TABLE OF CONTENTS
Step by Step Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Wedding Application Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Bride’s Statement of Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4
Groom’s Statement of Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . … 5
Officiating Pastor Agreement Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Letter: Visiting Pastor Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7
Visiting Pastor Agreement Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8
Wedding Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Wedding Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Guidelines for Caterers and Florists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Caterer’s Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …………. 11
Florist’s Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ………………. 12
Guidelines for Photographers and Videographers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Photographer’s Permit (CHURCH Copy) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Videographer’s Order Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …………. 15
Wedding Ministry Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Wedding Set-up Request Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Reception Set-up Request Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Music Approval Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Sound and Technical Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Premarital Counseling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Bible Teachings on Sex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Bible Teaching on Divorce and Remarriage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Step By Step Checklist
Through the Anytown CHURCH
Wedding Guidelines
Please carefully follow this checklist. It will assure you a smooth and positive experience in preparing for your wedding.
1. Please read the entire manual.
2. Complete the Wedding Application, sign and return it to the CHURCH along with a check for the full amount of the fee depending on your wedding location.
3. Both the prospective bride and groom must complete and sign the Statements of Faith and return them with your application to the CHURCH.
4. One of your first decisions is to choose a minister to perform the ceremony. Any minister on the staff of Anytown CHURCH may perform your ceremony. You must have a signed letter from a minister stating that he will perform your ceremony turned in with your application. The minister will review the Statements of Faith.
5 After you have returned your Wedding Application, Statements of Faith, your letter from the minister and the fee, and after the Statements are reviewed, your application is entered into the calendar. After it is entered into the calendar it will go through a approval process.
Then and only then will your date be set on the wedding schedule.
6. You will be notified of your wedding’s status by letter. A few months before your wedding a
wedding coordinator will contact you by phone.
7. The following permits must be returned to CHURCH as indicated;
Technical Services 6 weeks prior to wedding ______
Photographer 4 weeks prior to wedding ______
Florist 4 weeks prior to wedding ______
Caterer 4 weeks prior to wedding ______
Music Approval 4 weeks prior to wedding ______
Wedding set-up 2 weeks prior to wedding ______
Reception set-up 2 weeks prior to wedding ______
Weddings are not scheduled on Sundays, during CHURCH-wide events,
on holiday Weekends or the month of December.
Total Wedding Scheduled Time
Wedding Ceremony & Reception 1:00 PM until 4:30 PM
Wedding Ceremony & Reception 6:00 PM until 9:30 PM
Wedding (No CHURCH Reception) 7:00 until 9:30 PM

2

Anytown CHURCH
Wedding Application
The officiating minister is:
(Please have the minister’s approval before submitting this application.)
Reception at CHURCH? Yes No Location: Parlor
Caterer? Yes No Faith F105-F106
Total Time for Wedding & Reception is 3 1/2 hours.
CHURCH must be notified in writing of any changes in Wedding and/or Reception plans.
Please select your ceremony location:
Sanctuary Parlor Faith 103-104
3000 guests 140 guests 450 Guest
$450.00 $200.00 $450.00
¨Based on the above information, a check payable to Anytown CHURCH in the amount designated above must accompany this form when returned to the CHURCH. Before your wedding date can be confirmed, it must be staff approved.
NOTE: The undersigned does hereby agree to assume responsibility for the condition of the CHURCH facilities and equipment and will fully compensate the CHURCH for any damages to the facilities or equipment used during all phases of the wedding event. I have read, understand and accept the CHURCH wedding guidelines.
***Note: Please understand that there can be two weddings scheduled for the same date and that yours may not be the only one for a particular date. Please be cooperative with the times and coordination.
Signed Date

Bride_______________________________________	Groom_____________________________________
Address____________________________________	Address____________________________________
City_________________ State_______ Zip________	City_________________ State_______ Zip________
Home Ph______________ Work Ph______________	Home Ph______________ Work Ph______________
CHURCH CHURCH Member? Yes No	CHURCH CHURCH Member? Yes No
CHURCH Sunday School Member? Yes No	CHURCH Sunday School Member? Yes No
Bride’s Parents_______________________________	Groom’s Parents_____________________________
Address____________________________________	Address____________________________________
City_________________ State_______ Zip________	City_________________ State_______ Zip________
Home Ph______________ Work Ph______________	Home Ph______________ Work Ph______________
CHURCH CHURCH Member? Yes No	CHURCH CHURCH Member? Yes No
CHURCH Sunday School Member? Yes No	CHURCH Sunday School Member? Yes No

FIRST CHOICE Weddings are not scheduled on Sundays, holidays, SECOND CHOICE / during CHURCH-wide events or the month of December.
Date of Rehearsal __________ 5:30 pm 7:00 pm	Date of Rehearsal _________ 5:30 pm 7:00 pm
Date of Wedding ___________ Time: ___________	Date of Wedding ___________ Time: __________
Day Wedding Evening Wedding	Day Wedding Evening Wedding
Wedding Ceremony & Reception 1:00 – 4:30 PM	Wedding ( no CHURCH reception) 7:00—9:30 PM
Wedding Ceremony & Reception 6:00 – 9:30 PM

