbyterian Church USA).
Wedding & Rehearsal Dates
To schedule a wedding at Northminster you must first contact the Wedding Coordinator. You will be asked to complete a Wedding Request Form which will be forwarded to the pastoral staff for review. If both pastor and building are available on the date you have chosen, your request will be approved and you will be notified. A $150, non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your date. Weddings will not begin later than 6:30 p.m. Rehearsals usually take place the evening before the wedding and are scheduled to begin no later than 5:30 p.m.
Pastors & Premarital Counseling
Marriage ceremonies at Northminster must be performed by one of our pastors. You may request a specific pastor or one will be assigned to you on the basis of availability. Visiting ministers, priests or rabbis are welcome to assist in the ceremony, but the invitation must be issued by our pastor. It is the wedding couple's responsibility to contact their officiating pastor to schedule the required premarital sessions at least 90 days before the wedding. Counseling regarding your personal preparation for marriage and a discussion of the ceremony will take place during these sessions.
Dressing Accommodations
A Bride's Room is available for the bride and her attendants to use on the day of the wedding. Bridal/bridesmaids' gowns may not be stored in the Bride's room prior to the day of the wedding. There is also a room reserved for use by the gentlemen in the wedding party. All valuables should
be removed from these rooms prior to the start of the ceremony, and all personal belongings must be removed before the wedding party departs the church.
Marriage License
The Indiana license, from any county in the state, must be brought to the rehearsal. The officiating pastor will complete the form, making sure that all required signatures are obtained, and will return the form to the county clerk of jurisdiction.
Selection of Music
When choosing music, please keep in mind that the wedding service is a religious celebration and a form of worship. It therefore follows that the music used should enhance this joy, reverence and dignity. Since God is in fact joining the bride and groom together, the music used for the occasion must be scripturally based and musically appropriate. Popular favorites or love songs which often come out of the entertainment world would be appropriate at the reception but not in the service itself. The Northminster Director of Music Ministries or your organist can provide assistance in selecting appropriate instrumental and vocal music. Although our music library does not have a complete collection of wedding music, it serves as an excellent starting point in your quest for music that is suitable and appropriate to the sacred nature of the wedding service.
The wedding coordinator will schedule the organist for your ceremony and provide you with his or her contact information. The use of instruments other than the church organ and piano, along with any vocal music, must be approved by the Director of Music Ministries. No recorded music is permitted.
Parking
No extended parking is available, and all vehicles must be removed from Northminster property after the wedding is completed. Parking on the street is permitted on the east and west sides of the church property.
Photography
It is the responsibility of the bride to inform the photographer what time set-up at the church can begin. Photographers must be informed of the following church policies:
- Flash exposures of the wedding processional may be taken from the rear of the church,
- Only time exposures are permitted during the rest of the ceremony(preferably from the balcony).
- A flash picture of the couple kissing is permitted and flash may be used for photographing the recessional.
- The photographer shall not be visible to the guests or wedding party during the ceremony.
- Videotaping of the ceremony is permitted from the balcony of the Sanctuary. Videotaping from the Chancel area or the floor of the Sanctuary is allowed if approved by the officiating pastor. Videotaping from the Chancel area must be by remote control.
- Guests are greeted by a sign discouraging them from using flash photography during the processional and the wedding ceremony.
Decorating the Church
Flowers may be placed at the front of the Sanctuary, in the Chancel and under the cross. No flowers may be placed on the Communion Table except in conjunction with a unity candle. It is the responsibility of the bride to inform the florist when flowers can be delivered and that they must be self-contained.
The church supplies aisle candles and candelabras complete with oil candles if requested in advance. These may be decorated; however, only ribbon, chenille stems or plastic pew clips can be used to secure decorations to pews and candles. Unity candles are permitted but not provided by the church. A kneeling bench is available. The church does not provide an aisle runner. The colored liturgical curtains and banners hanging in the Sanctuary must remain in place. White paraments for the lectern and pulpit are available. For your convenience, we have compiled the following measurements and information:
Sanctuary
- Seats 600 maximum (including balcony and extra folding chairs).
- Center aisle measures 100 feet long
- Brass aisle candles with hurricanes are available for no charge. They are placed every third pew on the inside aisle, 7 on each side for a total of 14.
- Shutters can be open or closed.
- Lighting can be adjusted
Chapel
- Seats 75 maximum Flowers
- Flowers may be placed under the cross in the Chancel. From the bottom of the cross down to the shelf is 37". The shelf is 50 ½ " wide.
- If you would like to leave flowers for the following Sunday worship services, arrangements should be made through the wedding coordinator. Receptions in the Church facilities are available for a reception following the wedding. Calvin Hall, located below the Sanctuary, is used for these events. There is a stage and a full-service kitchen and this room will accommodate up to 250 guests seated at tables. The Wedding Coordinator will assist you with making these arrangements. A Word of Caution . . .The use of tobacco products is prohibited inside the building. Alcoholic beverages and illegal substances are strictly prohibited on church property including the building and parking lot. The officiating pastor will insist on compliance with this policy. If the presence or use of alcohol is detected, the ceremony will NOT take place and no fees will be refunded. Refreshments for the wedding party can be brought into the building. However, NO food or drink is permitted in the Sanctuary or Chapel. Neither rice nor confetti of any type can be used on the church property.
Ministers:
Dr. Teri L. Thomas, Pastor and Head of Staff
E-mail:
Rev. Ruth C. Moore, Associate Pastor
E-mail:
Or call the church office: 317-251-9489
Wedding Fees
For members of Northminster, the total fee for a Sanctuary wedding is $550. This fee covers use of the building for an hour for the rehearsal and 4 hours on the day of the wedding, the organist's services and custodial fees. It does not include the honorarium for the pastor. If you are planning a wedding in the Chapel, arrangements are made with the pastor.
Non-Members:
Sanctuary Wedding
- $1,600 (includes one hour for the rehearsal and 4 hours on the day of the wedding, organist's services, custodial fees, and pastor's honorarium)
Chapel Wedding
- $550 (includes one hour for the rehearsal and 4 hours on the day of the wedding, custodial fees, and pastor's honorarium)
- $250 for organist's services
For all weddings a $150 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve the dates for your rehearsal and wedding, with the remaining balance due 30 days before the wedding.
Other fees:
$100 per hour for additional time in the building
$100 for the use of Calvin Hall.
Contact the Wedding Coordinator at (317) 251-9489
