Weddings

Wedding policy—Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, MA 01906 

Email:  rleroe@verizon.net     (Phone>  781-233-2663     www.cliftondalecc.org

 

You are requesting the privilege of having your wedding at the historic Cliftondale Congregational Church.  We have been serving the Saugus community with worship, ordinances, religious education, fellowship/growth groups, pastoral counseling, and Christian service opportunities.  Our ministry goal is to “proclaim Him, counseling and instructing all people with all the wisdom God has given us, for we want to present everyone to God mature in their relationship to Christ”  (Colossians 1:28).  We’re a church where Jesus is Lord and people are loved.

 

&Our Church Schedule:

Sunday—9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages

               10:45 am Christian Worship

               (Summer: Sunday 10:00 am Worship, & Wednesday 7:30 pm)

 

Other functions:  Pastoral counseling, adult & children's vocal choir, nursery, women’s groups, food pantry, Vacation Bible School, church library, seminars, children's church, fellowship activities, Bible studies, teen group, acolyte/usher program, seasonal services, mission projects; childcare for all services. 

 

Wedding Information    

You must be excited now that your wedding plans are underway!  This booklet is designed to tell you everything you need to know about having your wedding at Cliftondale Congregational Church.  A careful reading of our wedding policy will help in the planning and celebration of your wedding. 

 

A Sacred Service—Church weddings are religious ceremonies that conform to the tenets of denominational requirements.  The pastor’s availability depends on the demands of his professional schedule and personal/family needs. Wedding ceremonies will contain elements determined by the Pastor's ecclesiastical requirements, liturgical usage and preference.  Couples are free to discuss personal preferences such as musical selections, order of service, Scripture, poetry readings and other creative touches with the Pastor.  *Note:  non-religious or civil ceremonies will not be held in the church.

 

Going to a minister for a wedding is not like going to a medical clinic or law firm where any available doctor or lawyer will do.  You should want to have a personal, covenantal relationship with your Pastor as your spiritual guide and friend, and regard the church congregation as your extended family.  Ministers are not religious service providers performing impersonal procedures. 

 

W Other clergy may officiate at church weddings at the discretion of the Pastor and Board of Deacons.  Gratuities to outside clergy are the sole responsibility of the wedding party.  The officiating minister is expected to conduct the rehearsal.  The church staff does not provide a list of clergy who perform weddings.  It is the responsibility of each couple to secure clergy services for their own wedding.  Since the sexton will need to open, remain and secure the facility (in addition to custodial care), his fee in such cases will be $250.00

 

Persons authorized to have Church weddings-- The church is available subject to scheduling.   Priority for church weddings:

1. 1.Individuals who are currently active in the religious program of Cliftondale Congregational.
   

2. 2.Former members who have moved out of state who wish to return to their home church for  sentimental reasons.
   

3. 3.All others.
   

    

Exceptions to policy regarding priority will be considered at the discretion of the Pastor and Deacon Board. 

*We do not conduct same-sex weddings nor do we authorize the use of our church for such ceremonies.

 

A word about church weddings:  Many couples desire church weddings out of a strong sense of tradition.  A church wedding sends a message to your family and friends that religious faith and active participation in church are important to you.  A Christian wedding is also a rededication of one's life to Christ.  To use a church for a wedding with no intention of attending church is inconsistent and hypocritical.  If you have never taken the first step of faith, our Pastor will be glad to show you how you can become a part of God's family.

I Premarital Preparation--Couples are required to make arrangements for premarital counseling with the pastor; those residing out of state and unable to come for counseling must provide the church staff a letter or certificate of premarital counseling from their Pastor.  You will receive a workbook entitled Preventive Maintenance, which will cover:  communication, money, time, love, expectations, conflict resolution, family dynamics, sexual intimacy, financial issues, and spiritual growth.  Premarital instruction is crucial.  Driver's Education is needed before one can obtain a driver's license, and premarital training ought to be required prior to getting a marriage license!  You are expected to write out the answers to questions in the workbook and come to each premarital counseling session prepared to discuss the topics.  Let the Pastor know if there are other issues you would like to discuss.

 

Reserving the Church—Cliftondale Congregational may be reserved for a wedding as early as 6 months prior to, but no less than 2 months before the ceremony.  Reservations must be made in person.  Telephonic reservations will not be accepted.  The pastor will consider exceptions to policy on a case-by-case basis.  Weddings will not be scheduled on religious holidays (e.g. Holy Week), or during times of programmed/scheduled parish activities. 