Date Received Date Fee Received

Date Approved

Bride’s Statement Of Faith
Dear Friend:
The pastors at CHURCH are eager to help Christian men and women prepare for meaningful weddings that launch satisfying and lasting marriage relationships. From our combined experience with hundreds of weddings and countless counseling sessions with couples before and after marriage, we have learned some things we hope will be helpful to you.
One of the most significant lessons experience has taught us is that the Bible is giving good advice when it says that a Christian should not be “unequally yoked” with an unbeliever. For this reason, every CHURCH pastor agrees that both the man and woman seeking to be wed should certainly know Christ as Savior and Lord.
Therefore, before a date is set on the CHURCH calendar for your wedding, we would like to have a brief testimony of your belief in and commitment to Jesus Christ. The following space is provided for you to write your testimony, and an outline is given to guide you in providing the basic information. (It is not necessary for you to be a or to use theological terms to give a clear testimony of your relationship to Christ.)
I first became aware of my need to be saved at about age .
I do / do not believe in Jesus as my Savior. I made a public commitment of my life to Christ at in .
(Place) (Date)
I was / was not baptized into the fellowship of a CHURCH following my conversion experience. The CHURCH that baptized me was the CHURCH located in .
I do / do not want to have a Christ-centered marriage.
To me, Christ is .
Further comments:
(Signature)
* When you have filled in the information requested here, please return this form with your application and fee to the CHURCH.

4

Groom’s Statement Of Faith
Dear Friend:
The pastors at CHURCH are eager to help Christian men and women prepare for meaningful weddings that launch satisfying and lasting marriage relationships. From our combined experience with hundreds of weddings and countless counseling sessions with couples before and after marriage, we have learned some things we hope will be helpful to you.
One of the most significant lessons experience has taught us is that the Bible is giving good advice when it says that a Christian should not be “unequally yoked” with an unbeliever. For this reason, every CHURCH pastor agrees that both the man and woman seeking to be wed should certainly know Christ as Savior and Lord.
Therefore, before a date is set on the CHURCH calendar for your wedding, we would like to have a brief testimony of your belief in and commitment to Jesus Christ. The following space is provided for you to write your testimony, and an outline is given to guide you in providing the basic information. (It is not necessary for you to be a or to use theological terms to give a clear testimony of your relationship to Christ.)
I first became aware of my need to be saved at about age .
I do / do not believe in Jesus as my Savior. I made a public commitment of my life to Christ at in .
(Place) (Date)
I was / was not baptized into the fellowship of a CHURCH following my conversion experience. The CHURCH that baptized me was the CHURCH located in .
I do / do not want to have a Christ-centered marriage.
To me, Christ is .
Further comments:
(Signature)
* When you have filled in the information requested here, please return this form with your application and fee to the CHURCH.

5

Officiating Pastor Agreement Form
I have met with the following couple:
Intended Bride Intended Groom
I have agreed to perform their wedding ceremony pending their completion of the requirements listed in the CHURCH premarital policy. I have reviewed these requirements with them and they have committed to fulfill them in good faith.
Comments: (Officiating Pastor, please use this space to note any special exceptions you made to the standing premarital policy in the case of this couple. You may also want to note whether another pastor will be involved in the wedding ceremony).
Signature of CHURCH Pastor Date
Please return this form to Trudy Hatton along with your application and statements of faith and your deposit.

6

Visiting Pastor Agreement
Minister’s Name
CHURCH
CHURCH Address
City State Zip
Dear Pastor,
would like for you to participate in their wedding ceremony at Anytown CHURCH. Our wedding policies are based upon our desire to minister to each couple in a way that contributes to them having a joyful, lifelong marriage. One of the requirements of each couple married at CHURCH is that a CHURCH pastor be involved in officiating the ceremony. This CHURCH pastor is also responsible for making sure that the couple completes certain premarital counseling requirements. If a couple wishes, they may have a pastor from another CHURCH participate in the ceremony, so long as that pastor’s beliefs are consistent with the mission of our CHURCH.
We have enclosed a form for you to share your beliefs with us. We look forward to working with you to provide this couple a joyful, Christ-honoring ceremony.
Because of Christ,
Matt Smith
Pastor of Counseling

7

Visiting Pastor Agreement Form
Name: Date:
Address: Phone:
Requested to officiate for the wedding of:
Date of Wedding:
1. Position currently held:
2. Have you received Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Yes No
3. Are you ordained? Yes No
If yes, what CHURCH ordained you?
Understanding the commitment involved in holy matrimony, will you agree to emphasize to this couple the importance of committing their lives and marriage to the Lord Jesus
Christ? Yes No
If no, please explain:
Please return this form as soon as possible so that we may confirm this information and inform the bride and groom accordingly.
Send to:
Trudy Hatton / Wedding Ministry
Anytown CHURCH
9450 Poplar Ave.
Anytown, TN 38139

8

The Wedding Coordinator
A Anytown CHURCH wedding coordinator will be assigned to you after your wedding application has been submitted and your wedding date has been approved and scheduled on the CHURCH calendar. This individual is a dedicated, experienced, volunteer who will assist you in staging and directing the rehearsal and wedding. She can answer questions concerning CHURCH policies. If there are any questions regarding the ceremony, the coordinator and the staff pastor will direct you appropriately.
The Wedding Party
Each member of your wedding party is expected to conduct themselves with reverence and dignity while on the CHURCH property. These facilities are dedicated to the Lord. The Christian wedding ceremony is a celebration, a time to worship God for the gift of marriage, yet also a solemn time in which vows are made between the bride and groom and the Lord. There will be absolutely no alcohol or drug use permitted on the premises or in any of the buildings. Please, no smoking in any of the buildings.
If you plan to have your reception at a location where alcoholic beverages will be served, please advise the officiating minister and understand if he chooses not to attend.
The childcare facilities and childcare workers will NOT be available for rehearsals, weddings or
receptions held at Anytown CHURCH.
Please do not leave valuables, purses or jewelry in the Bride's dressing room and the Groom’s dressing rooms. Anytown CHURCH will not be responsible for any items taken from these rooms during the wedding or the reception.

