North Scottsdale United Methodist Church is happy to make its facilities available to those who desire God as the supreme uniting power in their marriage, and who would like their wedding to be a beautiful and sacred ceremony. We do expect the building to be used with reverence and respect, with the religious nature of the ceremony governing all activities.

The wedding ceremony should be full of joy and happiness, asking God's blessing and sharing the Bridal Party's love and sentiments with families and friends. The following information should help all participants to plan for the ceremony.

WEDDING COORDINATOR & DEPOSIT
We provide an experienced Wedding Coordinator, whose services are required when the number of ceremony participants and guests total eight (8) or more. The Wedding will be confirmed and added to the church calendar after the Pastor(s) and the Wedding Coordinator confirm the date and time of the Wedding and Rehearsal with the church office, and the $100 non-refundable deposit is paid. The Wedding Coordinator will be available to assist with preliminary plans, will conduct the Rehearsal and will be present the day of the Wedding to coordinate all aspects of the ceremony and assure the proper use of our facility and staff.

COUNSELING
Counseling appointment(s) with the Pastor(s) need to be arranged prior to the Wedding, and should be scheduled at the time the Wedding is placed on the church calendar. 

RESERVATIONS & SCHEDULING
We will accept reservations up to one year in advance. Our sanctuary accommodates approximately 500 guests. We do not schedule Weddings during Holy Week (the week preceding Easter), the week before Christmas, on Sundays or legal holidays. Weddings will not be scheduled to begin after 7:30 p.m.

The Pastor(s) and/or Wedding Coordinator of NSUMC will conduct and direct the Rehearsal and the Wedding Service. The Wedding Coordinator will assist with details and arrangements at the Rehearsal and on the Wedding Day.  A "personal wedding consultant/assistant" may be contracted by the Wedding Couple, but the NSUMC Wedding Coordinator will also be present to represent the church and to assist with details and arrangements.

THE WEDDING REHEARSAL
The Rehearsal is an important part of the preparation for the Wedding. One hour is allotted for the Wedding Rehearsal, which is scheduled through the Pastor(s) and/or Wedding Coordinator when the Wedding is scheduled. Respect for the church schedule and the Pastor(s)'s other obligations require that the Rehearsal begin at the designated time. Notification of the Wedding Party as to the time of the Rehearsal is the responsibility of the Bride and Groom; being at the church on time is the individual responsibility of each member of the Wedding Party. 

MARRIAGE LICENSE & FEES DUE
The Marriage License and the balance due of any and all fees and honorariums must be given to the Wedding Coordinator at the Wedding Rehearsal.

THE WEDDING DAY
The Wedding Coordinator will open the church facility two and one-half hours prior to the scheduled beginning of the Wedding Ceremony. We recommend that the entire Wedding Party arrive at least two hours before the ceremony is to begin. We also recommend that the bridal party have representatives pack their belongings back into vehicles before the Wedding Ceremony begins for expedient departure to the reception. All church facilities need to be cleared within half an hour of the ending of the Wedding Ceremony.

North Scottsdale United Methodist Church is not responsible for any items brought to or left at the church at the Rehearsal or at the Wedding Ceremony.

Smoking is not permitted at any time or place in any of the church buildings. Use of birds or other animals in the ceremony is not permitted. Food and drink are not permitted in the sanctuary at any time. Use of alcoholic beverages, illegal substances and possession of firearms is strictly prohibited in and on all church premises including building, parking lots and grounds.

FLOWERS & ARRANGEMENTS
Arrangements for delivery of flowers on the day of the Wedding must be made with the church office or Wedding Coordinator. We recommend that flowers arrive at least one hour prior to the scheduled beginning of the ceremony, and all decorations should be completed at this time. Advance arrangements must be made for delivery and pickup of any rented or borrowed equipment.

No tape, thumb tacks or wire use is permitted on pews, woodwork or walls of the sanctuary. An aisle runner must be used if flower petals are to be dropped by a Flower Girl; contact your florist for aisle runner information. The Bridal Party is responsible for clean up or removal of flowers and associated materials used with arrangements.

CANDLES
All candles in candelabra must be dripless, and no real, artificial flowers or ribbons are permitted on the candles due to fire hazard. Candles are permitted only in the front of the sanctuary, not along the aisle(s). Unity candles should be provided by the Bridal Party. 

DAMAGE
Any damage caused by use of candles or other decorations are the responsibility of the Bridal Party to reimburse the church for new replacements.

RICE & CONFETTI
Throwing of rice or confetti is not permitted in the church or on church grounds. Birdseed is allowed to be thrown, but only in the parking lot -- not in the patio area. Bubbles are permitted outside on the patio area, but not in the Narthex.

MUSIC SELECTION
Because the Marriage Service is a worship service, the music selected must be suitable for such and occasion. All music choices must be sanctioned by our Pastor(s). If the requested music is not in our Organist's library, the Bridal Party is expected to pay for the music (no photocopies, please). Please note that if the ceremony is to be recorded or videotaped, it is the responsibility of the Bridal Party to secure a recording license from the copyright owner of each piece of music used.

ORGANIST
NSUMC has an Organist who is preferred to play for Weddings in our sanctuary, as s/he is responsible for, and familiar with, the organ. His/her schedule fills up quickly, so early booking of the Church Organist is very important. If a different Organist is desired, please talk to the Pastor(s), as any guest Organist must be endorsed by both the Pastor(s) and the regular Church Organist/Music Department. In addition, the guest Organist must meet with the Church Organist for instructions in use of the organ. Ordinarily, the Organist plays a prelude, a processional and a recessional, and will accompany vocal soloists.

SOLOISTS
Please check with the church staff about information available regarding vocal and musical Soloists. One to three solos are appropriate for a Wedding. Music needs to be coordinated between the Soloist and Organist in a timely enough manner for the Organist to feel comfortable to play the piece. Tapes and CDs may be used with prior coordination.

SOUND SYSTEM
Sound system and related equipment must be operated by church staff only.

DURING THE WEDDING CEREMONY
To preserve the reverence and solemnity of the occasion, NO flash pictures are permitted during the ceremony, and we request that only the professional photographer take pictures during the ceremony. It is permissible to make arrangements with the photographer to come prior to the Wedding for any pictures desired, but photos must be concluded at least one-half hour before the ceremony begins. Photographs taken after the Wedding should be concluded within one-half hour following the ceremony. During the ceremony, the photographer may shoot non-flash photos from behind the guests. After the Wedding, please arrange with the photographer to shoot any photos requiring the Pastor(s) first -- s/he will recreate any parts of the ceremony for pictures as needed. Please check with church staff for recommendations of photographers familiar with our facility. The photographer is not permitted to place any equipment on pews or other church furniture.

VIDEO RECORDING
Videotaping of the service is permitted without added lighting and distracting movement, but must be discussed with the Pastor(s) or Wedding Coordinators at least one (1) week prior to the ceremony.

RELATED CHURCH POLICIES

The Bride and Groom will be required to sign a Facilities Use Agreement

FEES FOR WEDDINGS AT NSUMC