Getting married is one of those events in your life that you want be special. If you want to get married in a Christian church, but don't attend regularly, it isn't as easy as calling and setting the date with pastoral staff. However, it's not impossible and this guide explains what you can expect beforehand when having weddings in a Christian church when having a destination wedding.
Pre-Marital Counseling
Many Christian churches require pre-marital counseling as part of their marriage process. Pre-martial counseling can be an extremely helpful experience that enriches your relationship and further prepares you for marriage. So much time is spent on planning the wedding, but pre-marital counseling helps you remember to continue nurturing your relationship.
Most counseling tracks cover a few basic categories, including temperament compatibility, financial planning and conflict resolution. In some states, such as Texas, completing certified pre-marital counseling could earn you a discount on your marriage license fee. Check with the Clerk of Court in the county you're getting married in to learn more about this discount and inquire at the church about counseling options.
Keep in mind that this may require you to go to the area well before the wedding to ensure that all counseling sessions are completed before your wedding day.
Meeting With the Pastor and Writing Your Own Vows
Since you're planning a destination wedding, but still want to marry in a Christian church, schedule a phone conversation with the pastor well in advance to ensure that you and them are on the same page concerning vows. Because they don't know you, they may want to meet with you and your fiancé a few times in advance to understand you a little better. This helps them when preparing what they will say.
Many couples make the choice to write their own vows. This can add a special and unique touch to your wedding ceremony. When you meet with your pastor, let him or her know your desire to write your vows. There are some key factors to consider when deciding your own vows.
Some people are more emotional than others. If you anticipate being unable to keep your composure at your ceremony, trying to speak from the heart and read your vows can be overwhelming. It's often easier to simply repeat after the pastor, but if you're set on using your own words, consider writing them on a card. If you're a bride, make sure to have a plan on where these cards will be stored. The pastor may be willing to pass them to you when needed during the ceremony.
Church Decorating and Payment
Each church has different policies on decorating and payment timelines. Church calendars are often very busy with multiple functions per week. When booking your ceremony, be sure to ask the church receptionist or facilities manager about when you will be able to decorate the church. You will most likely need to work around the church schedule, so get the information as early as you can. Also, inquire about when payment to the officiant and payment for venue booking is due.
The facilities manager and/or church receptionist is also the one to provide you with the needed information on hotels and other accommodations that you and your guests will need.
Now that you know a little of what you can expect when getting married in a Christian church for a destination wedding, make your plans accordingly. Consult with the pastoral staff or even the church's wedding coordinator to learn more about what's expected of you and what you can expect when preparing to exchange vows in a Christian church.
