While it serves a legal purpose, then, at this church we celebrate the marriage ceremony as a service of worship. You come to the altar, in the presence of family and friends, to celebrate the love that God has placed in your hearts. The pastor's desire is that this love be made known to all. The vows you make, the giving and receiving of rings, and the uniting of hands all become symbols of this love.

Our desire is to extend to you a gracious welcome and to help you prepare for the high happiness of married life. We count it a privilege to assist you in any way the we can to make your wedding beautiful and your marriage enduring and joyful.

Your first contact may be either our church secretary, pastor, or wedding coordinator. The wedding coordinator will set up a time to meet with you to help with your arrangements. The coordinator will check on the availability of the church and the pastors for your rehearsal and wedding. The coordinator will review with you the costs of the church's services and if these are agreeable to you, will then arrange for you to meet with one of the pastors.

All weddings at Westchester UMC are presided over by one of the church's pastors. The pastor will arrange to meet with you for counsel concerning the joys and responsibilities of married life. Plan to set aside at least three meetings for this purpose. At the last of these you and the pastor will design your wedding to ensure that it is a reflection of the love that you share for one another.

The pastor or wedding coordinator will be able to suggest to you appropriate wedding music and will collaborate with the church organist. If you so desire, you may discuss with the pastor the participation of other musicians. The church does not have a sound system adequate for playing prerecorded music. With the pastor's approval, and at your own cost, you may bring in a sound system, provided the system and its operator are present for both rehearsal and wedding.

Rehearsals are mandatory and are recommended the evening before the wedding day. If you are working with another consultant, please be reminded that the church's wedding coordinator will be in charge of all proceedings at the church.

Special permission may be granted by the senior pastor if you wish a guest pastor to participate. Guest pastors are expected at rehearsal in order to participate in the wedding. As a rule, if the guest pastor is to lead you in the exchange of vows and the blessing of the marriage, you will be asked to collaborate with him or her in the preparation of the wedding bulletin.

The Sanctuary (seating capacity 500) and the chapel (seating capacity 60) are both available for weddings. There is a Bride's Room for the use of the bridal party.

The church has a well appointed parlor for small receptions and an attractive social hall for larger receptions. It is the policy of this church to cater receptions only through the United Methodist Women. Their service includes furnishing silver service, punch bowl, dishes, making punch and coffee, setting tables serving guests, etc. Friends or family may assist with serving if you desire. The wedding coordinator will give you the name and telephone number of the reception coordinator who will meet with you to discuss reception arrangements and fees.

The bride arranges for flowers, bows, ribbons, and aisle runner (if desired) with her florist. The aisle runner should be 100 feet long. There are 22 pews on each side of the center aisle. We recommend a minimum of additional decoration. The chancel appointments should not be moved or obscured by decorations. The church will be available for wedding preparations two hours prior to the start of the ceremony. All decorating should be complete at least one hour before the service. Please advise your florist of this time frame for decorations.

Scotch tape, tacks and staples are not allowed on pews, walls or furnishings. Wedding guests are expected to respect the sanctity of the church. Smoking and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. We require that guests refrain from throwing rice. Photographers guidelines will be provided to you by the wedding coordinator.