Welcome to
Lexington Presbyterian Church
120 S. Main Street
Lexington, VA 24450
William M. Klein, Pastor
Wedding Services
Preliminary Arrangements
The couple wanting to be married should contact the pastor of Lexington Presbyterian Church as early as possible in order that all necessary arrangements may be made. Should there be any question as to the eligibility of a couple to marry, the pastor bears the responsibility for a final decision.
The pastor should arrange appropriate premarital counsel with the couple. If the couple would like the pastor of another church to officiate, the pastor of Lexington Presbyterian Church must be consulted in order that an invitation may be extended to the guest pastor.
The pastor will be the "director" of the wedding ceremony. A wide latitude of choice may be observed, and the couple and the pastor should be in agreement well in advance of the ceremony on all details including the selection of music, the decorations, and a wedding coordinator. Because the wedding service is an occasion for worship, the following policies shall be observed:
Use of Facilities
Arrangements should be made at the church office as far in advance as possible to avoid conflicts. When neither the bride nor groom nor their parents are members of the congregation, the pastor has the responsibility for making the decision on the use of the church facilities. A parlor and other rooms normally used for meetings and/or classes may be made available to members of the wedding party. (Contact the Administrative Assistant.)
Music
Only sacred or traditional music should be used. The pastor has the final decision of what is appropriate. Music should be discussed with the Director of Music far enough in advance to allow for any necessary changes to accommodate the policy on musical selections. If the services of the Director of Music are desired, he should be contacted by the couple directly and as early as possible.
Pulpit, Furniture, Baptismal Font & Communion Table
The pulpit may not be moved. The chairs on the platform, the baptismal font, and communion table may be moved to provide more room for the wedding participants.
Flowers, Candles, and Rice
Flowers may not be placed on the pulpit. They may be placed on a stand behind or on either side of the pulpit and on or beside the communion table. The florist should be asked to use plastic on the carpet beneath the candelabra, even when dripless candles are used. The florist should be informed that all arrangements, candles, etc., must be removed from the sanctuary immediately following the wedding to allow the Sexton to prepare the sanctuary for the next service. If the family wishes to leave the flowers for Sunday worship, this matter should be coordinate with the Flower Chairperson well in advance.
Throwing birdseed outside the church buildings while on church property is acceptable (rice and confetti are not).
Pictures
Picture taking during the ceremony is inappropriate. It is the responsibility of the couple to inform the guests of this policy. Photographs may be taken in the sanctuary before or after the wedding service. If it is the desire of the couple to have the pastor to be part of the picture taking, please inform him beforehand. Video cameras remaining fixed during the service in unobtrusive locations are permitted.
Fees
Members: There is no charge for the use of the sanctuary, chapel, Dunlap Auditorium or dressing rooms for members of Lexington Presbyterian Church. (See Other wedding-related fees below.)
Non-Members: There are fees associated with non-members who wish to be married at the church. The Administrative Assistant maintains the current schedule of fees for the use of the sanctuary, chapel, Dunlap Auditorium, and the kitchen. The pastor does not charge a fee for his services, however an honorarium will be accepted.
Other wedding-related fees: For members and non-members, the organist's fee must be arranged with the organist. A fee is charged for the services of the sexton (paid directly to him), bell ringers, and a sound system operator (the latter for non-members only). The schedule of current fees for these services is maintained by the Administrative Assistant.
Parking
Spaces for the wedding party may be reserved in front of the church by calling the Lexington City Police Department on the day before the wedding.
Miscellaneous
Arrangements should be made with the florist if an aisle runner and/or kneeling bench are desired. If the church bell is to be rung, ask the Administrative Assistant for suggestions of persons with experience to do so.