Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But, the greatest of these is love. ~1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-8A, 13 (NIV)
Wedding Coordinator at weddings@cypress-umc.org
The service of Christian marriage in the church is a worship service. It is one of the most sacred rites, which the Pastor performs under the ordination, and the authority of the church. All wedding ceremonies performed in this church have the blessings of the church.
In order that you may have a sacred and dignified wedding, you are urged to make thorough preparations, spiritual as well as temporal. The Pastors, Wedding Coordinator, and Staff of Cypress United Methodist Church wish to extend every possible assistance to you that your wedding in the church will be a memorable experience.
Therefore, serious study and careful judgments have gone into the preparation of the church's wedding policies and regulations. They have been reviewed and approved by the Trustee Board of Cypress United Methodist Church and have become the official policy and procedures related to weddings and wedding receptions. Please read the following material carefully.
MAKING THE RESERVATION Reservation Form
A reservation will be confirmed only when:
- The Pastor or an Associate of CUMC has agreed to officiate.
- The calendar is clear for the use of the sanctuary.
- A refundable deposit is received.
Dates should not be announced until the Wedding Coordinator has confirmed the reservation.
The exact hour of the rehearsal and wedding must be scheduled at the time the sanctuary is reserved.
Non-member weddings may not be scheduled earlier than 9 months before the date desired. Unless the bride or groom are members of Cypress United Methodist Church at least two months prior to the wedding, the wedding is regarded as one of a non-member.
Weddings may not be scheduled during Holy Week or on a Sunday. Also, because of difficulties in securing adequate help, we do not schedule rehearsals, weddings, or wedding receptions on the following days: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. If these days fall adjacent to weekends, we will not schedule a wedding for the holiday weekend.
Evening weddings should be scheduled to begin no later than 7:00 p.m.; and morning weddings no earlier than 11:00 a.m. The rehearsal is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on the day preceding the wedding ceremony except when more than one rehearsal is scheduled on a given date. When this is the case, rehearsals are scheduled at the time set by the Wedding Coordinator.
If more than one wedding is scheduled for the same day, the weddings must be scheduled at least five hours apart, allowing adequate time for each wedding.
CUMC defines a formal wedding as follows:
1) Requires a rehearsal
2) Has more than one (1) attendant
3) Use of a florist, photographer, or videographer
4) Expects more than twenty-five guests
5) Requires use of CUMC wedding staff
Fees for a formal wedding are listed on the following pages.
CUMC defines an informal wedding as follows:
1) Requires no rehearsal
2) Has only one attendant, each
3) No music used in service
4) Floral decorations, if any, are kept to a minimum of hand held flowers.
5) The bride and groom and possibly one attendant each, walk into the Sanctuary and stand before
the Pastor or Associate for the wedding ceremony.
6) Wedding guests are limited to family and a few close friends, not to exceed ten.
7) Pastor, or Associate Pastor is responsible for all arrangements regarding facilities.
There is no Wedding Coordinator involved.
A donation of at least $100.00 is recommended, as some custodial duties and utilities are required.
FACILITIES AVAILABLE - COSTS
For weddings and receptions the sanctuary and fellowship hall are available, subject to prior schedules and limitations. The church cannot accept responsibility for seating more people in each of the spaces than is indicated below:
Sanctuary 300 people
Fellowship Hall 100 people for reception
Ministry Activity Center 400 people for reception
The deposit and fees for weddings are as follows:
Wedding Fees for Members
(Have been a member for at least 2 months prior to wedding)
SANCTUARY
Refundable deposit for sanctuary - $ 300.00
Custodian for sanctuary - $ 75.00
Organist - $ 200.00
Sound Technician - $ 75.00
Counseling (Required) - $ 200.00
Wedding Coordinator - $ 200.00
Pastor Honorarium - $ 200.00
Total (including deposit)- $1,250.00
FELLOWSHIP HALL – 100 people capacity
Refundable deposit for fellowship hall - $ 100.00
Fellowship Hall use ($25. per hour) - $ 200.00
(Minimum 4 hour charge)
Custodian for fellowship hall - $ 75.00
Wedding Coordinator - $ 75.00
Sound Tech - $ 75.00
MINISTRY ACTIVITY CENTER
Refundable deposit for MAC - $ 400.00
MAC use (First four hour) - $ 600.00
(Additional time - $100 per hour charge)
Custodian (First four hour) - $ 100.00
(Additional time - $75 per hour charge)
Sound Technician (First four hour) - $ 200.00
(Additional time - $75 per hour charge)
Wedding Coordinator (First four hour) $ 200.00
(Additional time - $75 per hour charge)
Fees will be refunded (except deposit) for weddings canceled less than thirty days from date of wedding.
