"And the Two Shall Become One" -
Weddings at La Mesa First
Your Wedding
Your wedding is a special moment in your lives. It is more than a time a joy; it is also a promise of a new life. It is a fresh beginning of your faith journey. God has called the two of you to live as one from this day forward.
We want to do all we can to make this a joyful celebration of your commitments to each other. It is a part of our ministry to make our facilities and services available both to our own congregation and to others in the community. We are prepared to cooperate with you in every way possible so that your wedding is one of the most sacred moments in your lives.
Arrangements
Arrangements will be made through our wedding coordinator, Ann Ewalt. She will give guidance on basic details and will contact the minister as soon as possible in order that the wedding date and rehearsal hour may be firmly established and counseling appointments set. No date is considered firm until entered on the church calendar by the coordinator and a $50.00 deposit is made to her. (The deposit will be refunded within five working days following the wedding. The church reserves the right to deduct for damage, special cleaning, late arrival at the rehearsal/wedding, or additional work required at the wedding/reception.)
Minister
The minister, being sensitive to your wishes, is in charge of all aspects of the service. Any ministerial member of the California-Pacific Conference of the United Methodist Church is welcome to perform weddings at this church. Other clergy may be used to perform your service, but they must be approved by a minister of this church.
Counseling with the Minister
Each couple to be married should meet with a minister for pre-marital interviews. At that time, various important phases of the marriage relationship will be discussed. It is also a time for reviewing the style, content, and order of the service the couple wishes, and for clarifying the many details which may be involved.
Professional Premarital Counseling
Professional premarital counseling is available for a fee. the cost is based on a sliding scale. Call METRO at (619) 234-3158 for an appointment with one of their counselors or to discuss appropriate counseling with the minister.
Services of the Wedding Hostess
Because of the complex arrangements which must be coordinated, a wedding involving more than 30 people requires the services of our wedding hostess. She is, of course, also available for smaller weddings. The wedding coordinator will assign you a wedding hostess when you book your wedding.
Style
Weddings may be traditional or contemporary, simple or elaborate. Wedding appropriate music of any style or period may be used. Dress and liturgies may also be formal or informal.
Equipment Available
The church can provide two large candelabra, two styles of trident candelabra, two flower urns on pedestals, and ten pew candleholders. The kneeling bench is also furnished. Any of these items can be used for your wedding at no additional fee.
Music
Our resident organist, Lea Schmidt-Rogers, must be in attendance at all weddings whether or not the organ is used. A guest organist may play, pending Lea's approval, and a bench fee is also required. An additional fee is required for rehearsals. Lea is also an accomplished pianist, if piano music is preferred.
Decorations
The couple should make arrangements for all accoutrements. Questions regarding decorations may be discussed with the wedding hostess.
Rehearsal
A rehearsal for the entire wedding party (excluding the organist) is included in the arrangements for Sanctuary weddings. The hostess and the minister will clarify details, answer questions, and assist the participants to go through the service with confidence and poise. All participants must be at the rehearsal at least 10 minutes before the rehearsal is scheduled to begin.
Church Policies
No alcohol is permitted on church property at any time. Persons who are obviously under the influence of alcohol or other drugs will not be permitted to participate in the wedding. Smoking is only permitted outside the buildings in a designated area. Due to safety considerations, rice, birdseed, confetti, or any other small articles are not permitted (bubbles are ok outside). Photographs may not be taken at any time during the ceremony except from the balcony at the back of the church with NO flash.
Photography and Video Taping
The church allows video taping if certain restrictions are followed:
- You must consult with either the wedding hostess or officiating minister at least three weeks prior to your wedding.
- The person or persons doing the video taping must attend the wedding rehearsal.
- No additional lighting is permitted for the video camera.
- If one camera is used, the taping must be done from either location A or location B, with their corresponding restrictions.
- If two cameras are used, both locations may be used and the same restrictions apply to each location. Video locations are (A) from the balcony or the back of the church behind the guests, or (B), the camera may be stationed to the left of the altar.
- The camera may not be moved during the taping and the cameraperson must be as inconspicuous as possible.
- The photo time limit in church is 30 minutes after the completion of the ceremony. Please be sure to designate someone not in the photos to clean up the Bride's and Groom's rooms during this time.
Honorarium for the Minister
An honorarium or gratuity of $200 for the minister is collected. It should be given to the wedding hostess at the time other fee payments are made. The amount should be discussed with the minister.
Church Wedding Fees
We have a beautiful sanctuary, reception hall, and dressing rooms which are available to wedding parties. We are in no sense a "commercial" wedding chapel. Any costs involved are included so that we may maintain these facilities for others and so that we may be fair to members of our staff who are asked to do extra work for which they receive no other remuneration. A single payment for all services agreed upon must be made to the wedding hostess at least three weeks before the wedding.
Child Care
Child care services are available for a fee. Arrangements can be made through the wedding hostess. Three weeks notice are needed.
Please feel free to contact us with questions, or to schedule a wedding by calling (619) 466-4163, or by contacting us by e-mail.