Getting Married at Bethesda
We are delighted you and your future spouse have found each other, and
decided to marry, for there is no feeling in the world comparable to
that which comes from loving a person and having that love returned.
Our goal at Bethesda is to help you practically and spiritually nurture
that love and set a solid foundation for your wedding and your life
beyond the ceremony.
We are also happy you're considering Bethesda Christian Church as the place where you will exchange, experience the sacrament of marriage, your marriage vows and become “one” in the sight of God, your family and all of society. We look forward to meeting you and assisting in the planning of your special day.
Here at Bethesda we have developed a team of coordinators to assist you in the planning and flow of your wedding ceremony. Our Weddings Booklet (PDF) covers all the basic information regarding weddings at Bethesda. Please download it and read it thoroughly, then complete the forms at the end of this booklet. Once you have completed the forms and returned them to the Church Office, we will arrange a meeting with you to discuss Bethesda’s requirements for marriage and answer any questions you might have.
PRE-MARITAL REQUIREMENTS AT BETHESDA
1. Complete the Growing Together class application (PDF) and the marriage forms in the Weddings Booklet (PDF) and return them to the church office.
2. Upon receiving your completed marriage forms you will be contacted by a Marriage Preparation Coordinator to go over what remains to be completed, set or confirm your tentative ceremony date, and set an interview time with the Family Ministries Director, Rev. Tim Helland. During the interview with Tim, the three of you will have the opportunity to discuss your marriage and particulars for your wedding day. Scheduling the marriage ceremony must be done well in advance of the interested date.
3. Attend the Growing Together pre-marital class (12 weeks), 3 counseling sessions with a Mentor Couple, and Catechism.
4. After the above requirements are completed and we have received the $250 chapel fee, your tentative date will be officially scheduled.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How much does it cost to be married at Bethesda?
There is a fee of $35 for the Prepare survey used in the Growing Together class, $45 fee for Catechism and $250 to reserve your tentative wedding date.
2. Are there any other fees associated with my wedding ceremony?
Fees for soloists and musicians should be discussed directly with them. Honoraria for the officiating clergy will be discussed with your wedding coordinator.
3. What does a Bethesda wedding coordinator do?
Bethesda provides a Rehearsal and Ceremony Coordinator. This person will meet with you one month prior to the wedding and will assist in organizing your rehearsal/ceremony. The coordinator will then oversee the rehearsal and ceremony according to plan.
4. Can I have a minister from another church marry me?
Another minister (approved by the Pastor) may participate in your wedding ceremony, but a Bethesda clergyman must administer the vows.
5. May we write our own vows?
Only the traditional wedding vows are performed by Bethesda ministers.
We are also happy you're considering Bethesda Christian Church as the place where you will exchange, experience the sacrament of marriage, your marriage vows and become “one” in the sight of God, your family and all of society. We look forward to meeting you and assisting in the planning of your special day.
Here at Bethesda we have developed a team of coordinators to assist you in the planning and flow of your wedding ceremony. Our Weddings Booklet (PDF) covers all the basic information regarding weddings at Bethesda. Please download it and read it thoroughly, then complete the forms at the end of this booklet. Once you have completed the forms and returned them to the Church Office, we will arrange a meeting with you to discuss Bethesda’s requirements for marriage and answer any questions you might have.
PRE-MARITAL REQUIREMENTS AT BETHESDA
1. Complete the Growing Together class application (PDF) and the marriage forms in the Weddings Booklet (PDF) and return them to the church office.
2. Upon receiving your completed marriage forms you will be contacted by a Marriage Preparation Coordinator to go over what remains to be completed, set or confirm your tentative ceremony date, and set an interview time with the Family Ministries Director, Rev. Tim Helland. During the interview with Tim, the three of you will have the opportunity to discuss your marriage and particulars for your wedding day. Scheduling the marriage ceremony must be done well in advance of the interested date.
3. Attend the Growing Together pre-marital class (12 weeks), 3 counseling sessions with a Mentor Couple, and Catechism.
4. After the above requirements are completed and we have received the $250 chapel fee, your tentative date will be officially scheduled.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How much does it cost to be married at Bethesda?
There is a fee of $35 for the Prepare survey used in the Growing Together class, $45 fee for Catechism and $250 to reserve your tentative wedding date.
2. Are there any other fees associated with my wedding ceremony?
Fees for soloists and musicians should be discussed directly with them. Honoraria for the officiating clergy will be discussed with your wedding coordinator.
3. What does a Bethesda wedding coordinator do?
Bethesda provides a Rehearsal and Ceremony Coordinator. This person will meet with you one month prior to the wedding and will assist in organizing your rehearsal/ceremony. The coordinator will then oversee the rehearsal and ceremony according to plan.
4. Can I have a minister from another church marry me?
Another minister (approved by the Pastor) may participate in your wedding ceremony, but a Bethesda clergyman must administer the vows.
5. May we write our own vows?
Only the traditional wedding vows are performed by Bethesda ministers.