Wedding Fees for Non-Members
(or Members of less than two months at the time of wedding)
SANCTUARY
Refundable deposit for Sanctuary - $ 400.00
Sanctuary use - $ 300.00
Custodian for sanctuary - $ 75.00
Organist - $ 200.00
Sound Technician - $ 75.00
Counseling (Required) - $ 200.00
Wedding Coordinator - $ 200.00
Pastor Honorarium - $ 200.00
Total (including deposit) $1,650.00
FELLOWSHIP HALL
Refundable deposit for Fellowship Hall - $ 200.00
Fellowship Hall use (per hour) - $ 50.00
(Minimum 4 hour charge)
Custodian for fellowship hall - $ 75.00
Wedding Coordinator - $ 75.00
Sound Tech - $ 75.00
MINISTRY ACTIVITY CENTER
Refundable deposit for MAC - $ 400.00
MAC use (First four hour) - $ 600.00
(Additional time - $100 per hour charge)
Custodian (First four hour) - $ 100.00
(Additional time - $75 per hour charge)
Sound Technician (First four hour) - $ 200.00
(Additional time - $75 per hour charge)
Wedding Coordinator (First four hour) - $ 200.00
(Additional time - $75 per hour charge)
For weddings canceled less than thirty days from date of wedding all fees will be refunded except the deposit.
Payment of all fees for the use of the church facilities, (including a signed acceptance of church policy by the bride and groom) are required at the time a date is confirmed and/or no later than thirty days prior to the ceremony.
The bride and groom will be held financially responsible for any damages to the church buildings, grounds, or furniture/adornments to the full extent of replacement cost. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on premises before, during, or after social events. Smoking is prohibited inside the church buildings. Failure to comply with these church policies will result in the forfeiture of the deposit.
PRE-WEDDING CONFERENCE and COUNSELING
The bride and groom are required to schedule conferences with the Pastor or Associate who will be officiating at least thirty days before the wedding. These conferences are designed so that the Pastor or Associate becomes better acquainted with the bride and groom and also to prepare the bride and groom for a Christian Marriage Ceremony. It is required that the bride and groom complete counseling sessions with Krist Samaritan Counseling Center. This counseling is three sessions of counseling and can either be paid to the church in your wedding fees or by your insurance.
GUEST MINISTERS
Ordained clergy from another United Methodist Church or another denomination are welcome to assist in the ceremony, upon the invitation of the Pastor of Cypress United Methodist Church. This invitation will be in the form of a letter. The guest minister's name and mailing address must be provided to the Wedding Coordinator. Guest Minister is required to provide proof of counseling or the couple needs to attend counseling at Krist Samaritan Counseling Center . Guest minister’s fee should be arranged individually and paid directly to the minister.
WEDDING COORDINATOR
CUMC requires personnel from their staff to meet with the bride and groom to discuss the wedding guidelines of the church and the various accommodations available. The Wedding Coordinator has been appointed by CUMC to act in an official capacity in the name of the church and must be present for the rehearsal, wedding ceremony, and the reception that is held on the church premises. The Wedding Coordinator will be available to answer all questions that the bride and groom may have concerning guidelines, fees, and accommodations, prior to the scheduled date.
ADORNMENTS FOR THE SANCTUARY
The basic adornments of the Sanctuary are to remain in place. (If there are any questions concerning the adornments, the bride and groom must discuss this with the Wedding Coordinator). This subject is covered in full in the "Instructions for the Florist.”
MUSIC
The purpose of the music in a wedding ceremony, like the ceremony itself, is to glorify God. Cypress United Methodist Church insists upon music which is suitable for a Christian Wedding. Music, which might be proper during the reception, may be unsuitable in the sanctuary. Solos, which may have beautiful sentiments or may be currently popular are not necessarily acceptable in a Christian Wedding. In general, the "Sunday Morning Worship" rule prevails. If a piece of music is the type one might expect to hear in Sunday morning worship, then it is probably suitable for the wedding service.
The organist of Cypress United Methodist Church is in charge of the music for all weddings. In the event of a schedule conflict, he/she will arrange for a qualified substitute. If a substitute is required all organist's fees listed in these policies are due. If a guest organist is requested by the bride or groom and approved by the CUMC organist, only the organist consultation fee listed in these policies is due. The guest organist's fees should be arranged individually and paid directly to the guest organist.
