WeddingsMarriage is a gift God has given to all people for the well-being of the entire human family. Covenant is located on Peachtree Road, in the heart of the Buckhead community. Details on using Covenant as a wedding ceremony and/or reception site follow.
Significance of the Church Wedding
The celebration of Christian marriage in a church wedding is an occasion of great joy and excitement and, at the same time, of great significance and reverence. A wedding in a church is a service of Christian worship. When a couple marries in the church, they are affirming that marriage is more than a civil contract recognized by the state; it is also a covenant which involves not only the bride and the groom but also God and the Christian community. Therefore the decision to have a church wedding rather than a secular ceremony means that the couple affirms the religious nature of the occasion. In weddings performed at Covenant Presbyterian Church one or both of the couple will be professing Christians, and the couple should intend to be involved actively in a community of faith following their marriage.
It is the desire and expectation of this church and its ministers that every wedding be a meaningful and memorable occasion. If the procedures and policies provided here are fully understood and followed, we are confident that your wedding will be a joyous, worshipful experience for you and your guests.
Officiants
All weddings in the church sanctuary or chapel normally will be performed by one of the pastors at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Under special circumstances the couple may request non-Covenant clergy to assist in the service. Such requests require the approval of the Covenant pastor, who may consult with the session regarding the invitation.
Couples desiring to have non-Covenant clergy assist in the service will need to provide the clergy's name, title and complete address on the wedding reservation form. Following approval, a copy of Covenant' wedding policies will be sent to the guest minister along with an invitation to participate.
Pre-Marital Conferences
In accordance with the Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Order, pre-marital counsel by a pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church is required in preparation for the marriage service. These conferences shall provide for a discussion with the couple concerning:
- the nature of their Christian commitment, assuring that at least one is a professing Christian,
- the legal requirements of the state,
- the privileges and responsibilities of Christian marriage,
- the nature and form of the marriage service,
- the vows and commitments they will be asked to make,
- the relationship of these commitments to their lives of discipleship,
- the resources of the faith and the Christian community to assist them in fulfilling their marriage commitments (W-4.9002.a)
Additional counseling may be required at the discretion of the pastor.
The Liturgy
Guidance for wedding liturgies in the Presbyterian Church is given in the "Directory for Worship" of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Order:
As a service of Christian worship, the wedding service is under the direction of the minister and supervision of the session. Ordinarily the marriage takes place in a special service which focuses upon marriage as a gift of God and as an expression of the Christian life. (W-4.9003.b)
The service begins with scriptural sentences and a brief statement of purpose. The man and the woman shall declare their intention to enter into Christian marriage and shall exchange vows of love and faithfulness. The service includes appropriate passages of Scripture, which may be interpreted in various forms of proclamation. Prayers shall be offered for the couple, for the communities which support them in this new dimension of discipleship, and for all who seek to live in faithfulness. In the name of the triune God the minister shall declare publicly that the woman and the man are now joined in marriage. A charge may be given. Other actions common to the community and its culture may appropriately be observed when these actions do not diminish the Christian understanding of marriage. The service concludes with a benediction. (W.4-9004). When the Lord's Supper is included as an element of the service, it shall have been approved by the Session. Care shall be given to extend the invitation to the Table to all baptized who are present. (W-4.9003)
The pastor will review with you one or two orders of service which are in keeping with the above guidelines.
The Music
The wedding ceremony is a service of worship. Music as part of worship is an offering to God and should be selected and performed with that in mind. As soon as possible after scheduling your wedding, a meeting should be arranged with Covenant's Director of Music/Organist who will assist you in selecting appropriate music for processional, recessional, prelude and any other parts of the ceremony where music is desired, including vocal solos, hymns, or instrumental music. Texts of vocal music must be sacred, and all music must be fitting and appropriate for the worship setting. A booklet with helpful suggestions is available through the church office. All sheet music used by soloists and other musicians must be original copies as photocopies are not legal and may not be used.
Because worship is a human encounter with God, and the performance of music is an artistic human expression, pre-recorded music is not to be used.
The Director of Music/Organist of Covenant generally provides music for all weddings held in the church. Other qualified organists or other musicians may play only with the prior permission of the Director of Music. As part of the service of worship, the Director of Music in consultation with the Pastor approves all musical selections.
Wedding Coordinator
The church will provide a wedding coordinator. This person does not plan the details of the wedding. The church's wedding coordinator will, however, assist you in understanding and following our wedding guidelines and will assist the pastor in directing the rehearsal and the wedding ceremony.
The Rehearsal
The rehearsal date and time will be confirmed along with the wedding date on the wedding reservation form. The time of the rehearsal should be set with the location of the church, traffic conditions and out-of-town arrivals taken into account. All participants in the wedding party should attend the rehearsal and should be at the church at the designated time.
Wedding rehearsals should be conducted in a prompt and timely fashion. Normally an hour is needed for the rehearsal. An extension beyond 1 ½ hour from the scheduled starting time will result in additional fees of $60 for each 30 minutes.
Marriage License
A marriage license is required by the state before a wedding may be performed. Contact the courthouse in your county of residence well in advance for information on obtaining your license.
The license and the return addressed envelope provided by the county must be delivered to the officiating pastor at, or prior to, the wedding rehearsal. The pastor will not perform the ceremony if he/she does not have the marriage license in hand.
The officiating pastor will complete and mail the official copies and give the couple a personal copy. The county will provide you with instructions on obtaining a certified copy.
Church Facilities
The Sanctuary
The Sanctuary does not have a center aisle. It will seat approximately 400 people. The organ is a thirty five rank Möller pipe organ.
The Chapel
The chapel is a smaller worship space that will seat approximately 75 people. It does not have an organ but a piano is available.
Dressing Rooms
Dressing rooms for the bride and groom and their parties are available.