Please contact the wedding coordinator for any questions or concerns you may have.

9

Guidelines For Florists & Caterers
A copy of the form will be retained by the florist / caterer for his or her reference. The signed, original copy must be returned to the CHURCH at least one month prior to the wedding. If you are using a florist that has a permanent permit on file with CHURCH, please just return the form with the florist’s name on it for our records. The Flower Committee requests that all flowers and greenery be removed from the CHURCH immediately following the ceremony.
Entrances: The florist / caterer must use one of the designated entrances. Ask bride for map included in her wedding folder..
Equipment: CHURCH property within the Worship Center may only be moved by the maintenance staff. No furniture may be moved from one part of the building to another. CHURCH musical instruments may not be moved. All setup arrange- ments for the reception must be indicated on the Set-up Maintenance Request Forms (page 32 ) and given to the Wedding Ministry two weeks prior to the wedding.
CHURCH maintenance personnel will be responsible for moving all CHURCH equip- ment back into place.
Flowers: Please label all corsages and boutonnieres and place them in the Bride’s Room. The bride’s and bridesmaid’s flowers should also be placed in the Bride’s Room. A flower girl may drop only silk or paper petals to prevent staining the carpet.
Decorations: All candles used in the ceremony and reception must be DRIPLESS. Pipe cleaners, coated floral wire or padded clamps must be used to adhere arrangements and bows to pews. Pew candelabras must have globes and
use inserts for mechanical candles. Pew candelabras must use a padding that does not leave a residue on the wood. During the times special decorations or promotions are used by the CHURCH, i.e. Christmas or Easter, these deco- rations cannot be moved for wedding decorations.
Birdseed: Birdseed or bubbles must be used outside only. The use of rice, confetti, flower petals, potpourri, pyrotechnics (fireworks, including sparklers), etc. is
prohibited.
Clean up: Please clean up after you finish decorating, including your preparation area, stage, aisle, etc. All equipment should be removed from the ceremony area immediately following the ceremony and picture taking. CHURCH will not store floral equipment.

10

CATERER’S PERMIT
Please type or print
(CHURCH Copy)
Name of Bride / Groom_____________________________________________________________________
Name of Business Owner of Business
Address City State Zip
Phone Wedding / Reception Date of Wedding
* No furniture can be moved at any time without the assistance of either a custodian or CHURCH staff member. CHURCH custodians may not be used to unload / load personal equipment or other items used in the set-up of the reception from vehicles used to transport items to the CHURCH. ONLY DRIP-LESSCANDLES MAY BE USED. No nails, pins, tacks, wire or adhesives may be used anywhere in the CHURCH. No wet or damp decorations are permitted; no painting is to be done on the premises after the decorations have been placed.
* The caterer and his employees are expected to observe the sanctity of the CHURCH. Rude and discourteous behavior on the part of any outside catering personnel will not be tolerated. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the premises and smoking is not allowed inside any of the buildings.
* The caterer must leave the kitchen clean. The undersigned caterer agrees and is held responsible for any and all damage to the CHURCH property incurred by the use of decorations, food service, and refreshments used in connection with the social occasion for which this permit is issued. Said caterer specifically agrees to pay all costs of repairs, cleaning and other work necessary to keep the kitchen and other CHURCH premises in the same condition as they were found. Caterers are to be self sufficient and should not need the use of kitchen appliances. (Special arrangements may be made by contacting Ossie Miles -754-9450)
* Parlor and Faith Bldg. Food Restrictions:
I, the undersigned, have read the above and will comply and be bound by said rules and regulations of this permit.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Caterer’s Signature Date
APPLICANT: Please return this original form to The Wedding Ministry, Anytown CHURCH,
9450 Poplar Ave., Anytown, TN 38139, one month prior to the wedding.
CATERER: You may keep a copy of this for your records.
See the map for designated entrances.

11

FLORIST’S PERMIT
Please type or print
(CHURCH’s Copy)
Name of Bride / Groom
Name of Business Owner of Business
Address City State Zip
Phone Wedding / Reception Date of Wedding
* No pews, pulpit or any other furniture can be moved at any time except by maintenance staff. No nails, pins, tacks, wire or adhesives can be used any place or on any furniture in the CHURCH. Pipe cleaners or coated floral wire must be used in the reception area. Clamps for pew candle holders must be padded and not leave any residue or markings on the pews. No wet or damp decorations are permitted; no painting with silver or gold gilt will be allowed once the decorations have been placed or at any time inside the building or on outside walks and drives. The florist shall furnish ample help to clean the Sanctuary and other areas used of all decorations and all trash and refuse created by such immediately following the wedding. Candles must be lighted with a fuse other than candles. ONLY PARADISE TYPE CANDLES IN METAL SLEEVES MAY BE USED. Florist must provide inserts as well as sleeves.
* The florist and his employees are expected to observe the sanctity of the CHURCH. Rude and discourteous behavior on the part of any florist personnel will not be tolerated. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the premises and smoking is not allowed inside any of the buildings. The CHURCH has no storage space for florist equipment and bears no responsibility for missing or stolen items before, during or after any event.
All flowers and greenery are to be removed from the CHURCH immediately following the ceremony by the florist.
I, the undersigned, have read the above and will comply and be bound by said rules and regulations of this permit.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Signature Date
APPLICANT: Please return this original form to the Wedding Ministry, Anytown CHURCH,
9450 Poplar Ave., Anytown, TN 38139, one month prior to the wedding.
FLORIST: You may keep a copy of this for your records.
See for map for designated entrances

