Getting Married At FPC

Congratulations:  We are delighted you have chosen to be married at First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland. A Christian wedding service in this church is a service of worship in the house of God. A wedding, the door by which a couple enters into this meaningful relationship, should be one of the most sacred and happiest moments in all of life. 

We are a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and follow the guidelines of the Directory of Worship, which is part of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA). A copy is available upon request from the church office. The following is a paragraph from the Directory of Worship (W-4.9000, 1995-1996): 

"Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire human family. Marriage is a civil contract between a woman and a man. For Christians, marriage is a covenant through which a man and a woman are called to live out together, before God, their lives of discipleship. In a service of Christian marriage a lifelong commitment is made by a woman and a man to each other, publicly witnessed and acknowledged by the community of faith."

Scripture and our Confessions teach that God’s intention for all people is to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or in chastity in singleness. Church property shall not be used for, and church officers shall not take part in conducting, any ceremony or event that pronounces blessing or gives approval of the church or invokes the blessing of God upon any relationship that is inconsistent with God’s intention as expressed in the preceding sentence.

The pastors and staff are privileged to offer the services and facilities of this church in accordance with the policies and regulations outlined in the wedding brochure and approved by the Session, the governing body of our church.

Please read the brochure thoroughly. If you have any questions, contact the pastor's secretary at 863-686-7187.

Pastor: A First Presbyterian Church pastor shall officiate over the service.  No wedding date is confirmed until one of our pastors meets with the couple.  A pastor from another Christian church may be permitted to assist one of our pastors at the service, upon approval.

Scheduling: Contact the Executive Secretary to begin the planning process.  She will check the availability of church facilities and schedule a meeting with the pastor.  A deposit of $250 is required to hold the date.

Marriage Counseling: It is expected that couples to be married at FPC complete four (4) hours of pre-marital counseling.  Counseling is available through our Parish Psychologist or the pastor at no charge.

Rehearsal: The wedding rehearsal is scheduled the day before the ceremony beginning no later than 6 p.m.  A maximum of 1 hour and 15 minutes is allotted for the rehearsal.  It is important that everyone involved in the wedding be present and on time.  It is not recommended that children under the age of 4 participate in the ceremony. 

Marriage License:  The marriage license shall be brought to the church on the wedding rehearsal date.  The church's Executive Secretary will ensure the license is sent to the County for recording.

Church Facility: The Chapel seats approximately 100 guests, and the Sanctuary approximately 850 guests.  The church is available two hours prior to the ceremony for dressing and pre-wedding photographs.  Changing rooms are available for your use. FPC is not responsible for any personal items lost, damaged, or stolen.  No smoking is permitted inside the buildings, and alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the premises. 

Wedding Directors:  FPC provides wedding directors to conduct the rehearsal, and assist with needs on the wedding day.  Outside wedding consultants are welcome, but must work with the church's directors and follow all FPC guidelines.

Music:  A wedding at FPC is considered a worship service, and all music shall be appropriate for a Christian wedding service.  Contact FPC's Fine Arts Director regarding music for the wedding at least one month prior to the wedding date.  All guest musicians must be approved by the Fine Arts Director.  Pre-recorded music may not be used.                    

Decorations: No flowers or decorations may be placed on the communion table.  Pedestals are available for flower arrangements.  Only silk flower petals may be dropped down the aisle.  Care must be taken that pew decorations do not scar the pews -- no tape, wire, nails, tacks, screws, or hot glue may be used. Candelabras are available for your use, and the required drip-free candles are provided at a nominal fee.  No aisle runners are permitted.

Birdseed, flower petals, and bubbles are permitted outside the building.  Rice, confetti, glitter and sparklers are prohibited. No substance may be thrown inside the building. All decorations inside and outside the facility must be removed by the wedding party immediately following the ceremony.

Photography and Video:  It is the responsibility of the couple to inform the photographer and video operator of all FPC policies.  An information sheet will be provided for this purpose.  The pastor will be happy to work with the photographer in restaging elements of the service.

Videotaping is allowed with specific guidelines detailed on the information sheet. Please notify family and friends that flash photography, as well as videotaping from the pews or side aisles, is not allowed during the ceremony.

Receptions: For those who hold their wedding service in our Chapel or Sanctuary, we offer onsite wedding receptions for an additional fee. Our Administrative Assistant will provide a fee schedule and check availability of reception areas for you.  Restrictions apply to certain areas due to required setup for Sunday services. 

Fee Structure:  The Executive Secretary can provide you with a fee schedule.  Rental fees include the services of FPC's pastor, organist, wedding directors, sound technician, and custodians.

A non-refundable deposit of $250 is required to save the date, and will be applied to the rental fee. The balance is due 30 days prior to the wedding ceremony.

Contact Information:

  • Main Phone: 863-686-7187

  • Executive Secretary:  - x232

  • Fine Arts Director:  - x239

  • Administrative Assistant:  - x224

Checklist:

  • Contact Executive Secretary for availability of facility and schedule meeting with pastor.

  • Reserve facility with required deposit

  • Contact Administrative Assistant to reserve reception area, if applicable.

  • Schedule marriage counseling 4-6 months prior to wedding date.

  • Meet with Wedding Directors 2-3 months prior to wedding date.

  • Meet with Fine Arts Director 1-2 months prior to wedding date. 

  • Remit balance due 30 days prior to wedding date.