Marriage Services at Griggstown

1.           The Christian Wedding

We perform Christian weddings between a man and a woman.  The vows you will take here are religious in nature and not simply legal vows.  The promises are made before God and witnesses, with the entire marriage ceremony focusing more on Jesus Christ than the couple.  Because of this, we expect the wedding party and guests to act with reverence while on the church premises. 

2.           Preparation for the Wedding

You will need to meet with the pastor prior to the wedding.  It is expected that you will contact the pastor at least four months before the ceremony in order to schedule your pastoral sessions.  The purpose of these sessions is to be sure that both of you enter this new relationship with a clear understanding of the potentials and pitfalls of marriage and to be sure you have both thought honestly and carefully what it means to be joined in a Christian marriage.

The actual date for the ceremony should be cleared with the church office as early as possible by completing the Building Usage Form – Weddings and submitting it to the office along with a $50 deposit  (non-members only). Regularly scheduled church activities or special events already on the calendar will take precedence.  Do not set your date and make all your plans for a reception until you have checked with the office.  All usage of the property has to be approved by the Consistory, our governing board.

For New Jersey residents, the license will be issued by the municipality in which the bride is a legal resident. For brides who do not reside in New Jersey, the license is issued by the municipality where the ceremony will take place.  Please check with your local municipality to verify this information.

In addition to the pastoral sessions, a rehearsal will be scheduled to practice the ceremony itself.  All members of the wedding party are expected to attend the rehearsal.  Please schedule your use of the building for the rehearsal through our church office at the same time you schedule the ceremony.

3.           The Wedding Ceremony

It is customary for the pastor of Griggstown Reformed Church to officiate at all weddings held on our campus.  In the event that there is no official pastor available or you have a special choice for a minister, please do not extend an invitation to a guest minister before checking with the church office.

During one of the counseling sessions, the pastor will discuss the form and specifics of the ceremony itself.  There will be an opportunity for you to add your own personal touch to the ceremony as long as it is in keeping with the atmosphere of Christian worship.

 4.           Flowers and Decorations

It is the responsibility of the bridal couple to provide floral or other decorations. They should be appropriate to the sanctuary and the nature of the occasion.  No nails, thumb tacks, pins or tape may be used to attach decorations to the furniture or pews. Please notify the office in advance if there are floral containers or other items you or your florist will be picking up at a later date.

5.           Photography and Recording

It is the responsibility of the bridal couple to make clear to photographers, both professional and amateur, the rules regarding photography.  Guests are expected to stay in their seats during the service.  Professionals should introduce themselves to and consult with the pastor before the service.  The ceremony may be video-taped but no strobe lighting may be used.

6.           Wedding Music

As a Christian wedding is a Christian service of worship, music must be in keeping with Christian teaching.

There is usually a prelude of music before the ceremony begins and a processional and recessional march.  We provide organ music for a fee.  Vocal or instrumental music may be included after consultation with the pastor.  It is the couple's responsibility to arrange for a vocalist, if desired.

The church organist will usually play at church weddings or you may arrange for your own organist after obtaining permission from the church to do so.

7.           Conduct of Your Wedding Guests

Smoking is not permitted inside any church building.

The use of alcoholic beverages is not permitted anywhere on the church premises.

The use of confetti or rice is not permitted.  Bird seed or other eco-friendly material may be used outside of the building. 

8.           Schedule of fees

There is no set fee for a church member.  It is expected that non-members married at Griggstown will make a donation for use of the following property and services.  Please send separate checks for the following services:

$150 for use of the sanctuary.  Your deposit will be applied to this fee. Check should be payable to “Griggstown Reformed Church.”

$150 for the services of the organist, which includes preparation and rehearsal.  An additional fee may be required if the organist is asked to meet separately with a vocalist.  At least two weeks prior notification is necessary to allow the organist time to practice the music you have selected.  The bridal couple should meet with the organist in person or by phone at least one month prior to the ceremony. The Church Organist has first rights of refusal.  Should our organist not be able to play for your service, he/she may recommend a replacement or you may select your own organist with the church approval.

$50 fee for the services of the church sexton.  Please make your check payable to “cash” as our regular sexton is not always available and a substitute may be necessary.

$250 fee for the pastor.  This includes three pre-marital sessions, the rehearsal and the wedding service. 

Because the day of your ceremony will be a hectic one for you, it is suggested that these arrangements be handled and checks received by the church, prior to the day of the rehearsal.