Weddings

Introduction
This policy document seeks to address two areas:
1) Weddings that are conducted by Pastors of Disciples Church Springfield, and
2) use of the Disciples Church Springfield building for wedding ceremonies.
As the two are somewhat related, we have sought to address both subjects in the same policy document.

Statement About Marriage
As there is much community debate today about marriage, we wish to be clear regarding the church’s position on marriage. We believe the Bible teaches that the family is the central unit of society and is made up of a man and a woman united by God in marriage, and children as God chooses to give them. Accordingly marriage is only between a man and a woman.

Scripture references: Genesis 2: 21 - 25, Matthew 19: 1 - 9; Mark 10: 1 - 12, 1 Corinthians 7, Ephesians 5: 21 - 33.

We believe that professing Christians should only marry professing Christians and so, unless there are exceptional circumstances, our Pastors will not marry a Christian to a non-Christian. Exceptional circumstances would need to be approved by the Elder Board.

Scripture reference: 2 Corinthians 6: 14 – 16

We believe that marriage is God’s design and is therefore a good thing. So, our Pastors can marry two non-Christians who are seeking to honour God by desiring to be married.

Fees Charged For Weddings

For weddings conducted by DC Pastors:

If the wedding is between two professing Christians who are Members or Attenders of the church and actively involved in one of the church’s Missional Community Groups then there will be no charge for the wedding, either for the Pastor or the church building.

If the wedding is between two non-Members/Attenders, the fees will be:

Pastor

• $550 to conduct the ceremony, have one pre-wedding meeting, and attend the rehearsal
• $1,000 for our pre-marriage counselling course (optional)
• plus travel costs if the wedding is not at the DC Building

Facility

• $650 for the building hire
• $150 for an A/V technician (compulsory)

Fees are to be paid as follows:

• 50% on booking and balance one month prior to the wedding
• Fees are non-refundable for cancellations (except for exceptional circumstances)

For Weddings Conducted by Pastors of Other Churches
Disciples Church Springfield can allow Pastors of other churches to conduct weddings in our church facility, subject to the Lead Pastor’s approval. The fees are as follows:

• $500 Facility
• $150 A/V Technician

Civil Celebrants
Disciples Church Springfield does not allow Civil Celebrants to conduct weddings in our church facility.