YATES BAPTIST CHURCH

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:

A current Yates member sponsors the non-member and attends the sponsored events (rehearsal and wedding).
The appropriate facilities fees are paid in full.
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

Sunday wedding dates are discouraged and must be pre-approved by the Pastor and Minister of Music.
Weddings during holiday seasons must be pre-approved by the Pastor and Minister of Music. Early December weddings are discouraged. Member weddings may be scheduled during this time recognizing that seasonal staging, props, and decorations will not be moved for the ceremony.
Call the Church Secretary as early as possible to reserve the date.
Consult with the Pastor to verify participation or obtain permission for another staff minister or guest minister. Counseling sessions are required and must be scheduled by the officiating minister.
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 — CHURCH MEMBER

Facility / Service	Refundable Deposit	Non-Refundable Fee
Sanctuary (Rehearsal & Wedding)	$100	$0
Parlor (Rehearsal & Wedding)	$100	$0
Fellowship Hall Only — Rehearsal Dinner	$200	$0
Fellowship Hall Only — Reception	$200	$0
Fellowship Hall + Kitchen — Rehearsal Dinner	$300	$0
Fellowship Hall + Kitchen — Reception	$300	$0
Wedding Coordinator	—	$150
Sound System Operator	—	$100
Ministry Assistant / Facilities	—	$150

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT FEES

The refundable deposit will be forfeited if any conditions of the policy are not met. Families are responsible for any property damage or cleaning expenses incurred. Deposits (or portions thereof) will be released on the Thursday following a Saturday wedding.
The Ministry Assistant/Facilities is paid at $18.75 per hour for any hours worked in excess of the outlined limits.
Individuals may not clean or open church facilities in lieu of Ministry Assistant/Facilities services. Those services include:

a. Pre-Rehearsal and Wedding

Placing candelabras in sanctuary (if using church’s)
Inserting wicks in spring-loaded candles
Moving pulpit furniture
Setting up parlor for pictures
Preparing mirror in Sunday School room used for dressing

b. Rehearsal

Provide up to three hours of service
Open church 15 minutes before rehearsal
Turn on all necessary lights
Remain on premises during rehearsal
Close building after rehearsal
Perform light cleaning necessary before wedding

c. Wedding

Provide up to five hours of service
Open building two hours before ceremony
Remain on premises throughout wedding
Return pulpit furniture, clean facilities, and sweep entryways

Only church-approved technicians may operate the worship center sound system.
Musicians must be contracted by the wedding party; music selections must be approved by the Pastor or Minister of Music.

WEDDING DECORATIONS

Brass candelabras, lighting tapers, hurricane globes, votive candleholders, and mirror tiles are available for use.
Spring-loaded candles must be used in candelabras; wicks are available through the church.
Only silk flower petals may be used in the aisles.
Protective material should be used under all arrangements to prevent damage.
No nails, tacks, or tape may be used on walls, pews, or furniture.
Florist property must be removed immediately after the ceremony, and the church left clean.

MISCELLANEOUS

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

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

No flash photography during ceremony. Videographers must remain stationary.
No rice or confetti; bubbles and birdseed are acceptable.
The church is not responsible for theft or vandalism.
Backup reservations (rain alternatives) require full fee payment; unused reservations are refundable.
Kitchen equipment used must be washed and returned same day.
Exceptions not covered herein will be decided by ministerial staff or the Hospitality Committee.
Helpful Information:

– Sanctuary capacity: 400 (includes 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 recording services
Unity candle
Reception table coverings
Childcare

USE OF CHURCH DECORATIONS FOR WEDDINGS — MEMBERS

Candelabras (1 large, 2 small), hurricane globes, votives, mirror tiles, and candle lighters must be checked out through the Wedding Coordinator.
Ten hurricane glass globes and brass candleholders may be reserved. They are not available during holiday seasons. Only dripless candles may be used.
Items must be returned to the Bride’s Room within three days of use. Users are responsible for replacing any broken or cracked items.

Loan Record Form

Item	Quantity Requested	Returned
Candelabras (large/small)
Candle Lighters
Hurricane Globes
Candle Holders
Votives
Mirror Tiles

I have read and agree to the policy concerning the use of hurricane globes and candle holders.

Signature: Date: Wedding Coordinator: Checked Out By: Checked In By: