Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
285 North Dale Street - Saint Paul, MN 55103
651-227-8295 www.redeemerstpaul.org
WEDDING INFORMATION & FEES
  1. GENERAL GUIDELINES
    1. All regular members of the congregation are entitled to the use of the church for a wedding service.  Non-members will be accommodated at the discretion of the pastor.
    2. Requests for the use of the building shall be made by contacting the Office Manager.
    3. The pastor and Music Director will conduct the service although other ministers, soloists, organists, etc. can be invited to participate as approved by the Pastor.
    4. Schedule rehearsals in consultation with the Pastor or Office Manager.
    5. Deliveries should be scheduled during the regular church office hours of Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
    6. All decorations are furnished by the wedding party, except the regular altar candles.
    7. All activities must be finished by 10:00 p.m. on Saturday nights.
    8. Alcohol use before the ceremony is not appropriate.  Anyone who shows indication of alcohol consumption will not be allowed to take part in the ceremony.
    9. A valid Marriage License must be given to the pastor at the rehearsal.
  2. ALTAR DECORATIONS & FLORIST GUIDELINES
    1. NOTHING, EXCEPT CANDLES, MAY BE PLACED ON THE ALTAR.  The Chancel area is not to be rearranged without the pastor's approval.
    2. Flowers may be placed on the stands at the sides of the Chancel or on stands supplied by the florist.  Discuss flower placement with the Pastor.
    3. If candles are placed for decoration, they must be prevented from dripping on the floor and pews.
    4. All extra materials, candles, or flower stands must be removed immediately after the wedding.
  3. PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEOTAPING
    1. Photo sessions should be arranged before or after the service.
    2. No flash photos are allowed during the ceremony.  The photographer may not enter the Chancel area during the ceremony.
    3. Videotaping is allowed only following the guidelines.
    4. Guests should be informed not to take photos during the ceremony.  A notice in the bulletin is suggested:  The Bride and Groom request that guests do not take photographs during the ceremony.  Please keep your wedding service a sacred and beautiful occasion, unspoiled by cameras and flashes.
  4. THE CEREMONY
    1. The Marriage Ceremony is a worship service and is conducted with decorum and reverence.  It is not a private act, and the pastor is under obligation to conduct it according to Church traditions.
    2. The Pastor of Redeemer or other ordained clergy with the Pastor's permission will be the Presiding Minister at all marriages.  The marriage couple may also request the pastor to invite Assisting Ministers to participate.
    3. The pastor will gladly work with the marriage couple to create an individually meaningful ceremony based upon the couple's ideas.
    4. If the service is a Nuptial Mass (the Marriage Rite within Holy Communion), all Christians who are communing members in their own congregations will be invited to receive the Sacrament.
    5. Family members or friends may be invited to read a lesson or share in some way in worship leadership.
  5. MUSIC
    1. Redeemer's Music Director will supervise all music and serve as the principal organist when music is included in the ceremony.  Use of another organist is possible with the Pastor and Music Director's permission.
    2. The Music Director will gladly work with the marriage couple to select appropriate pieces to enhance the wedding worship service.
    3. The wedding couple may ask the Music Director to invite other musicians to participate.
  6. CATERING/RECEPTION
    1. Arrangements can be made with the church office to use kitchen facilities and equipment.
    2. It is preferred that caterers provide all their own equipment, except for coffee makers.
    3. Clean up directions are posted in the kitchen, the wedding party is responsible.
  7. WEDDING FEES
Checks for all fees are to be given to the pastor or wedding host before the rehearsal.  Checks should be made out individually to the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer (for facilities rental) and to each person being paid an honorarium or fee (pastor, music director, custodian, and other musicians).
Fees for Church Members:
  1. Facility Fees
    There is no charge for use of the Sanctuary or Chapel
    Learning Center or Undercroft:  $150 (inc. Kitchen)
  2. Pastor Honorarium:  $200
  3. Wedding Host Fee: $100 for wedding, additional $100 for reception
  4. Music Director Honorarium:  $150
  5. Custodial Fees
    Wedding service only:  $125
    Wedding service & reception:  $250 (includes table set up and take down)
  6. Damage Deposit:  $200
Fees for Non-members:
  1. Facility Fees
    Sanctuary:  $500 (up to 5 hours)
    Chapel:  $150
    Learning Center or Undercroft:  $250 (inc. Kitchen)
  2. Pastor Honorarium:  $200
  3. Wedding Host Fee:  $125 for wedding, additional $100 for reception
  4. Music Director Honorarium:  $175
  5. Custodial Fees
    Wedding service only:  $125
    Wedding service & reception:  $250 (includes table set up and take down)
  6. Damage Deposit:  $200
If any damage fees are assessed, they will be taken out of the initial deposit.  If fees exceed the deposit, additional payment is required by the end of the next business day.
All parties are expected to arrive and depart at the agreed upon times. Overtime fees will be charged at the rate of $50 per 15 minutes.  If the custodian needs to leave and return at a different time because of a group staying overtime, an additional $125 will be charged for this visit.