Weddings

Who is Eligible
Membership at First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables is not required in order to hold your wedding at our church, although it is always encouraged. Weddings of those who are not members of First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables are approved at the discretion of the Senior Pastor.

The Church Ceremony
One of the loveliest and most meaningful occasions in the lives of two persons is their wedding. We are grateful that you are considering marriage in a Christian church.  We consider the wedding ceremony to be a sacred experience blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ.  We wish to make your wedding as beautiful as it can be and an experience that will always live in your memory.

A wedding is only the first step into marriage. Its vows of love can be given and received in a few moments, but it takes a lifetime to carry out a marriage "for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, 'til death us do part."

A marriage is shared with joys, comforting each other in sorrow, loving and cherishing each other in all the experiences of life.  A wedding is precious. It must be reverent and wholehearted even when it is simple. The sacredness of the wedding vows should be matched by a serious spirit and joyous dedication. Your marriage is a three way union -- the two of you and God.

As you plan your wedding ceremony, we want to help you transform that ceremony from words nervously spoken into meanings joyously shared!

Fees

Please call the Wedding Coordinator, Roberta Weller, at the church office (305) 445-2578, ext. 121 to discuss the availability of the wedding date and the fees.

The fees are based on one hour for the rehearsal and two and a half hours from the start to finish of the wedding ceremony and completion of photos. The fee includes the Organist, Wedding Coordinator, Pre-Marital Counselor, Custodian, Sound technician, Church and utilities plus an honorarium for the minister.

The balance of your fee is due three weeks prior to the wedding.  If full payment is not received by the due date, it must be paid with cash, cashiers check or money order within 1 week prior to the rehearsal.  Non-payment at that time could result in cancellation of the wedding date.

Premarital Counseling Sessions

As an investment in the success of your marriage, we require 3 premarital counseling sessions conducted through our Care Counseling Ministry.  The cost of the meetings is included in the wedding fee.  There is an added cost of $35 for the counseling booklets (and mailing) to the bridal couple.  Results for you include enhanced communication skills and heightened awareness of differences and similarities in your expectations of marriage and each other. 

Marriage License
The marriage license must be brought to the rehearsal and given to the wedding hostess.