Wedding Policy
Church of the Open Arms
We are honored to share in the joyous occasion of the celebration of
your loving partnership. We hope to be of service at this important
time as you plan your wedding or commitment ceremony. Our church staff
and Servant/Leadership Council have developed the following policies.
For more information, please call the church office at (405) 525-9555.
Requirements
A couple must be in a committed relationship for a at least one year prior to the planning of the service. It is strongly recommended that couples be in a committed, dating relationship for a minimum of three years before making a decision to marry.Pre-marital counseling is urged prior to planning the service or setting the date. Most couples should plan on a minimum of four counseling sessions. More information about pre-marital counseling, or a list of recommended therapists, can be obtained from the church office.
The date for the wedding must be arranged at least three months in advance.
Since we do not have a janitor, couples must make arrangements to ensure the church is cleaned after the service. The minister in charge of the service will need the names of those in charge of clean-up after the service, and will review a check-list for clean up with them at the rehearsal or prior to the service.
A deposit of $100.00 is required in order to reserve the church for the service. This deposit will be returned after the service when clean-up is complete.
Our pews are antiques; therefore, they cannot be moved. The communion table may be moved back for the service, but any items moved must be returned to their original position after the service.
No smoking is allowed in the building. Often in the past we have experienced problems with wedding parties and guests littering the area outside the doors with cigarette butts. This area must be included in clean-up following the service.
Costs
The fee for the service is $450 if a reception in the community hall is included. All fees must be paid prior to the rehearsal. This fee includes costs for payment of the minister, the use of the sanctuary, community hall, rooms for dressing, and the use of our sound equipment. However, a church staff person must run the sound equipment. Additional fees are required for use of multi-media screens and video presentations.The minister’s fee for a service at another location is $200.00 For smaller weddings with no reception in our building, the fee for a wedding in the sanctuary is $300. This includes use of the sound system and the sanctuary.
For the smallest, private weddings with gatherings of under 10 people; and with no reception, no use of the sound system, and no decorations the fee is $200.
These fees do not apply to church members who have been actively participating in the ministry of the church for at least one year.