Congratulations on your upcoming marriage! We are honored you are considering First Presbyterian Church as a potential venue to exchange your wedding vows. Below are a few of our most common questions. To learn more about our beautiful sanctuary and the wedding process at First Presbyterian Church, please contact the Church office at 573-335-2579.
CEREMONIES AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
FAQs
Who may be married here?
Normally, the use of the sanctuary for weddings is reserved for members and associates of First Presbyterian Church. The term “members” includes the immediate family – children and parents of members or those under a member’s legal authority, such as a guardianship or power of attorney. Non-members should seek the counsel of the minister, who shall then make an appropriate recommendation to the Session.
How should I make a reservation?
Reservations for use of the church facilities should be made at the earliest possible date. While the use of the church for weddings is primarily for its members (who have preference over non-members in the event of conflicting dates), the use by non-members who have established relationships with the church, its minister(s) or any of its members may also be approved by the Session. The minister should be contacted far enough in advance of the proposed wedding date to allow time for premarital counseling and planning for the wedding service.
Who may perform the ceremony?
It is the policy of First Presbyterian Church that the minister of the church is to have charge of all weddings in the church. If desired, another minister may be invited by the Session to assist in the ceremony, in consultation with the regular minister.
How much does it cost to be married at First Presbyterian Church of Cape Girardeau?
There are no fees for members and immediate family or those with a tie to the church for use of the sanctuary and/or church dining room. There are also no fees charged for or expected for the minister’s services, as the Session and minister view these services an integral part of the church’s ministry. (Please note that many couples do express their appreciation to the minister for his/her guidance with an honorarium.)
For those couples with no connection with this church, the fees are as follows: Church Sanctuary (up to 6 hours, including rehearsal, decorating, pictures, and wedding ceremony) – $400
Minister – $200 The fee includes all pre-marital counseling, leading the rehearsal, and officiating the wedding.
Dining Area (up to 2 hours in addition to the allotted 6 hours in the Sanctuary) – $150
Normally, the use of the sanctuary for weddings is reserved for members and associates of First Presbyterian Church. The term “members” includes the immediate family – children and parents of members or those under a member’s legal authority, such as a guardianship or power of attorney. Non-members should seek the counsel of the minister, who shall then make an appropriate recommendation to the Session.
How should I make a reservation?
Reservations for use of the church facilities should be made at the earliest possible date. While the use of the church for weddings is primarily for its members (who have preference over non-members in the event of conflicting dates), the use by non-members who have established relationships with the church, its minister(s) or any of its members may also be approved by the Session. The minister should be contacted far enough in advance of the proposed wedding date to allow time for premarital counseling and planning for the wedding service.
Who may perform the ceremony?
It is the policy of First Presbyterian Church that the minister of the church is to have charge of all weddings in the church. If desired, another minister may be invited by the Session to assist in the ceremony, in consultation with the regular minister.
How much does it cost to be married at First Presbyterian Church of Cape Girardeau?
There are no fees for members and immediate family or those with a tie to the church for use of the sanctuary and/or church dining room. There are also no fees charged for or expected for the minister’s services, as the Session and minister view these services an integral part of the church’s ministry. (Please note that many couples do express their appreciation to the minister for his/her guidance with an honorarium.)
For those couples with no connection with this church, the fees are as follows: Church Sanctuary (up to 6 hours, including rehearsal, decorating, pictures, and wedding ceremony) – $400
Minister – $200 The fee includes all pre-marital counseling, leading the rehearsal, and officiating the wedding.
Dining Area (up to 2 hours in addition to the allotted 6 hours in the Sanctuary) – $150