Premaritial Counseling

• As per church policy, engaged couples who intend to marry in a church are strongly advised to attend premarital counseling sessions. Depending on which church you select, this strong recommendation may come with venue denial if you and your partner decline. These one-on-one meetings are held between the couple and a licensed minister. He will cover relationship issues such as finances, understanding each other's differences, how to maintain a godly union and tips for keeping intimacy engaging and fulfilling.
  
  

Reservations

• Reserving a church for your wedding entails some key details. Aside from reserving a date (which should be done at least three months prior), there are deposits and fees to consider. Generally, church reservations are done with more ease and at a lower cost for members than non-members. Non-members should expect to pay at least at a $250 deposit on the sanctuary and another $250 deposit for the reception area. For members, deposits may be waived. The actual cost for sanctuary or reception area use ranges from $50 to $900 regardless of church affiliation status.
  
  

General Dos and Don'ts

• Church weddings do not allow the consumption of alcohol. In some exceptions, the reception may be allowed to serve wine; generally, however, beverages are limited to juices, water or punch. Neither guests of the wedding nor any member of the wedding party are permitted to smoke on the premises. Also, there are parking spaces that are clearly labeled as reserved areas for church officials; these are to be regarded even in their absence.
  
  

Music

• The church sanctuary is considered as a holy area and is regarded as sacred even during wedding ceremonies. In compliance with this reverence, churches limit the type of music played. As a rule of thumb, you would be wise to review your music choices and ideas with the church minister of music. Without doing so, your music may be rejected and deemed inappropriate mid-ceremony. Many churches understand the tradition of dancing at a reception and allow for the bride and groom to enjoy their first dance as well boogie the night away to non-offensive secular music.