12

Guidelines For Photographers
In an effort to maintain the worshipful reverence and beauty of your wedding, Anytown CHURCH has provided guidelines and a permit for the photographer. Please make sure your photographer is aware of our guidelines and returns the permit to the CHURCH one month prior to the wedding. If you are using a photographer that has a permanent permit on file with CHURCH, please just return the form with the photographer’s name on it for our records
A copy of the form should be retained by the photographer for reference and the signed, original copy is to be returned to the CHURCH to be kept with your wedding file.
Guidelines
We appreciate the importance of preserving the memory of a wedding ceremony and are grateful for the cooperation of excellent photographers. To insure good communication between the bride, CHURCH and photographer , CHURCH has implemented the following policies to enable the wedding party to have pictures made without disrupting the ceremony or the reception. All photographers must sign the attached form as acknowledgment of reading the following policies and agreeing to abide by them.
Ceremony: We request time exposure be used during the ceremony to keep the spirit of worship during the ceremony. Flash photography is not allowed during the ceremony. Flash photography may be used as the wedding party enters and exits from the ceremony,
provided these do not detract from the dignity of the service.
Reminder: These facilities are dedicated to the Lord and we ask you to treat them with reverence and respect. Everyone must abide by the following rules:
- Use of inappropriate language is prohibited.
- Proper dress is required for preparation and at the wedding and reception.
- The use of alcoholic beverages or items resembling such beverages is strictly prohibited on the premises or in any of the buildings.
- Smoking is NOT allowed in the CHURCH building at any time.
- No furniture is to be moved or used for ladders.

13

PHOTOGRAPHER’S PERMIT
Please type or print
(CHURCH Copy)
Name of Bride / Groom
Name of photographer
Address City State Zip
Phone Wedding / Reception Date of Wedding
Day Wedding Evening Wedding
* I understand the wedding coordinator will advise me regarding what Anytown CHURCH deems appropriate for the photography of the above stated event.
* I understand the ceremony I am photographing is to maintain a worshipful and reverent atmosphere.
* I understand that there will be no flash photography during the wedding ceremony. (Flash may only be used as the wedding party enters and leaves the ceremony if it does not detract from the dignity of the service.)
* I understand my placement in the sanctuary must be approved by the wedding coordinator.
* Proper dress is required for preparation and at the wedding and reception.
* No Smoking or alcoholic beverages are permitted.
No furniture is to be moved or used for ladders.
* There is a sound check one hour prior to the wedding.
Signature of Photographer Date
This permit must be returned to the Wedding Ministry, Anytown CHURCH,
9450 Poplar Ave., Anytown, TN 38139
one month prior to the wedding.

14

VIDEOGRAPHER ORDER FORM
All Videos must be done by Riverside Video
Contact: Harold Hopper, 901-754-3269
(Anytown CHURCH Copy)
Name of Bride / Groom
Address City State Zip
Phone Wedding / Reception Date of Wedding
Day Wedding Evening Wedding
VIDEO PACKAGES:
____ 1. One Camera (shot footage), One copy………………………………..$350.00
____ 2. One Camera (edited), One copy……………………………………….$450.00
____ 3. Two Cameras (edited), Three copies………………………………….$650.00
____ 4. Two Cameras and Reception (edited), Three copies………………..$950.00
____ 5. Reception Only, One copy……………………………………………...$300.00
Signature of Videographer Date
This form must be returned to the Wedding Ministry, Anytown CHURCH,
9450 Poplar Ave., Anytown, TN 38139
one month prior to the wedding

15

Wedding Ministry Inventory
2 White wooden columns (4 ft.)
1 White wire arch w/attached columns to each side
4 White sections of fencing which will connect wall to wire arch - free standing
16 Lattice screens, white
2 40” White columns
4 72” White columns (6’) (one arch )
2 96” White columns or 4 - 48” NOTE: Two - 8 ft. columns can be formed
2 Caps for 96” column by removing caps and screwing
2 Bases for 96” column together four - 48” columns.
2 Unity candles (holds 3 candles, with one pillar candle adapter)
2 Unity candle lighters
1 each -- right and left spiral candelabras to use with one 15 to make horseshoe
7 Candelabra arches (holds 15 candles each)
2 Candelabra trees (holds 9 candles each)
2 Candelabra stands (holds 7 candles each)
2 Candelabra stands (holds 21 candles each)
12 Freestanding aisle candles w/glass chimneys and metal sleeves -- use Paradise candles cut shorter than 8”
7 Candle lighters/snuffers -- (6 brass, 1 brass w/wooden handle) -- Instruct users to blow out flame after use.
2 Kneeling benches
3 Brass flower stands (flat top)
1 Brass fern stand
NOTE: Items listed above are the property of the CHURCH Wedding Ministry Team. Use of these items is permitted with the understanding that more than one wedding may be scheduled for the same date and items may have to be shared. Cooperation is appreciated by all.
Please include desired equipment on the Wedding Set-Up/
Maintenance Request form.
For more information about these items, please contact
Betty Coker -- 761-5504
or ask your assigned Wedding Coordinator.

