Weddings at Susanville UMC
We rejoice in the opportunity to share the blessings of holy matrimony with you. Whether your sacred occasion will include 15 or 150 people, we provide Christian marriage ceremonies in the Methodist tradition for couples desiring such a ceremony. Church membership in any denomination is not required in order to be married at Susanville UMC, but it is important that participants have a sincere desire to embrace the sacred covenant of Christian marriage.
Our sanctuary has traditional stained glass windows, a grand piano, a pipe organ, wood pews, and most importantly, a warm, welcoming ambiance that accommodates up to 150 members of your family and friends in a traditional setting. We're conveniently located on Lassen St. on the north end of Susanville and have a fellowship hall, and on-street parking.
If you don’t have a home church, we invite you to join us any Sunday for our worship service which is designed to connect you with God. We believe a couple's relationship with God sets the foundation for a great marriage and a healthy family in the years ahead. As you start a new life together, we would like to get to know you and support you through all the changes that lie ahead.
Although you don’t have to be a member of the congregation to hold your wedding here, one of our pastors will officiate. Premarital counseling sessions with our pastor are required. We want to provide you with every possibility of success in Christian marriage.
Our fee structure and many other details are described below. (Note: please do not let financial constraints hold you back from considering us; we’re happy to work with any budget.)
Preparing for Your Wedding
We are delighted that you are considering getting married in our sanctuary (or have our pastor officiate your off-site wedding). Always feel free to contact our church office if you have any questions. We want to help you create a wedding day that will be a joyful and memorable experience for everyone. To begin this process, you will need to complete the following steps.
Step 1 – Read the details below
Step 2 – Complete the Wedding Inquiry form below
Step 3 – Contact our pastor to confirm the wedding date
Step 4 – Mail your Wedding Agreement form and fees to our church office
Step 5 – Contact our pastor to schedule at least 3 counseling sessions
Step 6 – Make & coordinate plans with our Wedding Coordinator
Step 7 – Wedding Rehearsal
Step 8 – Get Married!
Selecting a Date
Your wedding date will not be reserved on our church calendar until we receive your completed application form and deposit. We do not schedule wedding ceremonies on or during:
Sundays
Major holidays or holiday weekends
Holy Week (Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday)
To begin the process of scheduling your wedding in our sanctuary, complete the form at the bottom of this page.
Wedding Agreement Form
Click here to download a PDF of our Wedding Agreement Form. This agreement confirms your acceptance of our requirements for hosting your wedding.
(Form to come soon!)
Fees
Please send TWO checks to our church office, one for all fees and the second for your refundable security deposit. Make your check payable to “Susanville United Methodist Church” and put “Wedding Fees” or “Wedding Security” on the memo line.
Note: Our Fellowship Hall is available for receptions for an additional fee, but NO alcoholic beverages of any kind are permitted on church property. For this reason, most couples choose to have their receptions off-site.
Church Sanctuary – $200.00 (maximum seating capacity of 150 people)
Custodial Fee (sanctuary only) – $75.00
Wedding Coordinator – $125.00
Organist (optional) – $100.00
Refundable Security Deposit – $200.00
Wedding Coordinator
Our wedding coordinator can help you plan your perfect wedding. If you have any questions, please contact our wedding coordinator.
They can help you choose day, time, colors, music, and any special requirements you and your families may have.
They can help you schedule the wedding day including pre-service events and preparation, post-service receiving line, photography locations, and the transition from our church to your reception location.
They will ask you all sorts of questions to ensure every detail is covered (ex: where to place your guest book, what wedding favors you might offer, snacks for the couple so you don’t pass out, etc.)
They will ensure your desires are carried out in harmony with the policies of our church and the California-Nevada Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Music / Organist
Music is one of the most important and memorable parts of a wedding service. Our church can provide an organist / pianist for your service. If you would like to provide your own pianist, performers, accompanist, or prerecorded music, please tell our wedding coordinator.
Minister
In addition to helping you select the readings and vows for your wedding, our pastor will schedule at least 3 counseling sessions with you several weeks prior to the wedding. The number of sessions will be determined on your first visit our pastor.
It is your responsibility to ensure the counseling sessions are scheduled at least six weeks before the ceremony.
Our pastor will attend the wedding rehearsal to ensure you have a chance to address any last-minute questions so your wedding day goes as smoothly as possible.
Note: Upon approval, other ordained pastor(s) may participate. Our pastor will need to contact the other pastor(s) at least two months prior to the wedding. The guest pastor(s) must be extended an invitation from our church in order to participate.
Rehearsal
The customary wedding rehearsal typically happens the evening before the wedding. If necessary, the rehearsal can be scheduled up to a week before the wedding. The rehearsal should be a complete walk-through of the entire service to ensure everyone knows where they should be, what music will be played, and to confirm all equipment is working correctly (ex: your iPod works with our sound system).
The wedding couple must bring their wedding license to the rehearsal.
Accessories
Our church can supply a candelabra, flower stands, and/or an archway. If you would like any of these, tell our wedding coordinator.
Decorations
Flowers and other decorations (including dripless candles for the candelabra) are the responsibility of the wedding party. Birdseed may be thrown outdoors only (no rice).
Photographers / Videographers
Photos and videos may be taken before and after the wedding. Tripods may be used in the back of the sanctuary. No photography or videography equipment or people may be in front of the front pews during the service. This ensures all attention will be directed at the couple; it’s their special day! No flash photography or spotlights are allowed during the service.
Child Care
A small nursery room is available for childcare. You will need to provide your own childcare personnel.
Personal Items
Please note, our church will not assume any responsibility for any items left or lost by the wedding party.
Wedding Inquiry Form
Please complete the form below to get the process going! Our pastor and wedding coordinator look forward to talking with you.
