Weddings

A wedding is one of the most joyous occasions of life, and we are delighted to be a part of it. We want to provide a ceremony which will be God-centered, meaningful and memorable. The wedding ceremony is a worship service and should be one of reverence, sacred joy, and beauty. Marriage is a covenant between a man and woman who are called, before God, to live out their lives of discipleship together.

Throughout its history, the Christian community has understood that marriage is ordained by God, and has encouraged its members to seal their marriage vows in a service of worship. It is our intent to maintain an atmosphere in keeping with this Biblical understanding. We hope you have carefully considered the place of Christ in your married life, and will approach this ceremony with us seriously and with reverence. Marriage is a holy estate and should not be entered unadvisedly or lightly.

The following is provided as a resource and outlines our wedding policies.

Membership

The bride, groom or either of their respective parents must be members in good standing of Berean Baptist Church in order to use the church facilities; members in good standing are those members who faithfully attend the corporate worship services of the church.

Wedding Coordination

All wedding planning must be coordinated and approved by the church office. Call the church office at 360-474-5885.

The Pastor

Only members of BBC’s pastoral staff may perform weddings on the church campus.

Pre-Marital Counseling

Couples must receive pre-marital counseling before they can be married by a BBC pastor. Those intending to be married must contact the officiating pastor to arrange for counseling no less than eight weeks before their wedding date.

Reservations

A tentative date and time of the wedding ceremony and rehearsal need to be placed on the church calendar. A confirmed date cannot be set until it is confirmed with the pastor performing the ceremony and a Facility Use Form is returned to the church secretary.

Fees

All fees must be paid at least two weeks prior to your wedding. Checks should be made payable to Berean Baptist Church. The fees will then be distributed to the individuals performing the services, as listed on the Wedding Fees sheet, the night of the rehearsal. Anyone that you secure to sing, play an instrument (other than the church accompanists), or perform any paid duties, needs to be paid directly by you. Be sure this is done on the night of the rehearsal. Please do not ask for fees to be waived.

Music

The music to be used in the ceremony should be that which honors God, and for that reason most secular music is not appropriate. The Pastor may approve special wedding songs and some love songs. It is your responsibility to contact the Pastor to have the music selections approved. We prefer that you do not use CDs or outside music. In the event you choose to do so, all music selections must be approved.

Alcoholic Beverages

No alcoholic beverages can be served on the church premises at any time. No wedding or rehearsal will be conducted when any member of the wedding party or guest present is under the influence of alcohol. NO wedding will be conducted if alcoholic beverages are served at either the rehearsal dinner or wedding reception, even if held away from the church. If a toast is to be made, use only the punch that is served at the wedding. Please refrain from using anything that resembles alcohol (i.e. the use of nonalcoholic beverage that resembles champagne or wine.)

Marriage License

The marriage license must be turned in to the office at least one week prior to the wedding. The application must be purchased from Snohomish County before the wedding can be conducted.