The Basics...

Marriage is “instituted of God, regulated by His commandments, blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ, and to be held in honor among all men.” Your wedding will be most meaningful to you and your family and friends when there is careful concern for the sanctity of the church and its services.

The marriage service within our church is a celebration of worship, therefore all plans, and arrangements should be in keeping with the nature of worship.  Plans should be made as far in advance as possible.

The Date & Time

Before rehearsal and wedding dates can be considered confirmed, they must be established with:

1. Church office – To be certain the church is available at chosen rehearsal and ceremony times (239-481-3233 or mail@clpc.us).

2. The Pastor – To be certain he/she is available and to determine the first of the counseling/planning meetings (clint@clpc.us or samantha@clpc.us).

3. Wedding Coordinator – To be certain she is available at chosen rehearsal and ceremony times (239-437-0087).

 No weddings will normally be scheduled on Sunday or during Holy Week, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, News Years Eve, New Years Day, national holidays, or on Saturday evenings after 7:00 pm.

The Wedding Coordinator

Everyone that is married within the church Cypress Lake Presbyterian must use our wedding coordinator to plan the details of the wedding.  Our coordinator is a wedding professional and is well acquanted with what is customary while also being a GREAT help to the pastor and family.  She will meet with the family to make plans and assist at the rehearsal and wedding, and reception.

Music

The church organist is trained in music appropriate for the marriage/worship service. It is recommended that the couple consult the church organist early in their wedding planning to get specific help on organ, vocal, or other instrumental music suggestions. Congregational signing is encouraged when appropriate. The organist employed by Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church plays for all weddings.

Decorations

All decorations are required to be approved by the Wedding Coordinator and should be carefully planned. Ribbon or simple floral arrangements may be used on the furnishings. Masking tape may be used with discretion. Flower delivery time should be arranged no earlier than 1-½ hours before the wedding. The bride’s family is to arrange for flowers and other decorations. No nails are to be used on the furnishings!

A Few Important Requests...

1.  No rice, birdseed or confetti is to be thrown in the building, on the church grounds, or in the parking lot.  Bubbles may be used outside. 

2.  No Smoking in the Building.  Smoking is permitted in the parking lot.

3. No alcoholic beverages are permitted in the buildings or on the grounds of the church.  All members of the wedding party shall refrain from alcohol prior to the start of the wedding service.

4.  Do not bring unnecessary valuables or money to the rehearsal or wedding.

5.  It is expected that members of the wedding party will conduct themselves in a manner fitting for a place of worship.

6.  The obligation of the Bride and Groom is to make certain that the above information is made known to all members of the wedding party and their families.

What About Space???

The church is equipped to accommodate weddings and receptions of varied sizes. The sanctuary will seat up to about 450 people.  Receptions may be held in Fellowship Hall, which can accommodate up to 125.  The “Wiggle Room” is a great place for the bride’s dressing room.

What did we forget???

1.  To alleviate scheduling conflicts, please do not make arrangements for rehearsal dinner and/or reception until dates and times have been confirmed with the pastor, church office, and coordinator.

 2.  Rehearsal and wedding dates and times are made on a first come, first serve basis.

 3.  If changes in dates/times must be made, please be sure to notify the above people.

 4.  If scheduling allows, it is permissible to take all pictures before the wedding.

 5.  Please pay careful attention to the fee payment schedule so all wedding events can be held without delay.

Content of the Wedding

Often we are asked to conduct weddings with other ministers or use a format that is different from the Presbyterian form of worship.  The Pastors at Cypress Lake Presbyterian are thrilled to work with other ministers or clergy form other faiths.  This can create a beautiful and meaningful experience.

However, all weddings conducted at Cypress Lake are offically conducted by a Pastor of Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church and must follow the Presbyterian order of worship/wedding.  There is great flexibility within the wedding service in terms of language and possibilities, however the Pastors are firmly committed to ensure that your wedding is both Christian and Presbyterian.

Who Conducts the Wedding?

