Weddings
A Word from our pastor
Pastor Aaron Smith shares what Christian marriage means — and the “why” of weddings at Grace Lutheran.
HOW TO SCHEDULE your wedding
Weddings at Grace Lutheran are planned carefully and celebrated with joy. Here is what to expect as you begin the process.
1. Submit the Request Form
Complete the Wedding Request Form below. This gives Pastor Smith the information he needs to reach out, check calendar availability, and begin planning with you.
2. Meet with Pastor Smith
Pastor will schedule a meeting to get to know you as a couple, let you get to know him, discuss your plans, and confirm the date. This is also when premarital counseling will be scheduled.
3. Complete Premarital Counseling
All couples participate in premarital counseling with Pastor Smith prior to the wedding. Sessions are typically scheduled over several weeks and can be arranged around your schedule. Inventories for the sessions are done online and cost $35 paid to Life Innovations.
4. Celebrate Your Wedding
Wedding ceremonies align with the Scriptures. Additional components are discussed with Pastor Smith.
Begin your Planning
Click the button below to fill out the form below and Pastor Smith will be in touch to discuss your date, answer your questions, and begin the conversation.
For non-members, a donation is requested to help us continue offering this service.
The gift of marriage
Marriage is not simply a legal contract or a sentimental occasion. It is a holy estate instituted by God himself — created before the fall, blessed throughout Scripture, and honored by Christ’s presence at the wedding in Cana.
At Grace Lutheran, a wedding is a public commitment between man and woman for life. Two people stand before God and his congregation, make vows in his name, and receive His blessing on their union.
Whether you have been members of Grace Lutheran for years or are coming to us for the first time, we are glad you are here. Marriage is a gift from God. We take seriously the privilege of helping you begin it well.
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” — Genesis 2:24
God’s Design for Marriage
A Lifelong Covenant Marriage at Grace Lutheran is understood as a covenant — not a contract. Vows are made before God, and his faithfulness is the foundation of the promise you make to each other.
A Picture of Christ and the Church Scripture calls marriage a living image of Christ’s love for his bride, the Church. That is not a small thing. It is a calling to reflect Christ’s love for us and our response to His love.
Companionship and Mutual Support God declared it was not good for man to be alone. In marriage, husband and wife are given to one another — to love, serve, and bear one another’s burdens through every season of life.
A Foundation for Family Marriage is the God-ordained context for family life. The relationship between husband and wife is the strongest human to human connection in God’s entire creation.
WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT Marriage
Our understanding of marriage is rooted in Scripture, not trends, cultural, or personal perspectives.
Grace Lutheran believes that marriage is the lifelong union of one man and one woman. This is not a cultural tradition — it is God’s design, established at creation and reaffirmed by Christ in the Gospels. We hold this teaching not to exclude, but because we believe God’s design for marriage is good, true, and beautiful.
We also believe that marriage is serious enough to prepare for. Pastor Smith provides premarital counseling as an integral part of his willingness to serve as your officiant.
“The estate of marriage… is not something that human reason has invented or instituted. It is God’s institution and ordinance.” — Martin Luther, The Estate of Marriage
Premarital Counseling All couples married at Grace Lutheran participate in premarital counseling with Pastor Smith. These sessions are an opportunity to talk honestly about your relationship, your faith, your expectations, and what it means to build a Christian home. Couples consistently find this to be one of the most meaningful parts of the entire process. Along with Bible study, Life Innovations provides the content for the sessions.
Members and Non-Members Grace Lutheran is glad to work with couples who are members of our congregation as well as those who may be coming to us from outside our church family. Pastor Smith will be in touch after you submit your request form to talk through your situation and determine the right path forward.
The Role of Faith A wedding at Grace Lutheran is a Christian ceremony. It includes prayer, Scripture, and vows based from the Scriptures that are made in the name of the Triune God. Couples do not need to have a perfect faith history, but Grace Lutheran is a Church that is guided by the Scriptures in all we do – even weddings. Questions about that are welcomed and encouraged.
Frequently asked questions
Do we have to be members of Grace Lutheran to get married here?
Not necessarily. Pastor Smith is happy to speak with couples who are not currently members of our congregation. Reach out through the request form and he will be in touch to talk through your situation.
Do we have to be Lutheran to get married at Grace Lutheran?
No. Pastor Smith is a Lutheran Christian pastor serving a Lutheran Christian congregation. Couples should recognize that and discuss with Pastor Smith any questions or concerns. We are pleased to serve and encourage you in your commitment to one another — to enter into the estate of marriage as God has designed it. Conversations are always welcome.
What does the ceremony include?
Weddings at Grace Lutheran are conducted as services of Christian worship. The ceremony will include an invocation, Scripture readings, the exchange of vows and rings, a pastoral blessing, and prayer. Pastor Smith will walk you through the full order of service during your planning meetings.
Can we write our own vows?
Pastor Smith will discuss vow options with you during your planning meetings.
Is there a rehearsal?
Yes. A rehearsal will be scheduled prior to your wedding day to ensure the ceremony runs smoothly and that everyone — including the wedding party — knows what to expect.
How far in advance should we contact the church?
As early as possible. Popular dates fill quickly, and the premarital counseling process takes time. We encourage couples to reach out at least six months in advance, though we will do our best to work with your timeline.
Can we have our reception at the church?
Please contact the church office to discuss fellowship hall availability and any applicable guidelines. Availability will depend on the date and existing church calendar.
Is premarital counseling really required?
Yes. We ask every couple to complete premarital counseling with Pastor Smith before the wedding. This is not a hurdle — it is one of the most worthwhile investments you can make going into a marriage. Couples who have gone through it consistently say so.
How many sessions does premarital counseling involve?
The number of sessions will be determined by Pastor Smith based on your needs and schedule. Most couples meet several times over the course of a few weeks.
Can we choose our own music?
Yes. All music should be appropriate for a ceremony officiated by a Christian pastor. Pastor Smith and the church office can help guide your selections if you are unsure.
Is there a fee for the Wedding Service?
Please contact the church office for information on any fees or suggested contributions associated with facility use. Pastor Smith’s services as officiant are provided as part of his pastoral ministry. For families who are not currently members of Grace Lutheran, we ask that you prayerfully consider a donation to help us continue offering these services to families in our community for years to come. We will never let financial hardship stand in the way of your family celebrating this milestone — please speak with Pastor Smith or the church office if this is a concern.
Can we take photos and video during the ceremony?
Yes. We encourage families to capture this moment. We ask only that photographers and videographers be respectful and coordinate with Pastor Smith in advance regarding where they may be positioned during the ceremony.
Are decorations allowed in the sanctuary?
Yes. Decorations are welcome within the guidelines provided by the church office. We ask that nothing be affixed to permanent fixtures in a way that causes damage, and that all florals, candles, and décor be removed promptly following the ceremony or within the agreed-upon window.
Is there a fee for the Wedding service?
Please contact the church office for information on any fees or suggested contributions associated with facility use and pastoral services. For families who are not currently members of Grace Lutheran, a donation is requested to help us continue offering these services to families in our community for years to come.