GUIDELINES FOR WEDDINGS of MEMBERS and

FAMILY MEMBERS at

CALVARY EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Holy Matrimony is one of the sacramental rites of the Church. Our service conforms to the rubrics of The Book of Common Prayer. The Rector has the responsibility for the conduct of the service, whether officiating or not. The Rector, or a designated staff person, schedules all weddings and other services of the church.

Music for the wedding should be in keeping with the Christian tradition. A separate booklet describing music guidelines is available. The Rector, in consultation with the Music Director, must approve the music used for a wedding in Calvary Episcopal Church. No other Clergy or musicians can be used at Calvary without permission from the Rector.

In keeping with those standards, it is necessary for the engaged couple to schedule at least three counseling sessions with the Rector (or someone qualified and approved by the Rector). The Music Director is expected to be the first choice as organist and/or to coordinate additional music. If the Music Director is to be involved in the service, the couple must schedule a music conference with her/him.

FEES

1. THE WEDDING:

All weddings held at Calvary must be approved by the Rector. Members and direct family members of Calvary are not charged fees for use of the church. The organist's suggested fee is $150.00 for one rehearsal and the ceremony. Anything additional will be negotiated with the organist.

2. THE RECEPTION:

a. If it is desired that a reception is to be held at Calvary, the church is able to provide two halls, Parker Hall and the Parish Hall. Each will seat about 60 to 70 people, and each accommodates more who stand. The fee for the use of either hall is $150.00 ($300.00 for the use of both halls). A refundable $100.00 damage and cleaning deposit must be made at least 30 days prior to the date of the reception. Please make two separate checks out to “Calvary Church,” marked “reception fee” and “reception deposit” respectively.

b. Rules for wedding receptions at Calvary are as follows:

1. Champagne, wine and beer are the only alcoholic beverages allowed. A non-alcoholic alternative must be offered along with food.

2. The premises must be left clean, including the kitchen. Those putting on the reception are responsible for cleaning up. If an exceptionally messy kitchen and reception area is left, the $100.00 deposit will not be returned.

3. If a key is issued, it must be returned promptly.

4. There is no smoking inside the church buildings.

SANCTUARY (the area of the church inside the altar rails)

1. FLOWERS are furnished by the couple, their or someone else associated with the wedding. The arrangement of flowers may not be taller than the arms of the Cross on the Retable behind the Altar (36", including vases). There should be two symmetrical arrangements, one on either side of the Cross. The height of the candles must also be below the arms of the Cross.

2. If the florist wishes to arrange flowers at the shop, the flowers can be put in paper-mache containers, and then placed in Calvary's brass vases. Measurements are made available to any florist who calls. Florists must let the church staff know when they plan to decorate the church, so that the church is open when they arrive.

3. Flowers are sometimes left for the Sunday services. Should the wedding party wish to leave the flowers, it is possible to designate them in the bulletin as a memorial or in thanksgiving for the marriage of the couple. Names must be furnished to the church one week prior to the wedding for inclusion in the bulletin.

4. Flower arrangements are only allowed on the Retable, on the two shelves in the Chancel and on the two tables at the back of the Nave.

5. ADDITIONAL CANDLESTICKS (but not the candles) can be furnished by Calvary for use in the Sanctuary. Confirmation of the use of candlesticks must be made with a staff person.

NAVE (the area of the church where the pews are located)

1. Calvary Church seats approximately 600 people. The center aisle is 87 feet long.

2. Flowers on the Altar and designated places in the Chancel are usually sufficient. Any additional decorations must be approved by the Rector. If pew decorations are used, the florist (or other assigned person) must return immediately after the wedding to remove them.

3. The railings outside the front of the church may be decorated.

4. Flower petals and birdseed may be used in the churchyard only. Rice is not allowed.

5. Aisle cloths cannot be used, because the air intake ducts for the HVAC system are located in the center aisle.

DRESSING ROOMS

1. Groom, bride and attendants may change clothes at the church. The couple is responsible for cleaning up the dressing areas after the wedding. Please designate someone to be responsible for cleanup and removal of valuables.

2. Calvary Church is not responsible for the loss or theft of personal property or valuables. Please use precautions to make certain they are left in a secure place.

PARKING

1. The parking lot to the north of the church is managed by System Parking. The staff at Calvary will arrange with them for free parking during the wedding (and the reception if it is held at Calvary).

2. Other parking is available on the street, and in the lots off Third Street behind the church.

PHOTOGRAPHY

1. Professional photographers and videographers are welcome. They must consult with the Rector in advance regarding their involvement and placement during the service. NO FLASH or supplementary lighting is allowed.

2. We also ask that the wedding party instruct the photographer that he/she will be limited to a maximum of 30 minutes for wedding pictures after the marriage service. This time limitation is required, out of respect for the waiting reception guests, as well as the persons who are responsible for securing the church. It is recommended that the bulk of the pictures be taken before the wedding if possible.

EMERGENCIES

In case of an emergency, please dial 911 immediately. If no staff members of Calvary are on the premises, please call Father Morris at 380-6899, or Margaret Dickinson at 893-7954.

ARRANGEMENTS TO VISIT THE CHURCH BEFORE THE WEDDING

You may wish to visit Calvary several times while planning your wedding, in addition to your conferences. Please call first (587-6011). Office hours are 9 AM – 4:30 PM Monday through Thursday, and 10-12 on Saturdays.

If you have additional questions, please contact Fr. Ned Morris at the church at 587-6011. On behalf of the community of Calvary Church, I pray that you have a wonderful and meaningful beginning to your married life.

The Rev. J. Edward Morris,

Rector

CALVARY EPISCOPAL CHURCH

821 South Fourth Street

Louisville, Kentucky 40203

Telephone 502-587-6011

FAX 502-587-6012