Pastor Dean Stewart
Pastor Dawna Svaren
(208) 882-3915

Emmanuel Lutheran Church is a community of faith in which we celebrate God’s good gifts, including this one. We celebrate the covenant of marriage in the context of the community’s worship, in which we stand before God, offer our prayers, hear God’s Word and offer ourselves into God’s gracious hands.

Also, because marriage is such a profound and complex relationship, Emmanuel Lutheran Church provides pastoral care and preparation for those who are considering and preparing for it. Pastor Stewart or Pastor Dawna meet initially with the couple to help discern and discuss any concerns and needs well in advance of the wedding. Typically, four to six sessions with one of the pastors are held to talk about marriage, family, faith, vocation, as well as the planning of the wedding itself.

Weddings are held at Emmanuel for members of the congregation and for others as well. Since a wedding here is a Christian service of worship, an assumption is made that the couple is Christian and has an active relationship with some Christian congregation, if not with Emmanuel. If there is no relationship with any congregation, the couple will be encouraged to establish one so that a growing faith may be a chief asset in their marriage relationship.

Sanctuary Use

The use of Emmanuel’s sanctuary is sometimes permitted by those who have no relationship with the congregation. In all weddings at Emmanuel, the presiding minister shall be an ordained minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The participation of clergy from other churches is welcomed.

A wedding is a sign and promise of God’s rich blessing upon a marriage and of the couples’ gratitude for and acceptance of God’s gracious gift of marriage.

                                               Music

The music at a wedding at Emmanuel (processionals, hymns, vocal pieces, instrumental pieces) is planned as appropriate music for a service or worship. The organist at Emmanuel is Dr. Harry Wells. He may be contacted at (509) 334-3938 to arrange for his services.

When a visiting organist is desired, approval comes through Dr. Wells and the congregation’s Worship and Music Committee. Other musicians, vocal or instrumental may be used, but pre-recorded music, played by itself or as an accompaniment, is strongly discouraged.

Photography at the wedding is limited. It is preferable to complete the photography as much as possible before and/or after the wedding. Flash photography during the service, either by the photographer or attendees, is strongly discouraged. A video camera on a tripod in an inconspicuous spot is permissible.

Wedding Coordinator

A member of Emmanuel also serves as the wedding coordinator in order to facilitate plans and communications regarding the use of the fellowship hall and kitchen, decorations, etc., during a reception held at Emmanuel.

Carolyn Todd is our wedding coordinator. She may be reached at 882-5844.

For receptions, Emmanuel is able to provide silver service, table cloths, dishes and two persons to work and/or serve.

The wedding party provides cake, coffee, candles, flowers, etc. No Alcohol is allowed in the building. The wedding party is responsible for removing all decorations and things brought into the building for the ceremony and reception.

Broken equipment is replaced at the user’s expense.

PAYMENTS

All fees are to be paid by the day before the wedding. Checks for the sanctuary, fellowship hall and custodian should be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Checks for the organist should be made to Dr. Harry Wells. Checks for kitchen use should be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church Women (ELCW). Honoraria checks should be made out to the pastor.

Sanctuary no charge
Organist’s fee $100.00
(additional rehearsals and accompaniments should be negotiated with the organist.)
Soloists and other musicians negotiated
with the chosen soloists and musicians.
Kitchen, first 50 guests $50.00
each additional 50 $30.00
Custodian fee $30.00/hour

Sanctuary $100.00
Organist’s fee $100.00
(additional rehearsals and accompaniments should be negotiated with the organist)
Soloists and other musicians negotiated
with the chosen soloists and musicians.
Kitchen first 50 guests $80.00
each additional 50 $50.00
Custodian fee $30.00/hour
($50.00 deposit required)

A recommended honorarium for the pastor’s services of pre-marital guidance, wedding preparation, rehearsal and the wedding ceremony $150.00

** If the wedding party provides the reception and clean-up crew, the fellowship hall/kitchen use fee is $100.00