Your wedding is one of the most important and sacred events in your life. First, San Marcos welcomes the opportunity to share this blessed time with you. Though you don’t need to be a member of First to be married in the sanctuary, certain policies still must be followed in order to preserve the worshipful nature of the experience.

The Pastor
Ordinarily, wedding services at First, San Marcos are performed by the pastor, Rev. Dr. David Barker. He will provide premarital counseling, assist in planning the service, preside at the rehearsal, and conduct the wedding service itself. If you prefer, you may have another clergy person perform the service. His or her name, official title, and full address must be provided to Rev. Barker so he may formally invite them to perform the wedding and verify that he/she will provide premarital counseling and adhere to the wedding policies of First, San Marcos.

Premarital Counseling
Any couple wishing to be married at First, San Marcos must participate in premarital counseling. For those couples married by Rev. Barker, this counseling will involve six sessions (one one-hour session per week for six weeks) utilizing the Prepare/Enrich premarital inventory and counseling program. There is a $35 charge for computer scoring of the inventory.

Reservations
Requests to reserve the church should be addressed to the church’s Administrative Assistant (512.392.1144). Reservations must be made at least two months in advance to provide sufficient time for premarital counseling and to secure authorization of the wedding from the Session (the ruling body of the church). A deposit of $200 is required at the time the reservation is made.

Sacrament of Communion
In the Presbyterian tradition, the serving of communion in any worship service must be approved by the Session and is open to all individuals in attendance at the service. If you desire this sacrament as part of your wedding, you must notify the church at the time you place your reservation.

Rehearsals
Rehearsals are directed by the pastor. Every member of the wedding party should be present for the rehearsal. A Texas marriage license must be presented to the pastor at the rehearsal.

Music
All music choices should be discussed with the pastor and musician(s). If you want an organist for the service you must use either the First Presbyterian organist or another individual authorized by the church organist. Use of the sanctuary sound system to play pre-recorded music is permissible.

Photography
Flash photography is not allowed during the service but may occur before and after it. The service may be videotaped if the camera remains in an unobtrusive location and the videographer only uses available lighting.

Decorations
Because your wedding ceremony is a service of worship, decorations should maintain an appropriate sense of dignity and adhere to the rules listed below. Candles must be of the dripless or “Paradise” variety and all candle holders equipped with devices to catch excess tallow. If candles drip, a clean-up charge will be deducted from the security deposit.

Please do not use tacks, pins, nails, tape, putties, or adhesives to attach decorations to pews, furniture, or any other surfaces. Decorations on the pews are discouraged.

Only silk flower petals should be scattered on the carpet.

Rice is not permitted, but birdseed may be used outside the building if it is cleaned up immediately.

Any decorations brought into the church must be removed immediately after the wedding service.

Any church furnishings are to be returned to their original locations.

If the church’s brass candelabrum is used, it is to be cleaned only with hot water, dried, and returned to storage.

Alcohol and Tobacco
Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are not permitted anywhere on church property.

Custodial Services
Custodial services inside and outside the building (except for your responsibilities as noted above) are handled by the church custodian for the fee indicated below.

Other Areas in the Church
Upstairs classrooms and the parlor may be used by members of the wedding party for dressing. There is no additional fee for the use of these spaces. The Fellowship Hall and kitchen may be rented according to the fee schedule located below. If these areas are used, you are responsible for cleaning the rooms and utensils and returning them to their original order.

Fees
The security deposit must be paid at the time you make a reservation. All other fees must be paid by the Monday before the wedding. Failure to pay all the fees on time will result in the cancellation of your reservation. The security deposit, less any expenses incurred for repair or cleaning, will be refunded to you within 30 days after your wedding.

 
Security deposit (refundable)
Member  - $200.00
Non-member - $200.00
 
Sanctuary
Member  - $0.00
Non-member - $300.00
 
Fellowship Hall
Member  - $0.00
Non-member - $200.00 (per event)
 
Pastor
Member  - $200.00
Non-member - $200.00

Church Liaison/Rehearsal & Wedding
Member  - $0.00
Non-member - $75.00
 
Church Liaison/Reception
Member  - $0.00
Non-member - $75.00
 
Custodial Services
Member  - $50.00
Non-member - $50.00
 
Organist
Member  - Negotiable
Non-member - Negotiable