We are happy that you have decided on Temple of Praise Community Church Wedding Chapel as the preferred location for your wedding. Historically, the wedding ceremony has been considered one of the most sacred and joyful life celebrations. The choices you make regarding the service, the music and every other aspect of the ceremony, therefore, need to reflect this sacred aspect.

NOTE: All prospective brides and grooms are strongly encouraged to meet with the Church Administrative Office as soon as possible to begin preliminary planning for the wedding.

RESERVATIONS

Two calendars must be cleared to reserve a wedding date at Temple of Praise Community Church Wedding Chapel: the Ministerial Staff’s calendar if utilized and the Church’s calendar. A wedding can be scheduled by meeting with the Church Administrator and will be approved by our Senior Pastor. An ordained minister other than a Temple of Praise Community Church Minister may officiate your wedding with prior approval.

Wedding reservations should be made with the Church Administrative Office in advance as possible. This will enable us to assist you in reserving the date, the exact time, the staff and the facilities you desire. Reservation of your wedding will NOT be confirmed and put on the Church calendar UNTIL the following have been fulfilled:

(1) The exact date and hour for the wedding have been decided upon and approved by both the Church Administrative Office and the Senior Pastor.

(2) If someone other than a Temple of Praise Community Church minister has agreed to perform your ceremony approval must be granted.

(3) The Wedding Contract has been completed and returned to the Church Administrative Office. The complete balance should be made no less than 2 weeks prior to the wedding. A Money Order or Cashier’s Check should be made payable to “Temple of Praise Community Church.” (Please indicate on your money order or cashiers check the date of the wedding and the names of the bride and groom.)

All permits from professional florists, caterers, photographers, etc. must be signed and returned to the Church Administrative Office at least ONE month PRIOR to the wedding date. It is your responsibility to complete and return (to Temple of Praise Community Church) all applicable forms.

FACILITIES

The seating capacity for the chapel is approximately 70 people. No more than 75 people will be permitted in the chapel due to fire code. The seating capacity for the large chapel is approximately 140 people. No more than 150 people will be permitted in the chapel due to fire code.

Parking

- Adequate and convenient parking is provided and available on Temple of Praise Community Church grounds. However, Temple of Praise Community Church does not provide parking lot security. We recommended keeping your vehicle doors locked at all times. Temple of Praise Community Church cannot be held responsible for any personal items which are lost or stolen.

Dressing Rooms

- Dressing rooms with restroom facilities are set aside for the bride and bridesmaids as well as the groom and groomsmen. The wedding coordinator will assist you in locating the appropriate rooms. You should be aware that during a wedding there is unlimited access to the property. Before and during the wedding no personal items should be left unattended. Items of monetary or sentimental value should NOT be left in the dressing rooms. Temple of Praise Community Church cannot be held responsible for any personal items which are lost or stolen.

Food & Drink

- Food or beverages are not allowed in the carpeted areas. The use of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited on the premises. Anyone arriving in an intoxicated state will be asked to leave immediately. The use of tobacco products is not permitted in the Wedding Chapel or any of the buildings. No smoking is allowed on the premises. Pets are not permitted. Cell phones are to be turned off.

ON-SITE WEDDING COORDINATOR

Temple of Praise Community Church has a wedding coordinator who will assist you in planning your wedding. Our goal is to make your wedding less stressful and your wedding day more joyful.

Our wedding coordinator will be assigned to your wedding once the Wedding Contract has been finalized. If you do not wish use our coordinator, a wedding coordinator of your choice is welcome to be present and assist you as needed.

Our wedding coordinator will be on hand to assist with last-minute preparations including pinning boutonnieres on ushers, pinning corsages on mothers and honored guests, synchronizing time with the minister, making sure the honored guests are seated in the proper order and at the proper time, and making sure attendants are in the proper order and the processional begins on time.

Our wedding coordinator will seek in every way to enable a pleasant and satisfactory experience while assuring that the Temple of Praise Community Church facilities and the integrity of the wedding are not compromised.

Please let your coordinator know if anyone in your wedding party will require special assistance.

COUNSELING

Premarital counseling for all weddings is available from the Temple of Praise Community Church staff at a rate of $100.00 (it is included in the Deluxe-Plus, Premier and Ultimate packages). In order to receive the discounted Shelby County Marriage License rate, four (4) hours of counseling is required.

MARRIAGE LICENSE

The marriage license must be presented to the officiating minister prior to the wedding. See the below Shelby County License Information Sheet.

MUSIC

Temple of Praise Community Church Wedding Coordinator will gladly advise and work with the couple in selecting and choosing music selections. The wedding party should make arrangements with the Temple of Praise Community Church Wedding Coordinator at the earliest possible date to discuss all parts of the service, including processional, recessional, soloists, etc.

