Weddings

At

Marysville Free

Methodist Church

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Weddings at Marysville Free Methodist Church

Congratulations on your engagement.

You are beginning to prepare for one of the most important events of your life – your

wedding day.

The ceremony of a Christian marriage is a sacred and beautiful worship experience. God,

who ordained marriage, is invited to give His blessing. Friends and family will stand as

witnesses and support as you give your vows to one another.

Marysville Free Methodist wants your wedding ceremony to be perfect in every way. This

requires careful preparation and planning.

To help you, our church provides a team of people who will work with you to insure a good

beginning for your marriage; the pastor, the administrative manager, and the wedding

hostess.

The following information will help you in your planning. It will inform you of

requirements of the State of Washington, and the policies and procedures of our church

family for the marriage ceremony and facility use.

We anticipate your wedding day will be a beautiful and memorable experience. If you have

questions or problems in your planning, feel free to contact either your Wedding Hostess or

the Administrative Manager. We are always available to help.

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Table of Contents

Page

General Policies 4

Fee Description 8

How to Schedule a Wedding 10

Preparing for the Wedding Ceremony 11

Marriage License 13

Map & Directions to MFMC 14

MFMC Facility Guidelines & Agreement 15

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Marysville Free Methodist Church Wedding/Church Policies

1. OFFICIATE

It is customary for an MFMC Pastor to officiate weddings held in the church. An

ordained Free Methodist minister must officiate, or be the assistant to the officiate

for all wedding ceremonies held at MFMC. It is understood that he/she has the

privilege of determining the propriety of any marriage, which he/she might be

asked to perform. If you want another member of the clergy to perform the

wedding, or to assist our pastor, you will need approval of the MFMC pastor.

You will meet with the MFMC pastor a minimum of 4 to 7 premarital education

sessions. The couple is required to take the Prepare Enrich Inventory at their own

expense.

a. An initial appointment to get acquainted, and overview, a pre-marriage

education plan.

b. A second appointment to review the Prepare Inventory results and schedule

appointments.

c. A final appointment to plan for the wedding ceremony.

Appointments are scheduled directly with the pastor.

2. SCHEDULING

We recommend weddings be scheduled six months in advance. Weddings may be

scheduled at any time, which does not interfere with the regularly scheduled

services and responsibilities of the church. Even though the actual date is available

on the church calendar, it must also be available for the pastor and the MFMC

wedding hostess. Only one wedding per weekend will be scheduled. Consideration

must be given to the custodial time required in the preparation and clean-up for the

wedding. On Saturdays, a wedding ceremony will be scheduled to start no later than

2:00 pm. Weddings and clean-up must conclude by 8:00 pm. Requests for

additional time must be approved, and will result in an additional charge.

Weddings will not be scheduled in December.

3. PRE-MARITAL EDUCATION IS REQUIRED

This requirement can be met with professional counseling, Engaged Encounter or be

provided by MFMC pastoral staff. To benefit from your counseling experience, we

recommend it be completed several months before the wedding ceremony.

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4. PRE – MARRIAGE SEMINARS ENCOURAGED

The couple is strongly encouraged to attend “Engaged Encounter” at Warm Beach

Camp or “Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts” (SYMBIS) seminar, or read specific

material and/or listen to CD’s as part of pre-marital growth plan.

5. SANCTUARY CAPACITY

The sanctuary will seat approximately 150 guests. Any plans for decorating or

arranging the sanctuary, i.e., flowers, candles, chairs, etc., must be cleared with the

wedding hostess. Rose petals may be used only with a center aisle runner.

a. Music in your Wedding Service

The music that you choose is to be approved by the pastor.

b. Audio/Video Tech

Only the church appointed technicians can operate the church’s audio/video

equipment. If you would like our technician to tape your wedding, please bring a

DVD-R the day of the rehearsal. The tech cannot man a camera; the video will be

a wide angle shot from the rear of the sanctuary.

