Frequently Asked Questions
1)
Does Providence limit its weddings to church members?
Yes. Because of the high usage rate of our facilities by Providence ministries and members, the pastors and elders have decided to conduct weddings for member families.
2)
What is the first step in arranging a wedding at Providence?
The first step is to speak to a Providence pastor, requesting that he conduct the wedding ceremony. You may wish to approach a pastor you have come to know through a particular ministry. The pastor will want to meet with you and your fiancé. All of our pastors are committed to biblical marriage as the union of two believers. The pastor will want to hear your testimonies or discuss with you your relationships with Christ. Once a Providence pastor has agreed to conduct your wedding, you may request that a date be booked.
3)
What if I want to be married at Providence by my hometown pastor?
Your pastor will need to contact one of the Providence pastors. Here again, our pastors are committed to upholding Christian weddings at Providence. Once one of our pastors has given his approval, your wedding may be booked.
4)
How do I find out if the church is available for my wedding date?
Call the church office (326-3000) and ask to speak with Lynn Swanson, the wedding administrative assistant. She can discuss with you what dates the church is available.
5)
May I put a date on hold while waiting to meet with a pastor?
No. In an effort to make sure the calendar clearly reflects available and booked dates, we will wait until plans for the wedding are certain before booking the wedding.
6)
How much advance notice is needed to schedule a wedding at Providence?
Several months are needed to arrange meetings, complete counseling, and finalize arrangements. Some couples, of course, begin the process much further ahead than that.
7)
Is premarital counseling required?
Premarital counseling, a valuable time of preparation for the lifelong commitment of marriage, is a requirement for all weddings performed at Providence Baptist Church. The pastor who will perform your wedding or his designee will meet with you and your fiancé over a 4-6 week period. Providence also offers a premarital Sunday School class on Sunday mornings which would fulfill this requirement.
8)
What is the fee for holding a wedding at Providence?
The fee is $400. This fee helps Providence cover some of the additional costs associated with a wedding, such as payment to the sound and wedding directors.
9)
Does any of this fee go to the pastor conducting the ceremony?
No. The pastors conduct marriages as part of their vows to serve as ministers of the Gospel. Any honorarium the couple wishes to give the pastor is a separate consideration.
10)
May I select my own wedding director or must I use a Providence director?
You must use an approved Providence wedding director. She is familiar with wedding etiquette as well as our facility. She will be the church's representative during wedding activities.
11)
Which rooms may be used for weddings?
Weddings are typically held in the worship center, amphitheater or Delta Lake Center. Receptions and rehearsal dinners are usually held in the amphitheater, fellowship hall, or Prisms.
