Wedding Policy Proposal for CDMC Atlanta
I. Introduction
Purpose of the Policy
The purpose of this wedding policy is to provide clear guidelines and procedures for couples
wishing to be married at CDMC Atlanta. The policy aims to ensure that all wedding ceremonies
are conducted in a manner that upholds the sanctity and traditions of the church while also
providing a joyful and memorable experience for the couple and their guests.
Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all individuals seeking to use CDMC Atlanta for their wedding
ceremonies, including church members and non-members. It also covers the roles and
responsibilities of church staff, wedding coordinators, and other relevant parties.
Authority and Responsibility
The enforcement of this policy is the responsibility of the church board, the wedding coordinator,
and the officiating clergy. These individuals are tasked with ensuring that all aspects of the
policy are adhered to by all parties involved.
II. Reservation Procedures
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to use CDMC Atlanta for a wedding, at least one member of the couple must
either be a member of the church or have a close family member who is a member. Non-
members may be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to approval by the church board.
Marriage Definition
CDMC Atlanta adheres to the biblical definition of marriage as a covenant between one natural
born man and one natural born woman, both living as such. This belief is rooted in the following
scriptures:
Genesis 2:24 (NIV): "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his
wife, and they become one flesh."
Matthew 19:4-6 (NIV): "Haven’t you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the
Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his
father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they
are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one
separate."
Ephesians 5:31-33 (NIV): "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be
united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery—but I
Wedding Policy Proposal for CDMC Atlanta
am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his
wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."
Legal Enforceability
By signing the reservation form and acknowledging this policy, couples agree to comply with the
marriage definition as set forth by CDMC Atlanta. CDMC Atlanta reserves the right to deny the
use of its facilities for any wedding ceremony that does not conform to this definition.
This policy is established under the church’s freedom to exercise religious beliefs as protected by
the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. As such, CDMC Atlanta reserves the
right to refuse service to any couple that does not meet these eligibility criteria based on
sincerely held religious beliefs. The church's policy is intended to avoid conflicts with
individuals whose views on marriage differ from the church's doctrine and to maintain the
integrity of its religious practices.
Agreement: By signing below, we acknowledge that we have read and agree to abide by the
wedding policy of CDMC Atlanta, including the marriage definition as stated above.
Bride's Signature: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________
Groom's Signature: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________
Booking Process
1. Initial Inquiry: Couples must contact the church office to inquire about available dates
and receive preliminary information about the wedding policy.
2. Application Form: An application form must be completed and submitted to the church
office, this can be done on CCB/Pushpay for members. This form includes personal
information, desired wedding date, and details of the wedding party.
3. Interview: The couple will meet with the wedding coordinator and a member of the
clergy to discuss their plans and review the policy.
4. Confirmation: Upon approval, a confirmation letter will be sent to the couple, along
with a detailed contract outlining all requirements and deadlines.
Fees and Deposits
Reservation Fee: A non-refundable reservation fee of $200 is required to secure the date.
Facility Fee: A facility usage fee of $1,000 for members and $2,000 for non-members
must be paid in full one month before the wedding date.
Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit of $500 is required to cover potential
damages and must be paid at the time of reservation.
Wedding Policy Proposal for CDMC Atlanta
III. Pre-Marital Counseling
Counseling Requirements
Pre-marital counseling is mandatory for all couples wishing to be married at CDMC Atlanta. The
counseling program consists of four sessions, each lasting approximately one hour. These
sessions cover topics such as communication, conflict resolution, financial management, and
spiritual growth.
Documentation
Upon completion of the counseling sessions, the couple will receive a certificate of completion,
which must be submitted to the wedding coordinator at least two weeks before the wedding date.
IV. Ceremony and Rehearsal Guidelines
Scheduling
Rehearsal: Rehearsals are typically scheduled for the evening before the wedding and
last approximately one hour. The entire wedding party, including officiants and
musicians, is expected to attend.
Ceremony: Wedding ceremonies are generally scheduled on Saturdays between 10:00
AM and 4:00 PM. Exceptions may be made for other days or times, subject to
availability.
Church Facilities Usage
Sanctuary: The sanctuary can accommodate up to 300 guests. Decorations must be
approved by the wedding coordinator and are limited to floral arrangements and pew
bows.
Fellowship Hall: The fellowship hall is available for receptions and can accommodate up
to 200 guests. Food and beverage guidelines must be followed.
Restrictions: No alterations to church property are allowed. The use of candles is limited
to the altar area, and only dripless candles are permitted.
Rehearsal Protocol
The rehearsal will be conducted by the wedding coordinator and the officiating clergy. All
participants must arrive on time and be prepared to practice the processional, recessional, and
any special elements of the ceremony.
Wedding Policy Proposal for CDMC Atlanta
V. Conduct and Behavior
Expectations for Participants
All participants, including the wedding party and guests, are expected to behave respectfully
while on church property. This includes adhering to the church's dress code, which requires
modest and appropriate attire.
Prohibited Activities
Alcohol: The consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited on church property.
Smoking: Smoking is not allowed inside the church buildings or within 20 feet of any
entrance.
Decorations: The use of confetti, rice, or any similar items is not allowed.
VI. Ceremony Details
Order of Service
A standard wedding ceremony at CDMC Atlanta includes the following elements:
1. Prelude Music
2. Processional
3. Welcome and Opening Prayer
4. Scripture Reading
5. Exchange of Vows
6. Exchange of Rings
7. Lighting of the Unity Candle or Sand
8. Pronouncement of Marriage
9. Recessional
Music and Readings
Couples may choose their own music and readings, subject to approval by the officiating clergy.