16

Wedding Set-Up / Maintenance Request
Wedding of: Date:
Located in: Sanctuary Parlor Faith Bldg. Time:
* Number of Chairs requested:
Other Special Instructions:
* Parlor accommodates 140
Please list / indicate items requested from checklist on back.
Maintenance please remove folding chairs, blackboard, etc. from the
Bride’s Room.
Date Submitted: Submitted By:
Phone Number:
This form must be returned to the Wedding Ministry, Anytown CHURCH,
9450 Poplar Ave., Anytown, TN 38139

17

Reception Set-Up / Maintenance Request
Reception of: Date:
Located in: Parlor Faith Bldg. Time:
* Number of items requested: Chairs Round tables
6’ tables Piano
Other Special Instructions:
* Parlor accomodates140
Please draw a diagram below
Date Submitted: Submitted By:
Phone Number:
This form must be returned to the Wedding Ministry, Anytown CHURCH,
9450 Poplar Ave., Anytown, TN 38139

18

Music
Appropriate Wedding Music:
It is the policy of Anytown CHURCH that all music used in weddings have an appropriate Christian message. Please select your music keeping this policy as a guideline. Other songs of a secular nature will be considered and approved or disapproved on an individual basis. All music must be submitted to the Wedding Ministry at least one month prior to your wedding . A copy will be forwarded to the Music Ministry for review and approval.
Musicians:
Anytown CHURCH Music Ministry staff is willing to help in securing soloists, pianists, orchestral instrumentalists, etc. You select all soloists and instrumentalists. If you need assistance, we certainly will help you. Appropriate honorariums are negotiated directly between soloists / instrumentalists and the wedding party.

Reception Music:
If your wedding reception is held at Anytown CHURCH, your music must be presented in good taste and in a manner that honors God. In addition to sacred music, you may use love songs, show tunes, and current pop songs if the above guidelines are maintained. Appropriate honorariums are negotiated directly between reception musicians and the wedding party.

19

MUSIC APPROVAL FORM
Please type or print
Wedding Date
Bride’s Name Groom’s Name
Vocal Music (list below) Vocalist(s)
Instrumentalist(s) - ______________________________________________________________________
(If not CHURCH instrumentalists list music below.)
Some music, which casual usage has associated with weddings, is by nature inappropriate for worship, however may be used in the reception. Reception music should stand the test of appropriateness for use in a facility dedicated to the Lord.
If you are using music that is not traditional you must send a copy of the words with this application. The application will not be approved without them.
This form must be returned to the Wedding Ministry, Anytown CHURCH,
9450 Poplar Ave., Anytown, TN 38139
one month prior to the wedding.

Approved by CHURCH Music Ministry
Date

20

The Rehearsal Over the years, it has become the policy of Technical Services not to attend the wedding rehearsal, thus saving the cost of paying the operator for that time. Instead, the Sound Operator will report to the worship center early enough to be ready to begin Sound Check/Rehearsal of the wedding music 1 hour prior to the time wedding music is to begin. Unless it is specifically stated otherwise, it will be assumed that the Wedding Music is starting at the published Wedding Start Time in the CHURCH calendar. We have found that this approach works very well for all but the most unusual circumstances. If, after the Technical Services form is received, it is apparent that more rehearsal will be necessary, the Wedding Coordinator will be contacted to make the necessary arrangements.
From time to time, the wedding party desires to have a Sound Operator or other technical assistance at the Wedding Rehearsal. In these instances, the personnel will be provided on an as-available basis, at the nominal hourly rate, with a 2 hour minimum. This request should be submitted on the Tech Services form, 6 weeks prior to wedding day. Please let us know if you need the use of the piano or organ for the rehearsal.
Sound Specifics
If the wedding music includes songs to use recorded accompaniment, the wedding party should be aware that if the accompaniment track is “hissy” or “bad-sounding” in a home or car stereo, it will likely be worse on the CHURCH’s sound
systems. If the sound operator suspects that using a piece of supplied media may damage a piece of equipment, it is his discretion to not play it. Therefore, it is a good idea to either bring all accompaniment tracks to the CHURCH for approval in advance or to bring printed music for use by a live accompanist in event of recorded track failure. If the tracks are provided at least 2 weeks early, they will be transferred to CD for easier usage in the wedding
ceremony.
The wedding will be recorded only by specific request. It isn’t possible for the operator to adequately mix for a recording as well as live sound, so many times this recording is not very good quality. If the wedding party desires, however, a cassette recording will be provided at no charge. The tape will be delivered to the Wedding Coordinator.
Lighting
Normally, lighting will remain set before and during the wedding. In other words, no dimming operations will take place during the wedding service. The Sound Operator will set the lighting at the beginning and leave it. If dimming operations are desired, Technical Services will provide an additional lighting operator, at the standard fee, payable by the requestor.
Should the wedding photographer desire to use the stage lighting for post-ceremony pictures, it will be necessary to pay the Sound Operator (or lighting tech, in the event that one has been secured) until the photography is finished so that the lights can be properly turned out (minimum 1 additional hour). Administration of the lighting system will be completely performed by Technical Services personnel. It will be necessary for the photographer to declare whether the stage lighting will be used at the time the Tech Services form is submitted. Otherwise, at the end of the wedding, the stage lighting will be extinguished. The Wedding Party should ask their photographer if they will be using the stage lighting for pictures, and notate this desire on the Technical Services Form, 6 weeks in advance of wedding day.

