Marriage Guidelines at Hope Church

1. The couple is expected to contact the pastor. Ordinarily this is to be done 6 months prior to the wedding date.
2. The couple will meet with a church leader to discuss their Christian faith commitment, their commitment to serve the Lord, and their commitment to the church.
3. The couple is responsible for requesting the use of the building with the secretary, as well as for finding a musician and a sound person.
4. Marriage between a Christian and a non-Christian will not be solemnized in this church. We are more than willing to work with anyone desiring to become a Christian, and to help them understand what it means.
5. Living together apart from marriage is strongly discouraged. The Council will not normally approve a marriage where the couple is living together.
6. The Council reserves the right to ask a couple to postpone their marriage and shall give reasons for such a request.
7. Council reserves the right to decline a marriage request if it determines that there are serious faith or lifestyle concerns.
8. Couples requesting marriage will be required to attend Marriage Preparation Classes, either with the pastor or a qualified counselor.
9. All weddings will be announced in the bulletin.
10. Since marriage ceremonies are an integral part of the life of the congregation and ought to be considered gatherings of the church, the congregation will be encouraged to attend the wedding and so share the joy of the couple.
11. Other ministers may conduct a wedding ceremony in the facilities of this church, as long as they follow Hope Church Marriage Guidelines, with the approval of Council.
12. Couples, as well as their families, are encouraged to have celebrations which are Christian in character.

Marriage Preparation Classes

Should I Marry a Non-Christian?

Should We Live Together First?