General Wedding Information
The focus of all weddings at Calvary Chapel is on God and our relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. The spiritual significance of the beautiful attire, the candle lighting, the exchange of rings, the pastoral instruction from God’s Word and the ordinance of communion makes the wedding more than a traditional ritual. This spiritual focus is inseparable from marriage, and is apparent throughout every part of the wedding ceremony.
“I Do” Check List
- Groom and bride review the information packet thoroughly.
- Complete the pre-marital questionnaire and set up an appointment for an interview.
- Select a pastor from CCSB for your pre-marital counseling sessions.
- Meet with the wedding coordinator to discuss tentative wedding date, bridal party attire and receive a wedding planner.
Prerequisites
In order for us to perform your wedding at CCSB, both the bride and groom must be born-again Christians. The couple is also required to have successfully completed a premarital interview and a minimum of four (4) premarital sessions or a total of eight (8) with a pastor at CCSB.
Premarital Interview
The premarital interview is intended to help the couple understand the requirements set forth by CCSB for wedding ceremonies performed by our pastors, whether the ceremony is performed in the sanctuary or off-site. During the interview we will be able to assist you in clarifying any questions as well as help you get started on your sessions. Please call the church office to schedule your pre-marital interview and speak to the wedding coordinator.
Premarital Instruction
All couples must successfully complete the four sessions (minimum) of premarital instruction prior to the wedding. An eight-week session is also available and is highly recommended by the church. There is no cost for the sessions, however the bride and groom will need individual workbooks that may be purchased in our bookstore, “Marriage God’s Way” by Wayne Mack.
Officiating Pastor
You may select a pastor of your choice from CCSB who you would like to conduct your premarital instruction sessions as well as officiate your wedding ceremony. This applies to a wedding ceremony that will take place here at CCSB or off-site.
Wedding Date
Once you have completed the second premarital instruction session and have been approved by your pastor you may submit a tentative wedding date. Your wedding date will not be confirmed until the bridal party dresses have been reviewed and approved by the wedding coordinator.
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Ceremony Times
All weddings take place on Saturdays, and you have the option of a 10:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. ceremony. The sanctuary is available to your wedding party one-hour before and 30 minutes after the ceremony, and we ask that you be mindful of the time. Any delay in your start time will cut into your wedding photo session and must fit within the stated timelines shown below:
| 10:00 a.m. Wedding | 1:30 p.m. Wedding |
|---|---|
| Arrive by 9:00 a.m. | Arrive by 12:30 p.m. |
| Exit by 11:30 a.m. | Exit by 2:45 p.m. |
Wedding Fees
The wedding ceremony fees are $275.00 for members and $400.00 for non-members for use of the main sanctuary. The small sanctuary fee is $100.00. We have a cloth runner available to you for an additional $40.00. Fees should be paid at least two months prior to the ceremony and payments are made payable to Calvary Chapel South Bay. The above fees include the following:
| Main Sanctuary | Small Sanctuary |
|---|---|
| Rehearsal | Rehearsal |
| Use of Sanctuary | Use of Sanctuary |
| Decorations | Decorations |
| Unity Candle | Unity Candle |
| Kneeler | Kneeler |
| Communion | Communion |
| Arch | Arch |
| 2 Pillars & Flower Sprays | Tulle & Bows |
| Pew Candelabras | Bridal Room |
| Tulle & Bows | Sound Technician |
| Bridal Room | Wedding Coordinator |
| Sound Technician | Facility Services |
| Facility Services |
Wedding Attire
As you begin the process of finding the “perfect” bridal gown and bridal party dresses, we ask that you make your selection with modesty so that it would bring honor to the Lord. We require that the bride’s gown and your bridal party dresses be brought in and worn for viewing. The wedding coordinator will approve or disapprove your dresses depending on whether or not adjustment/alterations to the dresses have to be made. Please see the coordinator for examples of dresses that comply with the guidelines. This also applies to a wedding ceremony that will take place off-site. Your wedding date cannot be finalized until this process is completed.
What is an acceptable dress? The neckline of all dresses must be above the cleavage area. The straps on a sleeveless dress must be at least 2 inches wide. The length of all dresses must be below the knees. The back of any dress must completely cover the average brassiere line.
What is not an acceptable dress? The following elements will make any dress unacceptable: A bare midriff/cleavage, a plunging neckline, a dress that is strapless or sleeves below the shoulders, a dress with spaghetti straps or straps less than 2 inches wide, a sheer dress, slits in the skirt past the knees, miniskirts, or having the back of the dress below the average brassiere line.
If you fail to comply with the guidelines for the dresses, your wedding date may be postponed or you may be required to wear a shawl that the coordinator will provide for you. If you have any questions regarding your dresses or need clarification of the guidelines you may speak to the coordinator.
For further information you may contact Fion Gee at the church office 310-352-3333.