6. WEDDING REHEARSAL

Your wedding rehearsal is held one or two days before the wedding in order to

rehearse the processional, the service and recessional. The pastor, wedding hostess,

musician(s) and the audio/video tech will be present. Every member of the

wedding party, including the parents must attend the rehearsal. Please allow one

hour for this important time of ironing out the final details of your ceremony.

7. DECORATING

Decorating for the wedding and reception can generally be accomplished the day of

your rehearsal. We encourage you to decorate during regular church office hours.

Food and supplies can be brought during this time and at the time of the rehearsal.

Please address special circumstances with the wedding hostess as soon as possible.

She will work with you to arrange a time that works for everyone.

a. Flowers and Candles

Couples may choose to have flowers and/or candelabrum in the alter area. The

wedding couple must provide the candelabrum. MFMC does have candle lighters

available. Please use dripless candles. Bows, ribbons, and flowers may be used

on the aisle chairs. No thumbtacks, floral or masking tape that will mar the walls

or furniture may be used. MFMC recommends only Command Adhesive

products by 3M. The wedding couple must make arrangements to remove

flowers and decorations immediately after the service.

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8. Dressing Rooms

Rooms are available for both the bride and her attendants, and the groom and his

attendants. The church cannot be responsible for any possessions of anyone in the

wedding party, or invited guests. Please make sure all handbags, cameras, and other

valuables are not left unattended in the dressing rooms. You can request the

hostess to lock the dressing rooms during the wedding ceremony.

9. RECEPTION

MFMC Fellowship Hall is available if you choose to have your reception at the

church. It will accommodate approximately 144 guests if all 18 round tables are

used; 136 guests if 17 round tables are used and one round table is used for the

wedding cake.

a. Use of the church tables and chairs will be available for no fee. Use of

tablecloths, dishes, goblets, and flatware will be made available for a fee. Please

see the fee schedule for rental costs.

b. Dancing is permitted with the following guidelines: A playlist of music must be

presented to the pastoral staff for approval. Music and dancing style must be

free of any sexual innuendos.

10. POLICY FOR PREPARING AND SERVING FOOD AT MFMC FOR WEDDING PARTY

a. Use of the church kitchen is primarily for food staging, beverage preparation,

and clean-up purposes. Additionally, the kitchen must be reserved at the time of

your wedding date reservation. No food is to be prepared or cooked in the

kitchen. Exception: the church’s coffee maker; you may use the coffee maker but

you must provide your own coffee. You may use the church’s microwave for

reheating or warming prepared food.

Food may be brought into church, if the company that supplies the food for

consumption on church property is licensed to prepare such food. In

addition, the group must assume responsibility for the safekeeping of such

food and indemnify the church against any claims resulting from such

service. Under no circumstances will the groups be allowed to serve food

that is prepared by individuals or businesses not licensed to serve prepared

foods.

Red punch may not be served at the reception due to staining issues.

Please select all the servers/helpers to serve and clean-up in the Fellowship

Hall and kitchen. All food and beverages are to be consumed in the

Fellowship Hall.

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11. BUILDING USE SUMMARY:

Based on your ceremony start time, you will be provided with access to the building

and the reserved rooms including a bridal changing room a maximum of 3 hours

prior to the ceremony, and one hour after the ceremony is completed, plus 1-1/2

hours for rehearsal, customarily on the day prior to the wedding.

12. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR WEDDING:

All miscellaneous fees are due to the wedding hostess on the day of the

rehearsal. The wedding hostess will provide a list of names and

corresponding payments for each individual.

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on church property at all times.

All buildings are smoke free. Please refrain from smoking in and around

church buildings.

The use of birdseed, confetti, and rice are not permitted.

“Wonder Bubbles” may be used outside only.

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Ceremony Fees Uses of the church facility for weddings/receptions are granted only to church

members, regular attendees, and their immediate families. Fees cover the cost of

the required wedding personnel; which includes the pastor, wedding hostess,

sound/video technician, custodian, as well as the use of the facility.

