Policies for Holding your Wedding at
The Quechee Community Church

 I rejoice with you in your decision to marry, and welcome your inquiries into celebrating you wedding at the Quechee Community Church.  We want to provide couples who are wed in our church, not only a beautiful religious setting for their service, but also preparation and support to help ensure a joyful, healthy, lifelong union.  As a Christian community, we take the holy act of matrimony very seriously.  Let me tell you about Christian marriages in our church.

The church is not a building made of wood and stone which can be leased or rented.  The church is the living people of God gathered as the body of Jesus Christ.  Unlike civil marriage (which is a contract, involving local, state and federal laws) Christian marriage is a sacred covenant between God, wife and husband and the local faith community. It is an act demanding careful thought and prayerful preparation.  In order to give this covenant its due regard, anyone interested in marriage at the Quechee Community Church must guidelines outlined below.

1. There must not be any legal impediments to the marriage. 

2. The couple must have faith in Jesus Christ and be willing to enter the marriage covenant in his name.

3. The couple must confer with the pastor* a minimum of three times for pre-marital work.  During the first session we get acquainted and gather basic information.  Marriage preparation/counseling takes place at one or more sessions following the first meeting.  The final meeting is for planning the worship service itself.  *See #5

4.The couple must assume responsibility to participate in the life of a local congregation, be it the Quechee Community Church or another church.  To that end, we strongly urge the couple to attend a Sunday worship service with the people of the Quechee Church* at least once during the time you are preparing for your wedding.  *Or with the congregation of the officiating/counseling pastor if you are from outside the area.

5. If the couple wishes to invite a pastor other than the Pastor of the Quechee Church to officiate at their service (and to provide their pre-marital counseling), they need to obtain the prior consent of the QCC Pastor.  Anyone officiating a service at QCC must be an ordained minister, priest or rabbi.

6. If the couple wishes to employ the services of an organist other than the QCC organist, they must obtain the prior consent of our organist and pastor.  Additional musicians are welcome to participate in the service, after consultation with the organist.

7. Couples who wish to reserve the use of the Quechee Church as a 'poor weather backup' location for their outdoor wedding will be required to meet our wedding guidelines (ex. not a Justice of the Peace...) and to pay the usual wedding fee.  That is because in order to hold the 'location' we have to turn other couples away.

8. The couple agrees to abide by the wedding, music & photo policies as agreed upon during our preparation meetings. 

9. The policies of the Church Council of the Quechee Community Church will be in force in regard to fee for, and use of, building and grounds.

10.  At the rehearsal, the couple will bring all required paperwork and fees (including the Marriage License from the town, copies of divorce decrees, proof of age if necessary,  and the church, organist and pastor's fees.  After the ceremony - the officiant will sign and mail the wedding licence to the town and distribute the fees.

I hope this information is helpful.  If you have any questions, or if you wish to set up an initial meeting, please contact me at the church office (802) 295-3619 or by e-mail at QCC@sover.net.  I wish you every blessing as you plan your wedding and I look forward to hearing from you.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Jo

FEES FOR USE OF THE QUECHEE COMMUNITY CHURCH 

for Wedding ceremonies

For the purposes of the Wedding Policy Guildlines, a church member is either a "Member" or a "Friend of the Church" as defined below.

                A Member is an official member of this church (who joined through a vote of the Board of Deacons & Congregation, attending a membership class and were welcomed at a special dedication ceremony during a church worship service).  They participate regularly in the worship and supports the ministry of the church with their time, talents and tithes. 

                A Friend of the Church is someone who attends QCC worship services regularly and who suports the ministry of the church with their time, talents & tithes.

               Reduction of Fees  In special circumstances fees may be reduced or waived by consent of the Board of Deacons and the Pastor.