Getting married? We'd love to help you create a meaningful and memorable occasion for you and your guests. And we pray it will be just the beginning of a marriage richly blessed by God.
About Christian weddings
We believe that a Christian wedding is an act of worship. It's a ceremony in which we come together to offer special thanks and praise, and to ask God's blessing upon your life together as husband and wife. It's also a worship opportunity for all your guests as they join you in praising, praying and imploring God's blessing upon your marriage.
At the center? Christ. Worship should focus first and last on Him. For your wedding, this means that God should be given glory and honor, and that the attention of all in attendance should be drawn to Him.
Requirements for marriage
To be wed at Calvary, couples must meet the following requirements:
* Be a Calvary member - Either the bride or groom must be a Calvary member. Not a member yet? Learn how to become a member.
* Involve a Calvary pastor - At least one Calvary pastor must participate in your wedding. Calvary pastors have a set schedule for officiating weddings. If a couple requests a specific pastor, that request will be considered but not guaranteed. Guest clergy can participate in your wedding but must be approved first. If approved, the guest clergy will receive a letter from the Calvary pastor inviting him/her to help officiate.
* Complete questionnaires - Once you schedule your wedding, you must complete and return the following questionnaires to have your date approved and a pastor assigned to your wedding. If you do not return the questionnaires within two weeks, your date request will be removed from the calendar.
* Meetings with presiding pastor(s) - These sit-down sessions between just the two of you and your presiding pastor(s) will help you personalize your wedding and address any concerns that you have going into marriage.
* Marriage preparation program - In addition to meeting with your presiding pastor, you're required to participate in our marriage preparation program. Learn more>>
* A Minnesota marriage license - Obtain a Minnesota marriage license from a Minnesota County office well before your wedding date. Both of you must be present for the application process. Before applying, review Minnesota's marriage license laws.
Scheduling your wedding
To begin the scheduling and reservation process, contact our wedding director Kathi Miller by e-mail or at 763.231.2987. Request the days and times of your wedding and rehearsal. Do this as early as possible since many available dates and times fill up far in advance. The most popular dates are late spring through early fall.
Weddings are held on Saturdays at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Wedding planning guide
Upon scheduling your wedding, a copy of our Wedding Planning Guide will be created for you. The guide includes:
- Scripture and music suggestions.
- Suggested wedding vows.
- Worship decoration information (flowers, aisle cloth, candelabras, etc.).
- Music planning worksheet.
- List of Calvary musicians.
- Florist and photographer guidelines.
- Fee schedule.
- Alcohol and drug use policy.
Using our facilities
Your wedding may be held in one of three facilities: the Sanctuary, Chapel or Calvary Park. Should you choose Calvary Park, you must rent your own chairs and sound system, and reserve the Chapel or Sanctuary as a back-up in case of inclement weather.
Interested in holding your wedding reception at Calvary? Schedule those arrangements at the same time as scheduling your wedding. Please note that alcohol and tobacco use are not permitted on Calvary property. This includes the entire church building and park.
A fee schedule for the use of our facilities and equipment is available in the Wedding Planning Guide.
Selecting music
The marriage service is a worship service and sacred rite. As in any worship service, the music is to be selected with care and discrimination. Your presiding pastor, along with our music director Dan Oie, can assist you in selecting appropriate music.
If you plan to employ musicians for your service, please make the necessary arrangements as soon as possible. Talented organists, soloists and instrumentalists are listed in the Wedding Planning Guide. For further suggestions, contact our music director Dan Oie by e-mail or at 763.231.2944.
Rely on the wedding coordinator
We will provide a wedding coordinator for your rehearsal and wedding. She will assist you with receiving lines, guest book, dressing rooms and other details. She will also help coach parents, grandparents, ushers and the bridal party about their roles.