Fee Descriptions The cost of facility usage using The Marysville Free Methodist Church for a wedding

ceremony only is $150. If the building is used for both a wedding and reception, the

fee is $300.

Pastoral Officiate:

It is customary for the groom to offer a reimbursement for the pastor’s personal

time (also called an honorarium). There is no set fee, however we are often asked

for a figure; we recommend $300. Due to the additional time required of pastors

when performing off-site ceremonies, please consider additional remuneration.

Make your check payable directly to the pastor. If an MFMC pastor is used to assist

an approved, but outside officiate, an additional $100 will be charged and will be

added to your ceremony fee.

Wedding Hostess (must be used for all weddings held on church grounds):

After the wedding is scheduled, fees discussed, deposit received, contract signed,

and pre-marital counseling sessions are confirmed, you will be referred to our

wedding hostess. She will meet with you to see the facilities, discuss services and

equipment available, and inform you of the guidelines for the use of the church. The

wedding hostess will plan with you the details of your wedding day, answer any

questions and help to make sure your wedding is as stress-free and joy-filled as

possible. The hostess will also work with the pastor to direct the wedding rehearsal

and she will collect all fees at this time. Her services will be invaluable. The fee for

the Wedding Hostess is $175.00.

Sound Technician:

A Sound Technician is required in the Sanctuary for amplification of the pastor and

musicians (vocalists and instrumentalists). The sound technician will be present at

your rehearsal, and for the ceremony. Outside vendors (professional or non-

professional D.J.’s) are not authorized to replace the use of a church Sound

Technician. A rental fee will apply if sound requests are above the limitations of the

church’s sound equipment inventory. Your sound requirements must be discussed

in advance with the pastoral assistant or wedding coordinator. The fee for the

Sound Technician is $75.00.

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Custodian

Our church custodian will assist in preparing the building for your wedding. He

will also restore the furnishing and do clean-up following the wedding. However,

the custodian does not do any decorating, nor does he remove decorations. You are

responsible for removing all decorations in the Sanctuary. In rooms you have used

for preparation, you are required to clean up, put garbage in receptacles, and leave

the areas used in reasonable order. This is especially important if a snack has been

served. The fee for the Custodian is $250 for a wedding and reception. For just a

reception the fee is $150.00

Fee Summary Pastor $300.00

Wedding Hostess $175.00

Video/Audio Tech $75.00

Facility (wedding or reception) $150.00

Facility (both wedding and reception) $300.00

Custodian (wedding or reception) $150.00

Custodian (both wedding and reception) $250.00

Tables No Fee

Chairs No Fee

Dinner or Salad Plates $0.40/plate

Flatware $0.30/each

Water Goblets $0.35/each

Table clothes $3.00/each

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How to Schedule a Wedding

1. Place a request to have a wedding at MFMC with the administrative manager. She

will check to see if the date is available on our church calendar. Be prepared to

provide the following information:

Ceremony Date

Ceremony start time

Approximate number of guests

Will you be having your reception at MFMC

Estimated end time

Name of requested MFMC pastor

2. Your request will be presented to the pastor.

3. Your request will be presented to the wedding hostess for her availability.

After these three criteria are approved, the administrative manager will notify you by

phone that the date is tentatively held on the Marysville Free Methodist Church

calendar of events, and assign you to the wedding hostess. At this time, we require the

refundable deposit of $250 to hold your wedding date. Next, you will need to make

your first appointment with the pastor and wedding hostess.

Wedding Deposit:

A non-refundable deposit of $100 for your ceremony, along with a completed and

signed MFMC Facility Guidelines and Agreement is required to reserve your ceremony

and reception date on our church calendar. Make your check payment to “Marysville

Free Methodist Church” and specify your name and wedding date on the memo line of

your check. The balance is due two weeks prior to your wedding date, along with your

completed paperwork specifying your arrangements.

A refundable damage deposit of $250, is due upon scheduling your wedding date.

