Wedding Brochure
General Information
Marriage and family is the first institution established by our Holy God. Naturally, many believers want to ask God’s blessings on their union in a place of worship. Therefore, the First Baptist Church of Riverview is happy to open its doors to individuals who wish to have their wedding in our church’s facilities.
Since the church facilities belong to the membership at large, it is only proper that certain guidelines be followed with any group using the church grounds. The following information will guide you through the policies established by our church staff and its members.
Selecting Your Minister
The Pastor and staff of FBCR enjoy helping couples make the right decisions concerning their wedding. They stand ready to officiate in your wedding if at all possible. Should you choose not to have a minister from FBCR officiate your wedding, then the minister chosen by the couple must be approved by the Pastor. The Pastor reserves the right to deny any individual minister from the officiating in our church facilities.
Premarital Counseling
The decision to marry is not something to be entered into lightly. Individuals need to be equipped to handle this aspect of their life. Therefore, premarital counseling is a prerequisite to any wedding taking place on our church property. Please schedule your first of five counseling sessions as soon as you can. All five counseling sessions must be fulfilled at least two weeks prior to the wedding. The Pastor and staff reserve the right to deny any wedding at FBCR.
Setting the Time of Your Wedding
Careful planning is necessary for all weddings. You will want to plan as early as possible so that the use of the church space can be arranged without conflict. The date of the wedding is set in consultation with the Pastor and staff who will clear the date according to prior calendar commitments. Please do not set the date and make out invitations assuming the church or the pastor will be available. No wedding will be scheduled on Sundays. The Fellowship Hall will not be available for weddings starting after 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
It is extremely important that the exact time indicated for the rehearsal and wedding be observed. Care should be taken to have all members of the wedding party in their place at the time indicated.
Structuring Your Music
It is important to keep in mind that a church wedding is a service of the church. The music should be in keeping with the reverence that is observed upon entering the House of the Lord. The music to be used must be discussed with the Minister of Music and Pastor. If the organist or pianist is someone other than our church musicians, then they must be approved be the Minister of Music or Pastor.
When there is to be a soloist, it will be the responsibility of the soloist to contact the instrumentalist.
The vocalist should contact the musician to arrange a rehearsal time other than the wedding rehearsal.
The Conduct of the Wedding Party and Guests
It is expected that members of the wedding party will recognize the fact that this is a church and will conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the atmosphere of a place of worship.
It is expected that members of the wedding party will refrain from the use of alcoholic beverages or any controlled substance prior to both the rehearsal and wedding and while on church grounds. No rehearsal or wedding will be performed if any member of the wedding party is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the church property; i.e. buildings, restrooms, parking lot.
Florida law prohibits the release of helium balloons. Confetti or birdseed may be thrown outside the buildings only.
It is the obligations of the bride and groom to make certain these policies are made known and followed by all the members of the wedding party and guests.
No food or drinks will be permitted in the sanctuary. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed anywhere on the church property.
Sensible Photography
It is the responsibility of the bride to instruct the photographer that no flash pictures are permissible in the sanctuary once the ceremony begins (pictures of bride entering and leaving excepted). A time exposure of the ceremony itself may be taken from the rear of the sanctuary. Video taping (without video lights) of the wedding must be taken from a stationary position. Pictures may be taken of the bridal party prior to or following the completion of the ceremony.
Styling Your Decorations
(Please share with your florist)
Our sanctuary is a beautiful setting for weddings; therefore, a minimum of decorations is required to enhance your special day.
Whenever candles are used, they must be the dripless variety and must be in candelabras, which will catch and contain all drippings. The floor is to be thoroughly protected. FBCR has beautiful candelabras, which may be used. The bridal party will be held responsible for the cleaning of wax from all floor coverings and furniture in every case. Under no conditions shall decorations be attached to the pews, floor, or other furniture by taping, pinning, gluing, or nailing. An isle cloth may be pinned to the carpet. When facilities are used on Saturday, all decorations, flowers, palms, and other equipment shall be removed from the church building immediately following its use. We provide no facilities for storing any items.
Air conditioning or heating will be turned on at a reasonable time before an scheduled event. Florists should understand this policy and not bring flowers too early.
Staging Your Reception
FBCR welcomes the use of its facilities for the wedding reception. Receptions at the church can be held in the Fellowship Hall. Please note that 4:00 p.m. is the latest a wedding can be scheduled on a Saturday when the Fellowship Hall is to be used.
FBCR cannot be responsible for personal items, such as purses, wraps, silver, and glassware, brought into the church for use in a wedding or reception. The church will not be liable for such items if they are lost, stolen, or damaged; however, the church will work with the wedding party to avoid such from happening.
Items used that belong to the church are to be washed and returned to their proper place. Kitchen items are not to leave the Fellowship Hall. Note: A member of the Kitchen Committee must be present to assist.
Alcoholic beverages are never allowed on the church premises. Dancing is prohibited.
Securing the Wedding Director
It is the policy of FBCR that a Wedding Director, approved by the church, be employed by the wedding party to handle all weddings taking place in the church. She will be ready to implement church policies and assist the wedding party regarding details and policies. It is the responsibility of the Director to assist in conducting the rehearsal, the wedding, and handle all arrangements after the date has been set on the church calendar.
Please check with the church receptionist for a current list of our Wedding Directors. It is the responsibility of the wedding party to contact the church office and let them know who they have obtained as their director.
Standard Fees
Security Deposit $50.00
Active Church Member $290.00
Non Church Member $840.00
The fees include up to the following:
Minister, Counseling, Prepare/Enrich exam fee, Schedule rehearsal times, Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, Wedding Director, Organist/Pianist, Custodian, Sound Technician, Candelabras (Lighters, 21-Holder, 13-Holder, Unity Candle Holder).
Stating the Correct Address
The proper wording on your invitation for a wedding at FBCR should be:
First Baptist Church of Riverview
8626 Highway 301 South
Riverview, FL 33578