Getting Married at Westover

Getting Married at Westover

If you are reading this, you are likely exploring the possibility of getting married. Other than the decision to follow Jesus Christ, marriage may be the biggest decision of your life. Also, no matter what you think about your family, friends or circumstances, it's your decision, so make it deliberately and wisely. Marriage should be a relationship that brings happiness, security and love. It should be a relationship that challenges you to seek God's best for your life as individuals and as a couple. And it should be a relationship free from regret.

Marriage is the closest bond that can be formed between two people, so close that God Himself says that in marriage "the two shall become as one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). Once there is "one flesh," it is God's plan that it stays that way.

Starting Out Right

The goal of "Starting Out Right," Westover's pre-marriage program, is to help you as a couple enter your marriage with a greater understanding of each other and how to stay together and be glad you do. Keep this goal in mind as you complete "Starting Out Right" and pastoral counseling. Your pastor will also be asking you questions and adding personal insights and examples during pastoral counseling. No amount of time is too much to spend in preparation. No amount of time saved is valuable enough when you consider the magnitude of this decision.

"Starting Out Right" includes two group classes and three mentoring sessions and can be completed in two weekends if you are living out of town. It uses the "Prepare" Inventory which includes key topics such as God's design for marriage, meeting your mate's needs, communication and listening skills, conflict resolution, finances, and physical and spiritual intimacy. The inventory will help identify your couple strengths and possible growth opportunities, and focuses objectively on critical communication issues.

This program is offered three times a year (Jan/Feb, April/May, Sept./Oct). To find out exact dates, check our http://www.westoverchurch.com/Newsletters/ or contact Natalie Bowers at 299-7374 x3003.

Topics discussed in the pastoral counseling sessions include your spiritual life, the meaning of marriage and details concerning your marriage ceremony.

This marriage preparation program will prepare you to better understand one another and what God's Word says about the family and marriage relationship in the home. One of the purposes of marriage preparation is to avoid a failed marriage.

Westover Policies

Although membership is not required to be married at Westover, listed below are the policies for those desiring to do so.

Couples who are not members must attend Westover for a period of six months before a wedding can be set.
Couples who are not members must attend the three-week Newcomers Class before an appointment will be made to meet with a pastor.
Couples must complete "Starting Out Right." Ideally, this class would be taken 6-12 months before the wedding.
Pastors at Westover do not marry couples where one professes faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior and the other does not. "Don’t become partners with those who reject God. What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?" -2 Corinthians 6:14-15
Pastors at Westover do not marry couples who willfully continue in a sexual relationship during engagement. We will not marry couples who choose to live together prior to being married. "Honor marriage, and guard the sacredness of sexual intimacy between wife and husband. God draws a firm line against casual and illicit sex." -Hebrews 13:4 (The Message). We are not saying that we will not marry couples who have been involved sexually. We understand what a difficult area this can be. We hold out God’s forgiveness and encourage repentance. We admonish couples who have been involved sexually to adopt a celibate life-style until their wedding day. This will please God.
Pastors at Westover will marry previously married couples when certain Biblical conditions apply. (Click here for more information.)

Wedding Areas

There are several areas available that you may use for your wedding:

Atrium: Up to 250 seated (Only Keyboard available)
Theater: Up to 500 seated (Wedding should begin no later than 6:00pm)
Worship Center: Over 250 seated
S007: Lower Level, for smaller weddings

S007 and S105 may also be used for rehearsal dinners and receptions. The Atrium is available for receptions when the Theater or Worship Center is used for the wedding. Fees for these rooms do not include set up, clean up or resetting. This is the responsibility of the bridal family. No dancing is allowed for receptions.

Planning a Wedding

Please allow six months to assure having the facilities for your use on the date you desire. This also allows adequate time for counseling and the "Starting Out Right" program, if not completed previously. Weddings will not be scheduled on Palm Sunday weekend or Easter Sunday weekend. If a wedding is scheduled for December, seasonal church decorations will remain. No decorations may be removed for weddings.

Scheduling Pastors

Weddings must be scheduled a minimum of six (6) months in advance; more time must be allowed for weddings between April and September. A couple may list the pastor they prefer to perform their ceremony, however, their first choice, especially the senior pastor, may not be available. When a wedding is being scheduled more than a year in advance, please keep in mind that the pastors may not know their schedule at that time. The pastor who performs the wedding will also oversee the pastoral counseling.

Contact for Getting Started

To get started in the process, or for more information, contact Natalie Bower or by phone at 299-7374, x3003.