 

'Candles, etc.--The Church does not furnish any candles except the 2 upon the altar, which are used in our worship services.  Extra candles for Unity/Trinity candles and candelabra will be provided by the wedding party.  If using candelabra, drip pads will be used (provided by the wedding party).  A kneeler is available.  Church furnishings must be treated with extreme care.  In no cases may Church furniture be moved.  Aisle runners, arches, etc. are not provided but may be rented from local wedding suppliers.

 

zPew Bows & Flowers--may only be used if they can be attached by ribbon or string--no tape, glue, staples or nails will be allowed.  The wedding party is responsible for the removal of flowers, bows, and trash after the service.  Clothing, cameras and other valuable items are sometimes left in the excitement of the moment.  Have someone designated to check the sanctuary for such items.

 

LRice--the throwing of rice, flowers, helium balloons or confetti is prohibited inside the church and at the entrances & approaches to the church.  Birdseed is permitted, although we’d prefer that you carry out this custom at your reception location. 

†Receptions--The fellowship hall has seating capacity of 100 and is subject to availability based on scheduled Church activities.  Arrange with the sexton for set-up, for an extra fee.  Receptions must be over by 9:00 pm and the wedding party is responsible for clean-up.  Please let your minister know ahead of time if you wish to invite him/her to your rehearsal dinner and/or wedding reception.

 

♫Music--all arrangements for wedding music are made under the supervision of the Pastor or clergy in charge of the service.   We prefer that you check first as to the availability of our church organist.  We require that organists be members in good standing with the American Guild of Church Organists in order to use our pipe organ.  Otherwise, your musician may bring in a portable keyboard or play our piano.  Taped music is also allowable.  Any soloists must provide the organist a copy of the music to be sung, written in the key in which it is to be played, and are expected to attend the rehearsal to practice their selection(s) and coordinate proper tempos.  *Music selected should be appropriate for a service of worship in order to reflect the religious significance of marriage.  The same should be true for your reception; make sure you coordinate with whoever is providing the entertainment.

 

♥Photography--Your wedding is a sacred rite, and discretion must be used in picture-taking.  Some photographers disrupt the worship atmosphere pursuing what they believe to be a good picture.  Flash photography is permitted during the processional and recessional, but at no other times during the ceremony.  Please advise your official photographer and your guests of this restriction.  Available-light photography is recommended during the ceremony.  Photographers must be unobtrusive and properly attired.  They may not come up to the altar area during the ceremony; in general they are to keep a low profile.  Stationary video cameras are permitted in inconspicuous locations in the rear of the church.  No distracting lighting is allowed for video or movie cameras. Couples should plan to stage flash photos and close-ups for 15-30 minutes after the ceremony, where all aspects of the ceremony can be re-created, along with group pictures.  This rule is for your benefit—some photographers can disrupt the ceremony, calling attention to themselves, with disregard for the audience, and they will not be allowed back. 

Military Weddings/Saber Ceremony--

Sabers are used in the weddings of military officers or senior non-commissioned officers (E-7 and above).  The wedding party will have to arrange to secure the required 8 sabers with sheaths which are be used for the arch, and one to later cut the cake.  The best man or one of the groomsmen usually coordinates and rehearses the saber bearers.  Saber details often serve as ushers for the wedding.

 

Procedure:  After the recessional the congregation exits following the wedding party and waits in front of the church for the couple to emerge following after-ceremony pictures.  The saber detail will then march to the front entrance with sabers at "carry" position in two files; the normal marching commands will be accompanied by a "Center-Face!";  the detail then waits for the couple to emerge.  When informed that the couple is ready to exit the church, the detail leader gives the command "Arch-Sabers!", at which time the saber-bearers raise the sabers with the points slightly crossed and almost touching at the peak, cutting edge down.  As the couple appears in the doorway of the chapel, the detail leader gives the command "Ready-Cut!", at which time the sabers are turned by the wrist so that the cutting edges of the blades are turned upward.  The couple then walks through the Arch of Sabers to the doors of a waiting vehicle which will take them to the reception.  After the couple passes through the Arch of Sabers, the command "Carry-Sabers!" is executed.  Afterwards the saber detail will either be dismissed or march to a pre-designated spot.  In case of inclement weather, the ceremony can take place in the Narthex.

Dress for the saber detail:  a) mess blues/whites with bow tie and white gloves; b) greens (class A's) with four-in-hand tie.  Since the detail is under arms, headgear is worn.  Flower boutonnieres are not worn on military uniforms.

