General Wedding Information:The wedding party made the arrangements to bring in an arch from an outside source.

    Marriage is a Holy Estate ordained by God and the wedding day is a joyful and happy time.   As Christians, we prayerfully hope that your marriage will be a life-long commitment, and we want your wedding day to be a memorable one for you.  The staff at Bethlehem Lutheran Church will help you before the wedding and on the wedding day, and will do their best to make this an especially meaningful event in your life.  To help the day go smoothly, the church has adopted the following policies.

    Prior to the Wedding:

  • Bethlehem Lutheran Church is a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and weddings, before our altar, are in accordance with their practices.

  • Your wedding date will be finalized on the church calendar when it is approved by the Pastor.

  • It is necessary to meet with the Pastor between two and six times before your wedding for premarital counseling.

  • When the wedding date has been approved, a reservation deposit of $200 will be required.  It is non-refundable to non-members of this church.

    Music:

  • Only the organist of the congregation, or one approved by the pastor and the church organist, shall be at the organ for the wedding ceremony.

  • A soloist will be provided if requested.  You may provide your own soloists but they must be at the wedding rehearsal.

  • All music used at the wedding must be approved by the pastor.

    Flowers & Candles:Aisle candles may be left plain or decorated with flowers and/or ribbons.

  • We ask that you consult with the wedding coordinator for a convenient time for the flowers to be delivered to the church.  Flowers and other deliveries are not to be made less than two hours before the wedding.

  • The Unity Candle is provided by the church.  If you desire to use the pew aisle candles, eight 10-inch candles must be provided by the bride and groom.   

    Photographs:

  • No flash photography will be permitted during the ceremony.  The pastor will announce this policy prior to the ceremony.

  • We request that formal pictures be taken before or after the ceremony.

  • Video taping using existing light is permitted during the wedding.  The camera position is to be approved by the pastor.

  • The photographer must meet with the pastor prior to the wedding to clarify policies and placement of camera(s) and photography personnel.

    Reception:

  • Wedding receptions may be held in Bachman Hall, the Fireside Room or on the patio.  Beer, wine or champagne may be served.

  • Our reception coordinator is available to assist in planning a reception.

    General Guidelines and Additional Details:Flowers are on both sides of the altar. Candelabras and Unity Candles are behind the altar.

  • Our pastor must preside at the service.  Other clergy may also preside with prior approval from our pastor.

  • Please do not throw rice, birdseed or confetti on church property.

  • No smoking is allowed in the buildings; only in designated outdoor areas.

  • While we do not foresee any problems, be aware that the church is not responsible for gifts, musical instruments, clothing, or other property belonging to the wedding party or guests.

  • We can provide wedding bulletins at a nominal cost on request.

  • Please provide the pastor with the marriage license at the rehearsal.

  • Wedding expenses need not be paid until the night of the rehearsal.  Separate envelopes with the proper honorariums for the church, pastor, organist, soloists, custodian, wedding coordinator (and the reception hall, reception coordinator and helpers, if the reception is at the church) should be given to the wedding coordinator for distribution on the night of the rehearsal.

Here is an photo of our new color scheme at our altar area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Call the church office for information about our fees and availability.

(562) 430-3444

or send us an e-mail

bethlehem.lutheran@verizon.net 

 

Additional Note:

There are quite a few decorating options at Bethlehem.

Check out our photos of weddings at Bethlehem for ideas.

   Click here ...  

Updated:  07/01/09