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Dear Couples, Congratulations on your wedding! We, at St. John’s, celebrate with you as you plan your commitment to one another at our church. As pastors, it is always an incredible privilege in performing a marriage ceremony. We get to be part of one of the most significant days in people’s lives and share in the hopes of their new lifetime partnership. It is a joy to get to know each couple, as well as their families and friends. We approach weddings with dignity and humor, and that engages each person. A wedding should be joy-filled and a participatory experience for all attending, so that each person attending leaves with their own relationship renewed. We appreciate the opportunity to offer guidance, yet be flexible, open and adventurous with a couples’ crafting of the ceremony. It is all significant because God is present and invites us to the party of community, relationships and above all, love! John Anderson and Theresa Cho, pastors
WHERE TO BEGIN When planning your special day, it is an awesome task to know where to begin. It is important to reserve dates, location, and vendors first. Once those are reserved, you will be free to focus on making your ceremony special and unique to you.
RESERVING THE DATE St. John’s is a popular wedding sanctuary, so the first step is to call the church office and confirm availability. If the date is clear, the reception of your $200 facility deposit and $250 security deposit along with the completed wedding agreement reserves your date. The office cannot “hold” a date, only the deposits and agreement reserve a date. The remaining balance must be received in the church office two weeks before the wedding. If you have not seen the sanctuary (or our fellowship halls, which are available for receptions) you may do so by attending a Sunday morning worship at 10 a.m., or by calling the church office, 415.751.1626 ext#1.
PASTOR AND COUNSELING
Our pastors are available, as scheduling permits. Each couple being married at St. John’s by one of our pastors must participate in at least 3 one-hour pre-marital counseling sessions. The Prepare Inventory, at a cost of $35 per couple, is used to explore relationship issues. These meetings are not used to determine your suitability or compatibility for marriage, those determinations are yours. Counseling with the pastor is to assist both of you in being even more clear and prepared in making this important commitment. You will also discuss the ceremony. Counseling should take place as soon as possible. You are responsible for contacting the minister to schedule meetings. You may contact John Anderson or Theresa Cho by calling the church office at 751.1626 or e-mailing them directly. Our pastors are also available to conduct wedding ceremonies at other locations.
GUEST MINISTERS Other ministers, who are duly ordained in a Christian denomination, are welcome to conduct weddings with the prior approval of St. John’s. For interfaith ceremonies, our clergy are available to work closely with clergy of other faiths to create a meaningful co-celebration ceremony.
MUSIC AND WORSHIP
St. John's Choir Director: Karen Irwin, 415-661-5368 - St. John's Organist: Cyril Deaconoff -
OPPORTUNITIES TO HEAR THE ORGAN
SINGERS Professional singers who are employed by St. John’s are available to sing at weddings. Their names and phone numbers are available upon request. All arrangements must be made directly.
GUEST MUSICIANS Guest musicians are permitted to use the organ and piano. Please note: our organ is an extremely complex instrument, which most organists will find too difficult to play well. Other types of music or musicians may be used. We welcome the use of guitar, harp, flute or a small chamber ensemble.
CHURCH COORDINATOR A St. John’s Church Coordinator will be assigned to you one to two weeks prior to the wedding date. Their function is to welcome you as our guests, help you feel comfortable in our church home, and is ultimately responsible for insuring the safety of all guests and the building during the rehearsal and wedding. For questions regarding the facility and restrictions prior to your wedding, please contact the Coordinator of Ministries at 415-751-1626 x1. LICENSE A valid California Marriage License is necessary. Both parties must be present to obtain the license. Plan to apply far enough in advance. Please bring the license to the wedding rehearsal. The pastor cannot conduct a wedding without the license. Click here for more information.
St. John’s has a list of recommended florists, reception sites, musicians, photographers, videographers, and other resources to make your day special. Please contact them directly.
Download the wedding handbook for detailed information on having a wedding at St. John’s, wedding ceremony example, and a wedding planning checklist. |
