Building Use Policy

Wedding Policy

Our church regards Christian marriage as both a sacred covenant and a joyful act of worship. To honor the holiness of this occasion and maintain the spiritual integrity of our worship space, weddings held in our church are officiated by our pastor or another minister approved by the pastor. Wedding requests should be submitted at least three months in advance of the desired date to allow adequate time for scheduling, counseling, and preparation. This policy ensures that every ceremony reflects the faith, values, and mission of our congregation, and that our sanctuary remains a place set apart for sacred use.

Scheduling and Eligibility

Weddings at South UMC are open to members and non-members, subject to pastoral approval and availability of the building. To reserve a date, couples must contact the church office and complete a Facility Use Request Form. Reservations are confirmed once the deposit is received and the pastor has approved the date. Church events take priority; other weddings are scheduled around them.

Premarital Counseling

Couples are required to meet with the pastor for premarital counseling (usually 3–4 sessions). These sessions help prepare you for both marriage and the wedding ceremony itself.

Use of Facilities

Available spaces include: Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall (for receptions), Bride’s Room, and Kitchen (if applicable). Decorations are welcome but must not damage pews, furniture, or walls. No open flames other than dripless altar candles. Throwing rice, confetti, or glitter is not permitted inside the building (birdseed or bubbles outside only).

Fees and Deposits

Service/Space Member Non-Member Fee

Sanctuary No charge $400

Fellowship Hall No charge $300

Sound/Tech No charge No charge

Custodian $150 $150

Organist/Pianist $300 $300

Deposit No charge $200

Fees include utilities and basic custodial services. Deposit (refundable after inspection) and 50% of total fees are due at the time of reservation; balance due two weeks before the wedding.

Custodian Service Fee

A custodian fee is required for all weddings and funerals held in the church, regardless of whether catering or other services are selected. This fee helps cover the cost of cleaning, setup, and maintaining the church facilities before and after the event. The fee amount will be communicated at the time of reservation and must be paid in advance to secure the date.

Pastor’s Role and Honorarium

Our pastor is honored to be part of your wedding and views this as a sacred act of worship. The pastor will meet with you for premarital counseling, assist in planning the ceremony, lead the rehearsal, and officiate your wedding.

For members of South United Methodist Church, there is no required fee, though an honorarium to the pastor is customary and appreciated.

For non-members, weddings must be approved by the pastor before scheduling. A pastoral service fee of $400 helps cover counseling sessions, ceremony preparation, and the rehearsal.

Catering and Food Services

For weddings and funerals, the church may provide or allow catering in our facilities. Fees for catering, if provided by the church or an approved caterer, are based on the number of guests and the type of service requested. Typical charges range from $10–$30 per person for weddings and $5–$20 per person for funeral receptions, depending on the menu and level of service.

The church strives to keep these fees reasonable and often offers reduced rates or fee waivers for members. All arrangements and fees must be coordinated and approved through the church office in advance to ensure proper planning and care for the event.

Funeral and Memorial Services

South United Methodist Church is honored to offer the comfort and hope of Christian worship to families during times of loss. Our pastor and congregation are here to support you with prayer, care, and a meaningful service that celebrates the life of your loved one and affirms our faith in God’s eternal promise.

Scheduling and Coordination

Funeral or memorial services are scheduled through the church office in consultation with the pastor. Church member services receive scheduling priority, though non-member services may also be approved by the pastor based on availability. The pastor or designee will meet with the family to plan the service and provide pastoral care.

Facility Use and Fees

Service/Space Member Non-Member Fee

Sanctuary No charge $400

Fellowship Hall No charge $300

Sound/Tech No charge No charge

Custodian $150 $150

Organist/Pianist $200 $200

Deposit No charge $200

Fees cover utilities, setup, and cleaning. For members, many of these costs are covered through the church’s ministry budget.

Pastor’s Role and Honorarium

The pastor provides pastoral care to the family, helps plan the service, and officiates during the funeral or memorial.

For members, no pastoral fee is required, though an honorarium is appreciated.

For non-members, a pastoral service fee of $300 applies, subject to the pastor’s approval.

Additional Notes

Music should be appropriate to the worship setting; the pastor and musician can assist in selecting hymns or special pieces. The Fellowship Hall may be used for a luncheon or reception, coordinated through the church office. Alcohol and smoking are not permitted anywhere on church property.

General Facility Use (Other Events)

Church facilities are primarily for church ministries and members. Non-church groups or community organizations may request use, but all events must align with the mission, values, and Christian principles of the church. Requests for facility use should be submitted at least one month in advance to allow adequate time for scheduling, review, and coordination with church activities.

A flat building/facility fee of $700 per event/day and a custodian fee will apply for setup, cleaning, and maintenance. Additional fees for equipment or kitchen use will be communicated at the time of approval.

Responsibilities:

• Users are responsible for leaving the space clean and orderly.

• Any damages or additional cleaning may incur extra charges.

• Activities or materials that conflict with the church’s mission or teachings are not permitted.

Safety and Supervision:

• Children must be supervised at all times.

• The church reserves the right to limit occupancy or require supervision depending on the type of event.