Permission must be granted by Temple of Praise Community Church for the use of any kind of outside music instrumentation or sound equipment (such as, string quartet, brass, guitar, harp, CD player, etc.).

Prelude music usually begins approximately 15 minutes prior to the wedding.

If you select a vocalist for your wedding, please have the soloist contact Temple of Praise Community Church to approve the vocal selections and set up a rehearsal time.

PHOTOS/VIDEOS

Due to the religious nature of the ceremony, Temple of Praise Community Church has a policy that no flash pictures may be taken during the service. We ask that this be respected by both professional photographers and guests.

Video equipment may be used as long as cameras are stationary and natural light is used.

If using a professional photographer, a Photographer’s Permit must be completed, signed, and is included with your wedding packet.

DECORATIONS

Due to the natural and existing beauty of the chapel, elaborate and expensive decorations are really not necessary.

Only silk rose petals may be used by the flower girl. Please note: the throwing of rice, confetti, birdseed or rose petals by members of the wedding party or guests inside or outside the buildings is not permitted. We also limit the use of bubbles to the outside of the buildings.

The chapel center aisle is 30 feet long and 5 feet wide.

To help your florist in preparation and cleanup, we have enclosed a Florist Permit which provides a list of regulations to be followed. Please see that your florist receives this permit, signs it, and return a signed copy with your other wedding packet material.

REHEARSAL

A rehearsal is mandatory for all weddings except for simple weddings. The bride and groom, all attendants, ushers, and parents should attend the rehearsal. Everyone should arrive 20 minutes prior to the appointed time so the rehearsal can be carried out swiftly and efficiently. The officiating minister will attend the rehearsal. If an organist is desired, they should attend the rehearsal. Food and beverages are not permitted at the rehearsal. A Rehearsal Worksheet is included in your packet to help you organize your wedding party and to let us know of your desires and special needs. Please complete the worksheet and give it to your wedding coordinator at least (10) days prior to your rehearsal.

PLEASE NOTE: All rehearsals are scheduled at the convenience of Temple of Praise Community Church. While we try to accommodate everyone, some rehearsals may be scheduled for early afternoon or late evening depending upon availability of our Chapel. Please consult our Church Administrative Office before scheduling your rehearsal.

RECEPTION

The caterer selected by you must complete the “Guidelines for Caterers” form and abide by the rules set forth therein. Temple of Praise Community Church Administrative Office will communicate and coordinate with you, the caterer, and the custodian the reception arrangements and any church equipment that is needed.

The music for your reception at Temple of Praise Community Church and Wedding Chapel must be presented in good taste. Permission must be granted by Temple of Praise Community Church for the use of any kind of outside music instrumentation or sound equipment (such as string quartet, brass, guitar, harp, CD player, etc.). You will be responsible for providing your own equipment for any recorded music.

Receptions are to be over and guests departed by four (4) hours from the start of the reception except for evening weddings when the reception must be over and guests departed by 10:00 p.m. in order for the custodians and on-site coordinators to prepare the facilities and grounds for church services the following morning. Receptions which go beyond this time will result in additional charges and fees.

To obtain a marriage license in Shelby County, BOTH parties must appear for the issuance of the license. A Social Security card is required for both parties. The age requirement for marriage in the State of Tennessee is as follows:

• Over 21- picture ID
• From 18 to 21, a birth certificate
• From 16 to 18, you must have both parents accompany you, and sign the approval affidavit and you must bring your birth certificate. There is a 3-day waiting period.
• If either party is under the age of 16, a waiver must be issued from Juvenile Court.

Effective July 1, 1985 a blood test is no longer required.

The marriage license is good for 30 days and costs $97.50. This cost is reduced significantly, to $37.50, for all persons who have attended four (4) hours of premarital preparation by a qualified instructor. A form must be submitted to verify the completion of an approved Premarital Preparation Course. To download the form go to:

http://www.shelbycountytn.gov/FirstPortal/dotShowDoc/Government/ElectedOfficials/clerk_index.htm or you may obtain a form at the Shelby County Clerk's office

After the ceremony has been performed, the signed vital record application must be sent back to the County Clerk's Office to be recorded. The marriage license is given to the bride and groom. If the license is not used within 30 days, it is voided and you must purchase a new license.

A marriage license may be obtained at:

Downtown at 150 Washington Avenue (8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.)

1075 Mullins Station Road (9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.)

At Millington City Hall, 7930 Nelson (8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.)

If you desire a certified copy of your marriage license, come by or mail a $10.00 check or money order, along with the exact date of the marriage and the full names of both parties, to:

Shelby County Clerk, 150 Washington Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

Remember, they need the exact date of the marriage and the full names of both parties. All checks must be drawn on a local bank.