One of the pastors of Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church will officiate and direct all weddings. It is their desire that your wedding be one of the most significant occasions of your life. This requires counseling sessions before the wedding. Feel free to call upon them for advice and counsel. If the family desires another clergy or priest, to lead or assist in the ceremony, they shall make known that desire to the pastor of Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church. The pastor shall then make the invitation to the guest minister, if appropriate.  As is the custom in most churches, the pastors from Cypress Lake are always present and officiate weddings at our church but are thrilled at the opportunity of working with others to make this day special!

Rehearsal

Unless the wedding is completely without formalities (as is often the case with a beach or of-site wedding) it will be necessary to have a rehearsal.

1. All members of the wedding party must attend the rehearsal.

2. The following are to be brought to the rehearsal (or earlier, if at all possible):

a. Marriage license

b. Candles, if needed

3. Both the rehearsal and the wedding start promptly at the prearranged time.

Sound & Video Projection

If there is a need to have amplified voices, to play recorded music or to use the video projection equipment, the sound and video systems will need to be used.  Only persons who have been trained and approved by one of the pastors or the Director of Experiential Worship can be retained to run the sound system. If video projection is to be used, the couple and wedding coordinator must speak directly with a pastor and the Director of Experiential Worship at least 4 weeks prior to the wedding date to discuss the details and type of video project. If the couple wants the project to be designed for them, there will be an additional fee as determined by the pastor. 

Pictures/Video

For all weddings within the church, please remember that this is a sanctuary of God and that the wedding is a worship celebration, much like what we would do on Sunday morning.  Nothing can destroy a special moment more than to have dozens, or even hundreds, of cameras flashing and a photographer or videographer moving around during your wedding!

Those attending the wedding should not notice the photographer’s/videographer's presence. Once the wedding has begun the photographer is to go no further forward to take pictures of the marriage ceremony than the last row of guests. The photographer/videographer is free to move about prior to the first words of the wedding and following the benediction.

Flash photography is NOT allowed during the ceremony.  We ask that the ushers please remind those with cameras of this responsibility.

Should the photographer/videographer choose not to abide by this policy, his or her name will be maintained on the church office and the photographer will not be permitted to perform services at the church. The photographer should consult with the Pastor to be sure he/she understands the church’s policy.

Programs (Bulletins)

Couples desiring a wedding bulletin are responsible for having it printed. Arrangements for printing and secretarial services at the church can be made for nominal fees.

The Legal Requirement!

The marriage license may be purchased in any Florida County and used in any county in Florida. It will be sent to the county were purchased to be recorded following the wedding.  No wedding may be conducted without a license.

Equipment?

Candelabra: The church has two-branch candelabra; each holds 7 candles. It also has two round candelabra; each holds 7 candles. Candles are to be provided by the bride or florist. It is suggested that 12”or 15” drip less candles be used.

Unity Candle: The church has a holder for regular size unity candles. If one large candle and two small candles are desired, candleholders are available. Candles are to be provided by the bride or florist.

Aisle Runner: An aisle runner is neither required nor necessary for weddings done at Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church. However, if one is desired, it may be rented from a rental service or florist. The aisle is 70 ft from front to back.

Reception...We Can Help!!!

1. Receptions may be held in the Fellowship Hall, which can hold up to 125 people.

2. All arrangements for the reception are to be made through the Wedding Coordinator.

3. Receptions must conclude by 11:00 pm.

NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES...ANYWHERE ON CAMPUS

4. Food may be catered. In addition, people are available to serve hors d'oeuvre, cake, punch, coffee, nuts, mints, etc.

5. Deliveries – Should be arranged with the Wedding Coordinator.

6. Decorations – A minimum of decoration is encouraged and should be carefully planned with the Wedding Coordinator. It is imperative that no nails be used. Masking tape may be used with discretion.

7. Extra Help – May be necessary due to size of reception. Cost will be negotiated between the Wedding Coordinator, the Bride, Groom, and their families.