Wedding Policy & Facility Use Standards
Northern Light Church is honored to serve couples who desire to be married in a way that honors God. A wedding held at Northern Light Church is not simply an event or venue rental—it is a Christian worship ceremony conducted under the spiritual authority of the church. Because of that, all weddings held on church property must reflect biblical truth, reverence, and order.
This policy exists to protect the sanctity of marriage, uphold the integrity of the pulpit, and steward church resources responsibly.
Non-member requests are considered only when there is a clear connection to the church or community, and approval is not guaranteed.
1. Biblical Definition of Marriage
Northern Light Church affirms that marriage is a covenant instituted by God and defined in Scripture as the lifelong union between one man and one woman.
Marriage is designed by God for:
• companionship
• faithfulness
• family and stability
• the display of Christ’s covenant love (Ephesians 5)
The church cannot host, officiate, or participate in ceremonies or celebrations that contradict this biblical definition of marriage.
2. Eligibility & Priority of Use
Church Members
Weddings for members of Northern Light Church receive priority for scheduling.
• Members may request use of the sanctuary and/or dining hall
• A recommended donation is requested to help cover utilities, cleaning, and volunteer support
• No member will be treated as a “facility renter”—this is a ministry of the church
Non-Members
Weddings for non-members may be considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Pastor and church leadership.
• Approval is not guaranteed
• All services must fully comply with this policy
• Facility donations are required prior to final approval
• The church reserves the right to decline any request that conflicts with biblical values or stewardship responsibilities
3. Authority Over the Ceremony
All weddings held at Northern Light Church are conducted under pastoral authority.
• The Pastor of Northern Light Church retains final authority over all aspects of the wedding ceremony
• The Pastor may choose to officiate the wedding personally
• Outside officiants are permitted only with prior approval
• No ceremony content, vows, readings, or messages may contradict Scripture
Northern Light Church does not permit the pulpit or microphone to be used for inappropriate humor, profanity, or messages that distort biblical truth.
4. Pre-Marital Counseling Requirement
Because marriage is sacred and serious, Northern Light Church requires pre-marital counseling for weddings conducted on church property.
• Counseling may be conducted by the Pastor or a Pastor-approved counselor
• Completion of counseling is required prior to final confirmation of the wedding date
• The church reserves the right to delay or decline proceeding with a wedding if serious concerns arise during counseling
This requirement exists to strengthen marriages, not to create obstacles.
5. Marriage License Requirement
Northern Light Church requires a valid marriage license for any wedding ceremony conducted on church property.
• The couple must obtain a legal marriage license from the appropriate county clerk prior to the wedding date
• The marriage license must be presented to the Pastor (or designated church representative) no later than the rehearsal, unless otherwise approved
• The Pastor will not officiate a wedding without a valid marriage license present
• It is the couple’s responsibility to ensure the license is completed and returned according to county requirements
This requirement protects the couple, the officiant, and the integrity of the marriage covenant being entered.
6. Music, Media & Ceremony Content
All music and ceremony elements must be respectful and appropriate for a worship setting.
Permitted:
• Worship music, hymns, instrumental music
• Scripture readings
• Christ-honoring vows and messages
• Modest and reverent presentation
Not permitted:
• Music with profanity or sexual content
• Messages that mock God, marriage, purity, or biblical truth
• Unapproved speeches or open-mic segments
All music selections must be submitted in advance for approval.
7. Facility Use: Sanctuary & Dining Hall
Sanctuary Use
The sanctuary is reserved for reverent worship gatherings. The church will provide guidance for:
• ceremony seating and flow
• use of sound system and microphones
• projection (if approved)
Dining Hall / Reception Use
If the dining hall is approved for use:
• No alcohol is permitted anywhere on church property
• Food plans must be discussed in advance
• Kitchen use may require a church representative present
• All cleanup expectations must be followed
Northern Light Church reserves the right to limit dining hall use based on staffing, scheduling, or facility constraints.
8. Décor, Photography & Conduct
Décor Guidelines
Décor must be appropriate for a church setting.
• No open flames (unless approved)
• No nails, screws, or adhesives that damage walls or furniture
• Aisle runners, candles, and special décor must be approved in advance
• All decorations must be removed immediately following the event unless otherwise arranged
Photography & Video
Photography is permitted, but must not disrupt the reverence of the ceremony.
• The church may limit where photographers can stand or move
• Flash photography during the ceremony may be restricted
• Drone use is not permitted on church property
Conduct Expectations
All attendees are expected to conduct themselves respectfully.
• No alcohol or illegal substances on church property
• No disruptive behavior
• The church reserves the right to intervene if conduct becomes inappropriate
9. Officiant Fee & Facility Donations
Northern Light Church is not a rental venue. Donations help offset utilities, cleaning, and volunteer support.
Officiant Fee (Members & Non-Members)
Because officiating a wedding includes counseling, planning, rehearsal coordination, and ceremony leadership, an officiant fee is required.
Officiant Fee: $250
(This fee applies to both members and non-members.)
Church Members (Recommended Donation)
There is no required facility fee for church members. However, a recommended donation is requested based on facility usage:
• Sanctuary Only: $200
• Sanctuary + Dining Hall: $350
Inability to give the recommended donation will not prevent a wedding for a church member.
Non-Members (Facility Donation Required)
Facility donation is required prior to final approval:
• Sanctuary Only: $300
• Sanctuary + Dining Hall: $500
These facility donations are separate from the officiant fee.
Any reduction or waiver is rare and may be granted only as a pastoral exception.
10. Scheduling, Rehearsals & Planning
• All weddings must be scheduled through the Pastor or church office
• Weddings are subject to church calendar availability
• A planning meeting is required prior to final approval
• A rehearsal may be required and will be scheduled based on church availability
• The church reserves the right to assign an event coordinator or representative for facility oversight
11. Right to Decline or Modify
Northern Light Church reserves the right to:
• Decline any wedding request
• Modify ceremony elements to maintain biblical integrity and reverence
• Cancel facility use if the policy is violated or if significant concerns arise
All decisions regarding the ceremony and facility use rest with the Pastor and church leadership.
12. Spirit of This Policy
Northern Light Church believes marriage matters because God created it. Our goal is not to control people, but to protect what is holy, strengthen couples, and ensure that what happens in this church building reflects the truth of Christ.
If you are seeking a wedding that honors God, we are honored to speak with you.