Weddings
The Service of Marriage is a sacred rite of the Church that celebrates the
promise of fidelity two people make to one another. It is grounded in the
promises and commitment God has made to us, sealed in the life, death, and
resurrection of Jesus Christ. Your wedding at Valley of Peace is a celebration
of your love for each other and a sign of God's continuing creation and
redemption. This web page has been developed to help you make the many decisions
and arrangements that are necessary in planning your wedding. Guidelines are
offered that will help you honor the nature of marriage within the Christian
community.
Your wedding service is, first of all, a service of worship. It is more than an
expression and celebration of your love for one another. We worship God, who
brings us together and gives blessings of love and commitment. We celebrate the
love of a couple in a community that surrounds them with prayer and support.
Your promises of fidelity are witnessed by the whole church, represented by the
congregation. The music, text, vows, and the shape of the service itself
reflects the celebration of God's love. The guests you have invited are
participants in worship as well as witnesses of your marriage. We will help you
put together a service that honors the sacredness of this celebration.
Planning Your Wedding Ceremony
The
pastor and church will help you plan your wedding ceremony as part of premarital
counseling. (See below for more details).
Making Arrangements
If you are not a member of Valley of Peace , you may use the facility if it is
available on your preferred date, but we ask that you bring your own pastor. We
will extend the invitation to officiate at your wedding, so your pastor will
know of the Valley of Peace welcome. Please furnish us with the name of the
pastor, the church, and the address. If you are new to the area or are looking
for a church home, we invite you to become members of Valley of Peace (in which
case your new pastor is here!)
Here is what you need to do:
 | Contact the church office to secure your preferred date on the calendar. |
| Contact the pastor (see below) at least six months prior to the wedding to arrange pre marital counseling which typically involves four ninety-minute sessions. |
| Contact the organist/pianist and soloist (see below) to reserve your date. |
| Contact the wedding consultant (see below) at least two months prior to the wedding. |
The wedding consultant will help you with the details concerning the wedding service, use of the church, rehearsal, the wedding day, etc. A one-hour meeting at the church is set up to finalize many of these details, but the wedding consultant is also available by phone to answer any questions that arise. The wedding consultant will be available to you during the rehearsal, as well prior to and during the wedding itself.
You may design a bulletin with the order of service and listing of the wedding party. The wedding consultant and/or pastor will help you with this. You will need to make your own arrangements for the formatting (typing) and printing of your bulletin.
As you schedule the time for your rehearsal dinner, allow for one hour for the rehearsal, and remember to give yourself the needed travel time.
Flower stands, altar candles, and a marriage candle holder are available. Check with the wedding consultant for details.
If your wedding reception is to be held in the church fellowship hall, special arrangements need to be made through the church office for set-up and clean-up. That would not be the responsibility of the wedding consultant.
Photography And Video
We ask that pre service photography is completed at least 30 minutes prior to the wedding ceremony. Flash photos may not be taken during the service. The service may be videotaped. A stationary camera may be used in the front of the church, the balcony or side aisles. We ask that the photographer use discretion, respecting the nature of the worship.
License
The marriage license and appropriate fees should be brought to the church one week prior to the wedding (see below).
Wedding Fees
A deposit of $100.00 is payable to Valley of Peace Lutheran Church in order to reserve the church for your day. It is payable at the time of securing the date of your wedding on the calendar. This deposit applies toward fees for use of the sanctuary and/or Fellowship Hall.
Pre-Marriage Inventory
The
pre-marriage inventory is $35.00, which is payable at your first session
with the pastor.
Facility Fees
| The sanctuary facility fee is $200.00 and is payable one week prior to the wedding. |
| The Fellowship Hall reception room fee is $100.00 and is payable one week prior to the wedding. |
Check with the pastor regarding details for use of the Fellowship Hall for reception.
All checks for use of church facilities should be made out and paid to Valley of Peace Lutheran Church. The $100.00 deposit paid at time of securing the date of your wedding applies toward the above fees.
Staff Fees**
The staff at Valley of Peace is not compensated by the church for their services to you, and so depends upon you to be faithful to them for their ministry.
| The fee to the pastor is $200.00 and is payable one week prior to the wedding. |
| The fee to the wedding consultant is $200.00 and is payable one week prior to the wedding. |
| The fee to the organist/pianist is $200.00 and is payable one week prior to the wedding. |
| The fee to the soloist is $100.00 and is payable one week prior to the wedding. |
All checks for staff members should be made out to them personally.
** These fees are for one rehearsal and one wedding service.
Staff
| Pastor | John Hallin | 763 588 4611, extension 12 |
| jhallin@valleyofpeace.org | ||
| Organist | Debby Teske | 763/588-4611 (daytime) |
| Soloist | Paul Olson | 763 588 4611 (daytime) |
If you have any other questions related to your wedding, or would like to
obtain additional phone numbers of staff contact us, by e-mail at
info@valleyofpeace.org, or call Joan Hilden, Parish Administrator,
763/588 4611.
Sorry, We Don't Do That At Valley Of Peace
| The consumption of alcohol is not permitted on church premises |
| There is no smoking in the building. The City of Golden Valley also prohibits smoking within 25 feet of any entrance or window. |
| The throwing of rice is not permitted inside or outside the building. Birdseed may be used in the parking lot, but not on the bridge from the street or the back sidewalk. |
| Guns are not allowed on the premises. |
| The bride and groom are responsible for informing guests of these restrictions. |