۞Timing--We encourage punctuality for the wedding party & guests; should people you are certain are coming fail to arrive on time, the minister may be persuaded to delay the ceremony up to 15 minutes.  However, on a day when other weddings are scheduled, the ceremonies must begin on time.  The wedding party is expected to arrive at the church at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony.  In the case of an emergency (e.g. car breakdown) call the church office (781-233-2663) so we can make adjustments.

 

ΘLimited parking is available in front of the church. Additional parking is available next door at the Marleah Graves School lot.

 

۩Child Care is not provided for weddings or rehearsals.  Please arrange to have individuals attending the ceremony supervise children of members of the wedding party.

 

$Expenses—For those who are presently actively attending church there is no fee for the Pastor’s services, nor for the use of the church.  For all others the fees are: $200.00 made out to Rev Dr Robert G Leroe, plus $500.00 made out to Cliftondale Congregational Church.  In addition there is for all weddings an $80.00 fee to cover the Sexton/custodial services, made out to Mr. Philip Chan, ($250.00 if you are using other/outside clergy); there is an additional fee of $50.00 for the sexton if you choose to use the downstairs hall for your reception or rehearsal dinner.  The organist's fee is $100.00 (+ $50. if the organist attends the rehearsal).  These fees are to be paid at the rehearsal.  You are responsible for fees charged by outside clergy, photographers, florists, other musicians, soloists, bakery, or any other persons employed by you in the conduct of your wedding.  The church Board of Deacons maintain a benevolence fund to assist couples in situations where financial hardship is involved. 

 

√Cancellations/Changes--The church office must be notified immediately if your wedding is to be canceled or if there is a need to change the date or time of the ceremony or rehearsal.  You are expected to verify your wedding approximately 2 weeks prior to the service; otherwise the staff will assume that the ceremony has been canceled. 

 

{Rehearsals--The entire wedding party should be present; if any key individuals are absent, the bride & groom are responsible to brief those individuals prior to the ceremony. 

 

Documentation:  Bring your marriage license to the rehearsal so that it can be filled out and signed prior to the ceremony.  You will receive a marriage certificate from the Pastor, which is not a legal document.  Your wedding will be recorded in our church marriage book, which is maintained by our Church Clerk.  We do not keep on file copies of licenses or certificates.  Be sure to place a copy of your license with your important papers.

 

Guests--The seating capacity of Cliftondale Congregational Church is 250.  The easiest way to approach the Chapel is via Route 1, taking the Cliftondale/Essex Street exit.  A map is available on our website, www.cliftondalecc.org

 

Finally--The church staff sincerely hopes that your wedding will be a joyous celebration of God's love.  If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us right away.  We wish you God's richest blessing on your marriage!

&"This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.  Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another...God is love.  Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him...we love, because He first loved us"

 

v     Rev. Dr. Robert G. Leroe, Pastor                                                                                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1Wedding Reservation Application….Cliftondale Congregational Church

 

Name of Requester______________________________________________________________

 

Bride’s full name________________________________________________________________

 

Address______________________________________________________________

 

Phone____________________________

Email___________________________________

 

Home Church/Address___________________________________________________________

 

Bride’s Parents’ Names___________________________________________________________

 

Parents’ Address________________________________________________________________

 

Groom’s full name______________________________________________________________

 

Address_______________________________________________________________________

 

Phone_________________________________Email___________________________________

 

Home Church/Address___________________________________________________________

 

Groom’s Parents’ Names_________________________________________________________

 

Parents’ Address________________________________________________________________

 

Name of Clergy performing ceremony_______________________________________________

 

Ceremony location if other than Cliftondale___________________________________________

 

Rehearsal date & time____________________________________________________________

 

Set-up/decorating date & time_____________________________________________________

 

Wedding date & time____________________________________________________________

 

Estimated attendance___________

Name of organist___________________________________

 

Name of soloist(s)_______________________________________________________________

 

Reader & passage (Scripture/poem)_________________________________________________

 

Best Man_______________________

Maid/Matron of Honor____________________________

 

Ring Bearer________________________

Flower Girl__________________________________

 

Name, phone and mailing address or email of photographer______________________________

 

_______________________________________________________________________

 

_______________________________________________________________________(*Note:  A letter explaining our church policy will be sent to your photographer)

 

Special arrangements/equipment/needs______________________________________________

 

_______________________________________________________________________

 

Name & phone of florist__________________________________________________________

 

Place of Reception______________________________________________________________

 

 

Signature of Requester (This confirms that I have read and will comply with the wedding policy):

 

 

 

X______________________________________________________________________

 

Church Approving Authority:                 concur                   non-concur

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

Signature_______________________________________________________________

 

Copy Furnished to Mrs Vickie Butt, Church Administrative Assistant