Congratulations on Your Engagement!

We are glad you’re looking to us to share in your joy and to celebrate your pledge of love, commitment and loyalty to one another. Together we will make this a glorious worship service to honor God and wrap you both in the prayerful support of family and friends.

Pre-Marital Counseling

While we will strive to make your wedding as meaningful as we can, our greater desire is to see you flourish for the next 50+ years of your lives. That’s why pre-marital counseling is required.  Please call to arrange at least five sessions with the Pastor well in advance of your wedding date.  And yes—it’s worth it.

Music

Our Music Director and Church Organist, Bonnie Franklin, can help you select music for your wedding. Bonnie may be reached at bonniejazzmusic@yahoo.com.  If you’d like to include a soloist, please ask him/her to contact Bonnie to arrange a rehearsal separate from the rehearsal with the wedding party.

Decorations

We encourage you to take the simple and elegant approach to your floral arrangements.  Feel free to use which ever florist you wish.  Have your florist contact the church office (410-252-3073) directly to set up a time for the delivery of the flowers.  We do have pew candles and brass stands for the pews (at an extra charge).

Photography and Videography

There are two concerns to balance here: the moment and the memories. The moment is worshipful and needs to be as free from distractions as possible. The memories are best captured as the service unfolds.  Photographers and videographers who operate silently, with discreet movement and without flash or artificial lights are welcome to record the service.

The Wedding Rehearsal

Most wedding rehearsals take place the evening before the wedding at 6:00 p.m., though another date can be chosen if needed. Who needs to attend? All those who are either standing up in the bridal party or who are part of the processional and/or recessional need to be there.  With good cooperation we can breeze through the ceremony twice in under an hour.

The Marriage License

The marriage license must be secured from the Baltimore County Court House at least three days before the wedding rehearsal, but no longer that six months before the wedding is to take place.  The license, along with honoraria mentioned under “Financial Arrangements” (see below), must be in the hands of the pastor or the church secretary at the time of the rehearsal or earlier.

Receptions and Rehearsal Dinners at Havenwood

Did you notice that big beautiful room just up the stairs?  It can seat up to 220 at tables. (The fire code limits us to 333 guests.) Just bring your own caterer. We ask that care be taken to keep the room and the kitchen in good condition.  The room is available to set up two hours prior to the wedding and/or rehearsal. If you need more time, please contact the church office to make sure it’s available. If you are interested in serving alcohol, please request a copy of Havenwood's Alcohol Policy. 

Miscellaneous

Our sanctuary holds over 400 people comfortably (not including the balcony) in 18 rows of pews along a 64 foot long center aisle.  (The fire code limits us to 550 guests.)

The church cannot assume responsibility for any valuables or gifts which may be left in the building.  Purses, jewelry, and other valuables should not be left unattended in any room.

Financial Arrangements

Financial arrangements for weddings taking place in the sanctuary of Havenwood Presbyterian Church are as follows:

• Honorarium for the Church Organist                                                                $200.00
•                         Addition for each soloist                                                                  25.00
• Honorarium for the Sexton                                                                                  $125.00
•                       Addition for Rehearsal Dinner                                                         175.00
•                       Addition for Reception                                                                     200.00

There is no set honorarium for the Pastor.  This is left to your discretion. 

• Use of the Church                                                                                                 $500.00
• Use of the Fellowship Hall for a Rehearsal Dinner                                           400.00*
• Use of the Fellowship Hall for a Reception                                                       700.00*
  

*includes $200 refundable deposit if there is no damage to the facility.

NOTE: Usage fees are waived for members in good standing. Honoraria are still expected.  We ask that separate checks be made out to the Organist, Sexton, Church and Pastor and given to each no later than the night of your rehearsal.

Please know that the members and staff of Havenwood Church will do everything

we are able to make your wedding as special as you wish it to be!