The bride and groom need to schedule a conference with the CUMC organist to select music. This conference should be held as soon as possible after the date for the wedding has been confirmed. The organist of Cypress United Methodist Church is experienced in providing music for the wedding service. Your suggestions are welcomed. You may be assured that good choices will be made which will enhance the service and respect the guidelines of taste and theology. If a soloist and/or guest musician(s) is to participate, please discuss this with the organist. It is the responsibility of the bride and groom to supply solo music to both the soloist/musician and the organist, unless other arrangements are made. If the soloist plans to use accompaniment tapes, written music should still be provided to the organist. This will insure that the music will be available even if tapes are lost or broken or if there is a power outage.
The soloist/guest musician fee should be arranged individually and paid directly to the soloist/guest musician.
A sound technician is appointed by Cypress United Methodist Church to insure the best quality of sound available for your wedding. The sound technician is trained in the use of our sound system in our sanctuary and therefore no substitute sound technicians are allowed. The fee for the technician is included in these policies.
THE REHEARSAL
The rehearsal shall begin promptly at the time scheduled. The bride and groom should insist that all members of the wedding party be prompt for the rehearsal. Often there are several wedding rehearsals scheduled for the same evening, making punctuality imperative. Late arrival (30 minutes past time scheduled) for a rehearsal may result in the cancellation of the rehearsal and will result in the forfeiture of your deposit. The following information will guide you as you prepare for your rehearsal.
1) The Wedding Coordinator will be in charge of the rehearsal.
2) Each rehearsal, unless otherwise agreed upon, will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. the day before the wedding. Allow one full hour for the rehearsal.
3) Parents participating in the wedding should be present for the rehearsal.
4) The ushers should be present for the rehearsal.
5) The marriage license should be delivered to the Wedding Coordinator at the rehearsal.
When you arrive for the rehearsal, please be prepared to answer the following questions and furnish the following information:
1) Who will seat grandparents, special relatives and mothers?
2) How many family pews shall be reserved?
3) Who will be your head usher?
4) Have a list of your attendants ready for the Wedding Coordinator in the order you want them to process and recess.
THE CEREMONY
The wedding ceremony is the Ritual of the United Methodist Church. Any change or additions must have the approval of the Pastor.
If a bulletin/program is to be used, a draft must be submitted to the Wedding Coordinator for approval before it is printed.
THE RECEPTION
The church welcomes the use of its facilities for wedding receptions.
Receptions following a wedding must be completed and everyone out of the building within a four-hour period from the starting time of the wedding. (Example: Wedding at 3:00 p.m., reception must be completed by 7:00 p.m.)
Strict compliance with the following rules is required as a provision for holding the reception in the church.
1) Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on premises before, during or after social events.
2) Smoking is prohibited inside the church buildings.
3) Dispensing of matchbooks, with or without monogram, is prohibited at the church.
4) Use of rice, birdseed, confetti, or balloon releases are prohibited.
The church will not be responsible for equipment and personal items left at the church.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE FLORIST AND PHOTOGRAPHER
The bride will be furnished a copy of the following instructions at the time the wedding date is confirmed with the church office. It is the responsibility of the bride and groom to review these instructions with both their photographer and florist. The bride and groom must give copies of the instructions to the Florist and Photographer, even if the Photographer and/or Florist have done weddings at Cypress United Methodist Church before.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE FLORIST
The wedding is a worship service, therefore, all aspects of the wedding should reflect this. The basic adornments of the Sanctuary are to remain in place.
1) Changes may not occur without the consent of the Wedding Coordinator. Decorations pertaining to the church's observance of the liturgical year may not be moved or altered to accommodate weddings. The flower stands on either side of the Chancel Area provide a place to use two arrangements.
2) Floral arrangement, may not be placed on/over the Altar Table, Baptismal Font, Organ or Piano. If other placements are desired, the Wedding Coordinator should be contacted.
3) Miniature lights are not allowed in the Sanctuary. Bows and floral arrangements may be attached to the ends of the pews only by tying them on with ribbon or attaching them with a floral hanger designed for pews.
4) Clips, tape, thumb tacks, nails, wire, staples, pins, floral clay, spray adhesives, or screws are not to be used to attach decorations to furniture, walls, floor or any part of the church.
5) Scented candles or aerosol sprays may not be used. The florist should check with the Wedding Coordinator on placement of the candles. Candles are not permitted anywhere in the Narthex and the attendants may not hold or carry lighted candles.
