Weddings at Wilshire
Wilshire is open to all and closed to none, which means all couples, Wilshire members or not, who seek to be legally married in a Christian context are welcome. Fees charged may be less for church members.
Here are the basics
The church expects that a couple married at Wilshire believes in God. Furthermore, the church desires that God be the authority guiding their lives, now to be united in holy matrimony. Every effort will be made to protect the theology of the wedding and its significant relationship to God. Secular celebrations such as musical selections or military exercises may be appropriate at the wedding reception, but will not be a part of the wedding service in the Sanctuary or McIver Chapel.
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 on church property, including parking lots and dressing rooms. Any member 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.
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.
All music selections must be approved in advance by the church’s wedding administrator.
All music in the ceremony must be performed live. No recorded music or accompaniment tracks are allowed.
Child care 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 couple and wedding party select attire that is appropriate and tasteful for the wedding rehearsal and wedding ceremony.
We offer two primary locations for weddings
The Sanctuary seats up to 800 and has a piano and a pipe organ.
McIver Chapel seats up to 135 and has a piano and a pipe organ.
Receptions
Wilshire offers excellent, convenient facilities for your reception, including Community Hall, James Gallery and the Parlor. Contact Hospitality Director Holly Irvin for information about facilities or food services. Fees for the reception room and food are separate from the wedding fees.