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Weddings

Purpose and Policy

We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary sexes together reflect the image and nature of God, and one’s biological sex is not to be rejected (Genesis 1:26-27). We believe marriage means the uniting of one biological man and one biological woman in a single, exclusive, lifelong union (Genesis 2:18-25). We believe sexual intimacy is intended only for a married man and woman (1 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Corinthians 7:2-5, Hebrews 13:4, Matthew 5:28, Ephesians 5:3). The purpose of weddings at River Shores is to establish stable Christian homes where Christ is honored as head of the home. To help couples prepare toward that goal, the following policies apply:

  1. Weddings are conducted only for two Christians who have demonstrated the maturity and compatibility needed for a stable, God-honoring relationship.
  2. Weddings are usually conducted at least six months after the first meeting between the pastor and the couple, unless wisdom warrants an exception.
  3. To ensure solid preparation for marriage, a minimum of 8-10 hours of premarital counseling (plus assigned homework) is required with the pastor before the wedding. A date should not be set before the pastor determines this is likely to be a successful marriage.
  4. The pastor will not conduct a wedding between a Christian and a non-Christian.
  5. A wedding will not be conducted for a couple living together or sexually active unless they agree to separate and remain sexually pure until the wedding.
  6. You may have a pastor outside of our church officiate the ceremony with approval from Pastor Casey.

Our Facilities

  • The church sanctuary seats about 350 people comfortably, though additional metal folding chairs can be added if needed.
  • The multipurpose room seats between 200-250 people around tables, depending on table size and layout. For example, using a serving line, 27 round tables, and 4 straight tables seats 249 people.
  • Our kitchen is a fully licensed commercial kitchen.
  • Please read our building use policies as well as our Wedding Packet.

To Get Started

  1. Contact the church administrative assistant, who will then contact the wedding coordinator. Facility availability is first-come, first-served. Your assigned wedding coordinator will confirm church and pastor availability and then get back to you regarding approval.
  2. Submit to the church office the application along with a $200 security deposit check (returned if facilities are not damaged). Remaining fees (below) are due one month before the wedding. Full refund if the wedding is canceled.
  3. Meet with Pastor Casey to set up premarital counseling sessions.
  4. Your wedding coordinator will stay in contact with you regarding church property use and planning for the rehearsal and ceremony.

Fees

Inside Congregation

  • Church use: $50
  • Custodial work: $150
  • Sanctuary sound technician (approximately 4 hours for rehearsal and wedding): $100
  • Reception fee for multipurpose room and kitchen: $200
  • Tablecloths: $50
  • Sound tech for other-room needs: cost based on needs
  • Total: $300-$550

Outside Congregation

  • Church use: $200
  • Custodial work: $150
  • Sanctuary sound technician (approximately 4 hours for rehearsal and wedding): $150
  • Reception fee for multipurpose room and kitchen: $200
  • Tablecloths: $50
  • Sound tech for other-room needs: cost based on needs
  • Total: $500-$750

For More Information

Please contact the church office.