Checks should be made payable to Marysville Free Methodist Church with a “wedding

damage deposit” notation on the check memo line along with the date requested.

Deposit to be returned within one week after ceremony, if no damage occurs.

Certificate of Liability Insurance

All non-member or non-regular attendees of MFMC must provide MFMC with a

Certificate of Liability Insurance form from your insurance company. This form must

include the following: General Liability with $1,000,000 each occurrence; Marysville

Free Methodist Church as a Certificate Holder; Description of Operations must show the

date and time of your event.

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Preparing For The Wedding Ceremony

The Facility

The beautiful facilities of Marysville Free Methodist Church are not for rent. Rather, they

are our church home, which we want to make available.

The Sanctuary seats approximately 150 guests.

The following appointments are available for your use in the sanctuary:

Candle lighters

If an Aisle Runner is used (the church does not have an aisle runner), it should be secured

for safety reasons. Cloth is preferred for an aisle runner. The distance of the aisle to the

foot of the steps is approximately 28 feet.

Flower Arranging or assembling is to be done away from Marysville Free Methodist

Church. Delivery can be made on the day of the wedding, two to three hours prior to the

ceremony start time.

The wedding party may dress at the church. A room will be provided three hours prior to

the ceremony to serve as a “Bridal Changing Room”, with locked doors and a full-length

mirror. It’s customary for the groom and groomsmen to dress in the nursery.

The Foyer is used for guest book signatures and visiting prior to the wedding. The pastor’s

office is available as a waiting area for family prior to the service.

Your Room Reservations will need to be discussed with the wedding hostess when you

meet with her. Facility use for a wedding will generally include 1-1/2 hours for rehearsal,

3 hours before the wedding and 2 hours after the ceremony is completed.

Note: Only the rooms you have reserved may be used. All other rooms will be prepared for

worship services, and must be left undisturbed.

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Music

Your pastor will have final approval of wedding music. Discuss your needs for music

preparation with your wedding hostess (i.e., practice times, additional equipment needs

such as chairs, guitar stands, or microphones).

Photography

Wedding photographs may be taken before or after the service. We recommend before the

service so that formal pictures may be taken in an optimum environment and your guests

will not be kept waiting at your reception.

All those to be photographed should be informed as to the time and place they should

report for pictures. Be specific with the photographer about particular shots, groups,

poses, desires, etc. – give him a written list. This will prepare the way for a smooth photo

shoot.

Gifts

We advise you to have one or two people receive wedding gifts brought to the church,

insuring cards are securely attached to gifts and placed on a gift table. The church is not

responsible for the security of the gifts at any time, and caution should be exercised to

ensure their safety. If you wish, gifts brought to the wedding can be kept in a locked room,

out of sight, during the wedding and reception. Designate who should transport the gifts

from the church.

Childcare during the Wedding

Marysville Free Methodist Church facilities are not available for childcare for weddings.

Wedding Programs

If you wish to have wedding programs, these are the responsibility of the bridal couple.

Unity Candle

If you plan to include the unity candle in your ceremony, you will need to supply the candle

on its stand and also the parent candles in their holders.

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Marriage License

Your marriage license may be obtained from:

Snohomish County Auditor Atten: Marriage Licensing 3000 Rockefeller Avenue M/S 204 Everett, WA 98201

Location: 1st Floor Administration Building-East, Snohomish County Courthouse Complex, Everett, Washington. Phone: 425-388-3483 Fees: $62.00 - Cash, Money Orders, Cashier's Check, or Visa / Mastercard Credit Cards Only. Note: No personal checks accepted; no refunds issued Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The Office is closed for lunch daily from 12:00 NOON to 1:00 PM. Please allow a half hour to complete the necessary paperwork before posted lunch and end-of-day closing times. Licenses will not be issued Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays or "Furlough" Days. For current information, and to print out an application, please go on-line to www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/departments/auditor/divisions/recording/marriage. Remember, the marriage “License and Record of Marriage” needs to be given to the Administrative Manager at Marysville Free Methodist Church two weeks prior to the wedding. We need the names and addresses of the two witnesses to complete the form. The pastor officiating will have this form at the time of the rehearsal.

