PLEASE RESPECT AND ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES: It is important to advise family members and the bridal party of our church’s guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation.
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Please refrain from parking in reserved identified spaces on the church’s campus.
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No food or drink is allowed in the sanctuary.
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Removal or re-‐arrangement of pulpit furniture is prohibited.
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You may not remove any part of the Church AV Equipment.
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All decorations must fit within the seasonal decorations already in place in the church. You may contact the Wedding Coordinator to find out what decorations will be in the church during the season of your wedding.
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All candles must be dripless.
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Flowers may not be placed directly on the altar but rather on stands beside the altar. They may be placed on the floor in front of the altar and or on the pews or lampposts.
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Tape is not permitted on the pews to secure bows or other decorations. (Ribbon, a plastic holder, a pipe cleaner, or rubber bands are appropriate).
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You may add flowers, candles (including a Unity Candle if desired), pew bows, or other decorations to the environments if you so choose. (Tape is not permitted on the pews to secure bows or other decorations. Ribbon, a plastic holder, a pipe cleaner, or rubber bands are appropriate).
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No aisle runners are permitted.
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At the conclusion of the wedding rehearsal, the sanctuary will be closed.
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All bridal party participants should arrive at the church dressed in wedding attire prepared for the service.
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Wedding participants are strongly encouraged to remain in designated areas assigned by the Wedding Coordinator to facilitate the wedding service beginning on time.
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Any decorations you add must be removed immediately after the wedding. (Please remember to assign this task to someone ahead of time).
Getting Started
1.
Please contact the church office to request the date for your ceremony.
2.
Three (3) pre-‐marital counseling sessions with the Officiating Pastor are mandatory for member. Please contact Pastor Warnock’s administrative assistant for more details.
3. Non-‐members who are going thru counseling at their own church will need a letter indicating completion of counseling and recommendation of marriage.
Guidelines Planning the Date and Time of the Service
1.
Weddings are celebrated on weekdays, (though there is a very limited time window) and on Saturdays, weddings are usually not performed on Sunday.
2.
The Church Administrator, Mrs. Glenda Boone, will determine the availability of Pastor Warnock and tentatively reserve the Horizon Sanctuary. Weddings performed at the Ebenezer Baptist Church must be officiated by an ordained minister of Ebenezer.
3.
Rehearsals usually take place the day before your wedding. Rehearsals may begin no later than 7pm.
Planning the Service 1.
The wedding coordinator looks forward to working with you to shape your service.
2.
Although the service will follow a traditional format, there is room to put a personal touch on the wedding. We will work with you to strike a balance that reflects both your relationship and our tradition.
3.
Planning together is a wonderful way to start your life together and to celebrate the blessing of a marriage.
Music 1.
Your assigned Wedding Coordinator will assist you with selecting the appropriate music and musicians to ensure that your choices will reflect this joyous yet sacred occasion.
Photography and Video
1.
We work to maintain a joyful and worshipful atmosphere in the wedding service. Good professional photographers understand this, and they will a g r e e to minimize distractions and respect the sacred nature of the building and the liturgy.
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When pictures are taken prior to the service, all shooting must be completed at least 30 minutes before the service.
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Flash may be used for the procession.
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NO FLASH photographs may be taken once the service begins.
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Photography, with quiet shutter, is permitted during the service.
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Videotaping is permitted during the service.
Church Environment 1.
The Church will accommodate a maximum of 1,800 guests, including attendants and those seated in the balcony.
2.
You may use the church parking lot, including staff spaces; there are 350 parking spots available.
3.
The church has a total of 5 aisles. The center aisle consists of 19 rows of pews on each side.
Please call Mrs. Glenda Boone at (404) 688-‐7300 Ext. 224 or email, glendab@ebenezerchurch.us, for more information. Appointments are scheduled Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12:30pm -‐ 7:00pm.
In most circumstances you may apply for a marriage license at any GA county clerk office where you plan to be married. These offices are usually located in the county probate court or circuit court. This document outlines the procedures you must follow to obtain your license. Cost of License: What is the cost of a marriage license? The marriage license fee is $26.00 to $30.00 dollars. Marriage license fees may vary from county to county. Residency Requirements: What are the residency requirements for Georgia? If both partners are residents you may obtain your license from a Town Clerk of your residence. If only one of you is a resident go to the Town Clerk of that resident. In either circumstance, your license will be valid statewide. If neither partner is residents you must apply for your license in the county where the marriage will take place. Waiting Period: Is there a waiting period from the application date to the date the license is issued? No, you will receive your license immediately. Is there a waiting period from the date the license is issued to the date I am allowed to marry? No, you can marry immediately after receiving your license. Age Requirement: What is the minimum age a man or woman may marry? You must be 18 years old or older to marry without parental consent. A birth certificate may be necessary to show proof of age. What if one or both of us is younger than 18? If either partner is under 18, parental consent forms must be signed. You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you are under 16 you can not marry without a court order. A minor who is pregnant does not need parental consent as long as the pregnancy is verified in a written statement by a licensed physician. Blood Tests and Physical Exams: Are blood tests and physical exams required? As of July 1, 2003, blood tests are no longer required.
License Expiration: How long does a marriage license remain valid once it's been issued? Your marriage license will never expire once it's been issued. Divorced and Widowed Applicants: What if one or both partners have been divorced or have had a spouse die? If previously married, the date of divorce or date of spouse's death must be provided. If the divorce or spouse's death had taken place within the last 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate. A copy of your divorce records or spouse's death certificate can be ordered online. Obtain Vital Records: Where can I obtain a certified copy of a marriage, divorce, or death certificate? Certified copies of marriage, divorce, or death records can be ordered online.