Appalachian MCC

Holy Union Information

......................................................................................................................

Appalachian Metropolitan Community Church

Holy Union/Wedding Services

Requirements and Fees

The Rite of Holy Union is a ceremony that Appalachian MCC offers to two persons as a witness to their love for each other and to ask God's blessing upon their relationship. This commitment should not be entered into lightly or hurriedly. Presently, the ceremony does not extend any legal rights or benefits to lesbian or gay relationships in any jurisdiction of the United States.

The Rite of Holy Matrimony is a ceremony that Appalachian MCC offers to heterosexual couples as a witness to their love for each other and ask God's blessing upon their relationship. This commitment should not be entered into lightly or hurriedly. In addition to the requirements listed below, couples desiring the Rite of Holy Matrimony must meet all legal requirements for the state of West Virginia.

The process for either the Rite of Holy Union or Holy Matrimony is as follows.

A security deposit will be paid and the date of the service will be confirmed.
Couples will attend three meetings with officiating Appalachian MCC clergy: the first for the pastor to get general information about the couple, the second to talk with the couple about their relationship, and the final for service planning.
All fees must be paid in full fourteen days before the ceremony date.

Clergy Services - Couples will attend three sessions with officiating Appalachian MCC clergy. Completion of the sessions does not ensure that a service will be performed. In rare instances, couples may be encouraged by clergy not to proceed. (All fees except the Security Deposit will be refunded.)

Building Use Policies

Respect the facility as God's house and reverence it at all times.
Return all furniture, equipment, and other items to pre-use condition.*
Do not remove furniture or any other church property from the building.
Take all of your belongings with you when you leave the church.
Return all rented items that do not belong to the church.
Use protective covering under all candles.
Do not use tacks or glue on any furnishings or on building walls, floors, or ceilings.
Do not throw confetti or rice in the building. Birdseed is permitted outside.
Observe all standard safety rules.
Assume responsibility for any and all damages incurred during building use.
Assume responsibility for the consumption of alcohol by the attendees. Alcohol may be consumed but NOT sold.
Smoking is NOT allowed in the building. Smoking is allowed only in designated areas.
Standard building use for Holy Unions/Weddings is 4 hours and generally begins 2 hours before the service. See schedule of fees for cost of additional hours.

* If building is not returned to pre-use condition, all or part of the security deposit will be withheld. If you would like Appalachian MCC to secure someone to perform this service, please discuss the additional cost with the Pastor.

Schedule of Fees

Security Deposit-- A $100.00 security deposit is due when the date is reserved. The security deposit will be refunded only after the ceremony is completed and all requirements are met. The security deposit will not be returned if the ceremony is cancelled less than 30 business days prior to the scheduled date.

Music and Sound

Organist or Pianist: Arranged for by the Couple
Sound Technician: Arranged for by the Couple
Clergy Celebrant
Appalachian MCC Clergy $150.00
Building and Other Fees
Worship Center $50.00

Miscellaneous Charges

Security/Cleaning Deposit (Refundable) $100.00

Required on all events, it is refunded if the church is returned to its original condition after the ceremony.

Building Use beyond Standard building use for Holy Unions/Weddings (4hours and generally begins 2 hours before the service) $12.50/hour