Wedding Pre-Requisites

1. We will joyfully conduct marriage ceremonies between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:18-25).
   
   
2. We are sorry, but we cannot perform a ceremony between a believer and non-believer (2 Corinthians 6:14).  We are committed to helping marriages grow strong and sharing a relationship with the Lord is central to that strength.
   
   
3. All weddings must have the consent of a pastor performing the ceremony.  At the initial meeting, the pastor will want to talk about issues like age, recent life-style, morality, financial responsibilities, length of dating relationship, parental agreement and the proper understanding of the Lord’s plan for marriage.
   
   
4. We will decline to marry a couple if they do not complete the pre-marital counseling requirements.  (Pre-marital course at Grace Baptist Church or pre-arranged substitute course.)
   
   
5. We may decline to marry a couple (or may opt to cancel a wedding) if at any point we discover that they have not given a truthful representation of their relationship, their motives, or their Christian ideals.   It is best for the couple to be straightforward at the outset of our dealings together.
   
   
6. The couple must give sufficient advance notice of the wedding date to allow time for pastoral meeting, premarital class and adequate ceremony preparations.
   
   
7. The couple may be creative in their ceremony, keeping in mind that a wedding is a worship ceremony and all aspects of the ceremony should be planned in conjunction with the pastor.
   
   
8. In certain situations, because of geography, couples may need to have their counseling or pre-marital preparation take place somewhere other than Grace Baptist Church. The pastor will approve these situations.
   
   
9. We will consider remarriage if Scripture permits.  This matter should be discussed with a pastor before submitting an application.          

If you have additional questions, you can contact Janiece Baker (our Staff Wedding Director) at janiece.baker@gracebaptist.org. Our hope is that your wedding at Grace will prepare you for a wonderful marriage that you will thank the Lord for every day of your life.