Weddings at Central United Methodist Church
General Policies and Information

     If you would like a brief overview the following three pages will provide a summary of our policy. If you would like more information, the pages following the short version provide detail and answer most questions any couple might have.

     A wedding is a sacred rite in our church. Members of Central United Methodist Church and non-members as well, are welcomed to be married here. This information is prepared in the hope that it will help you in the planning for one of the most significant events of your life.

 FACILITES

     CUMC located in the heart of Phoenix's Historic District, was built in 1950 reflecting traditional architecture and its Sanctuary seats 900 people.

Music is an important part of the life at Central Church and the Sanctuary has a fine pipe organ. Our Chapel of Light will comfortably seat 20 people in a more intimate environment and a small electronic organ is available. Pioneer Chapel has been newly refurbished, will seat 100 and has beautiful small pipe organ.

      Central United Church offers:
          +  A lovely, historic church setting
          +  Beautiful Landscaping and grounds
          +  Dressing areas for the Bride, Groom 
              and wedding party
          +  Fountain Patio setting for services or
              receptions
          +  Talented Musicians
          +  Full Reception Facilities and Caterer

SCHEDULING AND PLANNING

     The wedding and rehearsal should be scheduled through CUMC's Wedding Coordinator. The Wedding Coordinator will meet with the bride prior to the wedding to provide any assistance or guidance necessary. She will be present at the rehearsal and the day of the ceremony to ensure that all details go smoothly. This eliminates any need for a commercial wedding consultant. Please contact?

• Norma Heubach 
   (602) 955-2778

     The Wedding Coordinator should be notified of any change in date or time.

     Florists, photographers and any other outside members of the wedding party are encouraged to contact Norma directly with questions.

     Norma is a life long member of Central United Method-ist Church and has been wedding coordinator here for over 30 years. She also serves as the Lay Leader for CUMC. Her experience in coordinating over 2,000 weddings at Central, has brought invaluable expertise in solving any conflicts, and has brought her great joy and lifetime of new friends.

LOGISTICS

• No more than two wedding will take place in one day
• Weddings will not be performed on these days

• One of the ministers of CUMC must perform the marriage ceremony. Another Methodist Minister may assist by invitation of the officiating clergy.
• See Staff for available Clergy.
• Our ministers counsel each bridal couple before the ceremony. The bride will contact the officiating minister for counseling schedule.
• Wedding Vows.
• Wedding Program design and printing is available.

 MUSIC

• A CUMC organist will provide the music for weddings in the Sanctuary, Chapel or Pioneer Chapel.

• The organist will work with the bride in selecting appropriate music, as well as engage any soloists or instrumentalist.

 PHOTOGRAPHY

     There are strict policies regarding photography and video taping.

• No flash pictures may be taken in the Sanctuary or Chapel from the time guests arrive until the ceremony is completed.
• Ushers will inform guests of this policy.
• The photographer may stand at the center aisle or in the balcony to take photographs with available light.
• Broadcast Quality Video Taping is available in the Sanctuary Only.

 DECORATIONS

     Our Worship Spaces are naturally beautiful with won-derful stained glass and architecture. Please keep decor-ations to a minimum.

• All Chancel furniture remains in place
• The Church has two 7-taper candelabra
• Candles are provided by the Church
• Two brass stands are available for floral arrangements
• Pews may be marked by bows or flowers and attached by ribbon or special clamps.
• An aisle cloth is not recommended. It is dangerous for the wedding party and departing guests.
• If an aisle cloth is chosen, it must be linen and must be in place prior to the ceremony, with guests entering the seating areas by the side ailes.
• Seasonal decorations which are in the sanctuary or chapels must remain in place for any wedding scheduled for those time periods.

 GENERAL RESTRICTIONS

• Smoking is not permitted in the building
• No alcohol permitted on premise
• Rice is not permitted inside or outside the church as it is a safety hazard. Birdseed is permitted outside.

RECEPTIONS

• Kendall Hall is available for receptions and the Parlor is available for a more intimate gathering for any wedding or special event.
• Reception arrangements should be made through the United Methodist Women wedding committee.
• All receptions held at CUMC are supplied and served by the United Methodist Women of this congregation. Food catering is supplied by the designated caterer.

 FEES

Contact the Wedding Coordinator for all fees.