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Wedding Guidelines
Sound and Technical Systems
Scope: This document provides guidelines describing the ability of Anytown CHURCH to supply sound and other technical services for the purpose of reinforcement and enhancement of wedding services. These may change from time to time, as equipment and/or personnel availability dictate. Specifically, these suggested guidelines reference other policies and wedding venues in place at this time and in use by the Wedding Ministry Team.
1. Technical Services/Media must approve all wedding events via the CHURCH calendar system. This approval, when appropriate, means that there are no scheduling problems for that date. Receiving this approval does not preclude the Technical Services form being provided by the wedding party. (below)
2. Attached is the required form for requesting specific Technical Services as related to weddings. This form must be presented to the Director of Technical Services and Facilities for approval no later than 6 weeks before the wedding date.
3. Provision of equipment and services for weddings is provided on a scheduled/ as available basis.
At this time, there are 3 venues available for Wedding Services; the Worship Center, the Faith Bldg. and the Parlor (other than by special request, Technical Services does not provide technical support for Parlor Weddings).
Worship Center Weddings
Weddings that occur in the Worship Center or Faith Bldg. may take advantage of any equipment installed in this facility, insofar as its use does not require altering its installation or aiming. This precludes re-aiming lighting fixtures. All accompaniment tracks must be on CD. We have no audio tape equipment available.
Technical Services will provide all operations personnel. The standard provision is for a Sound Operator only.
The Sound Operator shall be the final authority on volume levels of both monitor systems and the main house speakers.
A word about other Contractors It is fairly common for other contractors to come into the facility to provide services for the wedding party. Many times these contractors use equipment that can potentially interfere with standard CHURCH-owned gear. The Sound Operator will diagnose any such problem, and at his discretion alone, disallow the use of such equipment.

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What is their daytime phone number and email address?
Who is your contact person with the video company?
Have they already told you anything they are planning to need from Technical Services for the wedding?
Please describe your music service. Use as many pages as necessary.
(This section is EXTREMELY important. Use your own words and give as much detail as possible. For instance, “My girl cousin is singing a duet with a guy and he is playing acoustic guitar and they are singing with piano” would be okay. Make sure there is little chance of doubt as to what you are planning. Our desire is to make the rehearsal of this material a good experience for your musicians. If your singers are using accompaniment tracks, be sure to read the sections pertaining to that in the “Guidelines” article. [We have no audio tape equipment available for use.] It should be easily related to your Wedding Script, which is to be attached to this form.)
We will normally light the room for a good environment for the congregation as well as video and photography. Is this okay, or do you have something in mind? (Really dark, barely lighted, etc. “Really dark” usually doesn’t work well, but this question is to make sure we understand your desires).
Will the photographer be using the room staging lighting for pictures after the wedding is completed?
Are you planning to use Video Projection to display pictures or video? during your wedding? at the reception?
Do you need the use of the piano or organ for the rehearsal?

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Wedding Technical Support Request
Note: This form should be submitted with the same identification information that has been used to request a wedding. You may submit this form at the time of the wedding plan reservation, but if delayed, the Director of Technical Services and Facilities must receive it NO LATER THAN 6 weeks prior to the date of the wedding. After this time, no change can be guaranteed, and may be refused. If you have questions, please call the Media Department for assistance.
Before completing this form, please read Wedding Guidelines for Technical Services in the Wedding Handbook from Anytown CHURCH.
Date of Wedding: __/__/__
Bride’s Name: _____________________ Email address you check:
Groom’s Name: ____________________
Wedding Venue: (circle one) Worship Center Parlor Faith Bldg
Who is performing the ceremony? _________________________
Is there more than 1 minister officiating? Yes No
Describe any “special feature” you have planned for the wedding:
(Example: Uncle is praying, friend is reading scripture, Bride is singing a song, etc. Please include items such as “they need a wireless lapel mic”, “they will be on stage near the piano”, etc. Please use your own words and be as complete as possible, using extra pages or the back if necessary.)
What instruments are playing during your wedding?
(Organ, Piano, solo guitar, harp, string quartet, flute, etc. This includes prelude, wedding march, service music, accompaniment for songs, postlude, etc.)
Is your florist or decorator aware of the limitations on moving things from the stage per the “Wedding Guidelines” article?
Are you having your wedding professionally videotaped by Riverside Video?

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A new map will be substituted for this page before
final printing

Designated Entrances

The Bible’s Teaching On Sex
CHURCH is committed to encouraging people to apply the Bible’s wisdom to every area of life. The Bible teaches the sexual relations are appropriate only within marriage. Here is a brief overview of what Scripture says about sex.
God created sex. We are sexual creatures and our bodies were designed for sexual experiences.
"So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and
female He created them." Genesis 1:27
2. God intends for us to enjoy sex with our spouses.
"May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a
graceful deer - may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love." Proverbs 5:18-19
An entire book of the Bible, Song of Solomon, is dedicated to describing the deep sexual love between a man and a woman.
3. Sex prior to marriage falls short of God’s standards.
"But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn
with passion." I Corinthians 7:9
Each person should consider whether God is calling him to live a life of unmarried celibacy. The teaching of this verse is that if a person is unwilling to be celibate, he should fulfill his sexual desires within the boundaries of marriage.
4. Sex is part of the process of “becoming one”.
"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." Genesis 2:24
Sexual intercourse is the deepest level of physical affection that a husband and wife can share. God intends for this practice of physical affection to match the level of spiritual and emotional intimacy between spouses that are committed to one another for life.
5. Sex is an act of giving, not taking.
"The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's
body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so
that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control." I Corinthians 7:3-5
The focus of sexual relations should be meeting the spouse’s sexual needs and seeking the spouse’s pleasure before one’s own.

