CLERGY: Our pastors may be contacted to schedule their services and any counseling sessions; however, guest clergy are welcome for both member and non-member weddings. The guest officiating minister will contact the Decatur First UMC Senior Minister to confirm arrangements.
MUSIC: All music should be in keeping with a sacred service. No secular texts or “pop” music should be planned. The Decatur First UMC organist will be the only keyboard player (organ or piano). An appointment should be made with the organist at least two months prior to the ceremony to select your music. Other instruments or ensembles may be used instead of organ or piano. If soloists are needed, the Wedding Director or the musician can make suggestions. Pre-recorded music is not allowed in either the Chapel or the Sanctuary.
REHEARSAL: A one-hour rehearsal is scheduled the day/evening before the wedding.
WEDDING CONSULTANTS: Decatur First’s Wedding Director will serve as the sole director of the rehearsal and ceremony. A wedding consultant or event planner is welcome to work with the wedding party in other capacities as needed.
FLOWERS AND PHOTOGRAPHY: Both spaces are beautiful and photogenic without additional decoration. However, flowers, greenery and candles may be used, with great care taken not to damage any surfaces. The party reserving the space will be financially responsible for any damage incurred. No floral arrangements are to be placed on the communion table in either location. Floodlights may not be used in either location and flash photography is not permitted once the ceremony (the music) has begun. Time exposures are permitted from the balcony in each location.
LICENSE: This must be presented to the presiding minister at the rehearsal or earlier. For information regarding license and blood tests, contact:
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DeKalb County |
404-371-2746 |
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Fulton County |
404-730-4692 |
PARKING: For both locations, please park in the Commerce Drive lot. More information about general and accessible parking is available here.
EXEMPT DATES: No wedding will be scheduled between Palm Sunday and Easter, or on Sundays. Additionally, because of the difficulties in securing adequate staffing, weddings will not be scheduled for the following days: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Independence Day or Labor Day.
VISITS: To visit the Chapel and/or the Sanctuary, please call the church at 404-378-4541 or stop by the main office (entrance located on N. Candler Street) between 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The Chapel remains locked through the week and is used by another congregation on Sundays. A key to the Chapel may be checked out from the office receptionist.
WHAT’S NEXT? Once a wedding has been booked, the Wedding Director will mail a reservation form, including the Wedding Booklet containing all guidelines, as well as separate guideline handouts for each of your vendors. A list of recommended vendors will be included and a small location map for your convenience. Wedding bookings are not finalized until the reservation fee has been received. The Wedding Director can be contacted at any time for further guidance and or information.
