* A wedding coordinator will be assigned to each wedding. Personal wedding coordinators may also be used, but they must work in consultation with Wilshire’s wedding coordinator. Wilshire wedding coordinators must be on-site for all weddings.

* Alcoholic beverages are not allowed anywhere on the church property, including parking lots and dressing rooms. Any member(s) of the wedding party found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be removed from the church property. Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the church building, including restrooms and dressing rooms.

* The use of Wilshire ministers is preferred for all weddings. The wedding coordinator can assist you in securing the services of a Wilshire minister for your wedding. Outside ministers, particularly those who are family members of the bride or groom, are welcome to officiate in wedding ceremonies at Wilshire if prior arrangements are made with the associate pastor.

* All music selections must be approved in advance by the church’s wedding administrator, according to the procedures outlined in this booklet. Failure to comply with this policy may be grounds for Wilshire to cancel the wedding reservation.

* All music in the ceremony must be performed live. No recorded music or accompaniment tracks are allowed.

* The bride and groom must confirm with the wedding coordinator an order of service for the wedding no less than 30 days prior to the wedding.

* Childcare is not provided for wedding rehearsals, wedding ceremonies or wedding receptions.

* While weddings are joyous celebrations, they are also worshipful and sacred. Wilshire requests that the bride, groom and wedding party select attire that is appropriate and tasteful for the wedding rehearsal and wedding ceremony. All parties involved in the wedding should abide by the guidelines outlined in these policies.

Photography

All photographs taken in McIver Chapel or the Sanctuary before the wedding should be finished 30 minutes before the wedding begins. No flash photography is allowed during the ceremony, either by the wedding photographer, family members or guests.

Videos and recordings

A sound engineer will attend Sanctuary weddings and make an audio recording of the pre-service music and the ceremony. The engineer will set up microphones for soloists and/or instrumentalists as needed. Pre-recorded accompaniment tapes are not allowed.

Videotaping is permissible, provided it does not distract from the sacred character and dignity of the service. If a camera is used at the front of the room, it must be hidden, operated by remote control and remain stationary during the ceremony. No extra lighting shall be used during the service. All cameras must be stationary.

Rehearsal
   
The wedding coordinator directs the rehearsal. Neither the organist nor any Wilshire minister attends the rehearsal. Guest ministers are welcome and may give input in the rehearsal of the ceremony.

The rehearsal should begin on time and conclude in one hour. Any attendants who are unable to attend will be given instructions before the wedding.

Please schedule the rehearsal hour with care and consideration. An additional charge of $75 will be assessed if the rehearsal begins more than 30 minutes late.

Flowers and decorating

The church is open on Saturday mornings between 8:30 a.m. and noon and two hours before the wedding. The florist should be notified of these times. At times, certain church events may need to be scheduled preceding a wedding (such as funerals or choir rehearsals). Florists should be flexible in their decorating times.

If additional decorating time is needed by the bride, an additional per-hour charge will be assessed.

Decorations other than Wilshire’s equipment that may be used include:

• Flower arrangements in appropriate vases that will be safe for wood tables and wood floors.   
• Pew bows that are tied to the ends of the pews with ribbons, fastened with fabric covered twistees or attached with padded hooks.
• Candles on ends of pews that are appropriately secured for safety of guests and that will not damage the wood pews.

Any other equipment or decorations must be discussed in advance with the wedding coordinator.

Sanctuary choir chairs will remain in the choir loft. If they are to be removed, a fee of $1 per chair will be assessed.

Rice and birdseed may not be thrown on the premises. Bubbles, balloons, flower petals and streamers are some suggested items to be used. The wedding coordinator may give guidance.

Fees

All fees are due and payable no later than one month before the date of the wedding. Questions regarding ministers’ fees should be directed to the wedding coordinator.

Sanctuary wedding: Wilshire  members*   $1,000
Sanctuary wedding: Non-members             $1,700

This includes the facility fee, custodial fee, coordinator(s) fee, organist’s fee, scheduling fee and sound engineer fee. It does not include an honorarium for the minister or musicians other than the organist, nor does it include the reception.
       
McIver Chapel: Wilshire members*              $700       
McIver Chapel: Non-members                    $1,000

This includes the facility fee, custodial fee, coordinator(s) fee, director’s fee, organist’s fee and scheduling fee. It does not include an honorarium for the minister or musicians other than the organist, nor does it include the reception.

* Wilshire membership rates apply when either the bride or groom or the parents of the bride or groom have been church members for at least one year.