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CHURCH Premarital Policy
CHURCH is committed to helping couples build strong marriages. We see our role as far more than a wedding chapel. We want to provide biblical support in helping each couple prepare for a life-long covenant relationship.
CHURCH will assist you in building a Christ-centered marriage in the following ways.
Pastoral involvement: All weddings at CHURCH will be officiated by a CHURCH pastor. A wedding is an important event in the life of the faith community. We believe that pastoral leadership is essential for ensuring that your ceremony is consistent with our mission as a CHURCH: “to lead all people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.” If a pastor or minister from outside the CHURCH is to be involved in your ceremony, please discuss this subject with your officiating CHURCH pastor.
Preparation: Before a CHURCH pastor agrees to perform your ceremony, he will seek to determine whether you and your fiancé are adequately prepared for marriage and whether you are committed to having a Christ-centered marriage. The criteria for determining your readiness and commitment are as follows:
A. As a couple, you will need to complete a PREPARE inventory. The purpose of this inventory is to discover and discuss a variety of issues that relate to personality, problem solving, expectations, and communication. This inventory costs $35 per couple for scoring and is included in the wedding fees. If you live in town, you can complete the inventory through CHURCH’s counseling ministry (969-5929). If you live out of town, you can complete the inventory with a pastor or counselor who is trained to administer the inventory, examine the results, and give you feedback. Contact the counseling ministry office for more information, such as locating a trained counselor and getting your $35 credit.
B. You will need to participate in a marital education process agreed upon with your pastor. This may involve some preparation sessions with your pastor and/or participation in a class for engaged couples, a marriage seminar, a video series, or a workbook series.
C. Both your and your fiancé need to be prepared to share your faith story with your pastor. Your faith story is the story o how you came to know Christ personally and how He has been working in your life. Also be prepared to discuss how your faith will cont ribute to your marriage.
D. We believe that couples who are serious about building a Christ-centered marriage attend CHURCH together regularly. Your pastor will expect you to participate in worship services at the CHURCH where you plan to attend after you are married. If your CHURCH of intent is not CHURCH, we ask that a letter from the pastor of your CHURCH be sent to your officiating pastor at CHURCH. The letter should

include mention of your current attendance patterns and any involvement in the ministries of the CHURCH.
E. At CHURCH, we expect couples to refrain from inappropriate sexual involvement and cohabitation. If you have lived together or been sexually involved with one another in the past, you should seek separate living arrangements and commit to refrain from sexual activity from now until your wedding. The purpose of these requirements is neither to control you nor to dictate the nature of your relationship. The purpose for such requirements is to honor God and what the Bible says about the sanctity of marriage. We believe that couples who uphold biblical standards for pre-marital behavior increase their chances for long-term marital happiness. Together, you should read in this booklet “The Bible’s Teaching on Sex” and, if applicable, “The Bible’s Teaching on “Divorce and Remarriage” before meeting with your officiating pastor. If you decide not to abide by these requirements, your officiating pastor will be free to withdraw from his role in the wedding, thereby canceling your use of CHURCH facilities and all related activities.
You should complete the premarital requirements listed in A thru D above at least 3 months prior to the wedding date. Prior to your completion of the pre-marital requirements, your reservation of CHURCH facilities is considered “held” but not finalized. Even after finalization, however, the reservation can be nullified by violation of the requirements listed in E above. The officiating pastor holds the right to make exceptions or additions to these policies as he sees fit. The officiating pastor holds the right to refuse to officiate the wedding of a couple who is not fulfilling these requirements in good faith.
If you have questions about our Premarital Policy, please contact Dr. Josh Creason at 969-5929. May the Lord bless you as you build your home on a lasting, biblical foundation.

6. Sex facilitates the intimacy between husband and wife.
“Adam knew Eve his wife.” Genesis 4:1
The Bible sometimes uses the word “know” to describe sexual intercourse. Sexual intimacy carries with it an element of vulnerability that can enhance the relationship between marriage partners. However, to become this vulnerable with someone other than your spouse opens you up to anxiety and emotional pain. Sex is so deep and powerful that God does not want us either “knowing” another person or being known by them in this way unless we are committed to them for life.
7. Limiting sex to marriage ensures a stable home for children.
“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 11:18-19
We pass on a godly heritage to our children when we live within God’s parameters. Obviously, children benefit from living with two parents who have a lifelong commitment to love one another, and they suffer when they are deprived of this arrangement.
8. Waiting for sex is an exercise in self-control.
"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God." I Thessalonians 4:3-5
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore
honor God with your body." I Corinthians 6:19-20
The ability to delay gratification is a mark of maturity. Business trips, pregnancy, illness, and other factors limit the availability of sex with one’s spouse. When premarital partners are willing to put their natural desires on hold until they are married, they show the maturity necessary to restrain their sexual urges within the marriage.
For the sexually active…
“What do we do if we’re already sexually active?” In light of the Bible’s teaching on sex, you do well to seek God’s best for you and your partner starting today. Most of the advantages of waiting still apply to your relationship. Practicing sexual purity now will honor your future marriage.

