A Christian Wedding: Set in the context of a Christian worship service, your wedding is a time to proclaim your love and lifelong commitment to each other before God and his people. Working together, we seek to make the wedding ceremony meaningful and memorable.  

Setting the date: It is very important that each wedding couple check with the pastor at the earliest possible time regarding the wedding date. Remember that you are planning not only a ceremony but also a lifetime commitment to each other. Promptness allows for ample time to examine the marriage relationship before the invitations go out.  

Pre-marital counseling:  Completion of pre-marital counseling is required before the pastor of Evanger Lutheran will marry you.  It also must be completed 6 weeks prior to your wedding date.  If you spend at least 12 hours in counseling, you are eligible for $50 off your wedding license at the county with a letter of confirmation from your counselor.  A few options for counseling are available:  the pastor at Evanger may go through counseling with you in 4-5 sessions, and will utilize “Prepare/Enrich” questionnaire that has a processing fee of $35.00. A second option is to spend a Saturday with Lutheran Social Services at a marriage seminar hosted by a church in our area.  Cost is $180.  You may call LSS to make arrangements at (507) 625-7660 ext 221.  A schedule of dates and places is available online at www.lssmn.org/counseling/marriage_workshop.htm  

Planning the ceremony:  The couple will need to meet with the pastor at least one month before the wedding date to plan the ceremony.  A folder will be loaned to you from the pastor with several selections of vows, scripture, hymns, processionals/recessionals, and prayers for you to choose from. 

The Marriage License: A valid marriage license is required by the pastor to officiate at a marriage service. The license is obtained by the wedding couple, through application at the office of the Clerk of the District Court located in the county government building. A license is valid for six months from the day it is obtained. Bring it to the pastor at the wedding rehearsal.

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Decorations: Plan ahead to decorate the church in a tasteful and attractive manner. Please notify the custodian when you plan to set up your decorations. You are responsible for removing all decorations after the service. 

Personal items: Evanger cannot be responsible for any personal items left at the church after your service. Please take all gifts, cards, clothing, etc. with you. 

Pictures: You select your photographer. Flash pictures during the service are not in good taste and are strongly discouraged. Videotaping is allowed, but should be done discreetly. 

Rice: The throwing of rice, birdseed, confetti or anything similar after the wedding is not allowed at Evanger. Blowing bubbles are fine.  The security deposit will be retained by Evanger if any such substance is used. 

Bulletins: It is recommended that you print your own wedding bulletins.  The pastor work with you to ensure all the necessary information is included and in proper order.  

Custodian: The church custodian will make sure the church is clean before your wedding. In general, the sanctuary, narthex, fellowship hall, and restrooms are available for your use.  Women may use the large west Sunday School room for dressing; men the Sunday School room upstairs across from the restrooms on the east side. 

Alcohol: No alcoholic beverages may be served or consumed in the church building or on church grounds at any time. Anyone found under the influence of alcohol on the wedding day will not be allowed to participate in the service, including the bride and groom. If any evidence of alcohol use is found, the security deposit will be retained. 

Questions: Your pastor is here to help you. Ask! 

God bless you as you plan your wedding

and marriage in Christ our Lord!

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The Wedding Rehearsal: The rehearsal is usually held on the evening of the day preceding the wedding. Other arrangements can be made if necessary. The rehearsal usually lasts no longer than 45 minutes. Promptness on the part of persons in the wedding party is important.  Bring the worship bulletins and the license to the rehearsal.   

Communion: The worship service can include the sacrament of Holy Communion.  If communion is a part of the service, it shall be offered to all worshippers.  In such cases, the bride and groom can assist the pastor in the distribution of the sacrament. It becomes the first meal you share as husband and wife:  a holy feast from God himself. 

Music Selection:  When selecting music, keep in mind that the wedding service in a church is a worship service celebrating love and family – a gift given to us by God. A list of appropriate hymns will be provided to you by the pastor as you further plan your service. Any Christian Book store will have CDs and music available to find something more contemporary.  If you wish to have another piece as a part of your service, please provide a taped copy for the pastor to review at least one month before the service. Some music may be more appropriate for the reception than for the wedding service. 

Musicians: Music sets the tone of a wedding.  Hymns also allow family and friends to actively participate and celebrate your special day – they will sing for no additional charge and don’t even need time to practice!  Names of local organists and accompanists are available from the pastor.  Make arrangements with the musicians directly.  Be sure soloists make time in advance to practice with accompanists – before the rehearsal is best.  Our sound system can also play a CD or tape, if needed.  

Seating: Evanger has a comfortable seating capacity of about 200, the balcony about 42. The Fellowship Hall has a seating capacity of 130, 160 if you use the Sunday School rooms for seating. 

Reception:  The Fellowship Hall is available for use for receptions.  Service groups from the church are available to serve for a fee.  Silver service, punch bowl and table cloths are also available for use.

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Ushers: The time announced for the wedding is the time the service should begin, out of respect for the guests. The selection of “take charge” mature ushers is important. They have the task of moving people, lighting candles, and greeting your guests. 

Flower Girls and Ring Bearers: Some couples choose to include children in their wedding service. Out of fairness to the children, it is best if those under six years old were allowed to sit with parents during the ceremony. 

The Bridal Party: One man and one woman are required by law to be witnesses to your wedding. They sign the marriage license immediately after the ceremony. These are usually the Best Man and Maid/Matron of Honor. The total number of bridesmaids and groomsmen is the choice of the wedding couple. 

Others in the service: You may choose to have friends, godparents, etc. read scripture or poetry, offering a blessing or prayer, etc. in your wedding. List them in your bulletin and invite them all to the rehearsal. 

Guest Clergy: Other Christian clergy are welcome to assist with a wedding service upon invitation of the Evanger pastor.  Discuss this with your pastor early in the process in order that the planning may be done properly.  You will need to provide an honorarium for him/her, also. 

Flowers: Flower stands are available. Should you choose to leave the flowers for the Sunday worship services following your wedding, please notify the church office to include a word about them in the worship bulletin. 

Candles: You may use any of the candelabras owned by Evanger, with the oil-filled candles that go with them. A small fee is charged to use them.  Two wedding candelabras are available for your use – each with seven candles.  We ask that you purchase no-drip candles if you choose to use these to save you time in cleaning up dripped wax.  A unity candle stand is also available. 

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WEDDING FEE SCHEDULE 

Use of Facilities   $    0    $200

Security Deposit**   $100    $100

Use of Brass Candelabra

(oil-filled candles)   $  20    $  20

Use of Wedding Candelabras $    0   $    0

   and other similar items 

Professional Services:

Pastor     

   With counseling  $150    $250

   Without counseling  $  75   $150

Organist    $100    $100

Soloist    $  50   $  50

Custodian    $  60    $  75

Service group for simple

   reception   $  75   $100

Service group for larger

   reception   $100   $125 

 

*Membership status is determined at the time you set your wedding date and have it officially entered on the church calendar. 

**Security Deposit is due at the time you set your wedding date and have it officially entered on the church calendar. Security deposit will be returned within a week of the ceremony unless:

1) evidence of alcoholic beverages is found on the church premises,

2) rice or birdseed or a similar substance is found in the building or on

      the steps or sidewalk outside the church,

3)  wax from candles is left behind, or

4) other significant damage occurs. 

***ALL FEES PAYABLE ON DATE OF REHEARSAL**

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Evanger Lutheran Church

Wedding Guide 
 

“I am my beloved’s,

and my beloved is mine!”

Song of Solomon 2:16 
 
 
 

33504 660th Avenue

Sargeant, Minnesota

507-584-2281