A. Candles should not be placed on the altar, organ console, piano, communion rail, or in the Narthex.
B. Aisle candles may not be used.
C. Plastic must be placed under all candelabra to keep the wax from soiling the carpet or floor.
D. All candles must be the dripless variety. Altar candelabra are lighted first before any other candles.
6) For safety considerations, no more than five candelabra will be allowed in the chancel area during the wedding ceremony. The Wedding Coordinator must approve the size and type of candelabra to be used if they do not belong to the church.
7) Silk petals are permitted. Fresh flower petals or tissue paper petals may not be strewn in the aisle unless a runner is provided to protect the carpet.
The Pastor or Associate will be wearing vestments and will not need a boutonniere. The Organist will be wearing a robe and will not need a corsage.
The church will be open before the wedding time for the placement of flowers, candles, etc., at the discretion of the Wedding Coordinator. Decorations must be completed one hour before the ceremony. The florist needs to contact the Wedding Coordinator in advance to set time of delivery of flowers. The church reserves the right to refuse floral decorations, which are not in compliance with these policies.
If the bride wishes to leave flowers in the Sanctuary for worship services, the Wedding Coordinator should be notified prior to the wedding.
Sanctuary and facilities must be left ready (clean) for the wedding.
Two candelabra and a unity candelabra are available for use from the church. With protective (covered) wiring, greenery may be used in decorating the candelabra stands. Spring-loaded taper candles are available for the two candelabra. The bride and groom must furnish the taper candles and the unity candle for the unity candelabra.
The florist shall promptly remove all decorations immediately after the ceremony. The florist and wedding party shall leave the church in the same condition in which it was found. This, of course, does not include routine custodial cleanup, which the church will provide.
The florist assumes full responsibility for any damages to the church building and/or furnishings resulting from the florist's handling or placement of flowers, candles or other decorations.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEOGRAPHER
Since the wedding ceremony is a religious service, all photographers (amateur and professional) are asked to show reverence for the ceremony and the place. Friends and family members are also requested to show reverence by refraining from taking pictures during the ceremony.
The photographer may take pictures before or after the ceremony in any part of the building. He/She is permitted to take pictures in the Sanctuary; however, NO FLASH PICTURES shall be made during the ceremony. The photographer may take time exposures from an approved location. Attendants' pictures must be taken at the entrance of the Sanctuary.
The photographer is cautioned to make sure that no noise is involved in the making of time exposures, changing of film, etc. during the ceremony.
Pictures are permissible during the recessional. The photographer may stand in the doorway, leading from the Sanctuary for these pictures. The bridal party may re-assemble in the Sanctuary after the ceremony and re-pose any parts of the ceremony. Photos following the ceremony should not exceed thirty minutes as guests are waiting. The Pastor, Associate, or Guest Minister should have their photo with the couple taken first.
Videotaping of the wedding is permissible. The Wedding Coordinator will show the videographer the location(s) in the Sanctuary where a video camera may be placed. Video equipment must be set up 30 minutes before the ceremony. The video operator must wear appropriate clothing for worship.
The photographer is cautioned about marring furniture by standing on the pews or by placing camera equipment on the pews or furniture in the church. He/She will be held responsible for any damage so caused.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
Tuxedos, dresses, flowers, etc., delivered to the church prior to the wedding should be in the keeping of some member of the wedding party. Any items left in the bride's dressing room are the responsibility of the wedding party and should be removed immediately after the wedding.
The church does not accept responsibility for apparel items and accessories, the loss or theft of video equipment, cameras, gifts, or other items brought to the church by guests or the wedding party.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
- Pick up wedding policy at Cypress United Methodist Church and read thoroughly.
- Schedule wedding date and time with the church office.
- Sign Cypress United Methodist Church policy for the use of church facilities. Pay deposit fees. (Deposit fees can not be applied to wedding fees. The deposit check will be cashed when the date is confirmed.)
- Set an appointment time with the Pastor or Associate, for pre-wedding conferences
- Set an appointment time with the Organist to discuss the wedding music.
- Provide florist and photographer with instructions.
- Determine if candelabra and/or kneeler will be needed and notify the Wedding Coordinator.
- Pay all fees thirty (30) days before ceremony.
- Deposit refunds are processed ten (10) working days from date of wedding and will be mailed.
72 HOUR WAITING PERIOD
STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY MAY NOT BE PERFORMED DURING THE 72 HOUR PERIOD IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE ISSUANCE OF A MARRIAGE LICENSE, UNLESS SPECIAL PROVISIONS ARE MET. QUESTIONS? CALL THE HARRIS COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE AT 713-755-6405.