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“We’re not having sexual intercourse, but…” How far is too far prior to marriage? Many couples are committed to waiting for sexual intercourse until after the marriage, but they have an “anything but intercourse” mentality prior to the wedding. This approach, while typically avoiding the pitfall of an unwanted pregnancy, does not meet the standard of God’s best. We cheat ourselves out of the blessings of sexual purity when we compromise in this way. Scripture gives us guidelines for how to treat members of the opposite gender outside of marriage.
“Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.” I Timothy 5:1-2

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The Bible’s Teaching on Divorce and Remarriage
Scripture clearly teaches that marriage is supposed to be permanent. Matthew 19:1-8 and I Corinthians 7:10-16 are excellent passages for guidance on divorce and remarriage. Matthew 19 mentions immorality (extramarital sexual relations) as a legitimate reason for divorce. Scripture permits the innocent party to dissolve the marriage but does not require it. The only other legitimate reason for divorce, mentioned in I Corinthians 7, is when an unbelieving spouse deserts the marriage because he cannot tolerate the other spouse’s faith. In such cases, the abandoned believing spouse is “not bound”, meaning she is free to remarry. However, the freedom to remarry should be accompanied by a consideration of whether it is best to do so. In I Corinthians 7:1-2, 8-9, Paul expresses a desire that single believers would remain single unless they have difficulty controlling their sexual desires.
These general biblical principles evoke a number of questions: What about a believer who is abandoned by another believer? What about the spouse who is being physically abused or mentally tortured? What about a wife whose husband persists in his use of pornography? What if a wife has had an extensive emotional affair with another man but they have never had intercourse? In Matthew 5:28, Jesus says that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart, so can a man’s wife divorce him for lusting after another woman?
These are all legitimate questions and, while we should not compromise Scriptural principles in answering them, neither should we seek to apply specific verses in the Bible legalistically and apart from broad Scriptural teaching. In Malachi 2:13-16, God says He stopped accepting the offerings of His people because they were not taking divorce seriously. He indicts the men of that culture for committing treachery against their wives by breaking the marital covenant. The institution of marriage was designed by God to be a haven of protection, not a prison of harm. The passage indicates that God hates divorce because it damages the spirits of those left in its wake.
Jesus affirms the law of the Old Testament but beckons us to turn it inward. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) contains several passages that encourage us to look past the letter of the law and to its intent. Jesus summed up the Law like this: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). According to Jesus, the law of godly love rules in all human relationships. Godly love is unconditional and seeks the best interests of the beloved. If everyone did this all the time, no one would ever divorce, because both people would constantly think and act according to God’s loving interests in the other person. Due to human sinfulness, however, people do not keep the law of love consistently. Some people never consider it. We often become focused on our own interests to the exclusion of others’ interests.
What many Christians fail to realize is that the law of love sometimes dictates that we must confront evil and stop its spread. For example, a mother of three young children who is being abused by her husband needs to find a way to provide safety for herself and the children. The only loving response is to confront her husband about his abusive behavior. To allow him to continue in his abuse not only harms her and the kids but also harms her husband. It is not loving to allow someone to continue unchecked in their sin. The rule of confrontation described by Jesus in Matthew 18:15-17 applies to a situation like this one. The ultimate goal of such progressive confrontation is as much for the redemption of the sinner as it is for the relief of the victims.
Sometimes the law of love demands that we forego our own rights in favor of God’s interests in another person. For example, a wife whose husband has committed adultery has a biblically valid reason for dissolving the marriage. If he is willing to stop the adulterous relationship, though, and recommit himself to the marriage, it is certainly in his best interests to be allowed to do so, and the wife who allows him to do so is exercising godly love.
As a final note, we do well to examine Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:8. He states that the reason for divorce is hardness of heart. If we are to have successful marriages, we must guard our hearts against the hardness that sets in so easily when needs are not being met. We owe it to ourselves and our spouses to communicate our needs clearly and to do anything within the bounds of health and reason to contribute to our spouse’s joy. If hurt lingers from a former marriage or dating relationship, we need to do the difficult work that is necessary for healing. This may involve counseling, a support group such as Divorce Care, and possibly a process of confession and forgiveness with the former partner. Without this healing, we will continue to carry the burden of a hardened heart, and this will hamper us in our relationships with God and others.
You may have questions about how God views a former divorce and whether you or your intended spouse is biblically free to remarry. We encourage you to process these questions with the pastor whom you desire to officiate your wedding.

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Florists and Photographers with Permanent Permits

NAME	ADDRESS	PHONE #	DATE SUBMITTED
FLORISTS
Ann’s Flower Land	150 Charleston St. / P.O. Box 674 / Moscow, TN 38057	(901) 877-3457	6/19/98
English Gardens	1789 Kirby Parkway, Ste 6 / Memphis, TN 38138	759-2345	6/23/98
Maki’s On The Square	128 Mulberry E. / Collierville, TN 38017	853-2301	6/24/98
Personally Yours Weddings-Terri Hannah	9500 Rocky Hills Dr. / Cordova, TN 38018	757-5225
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Denise Zanone Studios	31 Autumn Grove Cove / Cordova, TN 38018	757-9304	7/20/98
Alex Ginsburg, Photographic Arts	595 Featherwind Cove / Cordova, TN 38018	754-9680	6/23/98
Pam Fowler	912 Rolling Oaks Ln / Collierville, TN 38017	853-0262	7/13/98
VIDEOGRAPHER
Harold Hopper / Riverside Video		754-3269

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