Non-Member Wedding Policy

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YATES BAPTIST CHURCH

NON-MEMBER WEDDING POLICY

(Revised June 27, 2006)

Weddings at Yates Baptist Church are sacred occasions taking place in God’s House. The ceremony must be Christ-centered. We are pleased that you have chosen the facilities of our church to consecrate this holy event. The following information should be helpful in your planning process.

MEMBERS

A member is an individual currently listed on the Yates Baptist Church roll or a current church member’s child.

NON-MEMBERS

Other individuals may be able to use the church facilities to conduct weddings if the following criteria are met:

  1. A current Yates member sponsors the non-member and attends the sponsored events (rehearsal and wedding).
  2. The appropriate facilities fees are paid in full.
  3. The order of service, music, and decorations are discussed with and approved at least two months prior to the wedding by the Wedding Coordinator and/or appropriate minister.

SCHEDULING THE WEDDING

  1. Sunday wedding dates are discouraged and must be pre-approved by the Pastor and Minister of Music.
  2. Weddings during holiday seasons must be pre-approved by the Pastor and Minister of Music. Early December weddings are discouraged.
  3. Non-member weddings may not be scheduled during the first three weeks of December or earlier than nine months before the wedding date.
  4. Call the Church Secretary at the earliest possible time to reserve the date.
  5. Consult with the Pastor to verify participation or obtain permission for another minister. Counseling sessions are required and must be scheduled by the officiating minister.
  6. Fill out and sign the Wedding Event Contract and pay applicable fees. Weddings will not be calendared until fees are paid. At this time, a Wedding Coordinator will be assigned.

WEDDING FEES — NON-MEMBER

Facility / ServiceRefundable DepositNon-Refundable Fee
Sanctuary (Rehearsal & Wedding)$100$500
Parlor (Rehearsal & Wedding)$100$400
Fellowship Hall Only — Rehearsal Dinner$200$400
Fellowship Hall Only — Reception$200$400
Fellowship Hall + Kitchen — Rehearsal Dinner$300$600
Fellowship Hall + Kitchen — Reception$300$600
Wedding Coordinator—$175
Sound System Operator—$150
Ministry Assistant / Facilities—$250

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT FEES

  1. The refundable deposit will be forfeited if any conditions of the policy are not met. The family is responsible for property damage or cleaning costs. Deposits will be released on the Thursday following a Saturday wedding.
  2. The Ministry Assistant/Facilities is paid at $18.75 per hour for hours worked beyond the scheduled time.
  3. Individuals may not clean or open facilities in lieu of Ministry Assistant/Facilities services.

a. Pre-Rehearsal and Wedding

  • Place candelabras in sanctuary (if using church’s)
  • Insert wicks in spring-loaded candles
  • Move pulpit furniture
  • Set up parlor for pictures
  • Prepare mirror in dressing room

b. Rehearsal

  • Provide up to three hours of service
  • Open the church 15 minutes before rehearsal
  • Remain on premises throughout
  • Perform light cleaning prior to wedding

c. Wedding

  • Provide up to five hours of service
  • Open building two hours prior to ceremony
  • Remain on premises and assist as needed
  • Clean and restore all areas to normal condition
  1. Only church-approved technicians may operate the sound system.
  2. Musicians must be contracted by the wedding party and approved by the Pastor or Minister of Music.

WEDDING DECORATIONS

  1. Brass candelabras (one large and two small) and candle lighters are available for use.
  2. Only silk flower petals may be used in aisles.
  3. Protective material should be used under all flower arrangements.
  4. No nails, tacks, or tape may be used on walls, pews, or woodwork.
  5. Florist property must be removed immediately after the ceremony, and the church left clean.

MISCELLANEOUS

  1. Food and drink are not allowed in the parlor or sanctuary.
  2. No alcohol, drugs, or tobacco products are permitted.
  3. Dancing is limited to family members of the wedding party (e.g., parents with sons and daughters; bride and groom).
  4. Dressing areas:

– Bride and attendants — Family Life Center classrooms – Groom and attendants — Education Building

  1. No flash photography during ceremony. Videographers must remain stationary.
  2. No rice or confetti may be thrown; bubbles and birdseed are acceptable.
  3. Yates Baptist Church is not responsible for theft or vandalism.
  4. Backup reservations (rain alternatives) require full fee payment; unused reservations are refundable.
  5. Exceptions not covered herein will be decided by ministerial staff or the Hospitality Committee.
  6. Helpful Information:

– Sanctuary capacity: 400 (including balcony) – Downstairs pews: 57 (3 rows of 19 pews) – Balcony pews: 14 – Fellowship Hall capacity: 150 seated, 200 standing – Parlor capacity: 50 seated

The Church Does Not Provide:

  • Bulletins or printing
  • Guest book or pen
  • Aisle runner
  • Video equipment or recording personnel
  • Unity candle
  • Reception table coverings
  • Childcare

USE OF CANDELABRAS AND SPRING-LOADED CANDLES

(Non-Church Members Only)

Candelabras with spring-loaded candles and candle lighters must be checked out through the Wedding Coordinator.

Items Borrowed: Name of Borrower: Date: Date of Use:  Date of Return: Signature:  Date: Wedding Coordinator: Checked Out By:  Checked In By:

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