WEDDINGS AT WESTMINSTER The purpose of a church wedding is to acknowledge marriage as a gracious gift from God and to celebrate with joy and gratitude the acceptance of this gift. Christian weddings affirm life together as a couple as well as responsible participation in the wider structures of family and human society. Thus it is appropriate that family and friends are invited to share in the bride's and groom's commitment, celebration and happiness. The wedding service itself, in all aspects including music and decoration, is an act of worship. Primary focus is to be on God's blessing of the covenant being made. You and your guests should keep this in mind in the planning and conduct of the entire service.   FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Who can be married at Westminster? In order to schedule a wedding at Westminster, one of the participants must be a "member." For wedding purposes "members" are defined as: those currently on the church's active, inactive, or affiliate membership rolls, children, grandchildren, or parents of active members, staff of the church and their children.

The one exception for non-member weddings is when either the bride or the groom is an active member of another Dayton area Presbyterian Church that is too small for the anticipated wedding guests. In this situation, the member's pastor should call the pastor of Westminster with the details of the request.

What are the first steps?
All arrangements for weddings are made through the pastor’s Executive Assistant who may be reached by phone (937-223-7285) during normal church business hours (8:30 am–4:30 pm).  The first step (before commitments for receptions, etc.) is to reserve a date and time for the wedding on the church calendar.  While you are on the phone, request the booklet, Your Wedding at Westminster.  The booklet will guide you through holding your wedding at Westminster.

What kind of music can we use?
Music suitable for the marriage service directs attention to God and expresses the faith of the church. - Book of Order, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

The wedding service is a religious service of deep spiritual significance; special care must be taken to choose music that is in character with Christian worship in the reformed tradition: music that focuses on God rather than on romantic love or sentimentality, music that enhances joy, reverence and dignity, and possesses a level of integrity consistent with Westminster 's music ministry. Popular favorites or songs of a sentimental character or secular connotation are inappropriate for the wedding service and are more properly reserved for the wedding reception.

The Associate Pastor for Music will make final approval of all wedding music. The Associate Pastor for Music or the Music Associate will play at all weddings and rehearsals.

After the wedding date has been confirmed with the church, and the couple meets with the officiating pastor, a conference with the Associate Pastor for Music must be arranged. Until this conference has been held, guest soloists or other musicians should not be invited to participate in the wedding service, nor should wedding music be selected. During your conference with the Associate Pastor for Music, music from various periods and styles will be played so as to provide the opportunity for you to choose music that will have the most meaning for you. The Associate Pastor for Music can be reached through the Church Office (937-223-7285) during his normal business hours Tuesday - Friday or via e-mail at john@westminsterdayton.org.

Does the church have facilities suitable for a reception?
Yes, our Fellowship Hall and West Parlor are available at a surcharge for wedding receptions.  Fellowship Hall holds approximately 250 people for a sit down dinner and the West Parlor holds approximately 75 people for dinner.  Please keep in mind that the church is a smoke-free, alcohol-free facility. Smokers will be asked to smoke no closer than the sidewalk surrounding the church. Alcohol should not be included in any pre-wedding parties on the day of the wedding or before a rehearsal. The use of alcohol is prohibited on church property.   If the use of alcohol or other drugs is affecting the actions of any of the wedding party, the pastor may refuse to perform the wedding service.

What does it cost to be married at Westminster?
The Fee Schedule for having a wedding at Westminster is included in the booklet, Your Wedding at Westminster.