First Presbyterian Church of North Palm Beach is aware of the importance and joy of your wedding and how meaningful a time it is to you, your family and your friends. Over the years, we have found it helpful to develop policies and regulations that will help your wedding run smoothly. We suggest you read through our ”Wedding Planning” section online thoroughly and feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Your wedding is a Worship Service.

Your wedding falls under the rules and jurisdiction of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Book of Order and the policies of its governing body, the Church Session. As with any other Worship Service, we acknowledge our dependency upon God through Jesus Christ and seek His blessing on your marriage. One of the ministers of First Presbyterian Church MUST be in attendance at all Wedding Services. The church, at your request, may invite another Minister, Priest or Rabbi to assist with your wedding service subject to the approval and regulations of the church as set forth in this approved booklet.

Preliminary arrangements for all weddings begin by contacting the Wedding Coordinator, Anne Fitzmorris, at 561-248-2293. She will review initial requirements and dates of availability.

Wedding Application Packet

PRINT AND SIGN THIS FORM AND RETURN OR MAIL TO THE CHURCH: Wedding Application Packet

No wedding date will be confirmed WITHOUT a completed Wedding Application Packet and/or deposit check. A fifty dollar deposit ($50.00) must accompany all Wedding Application Packets being submitted, and a three hundred dollar ($300.00) deposit must accompany all Wedding Application Packets submitted by non-members who are using a pastor not associated with First Presbyterian Church. This deposit will be held until the requested date and time of the wedding is confirmed. At that time the deposit will be applied toward the Facility Costs. A minimum of six (6) weeks’ notice prior to any requested wedding date is required. Any Wedding Application Packet submitted for approval within six (6) weeks of the requested wedding date will not be approved.

Please be as thorough as possible in completing the Wedding Application Packet.  Pay particularly close attention to the questions concerning first marriage and church membership. Feel free to discuss this form with the Church Secretary or a Pastor at any time.

Upon receipt of the completed Wedding Application Packet, the Wedding Coordinator will verbally advise the bride of approval or non-approval as soon as possible. At that time, she will also advise as to the availability of the requested facilities, as well as to the availability of the requested minister. She will arrange a time to meet with you to discuss all arrangements for your wedding. She will ensure that your florist and photographer are fully informed of Session policies and ensure their access to our facility on your wedding day. Additionally, she will work with your pastor and the members of your bridal party at the rehearsal and handle all logistical details on the day of your wedding.

You may request the First Presbyterian Church Pastor of your choice. If that Pastor is available, the request will normally be approved. If, however, circumstances are such that the Pastor you request is not available, another Pastor will be assigned or you may reschedule for a date when the Pastor you desire is available. The Church Secretary will schedule a time for pre-marital counseling with your Pastor, which is in addition to required attendance at a Preparation for Marriage Seminar.

The First Step : Date & Time

The first step is determining the date and time for your wedding rehearsal and ceremony. First Presbyterian Church is in great demand for use of its facilities and we try to accommodate everyone for their first choice of date and time. Please understand that this is not always possible. The Wedding Application Packet provides a place for you to select an alternate date and time. Additionally, a minimum of six (6) weeks’ notice prior to any requested wedding date is required. Any Wedding Application Packets submitted for approval within six (6) weeks of the requested wedding date will not be approved.

In selecting a primary and alternate date, please be aware that scheduling weddings is subject to the overall calendar of the church.

Weddings are not scheduled on Sundays, nor will they be scheduled at any of the following times:

• New Year’s Eve
• New Year’s Day
• Missions Conference weeks (generally in February)
• Saturday before Easter
• Saturday before 2nd week of VBS (generally held in June)
• Saturday before the end of Music Camp (generally held end of June)
• Fourth of July
• Saturday before the 4th week of July  (Fun Arts Camp)
• Thanksgiving Weekend
• Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
• Any Saturday before an “all three service” Communion

Music

The Church’s Director of Music Ministries, Jay Arnn,  is in charge of all music in the church. He will assign the organist who will assist you in selecting appropriate music for your wedding, and provide soloists or additional instrumentalists should you so desire. The organist makes all decisions concerning the appropriateness of musical selections, type of music selected, and musicians and soloists other than those provided by the church. He will assist you in every way to have a joyful and worshipful wedding service.

It is usually not necessary for the organist to be present at the wedding rehearsal unless the musicians/vocalists are specifically requested to attend, or the organist deems it necessary to be present.