Weddings

As you enter into the joy and responsibility of marriage, may you seek and receive the blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ. Visit the tabs below to learn about scheduling your wedding through New Hope Church.
  1. Weddings @ New Hope
  2. Scheduling & Fees
  3. How it works



Pre-marital counseling

New Hope encourages pre-marital counseling with the pastor before the wedding. This is also an opportunity for the pastor and the bridal couple to plan the content of the ceremony. An appointment for this meeting should be made with the pastor.


Marriage license

It is your responsibility to obtain a marriage license. Please bring it to the wedding rehearsal so that the pastor can prepare it and the marriage certificate before the wedding.


Invitations

About three months before the wedding you will need to order your invitations and announcements. These should be mailed four weeks prior to the wedding day. Please be sure that your wedding invitations are printed with the following information:

In the Sanctuary of
New Hope Church
4739 West Powell Road
Powell, Ohio 43065


Rehearsal

The wedding rehearsal is usually scheduled the night before the wedding and at a time prior to any rehearsal dinner. Everyone participating in the wedding should be present for the rehearsal that is approximately an hour in length.


Your wedding day

The bride and her party should plan to arrive at the church two hours prior to the wedding. If she wishes to come earlier she should coordinate this with the Wedding Coordinator to make sure that there is no interference with other activities. The Mirick Chapel/Library will usually be used as the dressing room for the bridal party. A full-length mirror is available in the women’s restroom.

At least one hour prior to the wedding the groom and his party should arrive. The Youth Room will be available for the groom and his party.


On throwing rice

We ask that no rice, confetti, birdseed or other materials be thrown or used in the church or anywhere on the church property. Bubbles are acceptable.


Florist

You will need to make private arrangements with the florist of your choice. Please show the florist our list of rules concerning florists.

Many times the wedding party offers to leave some of their flowers for Sunday's worship service. If you would like to do this please contact the Office Administrator (614-766-5445) one week prior to the wedding so that your gift can be acknowledged in the worship bulletin.

Rules for your florist

Florists are required to clear with the Wedding Coordinator any placement of decorations in the church. All decorations used in the Sanctuary should be in good taste and in keeping with the dignified setting of a worship service.

Only New Hope's candelabras can be used. Decorations may not be attached with wire, tacks, pins, tape or nails to any of the furniture or woodwork in the Sanctuary. Flowers should be placed in containers which eliminate the possibility of water damage to the church. Fresh flower petals are not permitted.

Flowers may not be placed on any of the musical instruments. New Hope assumes no responsibility for floral arrangements which remain.


Chancel Furniture

With the exception of the pulpit and baptismal font, no chancel furniture will be moved. This specifically includes risers and chairs in the choir area. The piano may be slightly adjusted in order to accommodate additional instrumentalists.



Music

Because a wedding is a sacred service, all music should be appropriate to the occasion. Keep in mind that the music is a vital part of the wedding celebration. The Wedding Coordinator can supply a list of musicians who are familiar with our equipment. Please inform the Wedding Coordinator of the needs of outside musicians.


Photography

The processional and recessional may be photographed using a flash, but only from the rear of the church. No movement is allowed in the sanctuary during the wedding ceremony. This is to ensure that the focus of this ceremony is on the bridal couple and that there are no unnecessary distractions.


Video-taping

If you wish to have your wedding videotaped you will need to make private arrangements. The videographer will need to contact the Wedding Coordinator in advance about set up and sound hook ups needed. As with still photography, cameras must remain at the back or sides of the Sanctuary and no movement is allowed during the ceremony.


Reception

The Fellowship Hall is available for a reception at New Hope. The Fellowship Hall must be reserved in advance, preferably at the same time that you schedule the use of the Sanctuary. Your request must include the time the caterer will need prior to the wedding to set up the arrangement. The kitchen is not be to be used for receptions. There will be an additional building usage fee and custodial fee if you choose to have your wedding reception in the church facility. Please discuss your needs thoroughly with the Wedding Coordinator. If additional furniture is needed it will be your responsibility to obtain it.


No smoking or alcoholic beverages

Smoking is strictly prohibited in the church facilities. In accordance with the policies of the church, alcoholic beverages are also not permitted on the premises. It is the responsibility of the bride and groom to inform relatives and friends of our policies.


Nursery

Should you desire to use the nursery for child care during the wedding ceremony, you must arrange for your own child care attendant. Your arrangements must be reviewed in advance with the Wedding Coordinator.


Programs

If you wish to have printed programs of your wedding ceremony to give to your guests as they arrive, you will need to contact your printer at least two weeks in advance of your wedding day.

  • Interested in having your wedding at New Hope?

  • All weddings are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Contact us online or at
    614.766.5445 to schedule.