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Map & Directions To Our Church

Heading North on I-5: Take Exit 199 for State Route 528 E toward Marysville Turn right onto 4th St./State Route 528 E. Continue to follow State Route 528 E Turn left onto 67th St. NE Turn right into the parking lot off of 67th. Heading South on I-5: Take Exit 200 for 88th St. NE/Quil Ceda Way Turn left onto 88th St. NE Turn right onto 67th Ave. NE Turn left into the church parking (just past the golf course)

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MFMC Facility Guidelines & Agreement This form must be completed, signed, and returned with the required deposit in order for us to consider your reservation

Our Responsibility

It is our sincere desire to be good stewards of all that the Lord has entrusted us. Our policies are based on the philosophy that we wish to accommodate our church family as much as possible, without causing expense to the church. We wish to be neither careless nor selfish with church facilities or equipment. We have established the following to prevent misunderstanding, and to promote good stewardship. Please seriously commit to help us, and communicate our policies to your family, friends, and outside vendors, which you hire, as we share with you the Lord’s resources.

Your Responsibilities

I have read and will abide by the church use policies and procedures as outlined in the Marysville Free Methodist Wedding/Church Policies and Fee Description, and will communicate those guidelines to those it pertains to for my wedding, and understand that further use of the facility may not be permitted if we do not comply with the standards set forth in this Agreement.

1. I understand that all use fees must be paid two weeks prior to my wedding date and will be provided along with the “license and Record of Marriage” unofficial certificate, and return envelope to the auditor’s office.

2. I understand that I am assuming responsibility for repair or replacement of any property or equipment damaged during use.

3. The church is not responsible for lost articles; however any articles/equipment found will be held for a one week period as a courtesy.

Guidelines for Use 1. USE OF THE BUILDING IS LIMITED TO THE ROOM(S) RESERVED and the nearest restrooms. All other areas,

equipment, personal and/or church property are to be respected and left untouched. 2. SECURING PERSONAL VALUABLES AND WEDDING GIFTS are the responsibility of the wedding party and not church

staff or personnel. 3. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, TOBACCO OR TOBACCO PRODUCTS, AND ILLEGAL DRUGS are not allowed anywhere on

church property. 4. NO FOOD OR DRINK is allowed in the Sanctuary or in other restricted areas. 5. DECORATIONS must be taken down immediately upon conclusion of event, and must be removed from church

property. 6. CHILDREN ARE NOT TO BE LEFT UNSUPERVISED anywhere in the building at any time. Childcare is not available on

church property during wedding events.

Indemnity/Waiver of Damages In consideration of the Church granting the permission requested herein, Permittee agrees to indemnify and hold Church and its officers, agents, and employees harmless from any and all claims, demands, lawsuits, actions of any kind, damages, judgments, amount paid in settlement, costs and expenses (including attorney’s fees) which may be incurred or arise out of Permitee’s exercise of the permission granted or from any of the Permittee’s activities related hereto, including, but not limited to, any food or drink that Permittee prepares, serves, or provides.

Permittee acknowledges that it will use Church facilities at his/her own risk and expressly waives any right to make or prosecute claims or demands against the Church for any loss, injury, or damage which Permittee may sustain by virtue of the exercise of the permission granted or by reason of any defect, deficiency, or impairment which may occur from time to time from any cause of the water supply system, drainage system, heating system, gas mains, electrical apparatus, or cable furnished for the event, or for any loss resulting from fire, water, civil commotion, riot, landslides, windstorm, earthquake, or other acts of nature. Wedding Date Reserved: Today’s Date:

Ceremony Time: Est. # of Guests:

Officiating Pastor:

Bride: Groom:

Print Name of Responsible Party:

Signature:

Phone: Email:

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