Spring Lake Presbyterian Church is maintained to serve the community. To those who desire a religious setting and meaning to their marriage, whether members or nonmembers, and who will use the building reverently and with good taste, the church is happy to make its facilities available under the direction of the Pastor, the Session, and the Church Staff.
ROLE OF THE PASTOR
Presbyterian polity requires that the Pastor of this church conduct all weddings held in the church. If another pastor is desired, it must first be approved by the Pastor of this church. Then the invitation to another Pastor for participation must come from the Pastor of this church. If the pulpit of this church is vacant, it is customary to secure the service of another Presbyterian pastor. Such pastor must be approved by, and officiate, at the invitation of the Session.
The date of the wedding will be confirmed first with the Pastor, then with the church office. A $100.00 deposit for the church will assure your date is reserved (fee waived for members).
The Pastor of this church has the final authority in all aspects of the wedding. Please consult with the Pastor before making any assumptions regarding vows, music, decorations, aisle runners, videos, photos, etc.
Two premarital counseling sessions will be held by the Pastor with the bride and groom prior to the wedding. These conferences will dwell on the spiritual and relational aspects of marriage, as well as the mechanics of the ceremony.
The Pastor will take an interest in all arrangements and act in an advisory capacity as much as time permits.
The Pastor will be available for a rehearsal prior to the wedding.
USE OF THE CHURCH
Rice or confetti is not allowed in or around the church building. It poses a problem with cleaning, especially when the church must be used for some other purpose a few hours later. Birdseed or small bottles with bubble wands may be used outside.
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the church premises. Smoking is not permitted in the building.
HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES
The church will provide housekeeping services. Normal housekeeping services include:
- Providing heat/air conditioning and lighting, when necessary.
- Opening the church for the rehearsal and the wedding.
- Assuring that the church, Fireside Room, Dressing Room, and Fellowship Hall are cleaned after the rehearsal and again after the wedding.
- Assisting the florist, when necessary.
- Other special duties that may be of help.
DECORATIONS
It is the responsibility of the bride and groom to make arrangements with a florist to take care of decorating the church.
- Aisle candleholders and candles are available from the church, for a small fee, if desired.
- If additional candelabras are used (often provided by the florist), special dripless candles provided by the church for a small fee must be used.
- Flowers or other decorations may be placed on the Communion Table upon approval of the Pastor. Brass vases behind the Communion Table may be filled with flowers.
- Decorations are not to be affixed to windows, walls, stonework, or furnishings. No thumbtacks are to be used on walls or furnishings.
- Flowers and greens must have protection under them to keep water and dampness from staining the carpet and furnishings.
- All decorations are to be removed from the church immediately after the ceremony, since the sanctuary may be used again shortly after the wedding.
- A commercial cleaner who is insured to cover the cost of damage shall perform removal of wax or water stains from carpets and furnishings. Any costs associated with this cleaning shall be the responsibility of the bride and groom.
If flowers are to be left in the church, please notify the church office in advance so that arrangements may be made for their care.
Permission to use an aisle runner must be obtained from the Pastor. The pastor will be able to make helpful suggestions as to the mechanics involved. If an aisle runner is to be used, arrangements should be made with the florist.
SUGGESTIONS FOR REHEARSALS
Whenever possible, the rehearsal will be held the day before the wedding. This is to be determined by the circumstances surrounding the bridal party and the Pastor’s schedule.
For the sake of an efficient rehearsal, all wedding plans should be completed prior to the rehearsal and approved by the Pastor.
In consideration of time and responsibilities of the Pastor and organist, it is important that a rehearsal begins promptly. The rehearsal should take no more than one hour.
It is important that all persons immediately connected with the wedding (including ushers) be present for the rehearsal.
SUGGESTIONS FOR WEDDINGS
The bride and her party will find the Fireside Lounge a convenient place to dress, if desired. A wash room and a large mirror are available in the Lounge.
Air conditioning of the church will be cared for by the Housekeeper.
Lighting in the sanctuary permits a wide variety of alternate lighting choices.
Ushers:
- Should be on hand one hour before the wedding.
- Will light aisle candles 15 minutes prior to the service.
- Will seat the groom’s mother first, at the exact time for the ceremony to begin, in the designated pew near the center aisle on the right. They will then immediately seat the bride’s mother in the corresponding pew on the left.
- Should seat guests from the center aisle only, if possible. Seating in about one-half of each pew is suggested for small groups.
- Are to return to the front of the church immediately after the recessional to usher out parents of the bride and groom. They should then promptly return and, beginning with the front row of pews, indicate to the guests that they may depart.
- Will see that gifts are taken to the reception and move flowers there, if the bride so desires.
PHOTOGRAPHER / VIDEOGRAPHER
Please introduce the photographer/videographer to the Pastor as soon as possible to discuss specific questions of placement and policy. The Pastor has the final say as to the location/use of cameras before, during, and after the service
ORGANIST & MUSIC
The bride and groom are responsible for securing an organist/other music for the wedding. A list of organists and their phone numbers are listed on the back of this brochure. Please obtain approval of the Pastor before making any arrangements.
The bride and groom should communicate with the chosen organist well ahead of the wedding date to make arrangements for music and practice.
If a soloist is used, rehearsals should be arranged at some time agreeable to the organist and soloist.
CHURCH WEDDING RECEPTIONS
If the Fellowship Hall or Fireside Lounge should be desired for the wedding reception, please be advised:
- The church does not allow alcohol or smoking.
- The Fireside Lounge is limited to 50 people. The local fire code does not allow more than 150 people in Fellowship Hall.
- The family pays for all food and beverages. Outside caterers must be registered with the Ottawa County Health Department. The church is not responsible for any liability for preparing and/or serving food.
- The bride and groom furnish all paper products used (plates, cups, punch cups, napkins, etc.)
- The bride and groom will be responsible for setting up the tables and chairs, decorating the premises, and clean-up afterwards.
SCHEDULE OF FEES
Required fees:
| Church Rental | The church fee is waived for members $100.00 for non-members $500.00 if outside Pastor officiates* |
| Pastor's Fee | $100 for members $250 for non-members |
| Housekeeper | $100 |
To be classified as a member, the bride and/or groom and/or parent, if under 21, must be on the roll of active members.
Additional extra fees:
| Aisle Candles (18 available) | $25.00 for members $50.00 for non-members |
| Unity Candle | At Cost The church has a unity holder for the communion table. You may also provide your own candle setting. |
Please bring your wedding license and remittances to the rehearsal.
Please make out separate checks for all parties involved as follows:
- Pastor - The Reverend Daniel K. Anderson
- Housekeeper
- Organist
*Outside Pastor must be approved by Senior Pastor of SLPC.
TO MAKE YOUR MARRIAGE A SUCCESS
- Discuss the details with one another.
- Consider the role of religious faith in your marriage. No home can be at its best when religious life fails to have expression or where is may be suppressed for one cause or another.
- Learn to talk freely about the relations of married life. Be sure to secure a reliable book on marriage to read and discuss together.
- If you are not a church member, plan to unite with a church of your choice and take an active part in its affairs.
ORGANISTS & INSTRUMENTALISTS
| Name | Phone Number |
| John G. (Greg) Bryson | 616-842-4700 |
| Ardythe Bulthouse | 616-842-7271 |
| Nancy Plantenga | 616-842-1508 |