All selections must be appropriate for a church setting and uphold the sanctity of the ceremony.
VII. Photography and Videography
Guidelines for Photographers and Videographers
Wedding Policy Proposal for CDMC Atlanta
Photographers and videographers must coordinate with the wedding coordinator to ensure that
their activities do not disrupt the ceremony. Flash photography is only allowed during the
processional and recessional. Videography equipment must be set up discreetly and remain
stationary during the ceremony.
VIII. Post-Ceremony Procedures
Clean-Up and Reset
The wedding party is responsible for ensuring that all personal items and decorations are
removed from the church immediately following the ceremony. The church staff will handle
general cleaning, but any excessive mess or damage will result in a deduction from the security
deposit.
Damage and Liability
Any damage to church property caused by the wedding party or their guests will be assessed and
deducted from the security deposit. The couple is also liable for any injuries or accidents that
occur as a result of their event.
IX. Miscellaneous
Contact Information
For any questions or special requests, couples may contact the wedding coordinator at (404) 820-
1932 or email [email protected].
Amendments to Policy
The church board reserves the right to amend this policy at any time. Couples will be notified of
any changes that affect their reservation.
Acknowledgment of Policy
Couples are required to sign an acknowledgment form confirming their understanding and
agreement to abide by this policy. This form must be submitted along with the reservation
application.
X. Appendices
Forms and Checklists
Reservation Form
Wedding Policy Proposal for CDMC Atlanta
Pre-Marital Counseling Completion Form
Wedding Preparations Checklist
Post-Ceremony Clean-Up Checklist
Appendices for Wedding Policy of CDMC Atlanta
1. Reservation Form
CDMC Atlanta Wedding Reservation Form
Bride's Information:
Full Name: ____________________________
Address: ____________________________
Phone Number: ____________________________
Email: ____________________________
Groom's Information:
Full Name: ____________________________
Address: ____________________________
Phone Number: ____________________________
Email: ____________________________
Wedding Details:
Desired Wedding Date: ____________________________
Desired Rehearsal Date: ____________________________
Number of Guests: ____________________________
Member Status:
Are you or a close family member a member of CDMC Atlanta? (Yes/No)
If yes, please provide the member's name and relationship:
____________________________
Additional Information:
Officiating Clergy Preference: ____________________________
Wedding Policy Proposal for CDMC Atlanta
Additional Requests or Notes: ____________________________
Agreement: By signing below, we acknowledge that we have read and agree to abide by the
wedding policy of CDMC Atlanta.
Bride's Signature: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________
Groom's Signature: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________
2. Pre-Marital Counseling Completion Form
CDMC Atlanta Pre-Marital Counseling Completion Form
Bride's Information:
Full Name: ____________________________
Groom's Information:
Full Name: ____________________________
Counseling Sessions:
Session 1: Date Completed: ____________________________
Session 2: Date Completed: ____________________________
Session 3: Date Completed: ____________________________
Session 4: Date Completed: ____________________________
Counselor's Information:
Full Name: ____________________________
Contact Number: ____________________________
Email: ____________________________
Counselor's Comments:
Certification: I hereby certify that the above couple has completed the pre-marital counseling
sessions as required by CDMC Atlanta.
Counselor's Signature: ____________________________
Wedding Policy Proposal for CDMC Atlanta
Date: ____________________________
3. Wedding Preparations Checklist
CDMC Atlanta Wedding Preparations Checklist
6 Months Before the Wedding:
Reserve the church and confirm the wedding date.
Schedule initial meeting with wedding coordinator and clergy.
Begin pre-marital counseling sessions.
Start planning ceremony details (music, readings, etc.).
3 Months Before the Wedding:
Complete pre-marital counseling sessions.
Submit Pre-Marital Counseling Completion Form.
Finalize guest list.
Discuss and finalize ceremony order with clergy.
Arrange for musicians, photographers, and videographers.
1 Month Before the Wedding:
Pay facility usage fee.
Submit final ceremony details to the wedding coordinator.
Confirm rehearsal date and time with all participants.
Review decoration guidelines and plan accordingly.
1 Week Before the Wedding:
Confirm all vendor arrangements.
Conduct final walk-through with wedding coordinator.
Prepare all necessary documents and items for the ceremony.
Day Before the Wedding:
Wedding Policy Proposal for CDMC Atlanta
Attend the rehearsal.
Ensure all decorations and materials are ready for setup.
Day of the Wedding:
Arrive at the church at least 2 hours before the ceremony.
Ensure all participants are ready and in place.
Enjoy your special day!
4. Post-Ceremony Clean-Up Checklist
CDMC Atlanta Post-Ceremony Clean-Up Checklist
Immediately After the Ceremony:
Remove all personal items from the sanctuary.
Collect and dispose of any leftover programs, flowers, and decorations.
Ensure all candles are extinguished.
Check for and remove any items left behind by guests.
Reception Area (if applicable):
Remove all decorations and personal items from the fellowship hall.
Ensure all tables and chairs are returned to their original positions.
Clean up any spills or messes.
Dispose of all trash in the provided receptacles.
General:
Conduct a final walk-through with the wedding coordinator to check for any damages or
items left behind.
Ensure the church is left in the condition it was found.
Confirm with the wedding coordinator that the clean-up process is complete.
Acknowledgment: By signing below, we confirm that we have completed the post-ceremony
clean-up checklist and that the church has been restored to its original condition.
Bride's Signature: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________
Groom's Signature: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________
Wedding Policy Proposal for CDMC Atlanta
Wedding Coordinator's Signature: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________