The Sexton
It is the church's policy that the church sexton must be present during the rehearsal and the wedding. The Sexton will prepare the sanctuary for the service (except for decorating), have the facilities open at the designated times, be responsible for proper heating or cooling, and clean and close the facilities following the service and reception (if held at the church).
The Facilities
The architecture of Covenant Presbyterian Church is gothic in style. The interior furnishings are elegant yet simple and have been planned carefully to create a reverent atmosphere for worship.
Access to the facilities
- The church will be open three hours before the ceremony and up to one hour following the end of the ceremony.
- The church will be open no more than two hours for the rehearsal, beginning one-half hour before the scheduled starting time.
- If a reception is held at the church, the facilities will be available for a maximum of three hours following the wedding ceremony.
- Florist, caterers, photographers, and other members of the wedding party should be made aware that, other than the times indicated above, our facilities are open only during office hours (9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m., Monday - Friday).
General Rules regarding care and use of the property
- No alcoholic beverages of any kind may be served or consumed on the church premises.
- Smoking is not allowed in the church buildings.
- Flower petals and bubbles may be used outside of the church building to send the couple off after the ceremony. Rice, birdseed and confetti may not be used as they are safety hazards.
- All decorating of the Sanctuary and reception area (if applicable) must be under the supervision of the wedding coordinator. (See following section.)
Decoration
Because of the Gothic style of the sanctuary as a place of worship, simple decorations which enhance the atmosphere but do not intrude upon it are most acceptable.
Two seven branch candelabras are available for use. The wedding party is responsible for the cost of candles. Candles must be non-drip. Cathedral Candles are to be used in the church candelabra.
The communion table and baptismal font may be moved for the wedding service.
All equipment belonging to vendors should be picked up immediately following the wedding ceremony. Covenant Presbyterian Church cannot assume responsibility for any equipment left at the church.
Decorations must be in accord with the following rules:
- Candles are permitted only in the chancel area. Plastic or vinyl coverings must be on the floor, and non-drip candles must be used. The candles may be lit only when floor coverings are in place.
- Only the church sexton under the direction of the church's wedding coordinator may move church furniture.
- No nails, tacks, tapes or other means shall be used to attach flowers or other decoration to church furniture, walls, or fixtures.
- Christmas and other seasonal decorations shall remain in place, and you may enjoy them for your ceremony.
- It is the wedding party's responsibility to inform the florist of these policies. The florist should direct any questions regarding decorations and building use policy to the wedding coordinator.
Photography and/or Videotaping
Since the marriage ceremony is a worship service, the following rules must be observed:
- Photographs and video recordings may be made from the balcony during the wedding ceremony. However, flash cameras and special lighting are prohibited.
- Photographs of the wedding party may be made prior to the ceremony or immediately following the ceremony, in which case the wedding coordinator will direct the wedding party back into the sanctuary for pictures.
- Pre-service photography will be concluded thirty minutes prior to the beginning of the service so that the prelude may begin.
- Please make sure that these policies are completely understood and that the photographer understands them as well. A copy of these policies should be given to the photographer.
The Reception
The Fellowship Hall (capacity 150) and Westminster Room (capacity 75) are available for a reception.
The wedding party will furnish a caterer who will be responsible for the reception. The caterer is to bring his/her own help for serving, washing dishes, and handling food and associated equipment. The church kitchens may not be used for cooking or for the preparation of food but merely as a room from which to serve.
The church will not accept responsibility for receiving the cake or any other items.
The church will provide serving tables and chairs. The church does not provide linen table cloths, punch bowls, cups, utensils or serving pieces.
The Fellowship Hall and Westminster Room must be left as they were found.
Parking
Parking is available in the church lot (approximately 30 spaces), on Terrace Drive next to the church and in the Peachtree Battle Shopping Center. The church office will provide parking permits for using Peachtree Battle Shopping Center parking lot to the wedding party. Parking permits will be distributed through the church. The permit allows the parking of cars displaying the permit to use the Peachtree Battle Shopping Center parking lot. The church will not assume responsibility for anyone using the Peachtree Battle Shopping Center parking lot except as regulated by the arrangement between the church and the shopping center management. The church will contact with a security officer to provide direction for a two hour period surrounding the time of the service. Directional signs created by the bridal party may be displayed to the church. However, it is the responsibility of the bridal party to remove them immediately after the service.
Cost and Fees
The initial security deposit must be paid at the time the church is reserved for the wedding. All other fees must be paid in full at least ten (10) days prior to the rehearsal. The wedding coordinator will discuss these charges with you at the time you complete your reservation form; the statement of charges is on the back of the form. The church administrative assistant will mail you a copy of the charges one month prior to the wedding and will send a receipt when the security deposit is returned following the wedding.
To be eligible for Member Fees the bride and/or groom, or the parents of the bride or groom, must be active, participating members of Covenant Presbyterian Church for at least six months prior to the date that the wedding is reserved on the church calendar.
Security Deposit ** (members and non-members) $600.00
Non-member use of Sanctuary $1500.00
This includes the use of Sanctuary and required fees for minister, organist, wedding coordinator and sexton. Required fees are payable regardless of whether the couple elects to provide outside services.
Non-member use of Fellowship Hall for reception $400.00
Non-member use of Westminster Room for reception $350.00
Members use of Sanctuary $750.00.
This includes use of the sanctuary and fees for the organist, coordinator and sexton. Weddings for church members are part of the pastoral ministry of the church. Any gift for the pastor is at the discretion of the bride and groom.
** The security deposit must be paid at the time the wedding date is reserved. It is refundable up to 60 days two months prior to the wedding. This fee will be refunded within one week following the wedding; provided no wedding policies are violated and no unusual cleaning or repairs are required.